Spherical Three-Phase Motor Layout for Higher Power Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-phase motors face limitations in size, weight, and power density, with fixed stator windings constraining torque characteristics and efficiency across varying operating conditions, necessitating innovative motor topologies that enhance electromagnetic properties while maintaining manufacturability.
Innovation Solution
A spherical three-phase motor design featuring a rotor with a permanent magnet and a stator with electromagnetic coils arranged around a spherical shell, where the coils traverse different paths and are angled relative to each other, allowing for a balanced magnetic field interaction with the rotor, and can be connected in either a wye or delta configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional cylindrical motor design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but power density and electromagnetic efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies spherical geometry to the motor design by arranging electromagnetic coils and permanent magnets on spherical surfaces. The stator contains coils distributed on a spherical shell, and the rotor contains permanent magnets arranged spherically. This curved spherical arrangement optimizes magnetic flux distribution and increases power density compared to conventional cylindrical designs, while the modular spherical structure maintains manufacturability through standardized assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the conventional two-dimensional planar winding arrangement in cylindrical motors to a three-dimensional spherical distribution. The electromagnetic coils are arranged in multiple layers and angular positions around the spherical stator shell, creating a spatially optimized magnetic field that enhances electromagnetic efficiency and power density by utilizing three-dimensional space more effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed stator windings are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but torque characteristics and efficiency are constrained across varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by distributing electromagnetic coils with different orientations and configurations at different angular positions around the spherical stator. Each coil group is specifically oriented to optimize magnetic field interaction in its local region, enabling the motor to maintain high efficiency and optimized torque characteristics across a wider range of operating conditions while preserving overall structural simplicity.
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 spherical motor design achieves improved power density, efficiency, and controllability compared to conventional cylindrical motors, with potential for higher magnetic flux density and balanced power generation across phases.
Implementation Method 1
The interaction between magnetic fields generated by the stator and rotor produces rotational motion
Implementation Method 2
The coils are arranged to produce a rotating magnetic field in the stator that interacts with the rotor to produce torque
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary machine is provided that includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a permanent magnet. The stator includes a spherical shell at least partially surrounding the permanent magnet. The stator also includes first, second, and third electromagnetic coils surrounding the spherical shell and configured for magnetic interaction with the permanent magnet.