Rotor Permanent Magnet Module Intermediate Wall Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to securely attach larger permanent magnet modules on the rotor of an electric machine to reduce the number of poles while managing increased centrifugal forces, which can disrupt the desired output frequency, especially at higher rotation speeds like those in wind turbines.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves dividing the compartment within the cover of the permanent magnet module into two sub-compartments with an intermediate wall that extends into a groove on the rotor, providing additional fastening means to securely attach the magnet module, allowing the permanent magnets to be positioned closer together to reduce stray flux and enhance attachment strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the size of permanent magnet modules is increased in the circumferential direction to reduce the number of poles, then the pole number is reduced and output frequency can be maintained at desired levels, but bigger centrifugal forces are generated on the cover during rotation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutput frequencyVSAvoidcentrifugal force
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The compartment is divided into two sub-compartments by an intermediate wall, allowing the permanent magnet module to be segmented into smaller sections. This segmentation enables better distribution of centrifugal forces while maintaining the overall larger size needed for reduced pole numbers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate wall extends in the radial direction (perpendicular to the circumferential direction), adding a dimensional element that provides additional fastening capability. This radial extension allows the wall to engage with the rotor body more effectively, distributing loads across multiple dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If bigger permanent magnet modules are used to reduce pole number, then fewer poles are required in the electric generator, but the fastening of the permanent magnet module must be improved to withstand bigger centrifugal forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepole number reductionVSAvoidfastening strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The compartment is divided into two sub-compartments by an intermediate wall, allowing the permanent magnet module to be segmented into smaller sections. This segmentation enables better distribution of centrifugal forces while maintaining the overall larger size needed for reduced pole numbers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate wall acts as an intermediary structure between the permanent magnets and the rotor body. It provides additional fastening means that mediate the connection, distributing mechanical stresses and improving overall attachment reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If the intermediate wall is made thinner to allow fastening means to pass through, then the opposed side edges of permanent magnets can be positioned closer together, but the structural strength of the intermediate wall must be sufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance between permanent magnetsVSAvoidintermediate wall strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The thickness of the intermediate wall is optimized as a critical parameter. By carefully selecting the wall thickness, the design achieves a balance between allowing fastening means to pass through (requiring thinner walls) and maintaining sufficient structural strength to withstand operational loads.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 arrangement allows for higher rotation speeds and easier adaptation of rotor diameter to different pole numbers, improving the attachment strength of the permanent magnet modules and reducing stray flux between partial poles.

Implementation Method 1

A bigger permanent magnet module produces, however, bigger centrifugal forces on the cover compared to a smaller permanent magnet module when the rotor rotates.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3179605B1A rotor for an electric machine
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3179605B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3179605B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3179605B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The rotor comprises an outer surface (22A) provided with a plurality of rows (A1, A2) of surface mounted permanent magnet modules (200) distributed along a perimeter of the outer surface of the rotor, each row comprising at least one surface mounted permanent magnet module. The permanent magnet module (200) comprises a cover (100) having a top part (110) forming a compartment (130). The top part of the cover comprises at least one intermediate wall (150) extending in the direction of the row or in an axial direction (X-X) along the whole height of the compartment and dividing the compartment into at least two separate sub-compartments (135, 136), whereby each sub-compartment houses at least one permanent magnet (35). The intermediate wall comprises fastening means (161, 162) for attaching the intermediate wall to the rotor.