ROTOR COOLING ARRANGEMENT

• US 20030193256A1
• Filed: 07/12/2001
• Published: 10/16/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Safran Power USA LLC (Safran SA)
• Original Assignee: Eli Liebermann
• Inventors: Liebermann, Eli
• Granted Patent: US 6,661,133 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 310/194
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 1/32 with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 3/24 with channels or ducts for cooling medium between the conductors
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 9/193 with provision for replenishing the cooling medium; with means for preventing leakage of the cooling medium
• CPC Class Codes: H02K 9/227 Heat sinks

Abstract

An arrangement for cooling a rotor of a motor, generator or alternator wherein at least one cold plate element is disposed between a rotor pole and its associated winding. One or more cold plate elements surround each pole and are in substantial contact therewith. In addition, each cold plate element is also in substantial contact with the pole winding. As a result, each cold plate element serves to conduct heat from both the pole and its associated winding. To enhance the cooling capabilities of this arrangement, each cold plate element may incorporate passageways for conducting a cooling medium through the element. Advantageously, the resulting rotor assembly is suitable for retrofit into existing applications having strict rotor size and weight requirements. In addition, this assembly is suitable for use in alternators, generators or motors, whether alternating current or direct current.

Claims

1. A rotor for electrical equipment, said rotor having at least one pair of poles and comprising

a winding encircling each of said poles;

and

at least one element fabricated of heat conductive material separate from said pole and said winding and disposed between at least one of said poles and the winding encircling this pole.

2. The rotor of claim 1 wherein each element has a first surface adjacent to said winding and formed so as to be in substantial contact therewith.

3. The rotor of claim 2 wherein each element has a second surface adjacent to said pole and formed to be in substantial contact therewith.

4. The rotor of claim 1 wherein each element has a first surface adjacent to said pole and formed so as to be in substantial contact therewith.

5. The rotor of claim 4 wherein each element has a second surface adjacent to said winding and formed so as to be in substantial contact therewith.

6. The rotor of claim 1 wherein each element includes at least one passageway for the conduction of a cooling medium therethrough.

7. The rotor of claim 6 wherein said rotor includes at least one manifold for receiving a cooling medium.

8. The rotor of claim 7 further including at least one coupling member for transporting the cooling medium from the manifold to each passageway.

9. The rotor of claim 8 wherein said rotor includes a shaft having a cooling medium conducting passageway therethrough.

10. The rotor of claim 1 wherein said winding is fabricated of wire having a rectangular cross section.

11. The rotor of claim 1 wherein said element is a unitary member.

12. The rotor of claim 1 wherein said element includes a pair of mating members.

13. Electrical equipment comprising

a housing;

a stationary winding; and

a rotor, said rotor including at least one pair of poles with a winding encircling each pole; and

at least one element fabricated of heat conductive material separate from said pole and said winding and disposed between at least one of said poles and the winding encircling this pole.

14. The equipment of claim 13 wherein said equipment is an alternator.

15. The equipment of claim 13 wherein said equipment is a generator.

16. The equipment of claim 13 wherein said equipment is a motor.

17. A method of cooling a rotor for electrical equipment, said rotor having at least one pair of poles and a winding encircling each pole, said method comprising the steps of

providing an element fabricated of heat conductive material;

and

disposing said element between each rotor pole and the winding encircling that pole.