Torque Support Member for Superconducting Rotor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Superconducting generators face challenges in maintaining cryogenic temperatures while transferring torque, as traditional support structures often fail to adequately isolate the rotor winding from the cryogenic region, leading to heat transfer and increased complexity due to the need for cryogenic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a frame, a suspended support block, and thermally non-conductive straps that thermally decouple the rotor winding from the rotor body, providing a low-profile, modular, and adjustable mechanism for torque transfer while maintaining the magnetic flux benefits of an iron rotor body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional support structures are used to transfer torque, then torque transfer is achieved, but heat transfer to the cryogenic region increases and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent components: a rotor body, a rotor winding assembly, and a support member with frame and suspension elements. This segmentation allows thermal isolation between the cryogenic rotor winding region and the warmer rotor body, reducing heat transfer while maintaining torque transfer capability through the distributed support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary element between the rotor body and the rotor winding assembly. It provides mechanical support and torque transfer while its thermally non-conductive straps and suspended configuration create thermal barriers, mediating between the thermal and mechanical requirements of the system.
2Loss of energy
If the rotor winding is thermally isolated from the rotor body, then heat transfer is reduced, but torque transfer capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the rotor winding assembly, transfers torque from the rotor body to the winding, and acts as a thermal barrier. The frame structure with diagonal straps creates a rigid truss system that handles mechanical loads while the thermally non-conductive materials maintain thermal isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member uses composite construction with thermally non-conductive materials for the straps and suspension elements, combined with rigid frame structures. This composite approach allows the structure to be mechanically strong for torque transfer while thermally isolated to reduce heat transfer to the cryogenic region.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but thermal conduction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure applies local quality by using rigid, stable components (frame, support block) in areas requiring structural stability, while using thermally non-conductive straps and suspended connections in areas where thermal isolation is critical. This localized differentiation of material properties and structural characteristics optimizes both stability and thermal performance.
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 solution effectively isolates the rotor winding from the rotor body, reducing heat transfer and complexity, allowing for efficient torque transfer and reducing the required superconductor material, thereby lowering costs and enhancing the reliability of the generator.
Implementation Method 1
The straps comprise a substantially thermally non-conductive material
Data Source
AI summary
A support module is provided for use in a rotor assembly of a rotating machine. The support module is disposed on the rotor body, supports high temperature superconductor rotor windings within the rotor assembly, and thermally decouples the cold portions of the rotor assembly, including windings and support tube, from the ambient temperature rotor body and drive shaft. The support module includes a frame disposed on the rotor body, a support block connected to the rotor winding and suspended within the frame, and thermally non-conductive straps extending from each of a pair of opposed sides of the support block to the frame, the straps suspending the support block within the frame.