Coil Spacerblock Flow Deflecting Channel for Rotor Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The cooling of dynamoelectric machine rotor endwindings is inefficient due to the inherent limitations in cooling air flow distribution, leading to inadequate heat dissipation and reduced power output, especially in high-power density generators where direct cooling is difficult and costly.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of spaceblocks with channels that intercept and redirect circulating coolant flows between cavities, enhancing coolant flow distribution and providing direct convection cooling to the rotor coils and endwindings, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If circulating coolant flow is passed through cavities between spaceblocks and coils, then cooling of rotor endwindings is achieved, but cooling efficiency is insufficient due to inadequate heat dissipation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidpower output capability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The spaceblock is divided into multiple functional surfaces: a coil facing surface with flow deflecting channels, and a cavity facing surface with openings. This segmentation allows the coolant flow to be systematically directed through specific paths - entering through cavity openings, traveling through flow deflecting channels, and discharging to cool coils - thereby improving cooling efficiency and enabling higher power output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If direct forced cooling is applied to rotor endwindings, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but construction complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spaceblock structure itself provides the cooling function through its integrated flow deflecting channels and cavity openings. The geometry of the spaceblock automatically directs coolant flow along optimal paths without requiring external cooling devices or complex control systems, achieving effective cooling while maintaining simple construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spaceblock serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for coils, maintains structural integrity of the rotor endwindings, and acts as a flow distribution manifold for coolant. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cooling system components, reducing construction complexity while improving cooling effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution improves the cooling efficiency of dynamoelectric machine rotor endwindings by ensuring uniform coolant distribution, increasing the heat transfer coefficient, and enhancing the power output capability of the machine while reducing cooling costs.

Implementation Method 1

a channel disposed in a coil facing surface of the spaceblock for intercepting and redirecting a circulating coolant flow to a first cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow redirection:

Implementation Method 2

providing direct convection cooling to the rotor coils and endwindings, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2230748B1Dynamoelectric machine coil spacerblock having flow deflecting channel in coil facing surface thereof
Publication Date: 2020.09.30 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP2230748B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2230748B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2230748B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dynamoelectric machine includes a rotor (10) having a plurality of adjacent coils; a spaceblock disposed between adjacent coils so as to define first and second cavities adjacent the spaceblock and between mutually adjacent coils; and the spaceblock includes a channel (144) disposed in a coil facing surface (146) of the spaceblock for intercepting and redirecting a circulating coolant flow to the first cavity (160).