Rotary Machine Sealing Elements Limit Hot Air Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating electrical machines face inefficiencies in cooling due to recirculation of hot air, which is exacerbated by increased size of openings for phase outputs and terminals, leading to reduced cooling capacity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of shutter elements fixed on the bearing to partially or fully close the openings, allowing phase outputs to be associated with terminals without increasing the axial length, using latching means and plastic materials resistant to high temperatures for effective air flow blocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the openings in the bearing are increased in size to accommodate terminals on phase outputs, then the terminals can be properly attached to the power electronics module, but the hot air recirculation flow increases and cooling capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The opening in the bearing is segmented into two functional zones: an inner portion that remains sealed to prevent hot air recirculation, and an outer portion that provides access for terminal attachment. The sealing element divides the opening space, allowing phase outputs to pass through while blocking the hot air flow path from re-entering the machine interior.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing element acts as an intermediary component installed within the bearing opening. This sealing element mediates between the conflicting requirements by providing a physical barrier that blocks hot air recirculation while still allowing phase outputs with terminals to pass through and be properly connected to the power electronics module.
2Loss of energy
If sealing elements are added to block hot air recirculation, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the axial length of the machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is nested within the existing bearing opening structure, utilizing the available space inside the bearing rather than adding external components. This nesting approach allows the sealing function to be integrated into the existing machine geometry without increasing the overall axial length.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the sealing solution axially (in the length direction), the sealing element operates in the radial dimension by extending into the thickness of the bearing opening. This dimensional shift allows effective hot air blocking while maintaining the compact axial profile of the machine.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger openings are provided in the bearing for phase outputs, then terminals can be associated with phase outputs, but the hot air recirculation is no longer limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element applies local quality differentiation within the bearing opening by creating distinct functional zones: a sealed region that blocks hot air recirculation and an accessible region that allows terminal association. This localized sealing approach maintains adaptability for terminal connection while eliminating the harmful hot air recirculation effect.
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
The shutter elements effectively block hot air recirculation, maintaining cooling efficiency while allowing terminal association without increasing the machine's axial length, thus enhancing the overall cooling performance.
Implementation Method 1
said rotating electrical machine comprises at least one sealing element fixed on the bearing to at least partially seal an opening in the bearing, said sealing element extending at least partially into a thickness of the corresponding opening
Implementation Method 2
a fan 2, fixed on the rotor 3 of the machine, creates an airflow entering laterally via arrow F1 inside a passage defined by the face of the heat sink 4 facing the bearing 5 and the upper face of the bearing 5 facing the heat sink 4 and is then expelled laterally outside the electrical machine along arrow F2
Implementation Method 3
the face of the heat sink 4 facing the bearing 5
Implementation Method 4
a fan 2, fixed on the rotor 3 of the machine, creates an airflow entering laterally via arrow F1 inside a passage defined by the face of the heat sink 4
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~4c
AI summary
The invention relates mainly to a rotating electrical machine (15) comprising: - a stator (18) having a winding provided with phase outputs (26), - a bearing (21) having openings (472) allowing the passage of the phase outputs (26), characterized in that said rotating electrical machine (15) comprises at least one sealing element (50) fixed on the bearing (21) to at least partially close an opening (472) of the bearing (21), said sealing element (50) extending at least partially into a thickness of the corresponding opening (472).