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Our researchers have developed plans for a radial flux machine with enhanced modular design and improved maintainability.
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Brief Description: Most commercially available wind energy conversion systems currently use a combination of complex gearboxes and high speed induction machines. These systems are generally directly connected into an electricity grid, which is made possible by the induction machine being capable of slipping. Gearbox and power converters used in conventional wind energy convention systems are respectively mechanically and electronically, expensive, and maintenance intensive all of which will increase the operational cost of the system. Gearboxes also contribute substantially to the overall mass of the system and losses lose due to heat and noise. Power converters, on the other hand, are complex, expensive and electrically sensitive. To overcome these drawbacks, researchers at Stellenbosch University designed a machine consisting of two coaxial rotors and a stator that can be used in many applications. The inventive mechanical design focuses on the bearing arrangements with the purpose to support a rotor in a two rotor rotating machine. One of these rotors is supported by bearings placed between its frame and the frame of the second rotor. The bearing support is located in the air-gap which separates the two rotors. Target Market: Electrical machine market Value Proposition/Benefits: Apart from minimising bearing mass in an electrical or mechanical machine, this bearing arrangement and rotor support enhance the modular design of such a machine. This translates to smaller parts hence improved maintainability. Competitve Advantage: The two rotors and stator are arranged one within the other to create a radial flux coupling and the rotors are rotatable with respect to the other and with respect to the stator. Technical Description: The electrical machine presented is a radial flux machine. Its stator consists of stationary support structure, an axle axel and some active material. A permanent magnet rotor is the first rotor that might be a uniform or segment structure and it is supported by a circumferential array of rollers which run on raceways mounted on the second rotor. These rollers are of specific type and they may be secured to a shaft of an axle and may be a combination of different materials layered to a specific stress requirement. Innovation Status: A PCT patent (patent no. PCT/IB2013/08777) has been filled for this invention innovation.