Replacement or repair of generator neutral ring
AssigneeElectromechanical Engineering Associates, Inc.
InventorsJason SINKHORN, Corey PALMER, Christopher J. MASCARO, Thomas J. SCHILDKAMP
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems for replacement of the neutral ring of a rotating electric machine, such as a doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) useful in a wind turbine, and methods for up-tower repair of the neutral ring. The system generally includes a neutral ring having first, second, and third ring sections formed or two or more laminated layers of copper, and first, second, and third neutral ring connector formed of solid copper. Each of the first, second, and third neutral ring connectors include a cup-shaped fixture extending radially outward from the neutral ring via a riser and are configured for attachment with coils of the winding.
Claims20
A system for replacement of a neutral ring in a rotating electric machine, the system comprising:
- a neutral ring having first, second, and third ring sections each comprising three laminated layers of copper;
- and
- first and second ring connectors formed of solid copper and brazed to ends of each of the first, second, and third ring sections,
- wherein each of the first and second ring connectors comprise a riser,
- wherein the riser of the first ring connector is configured to be attached to the riser of the second ring connector of an adjacent ring section to form a contiguous ring, and
- wherein, when the first and second ring connectors are connected, they form a cup shaped fixture at an end of the risers of each of the first and second connectors that extends radially outward from the neutral ring and is configured for attachment with a winding of the rotating electric machine.
A system for replacement of a neutral ring in a rotating electric machine, the system comprising:
- a neutral ring having two or more laminated layers of copper;
- and
- first, second, and third neutral ring connectors having a base portion configured for attachment to an outer circumference of the neutral ring so that they extend radially outward therefrom,
- wherein each of the first, second, and third neutral ring connectors comprise a riser extending radially outward from the base portion, and a cup shaped fixture at an end of the riser that extends radially outward from the neutral ring and is configured for attachment with a winding of the rotating electric machine.
A method for repair of an existing neutral ring in a rotating electric machine, the method comprising:
- cutting an existing neutral ring at a point adjacent each side of a first, second, and third neutral ring connector so that a portion of the existing neutral ring remains attached to a riser of each of the first, second, and third neutral ring connectors, wherein the first, second, and third neutral ring connectors provide connection between the existing neutral ring and a winding of the rotating electric machine;
- positioning a replacement neutral ring comprising two or more layers of laminated copper having a single break point so that an outer circumference of the replacement neutral ring is in contact with an inner circumference of the portions of the existing neutral ring remaining attached to the riser of each of the first, second, and third neutral ring connectors;
- and
- connecting the outer circumference of the replacement neutral ring in contact with the inner circumference of the portions of the existing neutral ring remaining attached to the risers by brazing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.