COOLING SLEEVE

Abstract

A cooling sleeve includes a first end that extends to a second end, and at least one coolant inlet member. The cooling sleeve also includes a second sleeve portion. The second sleeve portion includes a first end section that extends to a second end section, and a coolant outlet member. The first and second ends of the first sleeve portion are operatively connected to corresponding ones of the first and second end sections of the second sleeve portion to form a continuous cooling zone. The coolant passing into the inlet member circulates through the cooling zone to create a localized temperature reduction.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to the art of component cooling and, more particularly to a cooling sleeve configured for in situ repair components requiring protection from localized heat.

Over time components wear, age, or become damaged and require repair. In situ repair is desirable, particularly for larger components or components that require significant disassembly to move. There exist several challenges with in situ repair including access to a repair site and a potential for damage to adjacent components. When the repair requires a heat generating process, heat damage to adjacent components is of high concern. Welding processes, for example, generate significant heat that may be conducted through the component requiring repair to adjacent components. Heat sensitive articles such as electronics, wiring, heat sensitive polymers, and the like could be damaged if exposed to heat levels associated with welding repairs. As such, welding is not appropriate for in situ repair when the adjacent components comprise or contain heat sensitive articles. Thus, when welding or another heat generating repair process is necessary adjacent to heat sensitive articles, in situ repair is not practical.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the exemplary embodiment a cooling sleeve includes a first end that extends to a second end, and at least one coolant inlet member. The cooling sleeve also includes a second sleeve portion. The second sleeve portion includes a first end section that extends to a second end section, and a coolant outlet member. The first and second ends of the first sleeve portion are operatively connected to corresponding ones of the first and second end sections of the second sleeve portion to form a continuous cooling zone. The coolant passing into the inlet member circulates through the cooling zone to create a localized temperature reduction.

According to another aspect of the exemplary embodiment, a method of cooling a component during an in situ heat intensive repair process includes positioning a first cooling sleeve portion about a portion of the component. The first cooling sleeve portion includes a coolant inlet member. A second cooling sleeve portion is positioned about another portion of the component. The second cooling sleeve portion includes a coolant outlet member. The first cooling sleeve portion is connected to the second cooling sleeve portion to form a cooling sleeve extending about the portion of the component. A flow of coolant is circulated into the coolant inlet member, about the component through a cooling zone defined by the cooling sleeve, and discharged from the cooling sleeve through an outlet member, a temperature of the component is lowered, and a high temperature repair process is initiated on the component adjacent the cooling sleeve.

According to yet another aspect of the exemplary embodiment, a generator rotor includes a plurality of winding sections. Each of the plurality of winding sections includes at least one conductor. A bearing land is positioned adjacent one of the plurality of winding sections, and a cooling sleeve is arranged about the one of the plurality of winding sections adjacent the bearing land. The cooling sleeve includes a first end that extends to a second end, and at least one coolant inlet member. The cooling sleeve also includes a second sleeve portion. The second sleeve portion includes a first end section that extends to a second end section, and a coolant outlet member. The first and second ends of the first sleeve portion are operatively connected to corresponding ones of the first and second end sections of the second sleeve portion to form a continuous cooling zone. The coolant passing into the inlet member circulates through the cooling zone to create a localized temperature reduction.

These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a component shown in the form of a generator rotor including a cooling sleeve in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an upper left perspective view of the cooling sleeve in accordance with an exemplary embodiment

FIG. 3 is a detail view of a seal member of the cooling sleeve of FIG. 4

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the generator rotor of FIG. 1 illustrating the cooling sleeve being positioned about a portion of the generator rotor;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the generator rotor of FIG. 1, illustrating first and second cooling guns connected to the cooling sleeve in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an upper right perspective view of a cooling sleeve in accordance with another aspect of the exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the cooling sleeve of FIG. 6.

The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a generator rotor is indicated generally at 2. Generator rotor 2 includes a rotor body 4 having a first end 6 that extends to a second end 7. Generator rotor 2 includes a plurality of winding sections 9-11 that include conductors (not shown) which, when rotated in a magnetic field, generate an electrical current. Rotor body 4 also includes a number of bearing lands, one of which is indicated at 14 that rotatably support generator rotor 2 in a generator housing (also not shown). During operation, the bearing lands will occasionally wear. Conventionally, repair of a bearing land was a difficult if often times impossible process. If the repair required welding, exposure of the conductors in the winding sections to intense heat could cause additional damage. As such, often times, generator rotors would be replaced in their entirety when a bearing land required welding or another repair process that involved intense heat.

In the event that bearing land 14 requires welding, a cooling sleeve 20 constructed in accordance with the exemplary embodiment, is mounted to rotor body 4. Cooling sleeve 20 is positioned between bearing land 14 and winding section 10. As will become more fully evident below, cooling sleeve 20 provides localized cooling to rotor body 4 to protect conductors in winding section 10 from exposure to excessive heat generated during a welding or other heat intensive repair to bearing land 14.

As best shown in FIGS. 2-4, cooling sleeve 20 includes a first sleeve portion 30 and a second sleeve portion 32. First sleeve portion 30 includes a first end 37 that extends to a second end 38 through an intermediate portion 40. Intermediate portion 40 includes a first outer edge 42 and a second, opposing outer edge 43. In the exemplary aspect shown, first outer edge 42 includes a seal member 46. Seal member 46 is configured to abut rotor body 4 to substantially limit any escape of cooling fluid from cooling sleeve 20. In order to further prevent leakage, seal member 20 may be provided with a cloth seal strip (not shown). First sleeve portion 30 is also shown to include a first flange member 48 positioned at first end 37, and a second flange member 49 positioned at second end 38. Each flange member 48 and 49 includes a mounting member, shown in the form of openings 50 and 51 respectively. Openings 50 and 51 receive fasteners (not shown) that secure first sleeve portion 30 to second sleeve portion 32 as will be discussed more fully below.

In further accordance with the exemplary aspect shown, second sleeve portion 32 includes a first end section 54 that extends to a second end section 55 through an intermediate section 57. Intermediate section 57 includes a first outer edge section 59 and a second, opposing outer edge section 60. In a manner similar to that described above, first outer edge section 59 includes a seal element 63. In a manner also similar to that described above, second sleeve portion 32 includes a first flange element 66 provided at first end section 54 and a second flange element 67 provided at second end section 55. Each flange element 66, 67 includes a mounting element, such as opening 68 shown on flange element 67 in FIG. 4. With this arrangement, fasteners (not shown) pass through opening 50 and an opening (not shown) on flange element 66 and opening 51 and opening 68 to join first sleeve portion 30 is joined to second sleeve portion 32 to establish a cooling zone 70. More specifically, first sleeve portion 30 is positioned about a first portion (not separately labeled) of bearing land 14 and second sleeve portion 32 is positioned about a second portion (also not separately labeled) of bearing land 14. Once in position, first flange member 48 is joined to first flange element 66 and second flange member 49 is joined to second flange element 67 with bearing land 14 extending though cooling zone 70.

In still further accordance with the exemplary aspect shown, first sleeve member 30 include first and second coolant inlet members 74 and 75 that extend outward from intermediate portion 40. Each coolant inlet member is fluidly connected to cooling zone 70. Second sleeve portion 32 includes an outlet member 78 that extends outward from intermediate section 57. Outlet member 78 includes an opening 80 that is exposed in cooling zone 70. As will be discussed more fully below, a cooling fluid is introduced into each coolant inlet member 74 and 75. The cooling fluid passes into cooling zone 70 and flows about bearing land 14. The cooling fluid then exits from cooling zone 70 through outlet member 78.

During a welding repair, cooling sleeve 20 is positioned about bearing land 14 as shown in FIG. 5. Once in place, a first cooling gun 88 is fluidly connected to coolant inlet member 74 and a second cooling gun 89 is connected to coolant inlet member 75. At this point, a cooling fluid, such as low temperature air or coolant is passed from each cooling gun 88, 89 into cooling zone 70. The cooling fluid circulates about bearing land 14 before exiting through outlet member 78 creating a localized low temperature zone at a portion of at bearing land 14 adjacent to winding section 10. The localized low temperature zone allows a high temperature repair process to be carried out on bearing land 14 without damaging conductors in winding section 10. At this point it should be understood that while the cooling fluid is described as low temperature air, other cooling fluids both gaseous and liquid could be employed.

At this point reference will be made to FIGS. 6 and 7 in describing a cooling sleeve 110 in accordance with another aspect of the exemplary embodiment. Cooling sleeve 110 includes a first sleeve portion 114 and a second sleeve portion 117. First sleeve portion 114 includes a first end 121 that extends to a second end 122 through an intermediate portion 124. First sleeve portion 114 includes an outer sleeve section 126 and an inner sleeve section 127 that collectively define a first coolant passage section 129. Intermediate portion 124 includes a first outer edge 132 and a second outer edge 133. First outer edge 132 is provided with a seal member 135 in a manner similar to that described above. First sleeve portion 114 is also shown to include a first flange member 138 positioned at first end 121 and a second flange member 139 positioned at second end 122. Each flange member 138, 139 includes a corresponding mounting member shown in the form of openings 141 and 142 respectively.

Similarly, second sleeve portion 117 includes a first end section 156 that extends to a second end section 157 through an intermediate section 159. Second sleeve portion 117 includes an outer sleeve member 166 and an inner sleeve member 167 that collectively define a second coolant passage section 170. Intermediate section 159 includes a first outer edge section 178 and an opposing second outer edge section 179. In a manner similar to that described above, first outer edge section 178 includes a seal element 181 formed in a manner similar to that described above. Second flange portion 117 also includes a first flange element 184 positioned at first end section 156 and a second flange element 185 positioned at second end section 157. In a manner also similar to that described above, each flange element 184, 185 includes a corresponding mounting element such as shown in the form of openings 187 on flange 184. With this arrangement, first sleeve portion 114 is joined to second sleeve portion 117. Depending upon the diameter of bearing land 14, a gap may exist between flange member 138 and flange element 184, and flange member 139 and flange element 185.

In further accordance with the exemplary aspect shown, first sleeve portion 114 includes a coolant inlet member 194 that extends outwardly from intermediate portion 124. Coolant inlet member 194 is fluidly connected to first coolant passage sections 129. Similarly, second sleeve portion 117 includes a coolant inlet member 195 that extends outwardly from intermediation section 159 and is fluidly connected to second coolant passage section 170. In addition, coolant sleeve 110 includes a plurality of outlet members or openings 197-202 formed on inner sleeve member 167. Although not shown, additional outlet members or openings are formed on inner sleeve section 127. With this arrangement, a cooling fluid is introduced into coolant inlet member 194. The cooling fluid passes into first and second coolant passage portions 129 and 170 and circulates about bearing land 14 before exiting from outlet members 197-202 into cooling zone 190. In a manner similar to that described above, coolant sleeve 110 is positioned about rotor body 4 to provide localized cooling to protect conductors from excessive heat during, for example, a welding repair.

At this point it should be appreciated that while shown and described in connection with protecting a winding section of a generator rotor from excessive hear during a welding repair, the cooling sleeve in accordance with the exemplary embodiment, can be employed in a wide range of applications that require the establishment of a localized cooling zone. In addition, it should be appreciated that while shown as having a circular cross-section, the cooling sleeve in accordance with the exemplary embodiment can take on a variety of forms. Finally it should be appreciated that the temperature of the cooling fluid may vary depending upon specific application requirements.

While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooling sleeve comprising:

a first sleeve portion including a first end that extends to a second end, and at least one coolant inlet member; and

a second sleeve portion including a first end section that extends to a second end section, and at least one outlet member, the first and second ends of the first sleeve portion being operatively connected to corresponding ones of the first and second end sections of the second sleeve portion to form a cooling zone, wherein coolant passing into the inlet member circulates through the cooling zone to create a localized temperature reduction.

2. The cooling sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the at least one coolant inlet member includes a first coolant inlet member and a second coolant inlet member.

3. The cooling sleeve according to claim 2, wherein each of the first and second coolant inlet members project outward from the first sleeve portion.

4. The cooling sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the first end includes a first flange member and the second end includes a second flange member.

5. The cooling sleeve according to claim 4, wherein the first end section includes a first flange element and the second end section includes a second flange element, the first flange member being operatively connected to the first flange element and the second flange member being operatively connected to the second flange element.

6. The cooling sleeve according to claim 1, further comprising:

a seal member extending between the first and second ends of the first sleeve portion; and

a seal element extending between the first and second end sections of the second sleeve portion, the seal element joining the seal element to reduce axial escape of circulating coolant.

7. The cooling sleeve according to claim 1, wherein the first sleeve portion includes an outer sleeve section operatively connected to an inner sleeve section to form a first coolant passage section extending between the first and second ends.

8. The cooling sleeve according to claim 7, wherein the second sleeve portion includes an outer sleeve member operatively connected to an inner sleeve member to form a second coolant passage section.

9. The cooling sleeve according to claim 8, wherein the at least one coolant outlet comprises a plurality of openings formed in the inner sleeve member, the plurality of openings being fluidly connected to the second coolant passage section.

10. The cooling sleeve according to claim 1, further comprising: a cold gun fluidly connected to the coolant inlet, the cold gun being configured and disposed to deliver a high velocity, low temperature fluid flow into the cooling sleeve.

11. A method of cooling a component during an in situ heat intensive process, the method comprising:

positioning a first cooling sleeve portion about a portion of the component, the first cooling sleeve portion having a coolant inlet member;

positioning a second cooling sleeve portion about another portion of the component, the second cooling sleeve portion including a coolant outlet member;

connecting the first cooling sleeve portion to the second cooling sleeve portion to form a cooling sleeve extending about the portion of the component;

circulating a flow of coolant into the coolant inlet member, about the component through a cooling zone defined by the cooling sleeve, and discharged from the cooling sleeve through an outlet member;

lowering a temperature of the component at the cooling zone; and

initiating a high temperature repair process on the component adjacent the cooling sleeve.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein guiding the flow of coolant into the continuous coolant sleeve comprises activating a cold gun operatively connected to the coolant inlet member.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein activating the cold gun generates a high velocity low temperature coolant flow into the cooling zone.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein guiding the flow of coolant into the cooling zone comprises guiding the flow of coolant into a first coolant passage section defined between an inner sleeve section and an outer sleeve section of the first sleeve portion, and a second coolant passage section defined between an inner sleeve member and an outer sleeve member of the second sleeve portion.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: passing coolant from the first and second coolant passage sections onto the component.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: sealing an interface between the first and second cooling sleeve portions and the component.

17. A generator rotor comprising:

a plurality of winding sections;

a bearing land positioned adjacent one of the plurality of winding sections; and

a cooling sleeve arranged about the one of the plurality of winding sections adjacent the bearing land, the cooling sleeve including: a first sleeve portion including a first end that extend to a second end, and at least one inlet member; and a second sleeve portion including a first end section that extends to a second end section, and at least one outlet member, the first and second ends of the first sleeve portion being operatively connected to corresponding ones of the first and second end sections of the second sleeve portion to form a continuous cooling zone, wherein coolant passing into the inlet member circulates through the cooling zone to create a localized temperature reduction.

18. The generator rotor according to claim 17, wherein the first sleeve portion includes an outer sleeve section operatively connected to an inner sleeve section to form a first coolant passage section extending between the first and second ends.

19. The generator rotor according to claim 18, wherein the second sleeve portion includes an outer sleeve member operatively connected to an inner sleeve member to form a second coolant passage section.

20. The generator rotor according to claim 19, wherein the at least one coolant outlet comprises a plurality of openings formed in the inner sleeve member and fluidly connected to the second coolant passage section.