Self-Supporting Slip-Ring Arrangement for Rotating Electrical Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slip-ring arrangements in rotating electrical machines face challenges in cooling due to the restricted access and mechanical strength limitations, leading to inefficient heat dissipation and increased wear from high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting slip-ring arrangement with through-flow openings between concentrically arranged slip-rings, separated by spacers and held together by axial tie bolts, allows for effective cooling by routing a cooling medium radially through the annular gaps, eliminating the need for a supporting shaft and enhancing mechanical robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a continuous shaft is used to support slip-rings, then mechanical strength is maintained, but cooling capability is severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous shaft is segmented into multiple individual slip-rings that are shrunk onto intermediate shrink rings. This segmentation allows cooling air to be routed between the individual slip-rings, providing effective cooling while maintaining mechanical strength through the modular structure supported by tie bolts.
2Temperature
If the shaft is opened to allow cooling air flow, then cooling capability is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening the continuous shaft, the slip-ring assembly is segmented into individual rings mounted on shrink rings. This creates natural gaps for cooling air flow without compromising the overall structural integrity of the shaft assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate shrink rings are introduced as mediators between the individual slip-rings and the shaft. These shrink rings provide mechanical support and allow cooling air to pass through, serving as intermediaries that enable both structural integrity and thermal management.
3Ease of manufacture
If slip-rings are mounted on a continuous shaft, then structural simplicity is maintained, but cooling access is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The slip-ring assembly is divided into individual slip-rings mounted on intermediate shrink rings, which are then secured to the shaft. This segmented approach maintains relative structural simplicity while creating the necessary gaps for cooling air access between the individual slip-rings.
4Temperature
If individual slip-rings are used with intermediate shrink rings, then cooling access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into individual slip-rings on intermediate shrink rings, while adding components, creates a modular structure that simplifies assembly and maintenance. The standardization of these modular units reduces overall system complexity despite the increased number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate shrink rings serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the slip-rings, enable cooling air flow, and facilitate modular assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling structures, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 provides simple and effective cooling, reduces material and weight, and decreases the load on machine bearings, while ensuring efficient heat dissipation and improved mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
Cooling air fans are arranged in front and behind the slip-rings on the intermediate shrink rings
Implementation Method 2
heat being absorbed, and is dissipated via these holes
Data Source
AI summary
A slip-ring arrangement of a rotating electrical machine includes a plurality of slip-rings disposed concentrically about an axis of the electrical machine one behind the other in an axial direction, the plurality of slip-rings configured to be self-supporting.