Method of applying varnish to a stator

A method of applying varnish to a stator, wherein the stator has a plurality of windings extending through a plurality of slots in a core, the method comprising:

• orienting a center axis of the stator substantially parallel to gravity, wherein a rotor is configured to rotate about the center axis of the stator;
• orienting a crown end of the windings upward, relative to gravity;
• orienting a weld end of the windings downward, relative to gravity, wherein the crown end and the weld end are disposed on opposing sides of the core;
• orienting the weld end above a dip tank;
• applying a varnish to the crown end of the windings with at least one nozzle located above the stator;
• controlling the at least one nozzle along a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first and second directions are perpendicular to the center axis, such that the varnish substantially coats the crown end of the windings, runs through the slots, and drips from the weld end of the windings into the dip tank;
• raising the dip tank relative to the weld end of the windings, such that the weld end of the windings are submersed in varnish in the dip tank but the core is not in contact with varnish in the dip tank;
• lowering the dip tank relative to the weld end of the windings;
• subjecting the stator to a partial curing process after lowering the dip tank;
• and
• maintaining orientation of the core such that the center axis has a substantially-constant position throughout the method, and wherein the varnish is not placed into contact with an inner surface and an outer surface of the core.

A method of applying varnish to a stator, wherein the stator has a plurality of windings extending through a plurality of slots in a core, the method comprising:

• orienting a center axis of the stator substantially parallel to gravity, wherein the stator is configured to rotate about the center axis;
• orienting a crown end of the windings upward, relative to gravity;
• orienting a weld end of the windings downward, relative to gravity, wherein the crown end and the weld end are disposed on opposing sides of the core;
• orienting the weld end above a dip tank;
• applying a varnish to the crown end of the windings with at least one nozzle located above the stator;
• controlling the at least one nozzle along a first direction and a second direction, wherein the first and second directions are perpendicular to the center axis, such that the varnish substantially coats the crown end of the windings, runs through the slots, and drips from the weld end of the windings into the dip tank;
• controlling a fluid level of the varnish in the dip tank;
• controlling a fluid temperature of the varnish in the dip tank;
• raising the dip tank relative to the weld end of the windings, such that the weld end is submersed in varnish in the dip tank but the core is not in contact with varnish in the dip tank;
• and
• lowering the dip tank relative to the weld end of the windings.