An Integrated Design Approach for Rim-Driven Motor-Rotors and Impeller-Machinery Based on Closed Impellers
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To minimize energy transmission losses between the rotor and traditional generators,and to mitigate inherent drawbacks of conventional drive systems(e.g., excessive axial dimension, low power density, and intense vibration and noise),this study proposes an integrated structural design method for a rim motor rotor and impeller mechanical system based on a closed impeller.This innovative integration eliminates intermediate transmission components such as drive shafts and mechanical seals,which are the primary sources of energy loss and vibration,thereby achieving direct impeller drive via electromagnetic force and maximizing energy utilization efficiency. This method enables the coupled simulation of aerodynamic and structural performances of the integrated rotor,laying a solid foundation for performance optimization.The seamless integration of the closed impeller with the rim motor rotor enhances structural rigidity while minimizing assembly errors.A permanent magnet synchronous motor is adopted as the core drive component, and a carbon fiber sleeve is mounted on the rotor to resist centrifugal force under high-speed operation at 6000 rpm. Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations, and a compressor aerodynamic test rig of a 15kW rim electric mixed-flow impeller were employed to comprehensively validate the proposed technology.This research provides a novel approach for the high-efficiency upgrading of electromechanical drive systems.
