Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, the present invention provides a transient power source that includes a flywheel that stores kinetic energy. In the event of a loss of main or operating power, the kinetic energy stored in the flywheel is converted into electrical energy. As one example, the rotation of the flywheel drives a generator that converts this mechanical (i.e., kinetic energy) into electrical energy. Additionally, the exemplary flywheel, as one embodiment, generates a cooling airflow for various components of the electrical machine. Thus, the rotation of the flywheel not only generates power, but also cools the various components of the transient power source as well.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a motor drive unit from an associated motor includes a motor drive unit protection system. The motor drive unit protection system includes at least one switch configured to be connected between a motor drive unit and a plurality of motor leads of the motor driven by the motor drive unit. The motor drive unit protection system also includes a controller configured to monitor the motor drive unit or the motor to determine a fault condition indicative of the motor potentially operating as a generator. Upon determining the fault condition, the controller is configured to cause the at least one switch to connect the plurality of motor leads together to protect the motor drive unit from the motor when the motor is operating as a generator.

Abstract: In accordance with certain exemplary embodiments, the present technique provides methods and apparatus for providing transient and uninterrupted power to protected loads. As one example, the present invention provides an induction device that operates as an induction motor to energize a kinetic energy storage device, such as a flywheel, during conventional operating conditions. However, in the event of a loss of primary power, the induction device, which is fed ac power at variable frequencies, begins to operate as an induction generator. For example, by varying the frequency of the input ac power such that the synchronous speed of the motor is exceeded by the rotating flywheel, the induction device acts as an induction generator and provides a transient operating power to the downstream loads until an auxiliary power source, such as a diesel generator, is brought on line.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, the present technique provides a reduced current field-oriented-control scheme. For example, the present technique provides a method of controlling an induction device in which a predetermined reduction factor is employed to reduce the flux-current vector of a field-oriented-control scheme. By reducing this vector, less current and less power are drawn by the induction device, in turn reducing resistive heating and stator core losses, for instance.

Abstract: Technique for reducing bearing current discharges in a system by increasing the surface area between the shaft and the frame of the system and thereby increasing the rotor to frame capacitance.

Abstract: Technique for reducing bearing current discharges in a system by increasing the surface area between the shaft and the frame of the system and thereby increasing the rotor to frame capacitance.

Abstract: Technique for reducing bearing current discharges in a system by increasing the surface area between the shaft and the frame of the system and thereby increasing the rotor to frame capacitance.

Abstract: Technique for reducing bearing current discharges in a system by increasing the surface area between the shaft and the frame of the system and thereby increasing the rotor to frame capacitance.

Abstract: A frame for the housing of an electric motor having a top cavity that extends axially along the upper interior portion of the frame and beneath the top wall of the frame. The top cavity functions as a conduit box through which access is provided to the electrical leads of the motor, thus eliminating the need for a separate conduit box attached to the exterior of the housing. The frame also includes an axially extending, corner channel along each of its four corners. The frame is adaptable for both closed and open housing cooling arrangements.

Abstract: An electromechanical machine includes a stator fixed with respect to a housing structure and a rotor fixed with respect to a driven shaft. The stator includes a magnetically permeable core having a plurality of parallel winding slots containing conductive windings. Coilheads are located at opposite axial ends of the magnetically permeable core where the windings turn to extend down a parallel winding slot. The motor is equipped with electrostatic shield arrangements in the winding slots and coilheads to reduce capacitive coupling between the stator and rotor during operation.

Abstract: Variable speed AC motors are selected in accordance with user defined characteristics. A reference database containing information on a selected variety of frame/modules is modified in accordance with selected input data. The complexity of selecting an appropriate sized frame/module is simplified by utilizing key information about the motor electromagnetic characteristics as well as how they will vary due to operation at some user/application-defined operating conditions. The user/application-defined operating conditions are multi-dimensional, and include cooling/enclosure variations, ambient temperature, altitude, service factor, minimum, nominal, and maximum speeds (and corresponding continuous and momentary load torques at each of these speeds). This allows a person without intimate knowledge of motor characteristics to choose an optimal combination of motor and corresponding variable voltage, variable frequency supply for a particular application.