Abstract:
Numerous arrangements for permanent magnets are disclosed that can focus the flux produced by the magnets. Depending on the particular application in which the disclosed designs and techniques are used, efficiency and reliability may be increased by minimizing flux leakage, increasing peak flux density, and shaping the flux fields to improve the effective coercivity of the flux focusing permanent magnet arrangement when loaded, and to achieve customized voltage and current waveforms. The disclosed magnet assemblies may be incorporated into a machine, such as a motor/generator, having windings and may be disposed for movement relative to the windings. The magnet assembly may be mounted on a support formed of one or more ferromagnetic materials, such as a back iron. The disclosed flux focusing magnet assemblies may be formed using a variety of manufacturing methods.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, a system includes a machine segment that includes multiple coils. Each coil is electrically isolated from the other coils in the machine segment, and each coil is electrically coupled to at least one electrical terminal to provide electrical access to the coil. Each electrical terminal provides electrical access to the coil to which it is electrically coupled such that the coil can be removably electrically coupled to an electrical circuit. The machine segment is also configured to be removably mechanically coupled to a second machine segment to form at least a portion of a stator or a portion of a rotor.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, a system includes a machine segment that includes multiple coils. Each coil is electrically isolated from the other coils in the machine segment, and each coil is electrically coupled to at least one electrical terminal to provide electrical access to the coil. Each electrical terminal provides electrical access to the coil to which it is electrically coupled such that the coil can be removably electrically coupled to an electrical circuit. The machine segment is also configured to be removably mechanically coupled to a second machine segment to form at least a portion of a stator or a portion of a rotor.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first member that supports a magnetic flux carrying member and a second member that supports a magnetic flux generating member disposed for movement relative to the first member. An air gap control system is coupled to at least one of the first member or the second member and includes an air gap control device that is separate from a primary magnetic flux circuit formed between the first member and the second member. The air gap control device is configured to exert a force on one of the first and second members in response to movement of the other of the first and second members in a direction that reduces a distance between the first and second members to maintain a minimum distance between the first and second members and/or substantially center the one of the first and second members within the other.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, a system includes multiple coils of a multi-phase machine in which the coils are each associated with a different phase. Associated with each coil is a protective element such that each protective element is associated with a different coil. When its associated protective element is in a first configuration, a coil is part of an electrical circuit, and its associated protective element allows a first amount of current to flow through the coil. Its associated protective element allows a second amount of current to flow through the coil when its associated protective element is in a second configuration. When in the second configuration, the coil's associated protective element does not obstruct current flow through other coils that are not associated with the protective element.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, a system includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion of an electrical conductor. Each portion is electrically coupled to the other two portions. The first, second, and third portions are configured such that substantially no current induced in and/or supplied to the first portion is conducted to the third portion of the electrical conductor. The third portion of the electrical conductor is also thermally coupled to the first and second portions of the electrical conductor. The third portion of the electrical conductor is configured to transfer thermal energy from the first portion of the electrical conductor to an edge portion of the laminated composite assembly.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first member that supports a magnetic flux carrying member and a second member that supports a magnetic flux generating member disposed for movement relative to the first member. An air gap control system is coupled to at least one of the first member or the second member and includes an air gap control device that is separate from a primary magnetic flux circuit formed between the first member and the second member. The air gap control device is configured to exert a force on one of the first and second members in response to movement of the other of the first and second members in a direction that reduces a distance between the first and second members to maintain a minimum distance between the first and second members and/or substantially center the one of the first and second members within the other.