Method and Apparatus for Rotor Cooling in an Electromechanical Machine
AssigneeNorthern Power Systems, Inc.
InventorsTrevor H. Cole, Etienne Hancock, Adam R. Olsen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for cooling the rotor in an electromechanical machine such as a wind turbine generator is disclosed. Fluid cooling passages may be formed in the rotor, defined at least in part by a support member for magnets mounted on the rotor. Cooling fluid intake may be through the stator surrounding the rotor.
Claims20
A method for cooling a rotor in an electromechanical machine, comprising directing cooling fluid through the rotor along an inside surface of a rotor support structure that supports rotor magnets.
A system for cooling a rotor in an electromechanical machine, comprising:
- a stator including a stator frame supporting a plurality of stator cores and coils;
- a rotor mounted for rotation within the stator, said rotor carrying a plurality of magnets on a rotor support member;
- and
- at least one rotor cooling fluid passage defined at least in part by said rotor support member.
A system for cooling a rotor in an electromechanical machine comprising a stator including a stator frame supporting a plurality of stator cores and coils, and a rotor mounted for rotation within the stator, said rotor carrying a plurality of magnets on a rotor support member, the system comprising:
- at least one rotor cooling fluid passage defined at least in part by said rotor support member;
- cooling fins disposed along an inner surface of the rotor support member projecting into said at least one cooling fluid passage;
- a cover disposed in front of said rotor, the cover defining a space for accumulation of cooling fluid wherein said rotor cooling fluid passage communicates with said cover space to receive cooling fluid therefrom;
- a cooling fluid intake passage defined at least in part between said stator frame and stator cores, said intake passage communicating with the cover space;
- and
- an exhaust fan disposed in a cooling fluid exit port communicating with said rotor cooling passage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.