Abstract: A direct-drive power train of a wind power plant is protected from over-torque by a torque limiting device. The power train includes a turbine rotor including a hub and blades supported on the hub, and a generator including a stator and a generator rotor rotatably disposed within the stator. The generator rotor includes a generator rotor body, a rotor shaft, and the torque limiting device connects the generator rotor body to the rotor shaft. The torque limiting device is configured to support the generator rotor body within the stator and allow coaxial rotation of the rotor body relative to the stator. The hub and the generator rotor are connected by the rotor shaft, and the rotor shaft rotates at the same frequency as the hub.

Abstract: A direct-drive power train of a wind power plant is disclosed. The power train includes a turbine rotor including a hub and blades supported on the hub, and a generator including a stator and a generator rotor rotatably disposed within the stator. The generator rotor includes a generator rotor body, a rotor shaft, and a torque limiting device connecting the generator rotor body to the rotor shaft. The torque limiting device is configured to support the generator rotor body within the stator and allow coaxial rotation of the rotor body relative to the stator. The hub and the generator rotor are connected by the rotor shaft, and the rotor shaft rotates at the same frequency as the hub.

Abstract: A support module is provided for use in a rotor assembly of a rotating machine. The support module is disposed on the rotor body, supports high temperature superconductor rotor windings within the rotor assembly, and thermally decouples the cold portions of the rotor assembly, including windings and support tube, from the ambient temperature rotor body and drive shaft. The support module includes a frame disposed on the rotor body, a support block connected to the rotor winding and suspended within the frame, and thermally non-conductive straps extending from each of a pair of opposed sides of the support block to the frame, the straps suspending the support block within the frame.

Abstract: A support module is provided for use in a rotor assembly of a rotating machine. The support module is disposed on the rotor body, supports high temperature superconductor rotor windings within the rotor assembly, and thermally decouples the cold portions of the rotor assembly, including windings and support tube, from the ambient temperature rotor body and drive shaft. The support module includes a frame disposed on the rotor body, a support block connected to the rotor winding and suspended within the frame, and thermally non-conductive straps extending from each of a pair of opposed sides of the support block to the frame, the straps suspending the support block within the frame.

Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a superconducting winding assembly positioned within a cryogenic region of the rotor assembly. In operation, the superconducting winding assembly generates a magnetic flux linking a stator assembly. The rotor assembly also includes a torque transfer assembly that includes first and second tubes that are positioned in a radial space external to the superconducting winding assembly and that extend along a longitudinal axis of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a superconducting winding assembly positioned within a cryogenic region of the rotor assembly. In operation, the superconducting winding assembly generates a magnetic flux linking a stator assembly. The rotor assembly also includes a torque transfer assembly that includes first and second tubes that are positioned in a radial space external to the superconducting winding assembly and that extend along a longitudinal axis of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A cryogenic cooling system for cooling a thermal load disposed in a rotating reference frame. The cryogenic cooling system includes a cryocooler disposed in the rotating reference frame, the cryocooler including a cold head for cooling the thermal load, and a circulator disposed in the rotating reference frame and connected to the cryocooler, the circulator circulating a coolant to and from the thermal load.

Abstract: A stator assembly including a plurality of stator coil assemblies and a stator coil support structure constructed of a non-magnetic, thermally-conductive material. The stator coil support structure includes an axial passage for receiving a rotor assembly and a plurality of channels positioned radially about the axial passage. Each channel is configured to receive one or more of the stator coil assemblies.

Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a superconducting winding assembly positioned within a cryogenic region of the rotor assembly. In operation, the superconducting winding assembly generates a magnetic flux linking a stator assembly. The rotor assembly also includes a torque transfer assembly that includes first and second tubes that are positioned in a radial space external to the superconducting winding assembly and that extend along a longitudinal axis of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A stator assembly including a plurality of stator coil assemblies and a stator coil support structure constructed of a non-magnetic, thermally-conductive material. The stator coil support structure includes an axial passage for receiving a rotor assembly and a plurality of channels positioned radially about the axial passage. Each channel is configured to receive one or more of the stator coil assemblies.

Abstract: A stator assembly including a plurality of stator coil assemblies and a stator coil support structure constructed of a non-magnetic, thermally-conductive material. The stator coil support structure includes an axial passage for receiving a rotor assembly and a plurality of channels positioned radially about the axial passage. Each channel is configured to receive one or more of the stator coil assemblies.

Abstract: A system includes an azimuthing pod configured to be attached to the hull of a ship, a superconducting motor positioned within the azimuthing pod, a refrigeration system including a compressor and a cryogenic refrigeration module coupled to the compressor. The system further comprises a transfer system configured to circulate a coolant between the cryogenic refrigeration module and the superconducting machine, at least one of the compressor and the cryogenic refrigeration module being positioned within the hull of the ship.

Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a superconducting winding assembly positioned within a cryogenic region of the rotor assembly. In operation, the superconducting winding assembly generates a magnetic flux linking a stator assembly. The rotor assembly also includes a torque transfer assembly that includes first and second tubes that are positioned in a radial space external to the superconducting winding assembly and that extend along a longitudinal axis of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A stator assembly includes a plurality of stator coil assemblies and a stator coil support structure constructed of a non-magnetic, thermally-conductive material. The stator coil support structure includes an axial passage for receiving a rotor assembly and a plurality of channels positioned radially about the axial passage. Each channel is configured to receive one or more of the stator coil assemblies.

Abstract: A superconducting coil assembly is of the type mounted to a rotor assembly of an electric rotating machine and, in operation, is maintained at cryogenic temperatures while the portion of the rotor assembly is maintained above cryogenic temperatures. The superconducting coil assembly includes at least one superconducting winding wound about a longitudinal axis of the coil assembly and having an inner radial surface defining a bore extending through the coil assembly. The coil assembly also includes at least one support member extending across the bore and mechanically coupled to the portion of the rotor assembly and to opposing portions of the inner radial surface of the at least one superconducting winding.

Abstract: A stator support system for supporting a stator coil assembly includes an inner support tube having an outer surface; spaced windings supported on the inner support tube with spaces between adjacent windings defining gaps; support members, each disposed within one of the gaps and having a first and second edge configured to mechanically engage the outer surface of the inner support tube; and a cross support positioned over the spaced winding and extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator coil assembly. The cross support having a first edge configured to mechanically engage the second edge of the support members.

Abstract: A stator support system for supporting a stator coil assembly includes a inner support tube having an outer surface; spaced windings supported on the inner support tube with spaces between adjacent windings defining gaps; support members, each disposed within one of the gaps and having a first and second edge configured to mechanically engage the outer surface of the inner support tube; and a cross support positioned over the spaced winding and extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stator coil assembly. The cross support having a first edge configured to mechanically engage the second edge of the support members.

Abstract: A superconducting rotor assembly includes an axial shaft and a winding support structure. A torque tube is connected to this winding support structure. An interconnection assembly mechanically couples the torque tube to the axial shaft. This interconnection assembly is configured to convert a torsional torque load experienced by the torque tube to a tangential torque load which is provided to the axial shaft.

Abstract: A superconducting rotor assembly includes an axial shaft and a winding support structure. A torque tube is connected to this winding support structure. An interconnection assembly mechanically couples the torque tube to the axial shaft. This interconnection assembly is configured to convert a torsional torque load experienced by the torque tube to a tangential torque load which is provided to the axial shaft.

Abstract: A superconducting rotor assembly includes an axial shaft and a winding support structure. A torque tube is connected to this winding support structure. An interconnection assembly mechanically couples the torque tube to the axial shaft. This interconnection assembly is configured to convert a torsional torque load experienced by the torque tube to a tangential torque load which is provided to the axial shaft.