Machine Winding Circulating Current Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic machine designs face challenges in minimizing resistive losses due to circulating currents through closed loops formed by multiple conductive elements, which increase with the number of conductors electrically coupled in parallel.
Innovation Solution
A system with three conductors, each on a separate geometrically parallel layer, where at least one conductor is electrically isolated within the winding portion but all are coupled in the terminal portion, reducing the formation of closed loops and thus circulating current losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple conductors are electrically coupled in parallel within the winding portion, then the useful electromagnetic performance is improved, but circulating current losses increase due to formation of closed loops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical coupling of conductors by dividing the machine structure into distinct zones: a winding portion where conductors are electrically isolated to prevent circulating currents, and a terminal portion where conductors are electrically coupled for useful electromagnetic performance. This spatial segmentation allows each zone to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different electrical coupling characteristics to different spatial locations: in the winding portion, conductors are electrically isolated (different local quality) to eliminate circulating currents, while in the terminal portion, conductors are electrically coupled (another local quality) to enable useful electromagnetic performance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing optimal properties in each region.
2Loss of energy
If conductors are electrically isolated within the winding portion, then circulating current losses are reduced, but electrical coupling for useful performance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by adding a spatial dimension to the electrical coupling arrangement. Instead of choosing between isolation and coupling throughout the entire structure, the invention uses vertical stacking of conductors on different layers within the same radial position, allowing electrical isolation in the radial direction (within the winding portion) while maintaining coupling capability in the axial direction (through terminal connections in the terminal portion).
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a system includes three conductors, each conductor being on a separate layer such that the layers are parallel to one another and stacked. Each conductor has a winding portion and a terminal portion. The conductors are configured such that at least one electrical interconnect electrically couples two adjacent conductors within the winding portion but the third conductor is electrically isolated from the other two conductors within the winding portion. Within the terminal portion all three conductors are electrically coupled.