Title: Axial gap rotating electrical machine

Abstract

Direct drive rotating electrical machines with axial air gaps are disclosed. In these machines, a rotor ring and stator ring define an axial air gap between them. Sets of gap-maintaining rolling supports bear between the rotor ring and the stator ring at their peripheries to maintain the axial air gap. Also disclosed are wind turbines using these generators, and structures and methods for mounting direct drive rotating electrical generators to the hubs of wind turbines. In particular, the rotor ring of the generator may be carried directly by the hub of a wind turbine to rotate relative to a shaft without being mounted directly to the shaft.

Issue Date:

2016-02-23

Research Org.:

Clear Path Energy, LLC, Wilmington, DE (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1238805

Patent Number(s):

9270150

Application Number:

13/743,187

Assignee:

Clear Path Energy, LLC (Wilmington, DE)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F03 - MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS F03D - WIND MOTORS

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F05 - INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04 F05B - INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO MACHINES OR ENGINES OTHER THAN NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, TO WIND MOTORS, TO NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT PUMPS, AND TO GENERATING COMBUSTION PRODUCTS OF HIGH PRESSURE OR HIGH VELOCITY

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F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F03 - MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS F03D - WIND MOTORS

F03D1/0608 - {characterised by their form}
F03D13/25 - specially adapted for offshore installation
F03D15/20 - Gearless transmission, i.e. direct-drive
F03D9/25 - the apparatus being an electrical generator

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F05 - INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04 F05B - INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO MACHINES OR ENGINES OTHER THAN NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, TO WIND MOTORS, TO NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT PUMPS, AND TO GENERATING COMBUSTION PRODUCTS OF HIGH PRESSURE OR HIGH VELOCITY

F05B2220/7066 - via a direct connection, i.e. a gearless transmission
F05B2240/93 - on a structure floating on a liquid surface

H - ELECTRICITY H02 - GENERATION H02K - DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES

H02K7/08 - Structural association with bearings
H02K7/088 - {radially supporting the rotor directly}
H02K7/1869 - {Linear generators

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y02 - TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Y02E - REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION

Y02E10/72 - Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
Y02E10/727 - Offshore towers

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DOE Contract Number:  

EE0005489

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2013 Jan 16

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

42 ENGINEERING; 17 WIND ENERGY