Abstract: A rotor construction and end turn supporting arrangement for restraining field winding end turns within circumferential slots formed in dynamoelectric machine rotors. Longitudinal slots axially disposed along the rotor intersect the circumferential slots and provide an open-faced housing for disposal therein of the field winding between the axially separated circumferential slots. Wedges are provided for insertion in at least some of the slots for retention therein of the field winding during high-speed rotor rotation. Utilizing electrically conductive wedges in both the longitudinal slots and circumferential slots establishes a rotor cage for carrying undesired eddy currents which are often induced in the rotor material.

Abstract: A system for liquidly cooling rotor coils whose end turns are embedded in the rotor. A distribution chamber and a discharge chamber are arranged on opposite axial ends of the rotor and constitute supply and return manifolds, respectively. The distribution and discharge chambers are fluidly connected to coolant conduits which promote heat transfer to coolant flowing therein from electrical coils disposed in slots formed on the surface of the rotor. The fluid connections include conduits with at least a portion thereof being disposed in longitudinal slots of the rotor. Each of the coolant conduits has at least one 90.degree. bend therein for alleviating conduit stresses imposed by thermal expansion of such conduits. Insulators for the conduits electrically isolate the distribution and discharge chambers from the rotor's electrical coils. Coolant conduits supplying coolant to and receiving coolant from electrical coils near each pole may be disposed in the slots radially inside or outside the coils.

Abstract: A hollow, rotatable shaft bore heater assembly for heating a shaft from its inside to its outside. Rapid rotatable shaft heating is provided by a plurality of electrical heaters situated in slots formed on the inner surfaces of a plurality of foundation members which are insertable in the hollow shaft and are biased thereagainst by biasing structure. When assembled, the foundation members constitute a substantially cylindrical structure which has the slots formed on its inner surface and the electrical heaters are restrained within those axially extending and circumferentially separated slots by insulation disposed on the inner surface of the foundation members across the slots open mouths. The biasing structure provides biasing force between circumferentially adjacent foundation members so as to maintain contact between the shaft and foundation members during non-rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A double ring and radial lead assembly for electrically connecting the exterior and interior of a large, hollow shaft. A first ring secured to the shaft has a radial opening therethrough in general alignment with a radial opening in the shaft between its exterior surface and its interior surface. The first ring is secured to the shaft through an interference fit. An electrical conductor is arranged in the generally aligned openings and is secured in such position. A second conductive ring is attached to the first ring through an interference fit and covers the radially outer end of the radial lead. The second ring acts as a slip ring and provides a rotatable electrical contact surface for maintaining electrical connection with a stationary electrical source. The radially directed conductor and both rings are electrically insulated from the shaft.

Abstract: A discharge chamber seal arrangement for a water cooled turbine generator rotor. The discharge chamber seal arrangement comprises a gland seal operable during high speed operation of the rotor and a contact seal operable during low rotor speed and at standstill. Helical grooves located on the inside diameter of the gland seal develops an axial pressure gradient in the fluid annulus surrounding the shaft to reduce the leakage flow at speed through the gland seal. The helical grooves apply a pumping action which opposes the leakage flow.

Abstract: A discharge chamber seal arrangement for a water cooled turbine generator rotor. The discharge chamber seal arrangement comprises a gland seal operable during high speed operation of the rotor and a contact seal operable during low rotor speed and at standstill. A suitable control arrangement activates and deactivates the contact seal when the rotor is operating in a predetermined operational speed range.

Abstract: In a large turbine generator unit having a liquid-cooled rotor, the liquid coolant is introduced into the rotor through the central bores of the exciter shaft and the generator shaft. This requires coolant tubes and electrical conductors for the field excitation current to be placed in the bores of the shafts, and requires joints between the coolant tubes and connections between the electrical conductors at the junction of the shafts in addition to a mechanical coupling for making a driving connection between the shafts. The invention provides means for making the necessary coolant tube joints and electrical connections within the mechanical coupling after the exciter and generator shafts have been aligned and are in the final coupling position.

Abstract: A liquid-cooled rotor is provided for large dynamoelectric machines, such as turbine generators, in which a coolant liquid such as water is supplied through a shaft bore and radial passages to an annular distribution chamber on the surface of the rotor. Water flows from the chamber to the rotor winding, and back to the chamber, through insulating hoses which are distributed about the circumference of the chamber, and coolant tubes are connected to the insulating hoses to carry the liquid to and from the rotor winding. The tubes are brought together in groups in a transition region from which they extend into slots in the surface of the rotor. The tubes are disposed in the transition region so as to minimize the space required and are supported against rotational forces in a manner to facilitate manufacture and repair.