Superconductive electric motor and generator
AssigneeDominion Alternative Energy, LLC
InventorsEarl Enoch Fleck, Andrew Whitehead
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A non-traditional topology of a superconductive electric motor or generator increases the air gap flux density by reducing stray flux and concentrating lines of flux within the air gap. An electric motor or generator utilizing the invention will include three components: a rotating armature, a permanent magnet stator and a shielding sleeve. The shielding sleeve of the motor is a hollow cylinder that fits between the armature and the stator, and is configured to cool a plurality of high-temperature superconductors within it to a temperature below their critical temperatures. These superconductors are placed at an optimized position to redirect flux and promote greater efficiency.
Claims20
A device that acts as an electric motor or generator comprising:
- a rotating armature;
- a permanent magnet stator within which the armature rotates;
- a hollow shielding sleeve located between the armature and the stator, the shielding sleeve having an inner wall and an outer wall, such that a cooling fluid can flow within the shielding sleeve;
- and
- a plurality of superconductor plates located between the inner wall and the outer wall of the shielding sleeve and oriented around the armature.
A device that acts as an electric motor or generator comprising:
- a rotating armature;
- a stator within which the armature rotates;
- a hollow shielding sleeve located between the armature and the stator, the shielding sleeve formed of a thermally conductive material;
- and
- a plurality of superconductor plates located within the shielding sleeve and oriented around the armature.
A device that acts as an electric motor or generator comprising:
- a rotating armature;
- a permanent magnet stator within which the armature rotates, the stator including rare earth magnets attached to a housing located at each end of the stator;
- a hollow shielding sleeve located between the armature and the stator, the shielding sleeve having an inner wall and an outer wall and having an inner core between the inner wall and the outer wall, the inner core formed of urethane foam encased in a fiberglass housing, such that a liquid nitrogen cooling fluid can flow within the shielding sleeve;
- and
- a plurality of superconductor plates attached to the inner wall of the shielding sleeve and oriented around the armature at intervals of about 45° around the shielding sleeve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.