MXPA96005586A - Electrical connector and by fluids of two pieces and my installation method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical and fluid connector for connecting an integrated electro-fluid conductor to a fluid conductor and an electrical conductor, said electrical and fluid connector consists of: a first monolithic member that is formed of an electrically conductive material and is configured for surrounding and therefore electrically fixing to an exposed end portion of said integrated electro-fluid conductor, a second monolithic member which is formed of an electrically conductive material and which is configured for a coupling coincident with said first monolithic member, said second monolithic member includes a lfuid port to facilitate connection to said fluid conductor and being configured for an electrical connection to said electrical conductor, and further characterized in that said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member define a hollow internal chamber when said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member are in matching coupling, said internal hollow chamber consists of a fluid-tight chamber for the fluid to pass between said integrated electro-fluid conductor and said fluid port of said second monolithic member, said fluid passing through of said hollow internal chamber, and further characterized in that said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member provide between themselves an electrical connection between said integrated electro-fluid conductor and said electrical conductor when said second monolithic member is connected to said electrical conductor.

Description

ELECTRIC CONNECTOR AND BY TWO-PITCH FLUIDS AND INSTALLATION METHOD THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to electrical and fluid connectors. More speci fi cally, the present invention refers to an electric and fl uid connection to be used in the ex + rerno of a bar + es + or + in a large electric generator and a rne + odo de ins ta l ation of the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Large elec- tric machines present unique engineering challenges. For example, the operational cooling of electric generators used in large fossil and nuclear power plants is a particularly interesting problem. Of the different parts that require cooling in large electric generators, it is of significant importance to cool stator bars. The stator bars carry most of the electrical energy generated and therefore heat up very quickly due to, for example, general ohmic losses, I2 losses and eddy current losses. For many years, the stator bars have been cooled with water by circulating ultra-pure deionized water in them. This water travels outside the generators to cool arrangements where the heat * is removed, and then recirculated to the generators in a closed loop system. An example of a co-cooled water generator is an electric generator from General Electric Corp. model 4A4U2. The stator bars conventionally comprise multiple strands. These strands are generally rectangular and consist of a material that is electrically conductive, such as copper. They are grouped to form rectangular stator bars. The strands are individually isolated from each other inside a stator bar to reduce the parasitic currents and associated losses. However, the strands of the stator bars are typically welded at their ends to facilitate electrical connection and sealing against liquids thereof. To provide cooling, at least several strands inside the stator bar * are hollowed out so that the cooling water can pass * through them. Since the stator bars carry most of the electrical energy in the generators, the elec + pca connection in them is necessary to extract the electric power from them. In addition, they are necessary means to introduce and remove cooling water from each stator bar. The traditional device for simultaneously providing these electrical and fluid functions is a one-piece fluid and electrical connector shown, for example, in Figure 1 as connector 11. This one-piece connector provides: l) electrical connection of a stator bar 19, through its own copper body (i.e., connector 11) and through a series of copper sheets (and / or copper tubing in, for example, a series circuit system) to a electric busbar in the generator; and 2) fluid connection of the strands carrying water in the stator bar 19, through an internal chamber to a fluid connector 15 where the water passes through a hose for transfer. However, water cooling of stator bars is not free of problems. The leakage of water is a particularly serious problem. Due to the high volume of water passing through the stator bars, even a small leak can lead to a large volume of water entering generator areas where water is not desirable. This can eventually lead to a catastrophic failure of the generator * comprising, for example, a ground fault the electric. In addition, leaks are often very difficult to find because the stator bars are buried in large amounts of insulation depth, deep inside the electric generator. The electric and conventional fluid connector 11, discussed earlier, has a tendency toward water leakage. In addition, once a single water leak occurs, operational experience has shown a tendency toward the development of additional water leaks that are known to occur in different regions associated with the conventional connector 11. As an example, water leakage may occur at the contact surface between the stator bar 19 and the connector 11. This is due to the structure of the fastener and associated assembly method. To explain, during generator assembly, the individual strands that make up the stator bar are inserted into an opening 20 inside the connector 11. The strands are then welded to the connector 11 by a worker who has access to the internal welded areas. through a small window in the connector (the window is shown covered by plate 13). This is a difficult procedure since the space within the connector 11 and the access window are limited. In fact, the window is so small that a worker will typically depend on dental mirrors and other ad-hoc welding means to look at the welded connection that is being created. In this way, poor welded connections that leak water can result. . After the connector to the stator bar is finished welding, the window is closed by welding a copper plate 13 thereon. This window and associated plate 13 still provide another opportunity for water leakage. Thus, in the one-piece conventional electric and fluid connector * there are inherently multiple connections that are prone to damage water leakage. The conventional electrical and fluid connector and the associated assembly techniques have an additional disadvantage. Specifically, there is no way to easily replace a defective connector while the associated stator bar is still inside the generator. Therefore, a complete disassembly of the generator * is usually recommended to replace a leaking connector. Of course, this is very expensive and highly undesirable. The present invention is directed to provide-solutions for the aforementioned problems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Briefly described, in a first aspect, the present invention comprises an electrical and fluid connector for connecting a conductor by electro-fluid to a fluid conductor and an electrical conductor. Specifically, the fluid and electrical connector mixes a first member that is electrically conductive * and is configured to surround and electrically be added to an end portion of the conductor by electro fluid. In addition, the electrical and fluid connector includes a second member that is electrically conductive and is configured for coupling with the first member. The second member includes a port by fluid to facilitate connection to the conductor by fluid and is configured for electrical connection to the electrical conductor. In addition, the first member and the second member define a hollow internal chamber when they are in matching coupling. In particular, the internal hollow chamber comprises a chamber by narrow fluid so that the fluid can pass through the internal hollow chamber between the conductor * by electrode and the fluid port of the second member. Also, the first member and the second member in themselves provide the electrical connection between the conductor by electro-fluid and the electric conductor when it is connected to the second member. As an improvement, the electro fluid conductor may comprise * a stator bar having multiple electrically conducting strands. At least one of the electrically conducting strands may also be adapted to the fluid to drive fluid. In such a case, the member prism is electrically configured to be added to an end portion of the plurality of strands that the conductor (s) conduct. In another embodiment, a method is described for coupling the electrical and fluid connector to the conductor by electro-fluid. The method comprises securing the first member to the conductor by electro-fluid so that the first member surrounds an end portion of the conductor by electrofluid, forms a seal by narrow fluid therein and electrically connects therewith. The method further includes connecting the first member to the second member in engagement to form the internal hollow chamber described above.

As an improvement, the method may include removing an electrical connector and defective fluid from the conductor by electro-fluid before connecting the first member in the same. In addition, the method may include verifying the seal by * narrow fluid connecting the first member and the conductor * by electro-fluid. The techniques of the present invention have numerous advantages and characteristics that can be appended thereto. Specifically, the techniques described herein facilitate the replacement of a defective fluid and electrical connector for a stator bar while the stator bar * is still inside the electrical generator. This advance results in cost savings, while the steps required to physically remove the stator bars * are costly compared to an "in-machine" repair. With or a further advantage, the connector of the present invention provides more narrow fluid seals that are easily verifiable. In addition, the repair of the connector is easily facilitated using the techniques described herein. In this manner, the techniques of the present invention improve the quality of, and repair procedure associated with, the electrical and fluid connectors which terminate the water-cooled stator bars in large electric machines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The subject that is observed as the present invention is particularly noted and specifically claimed in the conclusion portion of the specification. However, the invention as to the organization and method of practice, together with other objects and advantages thereof, can be better understood by reference to the following detailed description -added in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional electrical and fluid connector used at the end of a stator bar; Figure 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the electrical and fluid connector of the present invention in combination with a stator bar and electrical connection sheets; Figures 3 and 4 are a front view and a side view, respectively, of the sleeve portion of an electrical and fluid connector of Figure 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a side view of the electrical and fluid connector of Figure 2 after assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure test artifact that is fitted to a completed stator bar and sleeve assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; The figures ? and 8 are a front view and a side view, respectively, of the stator barrel and sleeve assembly of Figure 6, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 9 and 10 are a front view and a side view, respectively, of an alternate embodiment of the sleeve portion of the electrical and fluid connector of the present invention; Figure 11 is a side view of an assembled fluid and electrical connector using the sleeve of Figures 9 and 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 12 and 13 are a front view and a top view, respectively, of an electrical and fluid connector assembled to be added to a copper pipe in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 14A-14B are flow charts of a method for providing a electric connector and fluid in a stator bar in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

BEST WAY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION As shown in FIG. 2, it is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electrical and fluid non-assembled connector 12 of the present invention in combination with a stator bar 19 and electrical connection blades 17. The connector 12 is composed of two members, a first member referred to herein as a "sleeve" 21 and a second member referred to in J as a "fastener" 23. The sleeve 21 is designed to firmly surround the end of the stator bar 19. Specifically, when the end of the stator bar has its insulation removed to expose the strands within it that make up the stator bar, the sleeve 21 can be welded directly thereto. This welded connection forms a narrow, mechanically rigid, electrically conductive fluid connection between the sleeve 21 and the stator bar * 19. The fastener 23 of the electrical and fluid connector L2 is designed to connect coincidently to the sleeve 21. In this aspect, the fastener 23 has an opening 24 within the same that is precisely machined to receive the fastener 21. The fastener 23 also has a hollow inner chamber 25 for passing water between the strands that conduct fluid from the stator bar 19 and the fluid port 15. The fluid port 15 is adapted to receive a conventional hose 16 of the type used to couple the port by fluid from the conventional connector 11 (Figure i) to facilitate the replacement of it. The fastener 23 (Figure 2) has copper sheets added 17 (and / or copper tubing) that facilitate the electrical connection to a connecting rod in the generator in a manner apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Preferably, the fastener 23 and the sleeve 21 of the electrical and fluid connector 12 are made of machine-forged copper. This has many advantages. First, because the fastener 23 and the sleeve 21 are conductors, they form the electrical connection between the stator bar 19 and the electric blades 17 .. Moreover, the machined parts are altar-sized in size so that an adjustment by Narrow fluid is assured. Additionally, the forged copper that is machined in the fastener 23 and sleeve 21 has low porosity so that leakage in the same is reduced. In contrast, the conventional one-piece electric and fluid connector is typically manufactured by a copper mold process that produces a copper connector with greater porosity than a machine-worked part. I to water leak Through the conventional connector is therefore possible. Further detail regarding the sleeve 21 is shown in Figures 3 and 4. In particular, the sleeve 21 has an aperture 33 made to size to fit over the end of a stator bar (although some space is added to accommodate alloy of welding). In addition, the outer surface of the sleeve contains multiple circumferential grooves 31 therein. These grooves are configured to receive weld alloy which is used to weld the sleeve 21 to the fastener during assembly as described hereinafter in detail with respect to the method of Figures 14A-14B. The multiple grooves are filled with a solder-a alloy so that when they are inserted into the fastener and heated, the adura solder alloy makes contact with areas in the sleeve and fastener so that a highly secure connection is formed between the same. As an example, the front view of Figure 7 shows the different types of strands within the stator bar as they were inserted in the sleeve 21. The hollow strands that conduct fluid 43 and the solid strands 41 are shown. At the time of assembly Initially, the external ones of the strands of the stator bars are welded so that the electrical connection between them is provided. ThusWhen the sleeve 21 is inserted into and welded to, the sleeve is electrically connected to each strand in the stator bar. Once assembled (figure 5), the completed connector L2 provides an electrical connection between the welded strands of the stator bar 19 (for example, fluid toron 43 and non-fluid toron 41, see figure 7) and the electric leaves 17 (and / or copper pipe). Once again, the electrically conductive nature of the fastener 23 and sleeve 21 comprises the electrical connection. In addition, the completed connector 12 passes fluid between the fluid strands (e.g., fluid strand 43), hollow inner chamber 25 and fluid port 15. The water for cooling may flow through the connector in any direction depending on the end of the connector. stator bar to which the connector is installed. For example, if the cooling water were to flow from a first end of a stator bar to a second end, the water would enter the port by fluid from the connector at the first end, would pass through the connector, enter the stator bar and would pass through it, would enter the connector at the second end of the stator bar and would pass out of the port by fluid in the connector at the second end of the stator bar. Of course, fluid flow could be returned. In this way, the connector 12 of the present invention facilitates the connection of a conductor by electro fluid (for example, the stator bar 19) to a separate electrical conductor (for example, electric sheets 17 and / or copper tubing). and to a separate fluid conductor (e.g., a hose 16 added to a fluid port 15 - see Fig. 2). Fluid flow can have many configurations in a generator * with stator bars cooled with water including, for example, a configuration wherein water enters each stator bar from a first transverse channel by fluid to which a hose is added of port by fluid. Water exists from the port by fluid from the connector at the opposite end of each stator bar where it passes to a second transverse channel by fluid that passes the water to external cooling arrangements where it is cooled and then recycled. This configuration is referred to herein as a "one step" configuration because the cooling water passes through a stator bar in a single direction. In another configuration referred to herein as a "two-step" confi rration, the cooling water exiting a stator bar by means of a fluid port of a terminating connector is drawn to the port by fluid "a second step". Stator bar to pass * through the second stator bar. When it leaves the port by fluid from a connector at a second end of the second stator bar, the water goes into cooling arrangements and deepues is recycled. A type of "doe steps" configuration is known as a "series circuit" configuration. In such a machine, a simple copper pipe can be used to carry the electric and fluid current from a stator bar to a next stator bar. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a tapered sleeve 151 is used (Figures 9-10). This tapered sleeve has a solid external surface tapering from a first day and 155 towards a second small diameter 153. The taper is used to provide a snug connection when it is coincidently coupled with a corresponding fastener. Specifically, the sleeve 159 engages comfortably with the fastener 157 (FIG. 11) having a tapered opening 160 corresponding to the swell of the sleeve 159. The fastener 157 facilitates the addition of the cobr-e blades 17 and has a fluid port 15, while sleeve 159 surrounds an end portion of the bar of stem 19 including strands 41 and 43. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrical and fluid connector * of the present invention can be designed to operate in a "series circuit" type configuration. In such a case, the fastener * 161 (FIGS. 12-13) has an end portion 163. which is adapted to mate coincidently with the copper pipe. Actually, the end portion 153 is a fluid port and is adapted for electrical connection to the fastener 161. Once again, the copper pipe draws the cooling water and electric current to an electrical connector and by subsequent fluid and stator bar added In the example shown, the taper type sleeve is shown, although the slot type sleeve of, for example, Figure 3 can also be used. The techniques of the present invention provide for the removal of a defective conventional connector 11 (Figure L) and replacement with the new two-piece connector 12 (Figure 2) described herein. they are described below with respect to the flow chart of Figures 9A-9B.After a leak has been detected, and a connector suspected of leakage has been identified, the insulation surrounding the connector is removed (101). - Figure 9A.) Specifically, the stator bars and connectors are buried deep in large amounts of volumetric insulation so that access to the suspected connector has leakage and associated stator bar requires the removal of the volumetric insulation. Since the volumetric isolation was removed, the alleged leak is verified using gas trace test by means of steps that will be apparent to an expert in the technique (103). As an example, a gas trace test can be performed by means of the following steps: a) Drain the water in the stator cooling water system and in the stator with at least approximately 9 k H2 pressure in the generator . The H2 pressure must remain in the generator during the drainage of water so that the water does not enter the leak by means of capillary action and seal the leak. b) After the gas is purged from the generator and replaced with air, clog the stator winding on top of the generator. c) "Expel" the remaining water from the winding by pressing the winding with high quality air (instrument), and release it quickly with a quick-acting valve. d) Bottling the stator and pulling * the vacuum. e) Keep the vacuum for at least 24 hours or until the generator has been disassembled enough to provide access to check the extreme turns, the cross channel of water and hoses. f) While the unit is being disassembled, check the latest series of Stator Resistance Temperature Detector ("RTD") and Thermocouple temperatures ("TPC"). Identify high temperature coils as leak candidates. g) Break the vacuum in the windings with SF «s gas (sulfur hexafluoride) and press the winding to 0.703 g / cm2 with the gas. h) Test windings with a leakage halogen detector. Use two detectors to verify initial discoveries. i) If both detectors indicate a leak, check the location with a liquid soap bubble test. j) Continue checking the remaining winding for the possibility of more than one leak. I--) If no leak is found with the F6 at 0.703 l-g / crn2, increase the pressure of the SF gas to approximately 13.6L 1-g. Repeat The previous steps h-j. 1) If the leakage check of 13.61 1-g of the winding passes, before making the assembly, the SF6 must be decreased to atmospheric pressure and the sealed winding pressed to 7..03 g / cm2 with an air instrument for a 24-hour pressure decay test. The fastener that is suspected of leakage is therefore found to be defective and requires replacement.

At this stage in the process, a portion of an insulation based on mica tape in the stator bar is removed (ie, lowered) from the area where the stator bar meets the defective connector (105). This exposes the solder that joins the stator bar to the connector * so that removal of the faulty connector is facilitated. Thereafter, the refrigerant blocks (107) are installed on the stator bar near the defective connector to remove excess heat from the stator bar during the removal procedure of the connector. This is because the heat generated during the removal of the connector can damage the stator bar and / or the surrounding insulation. The refrigeration blocks themselves are then tested for water leaks and activated. After confirming the operation of the refrigerant blocks, the water hose and the copper sheets (and / or the copper pipe) are desolded from the defective connector using the torch brazing procedure to facilitate the removal of the same defective connector (109). More specifically, to remove the copper sheets and / or the cobr-e pipe for liquid connections, a one-point torch-brazing method can be used. The fuel for the torch comprises oxygen and propane. The copper sheets are desoldered one at a time, then separated and rolled using pliers. Since there are multiple sheets, it is necessary to rotate each sheet back in a narrow manner against the "water path" to allow enough space for all the sheets to be desoldered. Care should be taken not to break the metal sheets during the desoldering process. For "series circuit" machines cooled with liquid, interconnecting copper tubing must be removed. Care must be taken in removing the pipe so as not to damage the adjacent series circuit connections. A two-point torch that uses propane and oxygen fuel usually works well for this procedure. An induction soldering station that connects common coils surrounding the defective connector is then placed. These coils are cooled with water, and are properly tested to verify * that there are no leaks before use. The soldering station is activated and the defective connector is heated (111) until it gets a cherry red color (approximately 482.2 -593.3 ° C). The temperature can be controlled using, for example, a digital thermometer. Once the desired temperature has been reached, clamps are used to hold each side of the defective connector * and slowly remove it from the stator bar (113). During the removal, the power to the induction heater is discontinued and the refrigerant blocks are checked to make sure they are properly cooling the stator bar. If unusually high temperatures are required to remove the defective connector, then cold air can be blown through the stator bar * from the opposite end to improve cooling. After cooling to room temperature, the opposite ends of the strands that make up the stator bar can be polished (115) to remove the excess solder alloy therefrom. This can be accomplished by any polishing process using a polishing wheel manufactured by 3M Corporation of St. Paul, MN, under the trade name Scotchbpte. The exposed strands of the stator bar are ready to be fixed within the connector sleeve * of the present invention (117). In consecuense, the strands are wrapped with a solder alloy tape (sometimes referred to herein as "strand" solder alloy) so that they are tightly fixed within the sleeve. As an example, a weld alloy tape of the American Weldin Society ("AWS") No. B-CUP 5 can be used. The welding alloy tape must be applied to the strands so that there are no spaces in the attachment of the same to the sleeve. Once the sleeve is fixed, stainless steel pins having a size to fit snugly within the open ends of the flow-carrying strands are slightly inclined within each flow-conducting strand (119) to prevent the alloy from weld flow over the flow openings of the strands and block them during welding. The induction soldering station is again placed, however, this time the used coils are normally designed to be fixed around the connector sleeve of the present invention (coils for both the tapered sleeve and the slotted sleeve are used) . Again, the system is checked for leaks before use. The induction welding station is activated (121 - Figure 14B) and the sleeve is heated until the alloy begins to flow (approximately 648.8 ° C). The adhesive solder alloy of a composition similar to that of the weld alloy tape is added to the front and back of the sleeve during welding to ensure a good connection. In addition, welding alloy is applied to the face of the strands to ensure that they are properly welded together. As a general factor, care must be taken to prevent the solder alloy from being left outside the sleeve so that accurate fixing of the sleeve within the fastener is not affected. Advantageously, access to both the front and rear sides of the sleeve during welding allows the proper welding alloy to be introduced into the appropriate locations. To continue, after sufficient solder alloy has been applied, the soldering station is deactivated and the yarn / sleeve assembly is cooled to room temperature. A cloth impregnated with a 502 alcohol / water solution can be wrapped around the threads and the sleeve to prevent oxidation, and the stainless steel pins can then be removed (123). Once again, to facilitate cooling, air can be blown through the stator bar from the opposite end. After completing the above steps, the sleeve is successfully welded to the strands in a narrow or narrow, mechanically rigid and electrically conductive fashion. To verify the tight integrity of the weld flow, a pressure test cover (Figure 6) comprising a front cover 51 and a rear support 61 is fixed to the sleeve 21 and to the stator bar assembly 1.9. Specifically, the front cover 51 and rear support 61 are held together by screws 71. The front of the sleeve assembly and stator bar is sealed to the front cover 51 by a ring in the form of 0 72. A residue pressure test of gas (Figure 9-125) is subsequently carried out, of which the individual steps will be evident to an expert in the art. If leaks are detected, the induction soldering station is fixed again and the welding is repeated. Once no leakage is detected after welding, the sleeve is cleaned in preparation for welding-to the fastener therein. Cleaning can be carried out, for example, using Scotchbpte polishing wheels as mentioned above. A next step (127) for preparing the sleeve for welding to the fastener includes attaching a round solder alloy 45 (Figure 8) within the slots 31 of the sleeve 21 (the slotted sleeve)., for example, Figure h). This round weld alloy 45 helps to form a tight fit between the sleeve 21 and the fastener and provides a large amount of solder alloy therebetween to facilitate a braze connection in extensive areas in both the sleeve and the fastener, . In addition, the welding alloy of tape 4? it is preferably wrapped around the outside of the sleeve 21 (Figures 7 and 8, and is closely wrapped around the outside of the tapered sleeve 151 of, for example, Figure 10). Additionally, the tape solder alloy is formed into L-shaped pieces and fixed within the fastener using the flow as a temporary holder. In this way, an adequate amount of solder alloy is provided in all contact areas between the fastener and the sleeve so that a close and strong fluid welding connection is provided. The solder alloy used to connect the fastener to the sleeve has a lower melting temperature than the solder alloy used to connect the sleeve to the strands. A low temperature alloy (sometimes referred to herein as a "member" solder alloy) is used so that the fastener can be welded into the sleeve without disturbing the existing weld of the sleeve with the strands. As an example, an alloy designated AUS BAG 7 can be used to connect the sleeve to the fastener. This solder alloy has a melting temperature of about 426.6 ° C, while the solder alloy used to connect the sleeve with the strands was, for example, an AUS B-CUP 5 solder alloy with a melting temperature of approximately 760 ° C. Continuing with the procedure, before welding, the sleeve is placed on the fastener. Since the sleeve and fastener (were manufactured to have a precise fixation, the addition of solder alloy around the sleeve and inside the fastener can make matching the same difficult.) To facilitate easy attachment, the fastener can be Lightly heated (approx. + 93.3 ° C) to expand, then the fastener is placed on the sleeve and allowed to cool so that it contracts and draws over the sleeve (Figure 9B-129) This heating / expansion process may not be necessary for the tapered sleeve 151 of, for example, Figure 10 due to the tapered nature of the sleeve / fastener connection.The induction welding station is equipped with coils that as they surround the fastener *, and the station is checked for cooling water failures, the refrigeration blocks are placed in place on the stator bar and They are also tested to detect cooling water leaks. Once all the tests have been completed, the refrigeration blocks and the induction welding station are activated (131), and the heats rise to the melting point of the BAG 7 solder alloy (approximately 482.2-593.3 ° C). ). During welding, an additional amount of BAG 7 solder alloy may be added to the back of the fastener where it meets the sleeve. By welding the tapered sleeve, it is possible to apply pressure to the holder by pressing the clip and the sleeve tightly together to form a narrow fluid-welded connection. After the welded connection is complete, the induction heater is removed, and the rag moistened with alcohol / water solution is reused, this time to cover the fastener. The assembly can then be tested for leaks by attaching an air hose (133) to the fluid port of the fastener and applying pressure, while controlling for leaks (135). If there are leaks, the welding station is refitted and the welding process repeated. Once an assembly is formed by narrow fluid, the copper sheets (and / or copper pipes) are fixed to the new fastener (137) together with the water hose by means of a torch welding process so that both the separated and fluid separate electrical connections to the connector are established. As final steps, the insulating tape is applied to the end of the stator bar and to the new two-piece connector. The volumetric insulation is subsequently replaced together with any other generating part removed during the repair procedure. With this, the defective connector replacement is completed. As a note, if many defective connectors are being replaced at the same time, then the final leak test can be carried out at the same time on all new connectors. This could save considerable time depending on how many defective connectors are replaced with the two-piece connector of the present invention. If any of the new two-piece connectors fail, then replacement of the connectors is facilitated by an opposite method to that of the installation procedure described above. In summary, first the copper sheets (and / or copper pipes) and the water hose are disconnected from the connector. Assuming complete replacement is necessary, the fastener portion of the connector is subsequently heated to the melting point of the sleeve-to-sleeve welding alloy, and the fasteners removed. The cuff is post-heated (with the pins inserted) and is removed from the strands. The assembly procedure is then moved forward as described in the present, so that a replacement is achieved. Of course, if a leak can be cured at any intermediate level of the disassembly by only re-welding, then subsequent disassembly is not necessary. As an additional note, the two-piece connector of the present invention can be used in the initial manufacture of generators. Due to its high quality welded connections between the stator bar and the new two piece connector, as well as the high quality connections between the clamp and the sleeve of the same connector, the connector of the present invention will initially form a connection. by fluid narrow lines so that a less frequent repair is necessary. However, if a repair becomes necessary, it is easily carried out as described hereinabove. To summarize, the techniques of the present invention have numerous advantages and qualities attributed thereto. Specifically, the techniques described herein facilitate the replacement of a defective fluid and electrical connector fixed to a stator bar while the stator bar is still inside the electrical generator. This breakthrough results in cost savings since a conventional connector repair procedure requires that the stator bars be physically removed from the generator. This type of repair procedure is expensive compared to an "in-machine" repair. In fact, some electric generator manufacturers recommend a complete rebuild of a generator-when the connectors require replacement. Such replacement has an associated excessively high cost. As another advantage, the 1 A connector present invention provides a narrower fluid connection. Moreover, the repair of the connector is practically facilitated using the techniques described herein. In this manner, the techniques of the present invention improve the reliability of, and repair procedure associated with, the fluid and electrical connectors which cause the stator bars cooled with water to terminate in large electrical machines. While the invention has been described in detail herein, in accordance with certain preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is attempted with the appended claims to cover all these modifications and changes falling within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (20)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - An electrical and fluid connector for connecting a conductor by electro-fluid integrated to a fluid conductor and an electrical conductor, said electrical and fluid connector consists of: a first monolithic member that is formed of an electrically conductive material and is configured to surround and therefore securely fixed to an exposed end portion of said conductor by electro-integrated fluid; a second monolithic member which is formed of an electrically conductive material and which is configured for coupling coincident with said first monolithic member, said second monolithic member includes a fluid port for facilitating the connection to said conductor by fluid and being configured for a electrical connection to said electrical * conductor; and further characterized in that said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member define a hollow internal chamber when said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member are in matching engagement, said internal hollow chamber consists of a narrow fluid chamber for fluid to pass between said integrated electro-fluid conductor and said fluid port of said second monolithic member, said fluid passing through said internal hollow chamber, and further characterized in that said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member provide each other with an electrical connection between said integrated electro-fluid conductor and said electrical conductor when said second monolithic member is connected to said electrical conductor.

2. The electric and fluid connector according to claim 1, further characterized in that said integrated electro-fluid conductor is inside an electric machine cooled with liquid, and comprises a stator bar, said first monolithic member being configured to surround and thereby electrically fixing to an opposite end portion of said stator bar.

3. The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 2, further characterized in that said stator bar includes a plurality of electrically conductive strands, at least some electrically conductive strands of said plurality of electrically conductive strands being adapted to conduct a fluid, said first monolithic member being configured to be electrically fixed to an end portion of said plurality of electrically conductive strands.

4. The connector - electric and fluid according to claim 2, further characterized in that said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member are configured so that when they are in matching coupling, said first monolithic member is suspended by jet inside a opening of said second monolithic member.

5. The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 2, further characterized in that said first monolithic member includes at least one groove in an outer surface thereof for receiving a solder alloy consisting of fixing means. for maintaining said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member in a matching coupling.

6. The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 2, further characterized in that said first monolithic member includes a plurality of circumferential grooves in an outer surface thereof for receiving a solder alloy consisting of fixing means for maintaining said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member in coupling coincide * e.

7. The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 2, further characterized in that said first monolithic member is tapered and said second monolithic member has a tapered aperture therein so as to facilitate said commutative coupling between said monolithic member and said second monolithic member.

The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 2, further characterized in that said electrical conductor and said fluid conductor comprise a simple conductive pipe.

9. - In a liquid-cooled electric machine having a plurality of stator bars, further characterized in that a first stator bar is coupled to a second stator bar, said first stator bar and said second stator bar each have a plurality of electrically and fluidly conducting conductor strands that extend therethrough, and further characterized in that an electrical and fluid connector is employed to interconnect said first stator bar and said second stator bar, said electrical connector and by fluid comprising: a first electrolytically conductive monolithic member configured to electrically surround and then secure to an exposed end of said plurality of electrical and fluid conductor strands of said first stator bar; a second electrically conductive monolithic member configured for coupling coinciding with said first monolithic member, said second monolithic member being also fixable to at least one conductive bar the electrician connected to said plurality of electrically and fluidly conductive strands of said second bar. stator, said second monolithic member further including a fluid port; and further characterized in that said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member define a hollow internal chamber when said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member are in matching engagement, said internal hollow chamber comprising a narrow fluid chamber for the fluid to be passed through. between said plurality of electrically conductive and fluid strands of said first stator bar and said fluid port of said second member, said fluid passing through said internal hollow chamber, and when said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member are in coupling coincident, the electrical connection of said plurality of electrical and fluid conductive strands of said first stator bar to at least one electrically conductive bar connected to said second stator bar is achieved.

10. The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 9, further characterized in that said first monolithic member and second monolithic member are each made of copper.

11. The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 10, further characterized in that said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member comprise machined copper so that said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member have a lower porosity. What is the porosity of the cast copper?

12. The electrical and fluid connector (Je according to claim 9, further characterized in that it comprises means for securing said first monolithic member to said electrically and fluidly conducting strands of said stator rod in a narrow fluid form.

13. - The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 12, further characterized in that said means for securing said first monolithic member to said electrically and fluidly conducting strands of said stator rod comprises a strand welding alloy.

14. The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 13, further characterized in that it includes means for securing said first monolithic member to said second monolithic member in a narrow fluid manner when said first monolithic member and said second monolithic member they are in matching coupling.

The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 14, further characterized in that said means for securing said first monolithic member to said second monolithic member comprises a member solder alloy.

16. The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 15, further characterized in that said strand welding alloy has a first melting temperature and said member welding alloy has a second melting temperature, said first melting temperature being higher than said second melting temperature to facilitate welding of said first monolithic member to said second monolithic member without fusing said thread welding alloy.

17. The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 9, further characterized in that said first monolithic member comprises a sleeve that is configured to surround and fix one end of said plurality of electrical and fluid conducting strands of said first bar. of stator.

18. The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 17, further characterized in that said sleeve comprises a substantially rectangular cross section having an opening in the hole that is configured to surround and add one end of said plurality of electrical conductive strands. and fluids of said first stator bar.

19. The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 9, further characterized in that said conductor bar-a comprises one of a plurality of copper sheets and a copper pipe for the chemically storing said first bar of copper. stator to said second stator bar.

20. The electrical and fluid connector according to claim 19, further characterized in that at least one conductive bar is welded to said second monolithic member to provide an electrical connection therebetween.