Generator Armature Strand Orientation for Eddy Current Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconducting machines experience eddy current losses that induce heat and reduce generator efficiency, necessitating improved armature windings to mitigate these losses.
Innovation Solution
The armature winding is designed with strands oriented radially to minimize eddy current losses by aligning the shortest surface of each strand to face the predominant component of the magnetic flux, reducing heat generation and enhancing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional armature windings are used in superconducting generators, then the generator can operate with simple winding structures, but eddy current losses increase causing heat generation and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The armature winding is segmented into multiple discrete strands rather than using a single solid conductor. Each strand is individually insulated and arranged in a specific pattern, dividing the continuous conductive path into separate segments that interrupt eddy current circulation paths while maintaining the overall electrical functionality of the winding.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the armature winding have different strand orientations optimized for their specific locations. The strands are arranged with varying angles and orientations depending on the local magnetic flux distribution, with each local region having a customized winding configuration that minimizes eddy currents for that specific area while maintaining global performance.
2Temperature
If strands are oriented to minimize eddy current losses by facing the magnetic flux with their shortest surface, then heat generation is reduced, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strands are pre-oriented and pre-positioned in their final optimized configurations before being installed into the armature winding structure. The strand orientations that minimize eddy current losses are determined in advance during the design and manufacturing phase, allowing for precise alignment with the magnetic flux patterns before the winding is assembled into the generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem of strand orientation is solved by considering three-dimensional spatial arrangements rather than simple two-dimensional patterns. The strands are oriented in multiple dimensions with specific angular orientations and spatial distributions that optimize their interaction with the magnetic flux field, using dimensional complexity to achieve thermal performance goals.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly reduces eddy current losses, preventing overheating and increasing the efficiency of superconducting generators by optimizing the interaction between magnetic fields and armature coils.
Implementation Method 1
many superconducting machines may experience eddy current losses which may induce heat and/or result in overheating or a loss of generator efficiency
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic fields generated by the field coils interact with the magnetic poles of the armature coil(s) to create torque
Data Source
AI summary
A generator defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a tangential direction, the generator includes a field and an armature disposed within and spaced apart from the field. The armature includes an armature winding that includes one or more armature coil sides, each armature coil side in the one or more armature coil sides houses one or more turns. Each turn in the one or more turns includes a plurality of strands. Each strand in the plurality of strands being oriented with a radial aspect such that each strand of the plurality of strands is shortest in a tangential direction of the generator. It should be understood that the generator may further include any of the additional features described herein.