Rotor Cooling Structures with Dual Support Rings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotor designs in electric machines face challenges in efficiently distributing and managing radial loads and cooling fluid flow, leading to potential stress on components and uneven temperature distribution across the rotor.
Innovation Solution
The rotor design incorporates a dual support ring system and strategically positioned apertures and channels to absorb radial loads and distribute cooling fluids, ensuring balanced load transfer and efficient cooling across both axial sides of the rotor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single support ring design is used, then the structure is simpler, but radial loads cannot be evenly distributed and stress concentration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The single support ring is segmented into two separate support rings positioned at different axial locations. This segmentation allows each ring to independently support radial loads at its specific position, distributing the total radial load more evenly across the rotor structure and preventing stress concentration that would occur with a single support ring.
2Device complexity
If cooling fluid is introduced at one location, then the cooling system is simpler, but temperature distribution across the rotor becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed with different cooling fluid introduction locations corresponding to different axial regions of the rotor. Each cooling fluid introduction location is strategically positioned to cool specific high-temperature zones, creating local quality improvements in temperature distribution rather than applying uniform cooling across the entire rotor structure.
3Device complexity
If radial loads are not properly managed, then the rotor structure can be simpler, but component stress increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support rings are designed with preliminary load distribution features that actively manage radial loads before they can concentrate on critical components. The axial channels and apertures are pre-configured to distribute cooling fluid in advance, preventing thermal stress buildup that would compromise component durability during operation.
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 design effectively reduces stress on the rotor components, enhances durability, and maintains balanced cooling, improving the rotor's performance and temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of axial channels are formed between the core and the annular hub. These axial channels are in fluid communication with the first radial feed holes and span substantially between the first axial side and the second axial side
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of first apertures are formed in the first member, and each of the first apertures is in fluid communication with one of the axial channels. A plurality of second apertures are formed in the second member, and each of the second apertures is in fluid communication with one of the axial channels
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor defines an axial direction and a radial direction relative to an axis of rotation and includes an annular hub and a core disposed radially outward of the annular hub. The core defines a first axial side and a second axial side. First radial feed holes are formed in the annular hub, and are located between the first and second axial sides. Axial channels are formed between the core and the annular hub, and are in fluid communication with the first radial feed holes and span substantially between the first and second axial sides. The rotor also includes a first member and a second member, adjacent to the first and second axial sides, respectively. First and second apertures are formed in the first and second members, respectively. Each of the first and second apertures is in fluid communication with one of the axial channels.