Abstract: A module-handling tool for facilitating installation, servicing, and/or dismantling of an electromagnetic rotary machine, such as an electrical power generator or electric motor, having a modularized active portion. In one embodiment, module-handling tool is configured for a machine having a modularized stator having a number of removable modules. In one example of such stator-module-handling tool, the tool is designed and configured to hold a stator module and be temporarily secured to the rotor of the machine during the process of installing the stator module into the machine or removing the module from the machine. In this example, the module-handling tool also acts as a module carrier for transporting a module to or from the machine.

Abstract: A module-handling tool for facilitating installation, servicing, and/or dismantling of a electromagnetic rotary machine, such as an electrical power generator or electric motor, having a modularized active portion. In one embodiment, module-handling tool is configured for a machine having a modularized stator having a number of removable modules. In one example of such stator-module-handling tool, the tool is designed and configured to hold a stator module and be temporarily secured to the rotor of the machine during the process of installing the stator module into the machine or removing the module from the machine. In this example, the module-handling tool also acts as a module carrier for transporting a module to or from the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling the rotor in an electromechanical machine such as a wind turbine generator is disclosed. Fluid cooling passages may be formed in the rotor, defined at least in part by a support member for magnets mounted on the rotor. Cooling fluid intake may be through the stator surrounding the rotor.

Abstract: A wind power unit that includes a tower and a support structure that cantilevers from the upper end of the tower. The wind power unit includes an electrical transformer that is suspended from the support structure. In one embodiment, the transformer extends through an opening in the bottom portion of a nacelle that encloses the support structure and includes electrical connections on its upper end that are accessible from inside the nacelle via a service opening in a floor located above the transformer.

Abstract: Electromagnetic rotary machines, such as electrical power generators and electric motors, that have one or more active portions modularized into a set of modules. Each of the modules is secured to a support frame via a sliding-interlock system that allows that module to be slidingly engaged with the support frame. In some embodiments, each module can include an integrated coolant conduit that carries a coolant to cool the active portion during operation. The modules can each be self-contained in the respect that essentially all that needs to be done to form the active portion and corresponding portion of the cooling system is to install the modules and make any remaining electrical and coolant conduit connections.

Abstract: A method and system for attaching a service device to a wind turbine of a wind power unit, using the wind turbine to rotate the service device into one or more service positions, and using the service device to perform servicing on the wind power unit. In some embodiments, a blade of the wind turbine is removed and the service device is mounted in its place. In other embodiments, the service device is mounted to a device mount approximately in a saddle region between adjacent blades. In one example, the service device is a crane. In another example, the service device is a stator module installation/removal tool.

Abstract: A rotor-stator structure including plural bumper elements that may employ synthetic sliding bearing surfaces, mounted to the stator, and designed to contact a machined surface on the rotor if generator structural deflection occurs during operation. During normal operation, the bearing surface is not in contact with the machine rotor. If extreme loads are imposed on the rotor or stator structures, or other issue like bearing failure, causes the air gap to close, the bumper elements will “touch down” on a machined surface on the rotor to maintain a minimum air gap.

Abstract: A wind power unit that includes a tower and a support structure that cantilevers from the upper end of the tower. The wind power unit includes an electrical transformer that is suspended from the support structure. In one embodiment, the transformer extends through an opening in the bottom portion of a nacelle that encloses the support structure and includes electrical connections on its upper end that are accessible from inside the nacelle via a service opening in a floor located above the transformer.

Abstract: Electromagnetic rotary machines, such as electrical power generators and electric motors, that have one or more active portions modularized into a set of modules. Each of the modules is secured to a support frame via a sliding-interlock system that allows that module to be slidingly engaged with the support frame. In some embodiments, each module can include an integrated coolant conduit that carries a coolant to cool the active portion during operation. The modules can each be self-contained in the respect that essentially all that needs to be done to form the active portion and corresponding portion of the cooling system is to install the modules and make any remaining electrical and coolant conduit connections.

Abstract: A module-handling tool for facilitating installation, servicing, and/or dismantling of a electromagnetic rotary machine, such as an electrical power generator or electric motor, having a modularized active portion. In one embodiment, module-handling tool is configured for a machine having a modularized stator having a number of removable modules. In one example of such stator-module-handling tool, the tool is designed and configured to hold a stator module and be temporarily secured to the rotor of the machine during the process of installing the stator module into the machine or removing the module from the machine. In this example, the module-handling tool also acts as a module carrier for transporting a module to or from the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling the rotor in an electromechanical machine such as a wind turbine generator is disclosed. Fluid cooling passages may be formed in the rotor, defined at least in part by a support member for magnets mounted on the rotor. Cooling fluid intake may be through the stator surrounding the rotor.

Abstract: A method and system for attaching a service device to a wind turbine of a wind power unit, using the wind turbine to rotate the service device into one or more service positions, and using the service device to perform servicing on the wind power unit. In some embodiments, a blade of the wind turbine is removed and the service device is mounted in its place. In other embodiments, the service device is mounted to a device mount approximately in a saddle region between adjacent blades. In one example, the service device is a crane. In another example, the service device is a stator module installation/removal tool.