U.S. patent application number 16/693138 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-19 for electric motor with laminated sheet windings.
The applicant listed for this patent is GreenTech Motors Corporation. Invention is credited to Jean-Marc Gery, Dan Jones.
Application Number | 20200091786 16/693138 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54207781 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-19 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200091786 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gery; Jean-Marc ; et
al. |
March 19, 2020 |
ELECTRIC MOTOR WITH LAMINATED SHEET WINDINGS
Abstract
An electric machine employs laminated sheets windings (LSWs) and
permanent magnets which rotate about the LSWs. An axial embodiment
uses axially magnetized magnets with LSWs laid radially in the
plane of the motor. The magnets may be arranged as Halbach arrays.
Magnets and LSWs are arranged concentrically with an air gap
therebetween; the motor may employ "Large Air Gap Electric Ring"
(LAGER) technology. The laminated sheets form a continuous stack of
series-connected concentric metal layers; dielectric layers
insulate each metal layer from its adjacent layers. Cuts arranged
periodically around each LSW run parallel to the rotation axis and
extend through all of the metal layers, with adjacent cuts
originating on opposite sides of the LSW such that they form a
serpentine path for current to flow as it flows around the
winding.
Inventors: |
Gery; Jean-Marc; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; Jones; Dan; (Westlake Village,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GreenTech Motors Corporation |
Westlake Village |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54207781 |
Appl. No.: |
16/693138 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14855126 |
Sep 15, 2015 |
10491069 |
|
|
16693138 |
|
|
|
|
62051235 |
Sep 16, 2014 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02K 9/06 20130101; H02K
1/278 20130101; H02K 1/2793 20130101; H02K 21/12 20130101; H02K
16/02 20130101; H02K 5/20 20130101; H02K 15/03 20130101; H02K 3/04
20130101; H02K 1/2753 20130101; H02K 1/2786 20130101; H02K 3/26
20130101; H02K 3/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02K 3/04 20060101
H02K003/04; H02K 1/27 20060101 H02K001/27; H02K 3/26 20060101
H02K003/26; H02K 21/12 20060101 H02K021/12; H02K 3/32 20060101
H02K003/32; H02K 5/20 20060101 H02K005/20; H02K 9/06 20060101
H02K009/06 |
Claims
1. An electric machine having a corresponding rotation axis,
comprising: a first array of magnets which are magnetized axially;
and a first set of laminated sheet windings (LSWs) which are laid
radially in the plane of said machine such that said magnets
produce a magnetic field in the perpendicular axis aligned with
said rotation axis, said magnets and LSWs arranged concentrically
with an air gap therebetween.
2. The electric machine of claim 1, wherein said first array of
magnets is on one side of said first set of windings, further
comprising a ferromagnetic disk on the other side of said
windings.
3. The electric machine of claim 1, wherein said first array of
magnets is on one side of said first set of windings, further
comprising a second array of magnets on the other side of said
first set of windings.
4. The electric machine of claim 3, further comprising
ferromagnetic disks backing each of said first and second arrays of
magnets.
5. The electric machine of claim 3, wherein said first array of
magnets and said second array of magnets are each arranged as a
Halbach array.
6. The electric machine of claim 5, wherein said magnets are in the
shape of prism-shaped wedges.
7. The electric machine of claim 1, wherein said first set of
windings are formed into a serpentine shape.
8. The electric machine of claim 1, wherein said windings are
stationary and said magnets rotate on said rotation axis about said
windings.
9. The electric machine of claim 1, wherein adjacent ones of said
magnets are joined together using a non-conductive adhesive at
their interface.
10. The electric machine of claim 1, further comprising additional
sets of LSWs, each of which are laid radially in the plane of said
machine, said first and said additional sets of LSWs comprising
multi-phase LSWs which provide respective winding phases for said
machine.
11. The electric machine of claim 10, wherein said first and said
additional sets of LSWs comprise first, second and third sets of
LSWs.
12. The electric machine of claim 10, wherein said multi-phase LSWs
are stationary and said magnets rotate on said rotation axis about
said windings.
13. An electric motor having a corresponding rotation axis,
comprising: a first array of magnets which are magnetized axially;
and a first set of laminated sheet windings (LSWs) which are laid
radially in the plane of said motor such that said magnets produce
a magnetic field in the perpendicular axis aligned with said
rotation axis, said magnets and LSWs arranged concentrically with
an air gap therebetween; said first set of LSWs comprising:
laminated metal sheets laid radially in the plane of said motor to
form a continuous stack of series-connected concentric metal
layers; and dielectric insulator layers which electrically insulate
each metal layer from its adjacent metal layers.
14. The motor of claim 13, wherein said first set of LSWs is laid
radially in the plane of said motor such that it follows a
serpentine path.
15. The motor of claim 13, further comprising additional sets of
LSWs, each comprising: laminated metal sheets laid radially in the
plane of said motor to form a continuous stack of concentric
series-connected metal layers; and dielectric insulator layers
which electrically insulate each metal layer from its adjacent
metal layers; said first and said additional sets of LSWs providing
respective winding phases for said motor.
16. The electric machine motor of claim 15, wherein said first and
said additional sets of LSWs comprise first, second and third sets
of LSWs.
17. The motor of claim 15, wherein said first and said additional
sets of LSWs are offset with respect to each other.
18. The motor of claim 15, wherein said first array of magnets is
on one side of said first and said additional sets of LSWs, further
comprising a second array of magnets on the other side of said
first and said additional sets of LSWs.
19. The motor of claim 18, wherein said first and said additional
sets of LSWs are laid radially in the plane of said motor such that
each follows a serpentine path.
20. The motor of claim 13, wherein said LSWs are stationary and
said magnets rotate on said rotation axis about said windings.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/855,126, filed on Sep. 15, 2015, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/051,235, filed Sep. 16,
2014. The applications recited in this paragraph are each
incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to electric machines, and
more particularly to high-efficiency motors and generators which
employ laminated sheet windings (LSWs).
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Electricity costs on a national and global scale are
expected to increase considerably as the world's global
requirements for energy intensify. The worst offenders for energy
consumption are electric motors, which consume almost 50% of all
U.S. electricity produced, according to the U.S. Department of
Energy. Electric motors consume electricity values at S600 billion
annually in the U.S., with the figure projected to increase to S1
trillion by 2030.
[0004] The electric motor's basic design has changed incrementally
since its invention by Nikola Tesla in 1888. Current motor
manufacturers have made small gains in efficiency by using improved
materials and manufacturing processes, but a considerable amount of
energy is still lost as heat as electricity is converted to
mechanical motion. Additional energy costs may be incurred
addressing heat-related issues. For example, some AC induction
motors employ an electricity-consuming fan just to dissipate the
considerable heat generated by the motor. As another example, high
motor speeds create increasing amounts of heat, negatively
impacting efficiency (as less input electrical power is converted
to useable mechanical power due to heat losses).
[0005] A more efficient, cost-effective electric motor is needed to
provide immediate and significant reduction in electricity
consumption and associated costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An electric machine--suitably a motor or a generator--is
presented that provides high efficiency, with a design that is more
compact, lighter, and which dissipates less heat than conventional
machines. Though the discussion below refers to electric motors, it
is understood that electric machines including both motors and
generators are contemplated.
[0007] The present electric machine employs stationary windings
made from laminated sheets, and permanent magnets which are arrayed
around and rotate about the windings in response to magnetic fields
produced by the windings.
[0008] Numerous embodiments are described. A `radial` embodiment
employs at least one array of magnets which are magnetized
radially, and at least one set of laminated sheet windings (LSWs)
which are laid parallel to the motor's rotation axis and arranged
such that the magnets produce a magnetic field in a plane
perpendicular to the motor's rotation axis. The motor might
alternatively be arranged in an `axial` embodiment, in which at
least one array of magnets are magnetized axially, and at least one
set of LSWs are laid radially in the plane of the motor such that
the magnets produce a magnetic field in the perpendicular axis
aligned with the rotation axis. For both radial and axial
embodiments, the magnet arrays may be arranged as Halbach arrays;
several possible Halbach array arrangements are described.
[0009] For both radial and axial embodiments, the magnets and
windings are arranged concentrically with an air gap therebetween.
The motor may employ "Large Air Gap Electric Ring" (LAGER)
technology, in which the air gap may be larger than those used in
conventional motors, with the LSWs located within the gap.
[0010] For radial embodiments, the windings--preferably three sets
(or more) so as to provide a 3-phase (or more) motor--comprise
laminated metal sheets arranged radially around the motor's
rotation axis to form a continuous stack of series-connected
concentric metal layers; dielectric insulator layers are used to
electrically insulate each metal layer from its adjacent metal
layers. Cuts are preferably arranged periodically around each LSW,
with each cut running parallel to the rotation axis and extending
through all of the concentric metal layers, with the depth of each
cut being less than the depth of the LSW and with adjacent cuts
originating on opposite sides of the LSW such that the cuts form a
serpentine path for current to flow as it flows around the LSW.
[0011] For axial embodiments, the windings--preferably three or
more phases as discussed above--comprise laminated metal sheets
laid radially in the plane of the motor--preferably following a
serpentine path--to form a continuous stack of series-connected
concentric metal layers, with dielectric insulator layers
electrically insulating each metal layer from its adjacent metal
layers.
[0012] The laminated sheets are preferably made from electrically
conductive materials such as copper or aluminum. The metal density
of the conductors in each winding is much higher than that provided
by a conventional wire winding, resulting in higher force
density.
[0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following drawings, description, and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a radial configuration of the
present motor.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of a radial configuration of the
present motor which employs back-iron.
[0016] FIG. 3a is a side view of a radial configuration of the
present motor which employs two Halbach magnet arrays.
[0017] FIG. 3B is a close-up view of the Halbach magnet arrays
shown in FIG. 3a.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a close-up view of a Halbach magnet array
configuration which employs prism-shaped magnets.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a close-up view of a magnet array configuration
which employs rectangular magnets, with each magnetic pole made
with two blocks magnetized at 90.degree. with respect to each
other.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an axial configuration of
the present motor.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cutaway view of an axial configuration, showing
the serpentine path of the motor's laminated sheet winding
(LSW).
[0022] FIG. 8 is a close-up view of an axial configuration of the
present motor, which employs two Halbach magnet arrays.
[0023] FIG. 9a is a close-up view of a radial configuration of the
present motor, which shows one set of LSWs.
[0024] FIG. 9b is a close-up view of the set of LSWs shown in FIG.
9a.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a LSW as might be used with
a radial configuration of the present motor.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a close-up view of a radial configuration of the
present motor, which shows three sets of LSWs.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a view of a portion of three sets of LSWs,
showing winding cuts as described herein.
[0028] FIG. 13 is a close-up view of a radial configuration of the
present motor, which shows three sets of LSWs that are
interleaved.
[0029] FIG. 14 is a close-up view of a radial configuration of the
present motor, which shows three sets of LSWs stacked
azimuthally.
[0030] FIG. 15 is a close-up view of another possible embodiment of
a radial configuration of the present motor, which shows three sets
of LSWs stacked azimuthally.
[0031] FIG. 16a is a close-up view of a radial configuration of the
present motor, which shows a set of LSWs having a depth which
exceeds that of the magnet arrays.
[0032] FIG. 16b is a graph of torque versus conductor depth.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a close-up view of a LSW which includes elongated
vertical slits.
[0034] FIG. 18 is a close-up view of a LSW which includes curved
c-shaped slits.
[0035] FIG. 19 is a close-up view of a LSW which includes both
elongated vertical slits and curved c-shaped slits.
[0036] FIG. 20 is a close-up view of an axial configuration of the
present motor, which shows three sets of LSWs laid radially in the
plane of the motor.
[0037] FIG. 21 is a cutaway view of an axial configuration of the
present motor, showing the serpentine path of three sets of
LSWs.
[0038] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a motor housing with vents
as might be used with the present motor.
[0039] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the present motor which
includes a fan blade feature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] The present motor can be provided in both `radial` and
`axial` configurations, with several different magnet and winding
variations possible within each of these. A radial configuration is
illustrated in FIG. 1. The motor 10 has a corresponding rotation
axis which is perpendicular to the x-y plane in which the motor
lies in FIG. 1. The motor includes at least a first array of
permanent magnets 12 which are magnetized radially, and at least a
first set 14 of LSWs which are laid parallel to the rotation axis
and are arranged such that the magnets 12 produce a magnetic field
in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis. Magnets 12 and LSWs
14 are arranged concentrically with an air gap therebetween (not
visible in FIG. 1). Note that as used herein, `depth` refers to
distance as measured along an axis parallel to the rotation axis
(also referred to as the `winding axis`), and `width` refers to
distance as measured in the radial direction. The motor preferably
employs LAGER technology, in which the air gap may be larger than
those used in conventional motors, with the windings located within
the gap.
[0041] The present motor may include a single array of magnets 12
on the outside of the first set of LSWs 14, or on the inside of the
windings. The motor may also include a second array of radially
magnetized permanent magnets 16, with the first and second magnet
arrays on opposite sides of LSWs 14, as in FIG. 1. In operation,
the LSWs 14 are stationary and the magnet array(s) rotate on the
rotation axis about the windings.
[0042] Another possible embodiment is to have the first array of
magnets 12 on the outside or on the inside of LSWs 14, and to
employ `back-iron`--typically a first ferromagnetic ring 18--on the
side of the windings opposite the first array of magnets; this is
illustrated in FIG. 2. A second ferromagnetic ring 20 might also be
used around the outer periphery of first magnet array 12 to provide
additional material for the field path between magnets. The use of
ferromagnetic rings enhances the magnetic flux produced by the
magnets and thus enables less current to be used, which reduces
motor losses. Note, however, that ferromagnetic rings may also
introduce some losses due to eddy currents within the ring
structure. Any type of permanent magnets may be used. The magnets
may be, for example, rare earth magnets.
[0043] Another possible motor embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3a and
3b. Here, the magnetic field is produced by first and second magnet
arrays 22, 24 provided on the outside and inside of LSWs 14,
respectively, with both arrays arranged as a Halbach permanent
magnet array. FIG. 3b is a close up view of the Halbach arrays
shown in FIG. 3a, with the magnets' direction of magnetization
indicated with arrows. When so arranged, the Halbach arrays provide
the entire field magnetic path required for motor operation, which
is likely to render a ferromagnetic ring (such as ring 20 in FIG.
2) unnecessary. With no iron within the magnetic path, iron losses
are eliminated, and the magnet assembly can be smaller and lighter
while producing higher flux density in the direction of the
windings. This substantially reduces rotating mass per unit torque
and power.
[0044] The individual magnets within the arrays can have many
different shapes. For example, the magnets can be curved or
straight wedges. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the
transverse magnets (26, 28) are in the shape of trapezoidal wedges.
In other embodiments, rectangular or curved brick-shaped magnets
may be used. In still other embodiments, combinations of
differently-shaped magnets--such as trapezoidal, cylindrical and
rectangular--can be used. The magnets are preferably joined
together using a non-conductive adhesive at their interfaces 30,
which helps to eliminate eddy currents from swirling across the
magnet junctions. The desired magnet shape for a particular
application may be selected using several methods. In one method,
real-world limitations such as electrical requirements, dimensions,
and cost, for example, dictate the shape of the magnet to be used
in creating the array. Once the magnet shape is known, other
parameters of the system may be determined.
[0045] Another embodiment which employs first and second Halbach
permanent magnet arrays 32, 34 on opposite sides of LSWs 36 is
shown in FIG. 4. For this arrangement, referred to as a `wedge
Halbach array` (WHB), all of the magnets are in the shape of
prism-shaped wedges, with each magnet having a direction of
magnetization as indicated by the arrows. The angled orientation
shown may provide greater magnetic flux density in the air gap than
does traditional Halbach arrays. The array is arranged in an
annular fashion to accommodate a rotating machine. This embodiment
also employs rounded end portions on LSWs 36, which is discussed in
more detail below.
[0046] Another possible radial embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. First
and second arrays of magnets 40, 42 are rectangular or curved
brick-shaped. Each magnetic pole comprises two blocks magnetized at
90.degree. with respect to each other, with one of the two blocks,
e.g., magnet block 44, magnetized at an angle of +45.degree. with
respect to the azimuthal direction and the other of the two blocks,
e.g., magnet block 46, magnetized at an angle of -45.degree. with
respect to the azimuthal direction. Due to the rectangular shape of
the magnets, this embodiment is much easier to manufacture than the
prism-shaped wedge embodiment shown in FIG. 4. Using magnet blocks
which each cover half a pole arc, and a magnetization pattern at
.+-.45.degree. from the azimuthal direction, a magnetic field
density similar to that shown in FIG. 4 may be obtained. It is
understood that other magnet shapes and directions of magnetization
can be used to create similar field effects.
[0047] An `axial` configuration is illustrated in FIG. 6. The motor
50 has a corresponding rotation axis as above. The motor comprises
at least a first array of magnets 52 which are magnetized axially,
and a least a first set of LSWs 54 which are laid radially in the
plane of the motor such that the magnets produce a magnetic field
in the perpendicular axis aligned with the rotation axis. The
magnets and LSWs are arranged concentrically with an air gap
therebetween.
[0048] A motor in an axial configuration may have any of several
configurations. For example, the motor may include a single array
of magnets on one side of LSWs 54, and back-iron such as a
ferromagnetic disk on the other side of the windings. Another
possible arrangement is to have a first array of magnets on one
side of the LSWs and a second array of magnets on the other side of
the windings. Yet another possibility, as shown in FIG. 6, is to
have a first array of magnets 52 on one said of LSWs 54, a second
array of magnets 56 on the other side of the windings, and
back-iron such as ferromagnetic disks 58, 60 backing each of the
magnet arrays.
[0049] The windings 54 can be formed into a serpentine shape; this
is illustrated in FIG. 7, in which the windings are shown beneath
the magnet array 52 (a portion of which is removed to reveal the
windings). By so doing, current is forced to follow the serpentine
path formed by the LSWs to properly engage the magnets' structure
to produce torque.
[0050] Another possible axial embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. Here,
a first array of magnets 62 and a second array of magnets 64 are
each arranged as a Halbach array. The magnets are preferably
prism-shaped wedges. Note that the magnetization directions
indicated in FIG. 7 are just one possible arrangement. For example,
arrays with magnetization directions of .+-.45.degree. are also
contemplated. As with the radial embodiments, in operation, the
LSWs 54 are stationary and the magnet array(s) rotate on the
rotation axis about the windings.
[0051] Details of the LSWs employed for all embodiments described
herein are now described. For a radial embodiment, a first set of
LSWs would comprise laminated metal sheets arranged radially around
the rotation axis to form a continuous stack of series-connected
concentric metal layers, with dielectric insulator layers used to
electrically insulate each metal layer from its adjacent metal
layers. This is illustrated in FIGS. 9a and 9b. One set of LSWs 70
is shown between magnet arrays 72 and 74 in FIG. 9a (and separated
from the magnets by air gaps 75), with a close-up view of winding
70 shown in FIG. 9b. As best seen in FIG. 9b, LSW 70 comprises a
continuous stack of series-connected concentric metal layers 76,
with dielectric insulator layers 78 used to electrically insulate
each metal layer from its adjacent metal layers. Portions 80 of LSW
70 near either end of the winding preferably extend beyond the edge
of the other layers to provide an electrical connection point for
the winding.
[0052] An LSW as used with the present motor suitably comprises a
spiral of 15 concentric turns per phase. In one exemplary
embodiment, each layer is 0.0117'' thick and is coated with a
dielectric insulator layer having a thickness of 0.0014''. It is
understood that more or fewer layers can be used and that those
layers may have different thicknesses, depending on the intended
application.
[0053] A perspective view of LSW 70 is shown in FIG. 10. As
illustrated here, the windings 70 preferably further comprise cuts
82 arranged periodically around the winding, with each of the cuts
running parallel to the motor's rotation axis and extending through
all of the concentric metal layers. The depth of each cut is less
than the depth of winding 70, with adjacent cuts originating on
opposite sides of the winding such that the cuts form a serpentine
path for current to flow as it flows around the winding. It is
understood that other multiphase winding configurations are
possible.
[0054] Many motors are operated using three-phase AC power which is
provided to three sets of windings. One possible embodiment
employing three sets of LSWs for a motor in a radial configuration
is shown in FIG. 11. First, second and third sets of LSWs 90, 92,
94 are stacked radially in the air gap between magnet arrays 96 and
98. Each set of LSWs is preferably constructed in the same manner
as LSW 70 discussed above: i.e., as a continuous stack of
series-connected concentric metal layers, with dielectric insulator
layers used to electrically insulate each metal layer from its
adjacent metal layers. First, second and third sets of LSWs 90, 92
and 94 provide respective winding phases for the motor. Each
winding set preferably includes cuts that extend through all of the
winding's concentric metal layers, as described above, such that
each of the windings defines a serpentine path for current to flow
as it flows around the winding.
[0055] The LSWs 90, 92, 94 are preferably rotated with respect to
each other such that the cuts of the first winding are rotated by
an angle which provides a phase mechanical offset equivalent to 2/3
of the width of a magnet with respect to the cuts of the second
winding, and the cuts of the second winding are rotated by an angle
which provides a phase mechanical offset equivalent to 2/3 of the
width of a magnet with respect to the cuts of the third
winding.
[0056] Magnet pitch angle is the angle covered by two adjacent
magnets of opposite polarity. The widths of the magnets, d.sub.1
and d.sub.2, do not have to be equal. Indeed, in some embodiments
the widths may be intentionally different to accommodate for the
different distance of each magnet from the center of the motor. For
example, d.sub.2 may be greater than d.sub.1 to balance out the
magnetic flux of the inner and outer arrays.
[0057] One potential advantage of a winding arrangement such as
that shown in FIG. 11 is that only the phase-to-phase insulation
layers (.times.2) will have to sustain high phase-to-phase
voltages.
[0058] Because each phase is located at a different radius, each
phase will have a different torque. Additionally, if the field in
the air gap is not uniform, another source of variation may be
introduced. Embodiments of the present motor may be arranged to
compensate for unequal torque produced by each phase by, for
example, varying the conductor sizes (depth and arc span) and/or
the number of layers in the phase, in order to balance the torque
and thereby minimize the torque ripple.
[0059] Balancing the torque between phases may also be accomplished
by varying the depth of the cuts made in the windings of each
phase. This is illustrated in FIG. 12, which shows cut depth (such
as cut depth 100) for each of the three sets of windings 102, 104
and 106. The depths of the cuts defining the winding serpentine for
each phase can also be adjusted to shape the back EMF (voltage)
waveform, which can provide improved efficiency. The ratio of the
depth of the permanent magnet arrays to the depth of the winding
cuts may also be varied to achieve a particular desired
characteristic.
[0060] In another possible LSW embodiment for a radial
configuration motor, the phase layers 110, 112, 114 are interleaved
between magnet arrays 116, 118 as shown in FIG. 13. This results in
quasi-identical phases, and thus may avoid the need to make cuts in
the windings as described above, which can be a difficult
manufacturing challenge.
[0061] Another LSW embodiment is shown in FIG. 14, which provides a
half view of the motor. Here, the three phases (120, 122, 124) are
stacked azimuthally in the air gap and between magnet arrays 126
and 128 (which includes ferromagnetic rings 130 in this exemplary
embodiment). This is referred to as a `cage` winding, for which
current flows from one side of the cage to the other.
[0062] FIG. 15 shows another embodiment in which the three phases
140, 142, 144 are stacked azimuthally (magnet arrays not shown).
The three winding sets might also be arranged in a spiral pattern,
with the laminated metal sheets making up each winding continuously
rolled with a dielectric layer.
[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 16a, the LSWs 150 may be provided
with a depth that exceeds that of the magnets 152; a graph of LSW
conductor depth versus torque is shown in FIG. 16b. The portions of
LSWs 150 extending beyond magnets 152 are preferably rounded.
Reducing the conductor depth with respect to the magnet depth
improves efficiency by reducing the conductors' AC resistance
without sacrificing mechanical output. In some embodiments, the
winding ends will simply be straight edges. The winding ends of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 16a are rounded to reduce the total amount
of material required to manufacture the windings. The rounded ends
eliminate material from the straight end windings, where current
would not be flowing in any event. Additionally, the exposed
rounded winding ends can also serve as a heat sink to dissipate
thermal energy into the ambient air surrounding the motor. In one
embodiment, a housing comprising slot features uses the rotational
motion of the machine to create an airflow over the winding ends to
facilitate thermal dissipation; this is discussed in more detail
below.
[0064] Introducing slits throughout the windings will improve
efficiency by reducing the eddy currents induced within the LSWs.
Several different slit orientations and dimensions are possible.
For example, as shown in FIG. 17, elongated linear slits 160 can be
made through LSW 162 along the winding axis to reduce eddy currents
induced within the windings. FIG. 17 also illustrates the use of
cuts 164 as described above. The number and length of the slits may
be adjusted depending on the requirements of a particular
application.
[0065] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 18, curved c-shaped
slits 170 can be positioned near the ends of LSW 172 to encourage
current flow around the primary cuts 174, and thereby reduce eddy
currents. The number of curved slits and the length of the straight
portion of the slits can be adjusted as necessary for a particular
application.
[0066] In yet another embodiment, a combination of elongated linear
slits 180 and curved c-shaped slits 182 around cuts 184 can be made
in LSW 186, as shown in FIG. 19. Here, at least some of the slits
follow the serpentine path created by the cuts to encourage current
flow around the cuts.
[0067] LSWs suitable for an axial configuration of the present
motor is shown in FIG. 20. Motor 200 comprises at least a first
array of magnets which are magnetized axially, and at least a first
set of LSWs which are laid radially in the plane of the motor such
that the magnets produce a magnetic field in the perpendicular axis
aligned with the rotation axis. The magnets and LSWs are arranged
concentrically with an air gap therebetween.
[0068] The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 20 includes an array
of magnets 202, 204 on each side of the LSWs, which here comprises
first, second and third sets of LSWs 206, 208 and 210. Each set of
windings comprises laminated metal sheets laid radially in the
plane of motor 200 to form a continuous stack of series-connected
concentric metal layers, and dielectric insulator layers which
electrically insulate each metal layer from its adjacent metal
layers.
[0069] Windings 206, 208 and 210 are preferably offset from each
other as shown in FIG. 20. Though not essential, the magnet arrays
202 and 204 preferably have a magnetization pattern of
.+-.45.degree. from the azimuthal direction.
[0070] The windings for an axial configuration of the motor are
preferably laid radially in the plane of the motor such that they
follow a serpentine path. This is illustrated in FIG. 21, which has
a portion of top side magnet array 202 removed to reveal the three
serpentine windings 206, 208 and 210 interposed between the two
magnet arrays.
[0071] The windings may be fabricated using various electrically
conductive materials. Some suitable materials include copper,
aluminum, gold, and silver, for example; other conductive materials
might also be used. The metal density of the conductors in each LSW
is much higher than that provided by a conventional wire winding,
resulting in higher force density. Volume and weight are reduced
relative to current input and torque output.
[0072] The LSWs may be fabricated using a subtractive process where
the slits are cut into a base winding material, using a saw or a
laser, for example. The LSWs may also be fabricated using an
additive process, such as 3-D printing, for example.
[0073] Various cooling features are contemplated for the present
motor. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the motor is within a
housing 220 which has vents 222 that may be designed to take air
into the housing interior and pass it over internal elements (e.g.,
the LSWs and magnet arrays) to aid thermal dissipation from the
motor. The vents may also be designed to expel air out of the
housing.
[0074] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, which has most of
housing 220 removed to reveal the motor within, a rotor 230 rotates
within stator 232, with fan blades 234 arranged to spin with the
rotor to force hot air produced near the windings out of the
housing.
[0075] Embodiments of the present motor would be driven with
electrical signals using techniques that are well-known to those
with knowledge of electric motors. Motors may be configured as any
of a number of motor types, including brushless AC and brushless DC
arrangements. Best performance is achieved when three sets of
windings are employed in a 3-phase motor, as described herein,
which are driven with a 3-phase AC signal. Other multi-phase
windings are possible.
[0076] An embodiment which combines high metal density in the LSWs
and at least one Halbach magnet array results in a very significant
motor torque and power increase per unit weight and size. This
further translates into a simpler motor design with reduced cooling
requirements, much less material used per unit power, and higher
efficiency than conventional motor designs. Motor balancing is
simpler with lower rotation mass. Bearings and structures are
reduced in size and mass, further optimizing the overall design.
Installation requirements are minimized due to low mass and small
size. With extremely high flux density in both the magnetic array
and the LSW, torque is considerably higher per unit volume and mass
than conventional designs. Acceleration is much higher, and
efficiency losses due to acceleration are greatly reduced,
especially for motors used in multi-speed applications, such as
vehicles.
[0077] The LSW technology described herein lends itself to additive
manufacturing and advanced materials, giving design freedom not
available with conventional manufacturing technologies. LSWs can be
produced with state-of-the-art deposition methods to further
optimize manufacturability and eliminate the need for complex
winding machines and manual winding steps.
[0078] The embodiments of the invention described herein are
exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements
can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent
results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *