WO2009005284A2

WO2009005284A2 - Omega cooling apparatus for generator and manufacturing method thereby

Info

Publication number: WO2009005284A2
Application number: PCT/KR2008/003869
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kang Ill An
Original assignee: Neo Powertec Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-07-02
Filing date: 2008-07-01
Publication date: 2009-01-08
Also published as: WO2009005284A3; KR100907953B1; KR20090002686A

Abstract

A method of manufacturing an omega cooling apparatus for generators is disclosed. The step of manufacturing the cooling apparatus including a plurality of tubes and a plurality of plate fins is simple, so that a worker can more easily manufacture the cooling apparatus, and the manufacturing costs of the cooling apparatus can be reduced, thus considerably increasing the productivity of the cooling apparatus. Further, the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling apparatus is improved, and the plurality of plate fins is not deformed while the plurality of tubes is bent into an omega shape.

Description

OMEGA COOLING APPARATUS FOR GENERATOR AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREBY

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an omega cooling apparatus for generators, in which a step of manufacturing the cooling apparatus including a plurality of tubes and a plurality of plate fins is simple, so that a worker can more easily manufacture the cooling apparatus, and the manufacturing costs of the cooling apparatus can be reduced, thus considerably increasing the productivity of the cooling apparatus, and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling apparatus, and preventing the plurality of plate fins from being deformed while the plurality of tubes is bent into an omega shape. Background Art

[2] Generally, a generator is a machine which is important for the production and use of electric power.

[3] Such a generator generates a high temperature heat while the generator is operated.

When the heat of high temperature accumulates in a frame, the winding insulation of the generator is destroyed.

[4] Meanwhile, the Siemens Ltd. in USA and Germany has proposed a generator 1 which has a cooling apparatus 5 therein to dissipate heat, generated from the generator 1, to the outside, thus cooling the interior of the generator 1, as shown in FIG. 1.

[5] In a detailed description, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooling apparatus 5 includes a housing 5a, a plurality of heat dissipation tubes 5b, and positioning plates 5d. The housing is provided in the generator 1. The heat dissipation tubes are accommodated in the housing 5a, and are arranged in rows while being bent into an omega shape. The positioning plates function to position the plurality of heat dissipation tubes 5b at regular intervals.

[6] Cooling water circulates in the heat dissipation tubes 5b, and performs a heat exchange process with a high temperature heat which is generated in the generator 1. A spiral fin 5c is formed on the outer circumference of each heat dissipation tube 5b so as to increase a contact area with the high temperature heat which is generated in the generator 1, thus increasing the heat exchange efficiency of the heat dissipation tube 5b.

[7] However, since the heat dissipation tubes 5b are usually manufactured using expensive copper, the manufacturing costs of the cooling apparatus 5 are undesirably increased. [8] Further, the spiral fin 5c formed on the outer circumference of each heat dissipation tube 5b is machined by a machine tool having a rotary blade so as to form a spiral groove in the outer circumference of each heat dissipation tube 5b. However, the process of forming the spiral fin 5c is complex, so that manufacturing costs are increased, and it takes a long time to machine the spiral fin 5c, thus considerably reducing the productivity of the cooling apparatus 5.

[9] Further, when a worker bends the heat dissipation tubes 5b into the omega shape, the heat dissipation tubes 5b have different bending radiuses, so that the heat dissipation tubes 5b must be manufactured one by one. Unless the heat dissipation tubes are precisely manufactured, the heat dissipation tubes 5b cannot be mounted on the positioning plates 5d, and so it takes a long time to manufacture the heat dissipation tubes, and the rate of defectives is high.

[10] Moreover, since a large force is required to bend the heat dissipation tubes 5b into the omega shape, bending them is difficult. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[11] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing an omega cooling apparatus for generators, in which a step of manufacturing the cooling apparatus including a plurality of tubes and a plurality of plate fins is simple, so that a worker can more easily manufacture the cooling apparatus, and the manufacturing costs of the cooling apparatus can be reduced, thus considerably increasing the productivity of the cooling apparatus, and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling apparatus, and preventing the plurality of plate fins from being deformed while the plurality of tubes is bent into an omega shape. Technical Solution

[12] In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an omega cooling apparatus for a generator, including preparing a plurality of tubes having a predetermined length, cooling water circulating in the tubes to perform a heat exchange operation with heat generated from the generator; preparing a plurality of plate fins having a plurality of insert holes which are formed at regular intervals in one or more rows, and having an annular protrusion which protrudes from each of the insert holes; inserting the plurality of tubes into the insert holes of the plurality of plate fins, so that the plurality of plate fins is arranged on outer circumferences of the plurality of tubes at regular intervals; and bending the plurality of tubes, on which the plurality of plate fins is arranged at regular intervals, into an omega shape. [13] The method may further include expanding the interior diameter of the plurality of tubes inserted into the insert holes, thus securing the plurality of plate fins to predetermined positions on the plurality of tubes.

[14] A crease unit may be provided on each of the plate fins.

[15] Further, each of the plate fins may be made of an aluminum material.

[16] Each of the plate fins may have a thickness from 0.1 to 0.4mm.

[17] A thickness of the annular protrusion of each of the plate fins may be 2.5mm or less.

[18] Further, the present invention provides an omega cooling apparatus, including a plurality of plate fins having a plurality of insert holes arranged at regular intervals in one or more rows and an annular protrusion which protrudes from each of the insert holes; and a plurality of tubes inserted into the corresponding insert holes of the plurality of plate fins, and bent into an omega shape.

Advantageous Effects

[19] As described above, the present invention is advantageous in that a cooling apparatus including a plurality of tubes and a plurality of plate fins efficiently dissipates heat from a generator to the outside, and it is simple to manufacture a cooling apparatus, thus allowing a worker to more easily manufacture the cooling apparatus, and reducing the manufacturing costs of the cooling apparatus, thereby considerably improving the productivity of the cooling apparatus.

[20] Further, the present invention is advantageous in that, when a plurality of insert holes of the plate fins for receiving the plurality of tubes is arranged in one or more rows at regular intervals, the plurality of tubes inserted into the plurality of insert holes is arranged in one or more rows, thus increasing the contact area with the heat generated by the generator, therefore increasing the heat exchange efficiency of the tubes, that is, of the cooling apparatus.

[21] Furthermore, the present invention is advantageous in that the plurality of tubes, on which the plurality of plate fins is arranged at regular regulars, is bent into an omega shape by a bending machine, thus allowing the plurality of tubes to be simultaneously bent more easily into the omega shape without exerting a large force, therefore affording easier manufacture, and obviating the necessity of bending the plurality of tubes into the omega shape one by one, unlike in the prior art.

[22] Further, the present invention is advantageous in that the plurality of plate fins can be more firmly secured to predetermined positions on the plurality of tubes, due to the step of expanding the interior diameter of the plurality of tubes and securing the plurality of plate fins to the plurality of tubes.

[23] Further, the present invention is advantageous in that a crease unit is provided on each plate fin, thus increasing a contact area of the plate fin with heat generated from the generator, therefore more remarkably increasing the heat exchange efficiency of the tubes, that is, of the cooling apparatus, and more remarkably improving the heat dissipating effect for dissipating the heat from the generator to the outside.

[24] Moreover, the present invention is advantageous in that each plate fin is made of an aluminum material, so that costs for manufacturing the plate fin can be reduced, thus considerably reducing the manufacturing costs of the cooling apparatus.

[25] Further, the present invention is advantageous in that each plate fin has a thickness from 0. lmm to 0.4mm, so that a larger number of plate fins can be provided on the plurality of tubes, thus more efficiently dissipating heat from the generator to the outside, and also preventing the plurality of plate fins from deformation while the plurality of tubes are bent into an omega shape.

[26] Furthermore, the present invention is advantageous in that an annular protrusion of each plate fin has a thickness of 2.5mm or less, thus preventing the plurality of plate fins from being deformed while the plurality of tubes are bent into an omega shape, and a larger number of plate fins can be provided on the outer circumferences of the tubes, thus more efficiently dissipating the heat from the generator to the outside. Brief Description of the Drawings

[27] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a conventional cooling apparatus provided in a generator;

[28] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a plurality of dissipation tubes and positioning plates included in the conventional cooling apparatus;

[29] FIG. 3 is a block flowchart illustrating respective steps of an embodiment of the present invention;

[30] FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views schematically illustrating a plurality of tubes and a plurality of plate fins according to the present invention;

[31] FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state in which the plurality of tubes is inserted into a plurality of insert holes;

[32] FIG. 7 is a schematic view taken along line A-A of FIG. 6;

[33] FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state in which the interior diameter of the plurality of tubes is expanded;

[34] FIG. 9 is a sectional view schematically illustrating the interior of each tube when the interior diameter of the plurality of tubes is expanded;

[35] FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view schematically illustrating the state in which a crease unit is provided on each plate fin; and

[36] FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective view schematically illustrating the state in which the plurality of tubes, on which the plurality of plate fins is arranged at regular intervals, is bent into an omega shape. [37] * Description of reference characters of important parts*

[38] 1: generator, 5: cooling apparatus,

[39] 5a: housing, 5b: heat dissipation tube,

[40] 5c: spiral fin, 5d: positioning plate,

[41] 10: tube, 13: circulation passage,

[42] 30: plate fin, 33: annular protrusion,

[43] 33a: projection, 35: insert hole,

[44] 37: crease unit, 37a: first crease part,

[45] 37b: second crease part, 70: ball,

[46] S 1 : tube preparation step,

[47] S2: plate fin preparation step,

[48] S3: tube insertion step, S4: tube expansion step,

[49] S5: tube bending step.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[50] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment which will be described below, and various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

[51] FIG. 3 is a block flowchart illustrating respective steps of an embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views schematically illustrating a plurality of tubes 10 and a plurality of plate fins 30 according to the present invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state in which the plurality of tubes 10 is inserted into a plurality of insert holes 35, and FIG. 7 is a schematic view taken along line A-A of FIG. 6.

[52] As shown in FIG. 3 which is a block flowchart illustrating respective steps of the present invention, the present invention includes a tube preparation step Sl, a plate fin preparation step S2, a tube insertion step S3, and a tube bending step S5.

[53] First, the omega (Ω) shaped cooling apparatus for cooling the interior of a generator includes a plurality of tubes which are to be bent into the omega shape, and a plurality of plate fins which are secured to predetermined positions on the plurality of tubes.

[54] Here, the tube preparation step Sl and the plate fin preparation step S2 are steps which prepare the plurality of tubes and the plurality of plate fins of the cooling apparatus, respectively.

[55] In a detailed description, at the tube preparation step Sl, the plurality of tubes each having a predetermined length is prepared. Cooling water is circulated in the tubes and performs a heat exchange process with heat generated from the generator. The shape of the plurality of tubes is not limited to that of the accompanying drawings.

[56] Here, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a circulation passage 13 having a predetermined dimension is defined in each of the tubes 10, so that the cooling water flows in and out the circulation passage.

[57] Further, the interior diameter of the plurality of tubes 10 is expanded at a tube expansion step which will be described later. In order to more easily expand the interior diameter of the plurality of tubes 10, the tubes 10 are made of a soft material.

[58] Next, the plate fin preparation step S2 is the step of preparing the plurality of plate fins 30 which are to be secured to predetermined positions on the plurality of tubes 10. The shape of the plate fins 30 is not limited to that of the accompanying drawings. The plate fins may be previously manufactured and prepared using a forming machine.

[59] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each of the plate fins 30 has on the first surface thereof a plurality of insert holes 35 which are arranged at regular intervals to form one or more rows, and annular protrusions 33 which protrude from the corresponding insert holes 35.

[60] Here, when the plurality of insert holes 35 of the plate fins 30, into which the plurality of tubes 10 is inserted, is arranged at regular intervals in one or more rows, as shown in FIG. 5, the tubes 10 inserted into the insert holes 35 are also arranged in one or more rows. Thereby, the contact area of the tubes 10 with heat generated from the generator is increased, thus improving the heat exchange efficiency of the tubes 10, that is, of the cooling apparatus 5.

[61] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the plurality of plate fins 30 may be prepared through another method. That is, the plurality of plate fins 30 may be prepared at regular intervals by positioning plates having holes, into which the lower ends of the plate fins 30 are inserted, at regular intervals. As such, the plate fins may be prepared at regular intervals through other methods.

[62] Here, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the plurality of tubes 10 is horizontally prepared on the second surfaces of the plate fins 30.

[63] Of course, the plurality of tubes 10 may be horizontally prepared on the first surfaces of the plate fins 30.

[64] Here, the tubes 10, which are horizontally prepared on the first or second surfaces of the plate fins 30, have the same number as the number of the insert holes 35 which are formed in the first surface of each plate fin 30 in one or more rows.

[65] Next, the tube insertion step S2 is the step of inserting the plurality of tubes 10 into the plurality of insert holes 35 of the plurality of plate fins 30.

[66] First, a worker inserts the plurality of tubes 10, horizontally prepared on the first or second surfaces of the plurality of plate fins 30, into the plurality of insert holes 35 of the plurality of plate fins 30, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. [67] Thus, the plurality of plate fins 30 may be arranged on the outer circumferences of the plurality of tubes 10 at regular intervals, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. [68] Since the annular protrusions 33 protrude from the insert holes 35 which are formed in the first surfaces of the plate fins 30 in one or more rows, a spacing distance L can be maintained between neighboring plate fins 30 provided on the outer circumferences of the tubes 10. [69] Here, a projection 33a (see FIG. 9) is projected upwards from each annular protrusion 33. [70] The projection 33a allows each annular protrusion 33 to contact a larger surface of an associated tube 10. Thus, the annular protrusions 33 can more easily maintain a spacing distance L between neighboring plate fins 30. [71] Meanwhile, the plurality of tubes 10 may be inserted into the corresponding insert holes 35 of the plate fins 30, through another method. [72] In a detailed description, first, a worker sets up the plurality of tubes 10 vertically at regular intervals. [73] Next, the plate fins 30 are placed horizontally on the upper ends of the tubes 10 which are aligned vertically. [74] In such a state, the plate fins 30 prepared horizontally are sequentially fitted over the tubes 10 which are set up vertically, so that the plurality of plates fins 30 is placed on the plurality of tubes 10. [75] At this time, the tubes 10 are inserted into the corresponding insert holes 35 of the plate fins 30. [76] Through the above-mentioned methods, a worker can insert the plurality of tubes 10 into the corresponding insert holes 35 of the plate fins 30. However, the method of inserting the tubes 10 into the corresponding insert holes 35 of the plate fins 30 is not limited to the above-mentioned methods. That is, the plurality of tubes 10 may be inserted into the corresponding insert holes 35 of the plate fins 30 through various other methods. [77] Meanwhile, after the tube insertion step S2, as shown in FIG. 3, a tube expansion step S4 may be included to expand the interior diameter of the plurality of tubes 10. [78] FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the state in which the interior diameter of the plurality of tubes 10 is expanded, FIG. 9 is a sectional view schematically illustrating the interior of each tube when the interior diameter of the plurality of tubes 10 is expanded, and FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view schematically illustrating the state in which a crease unit 37 is provided on each plate fin 30. [79] In detail, the tube expansion step S3 is the step which expands the interior diameter of the plurality of tubes 10 and secures the plate fins 30 to predetermined positions on the tubes 10. [80] Here, the method of expanding the interior diameter of the plurality of tubes includes a method of expanding the tubes 10 using balls 70, a method of expanding the tubes 10 using an expanding member which includes a support rod having a predetermined length and an expanding ball integrally provided on one end of the support rod, and a method of expanding the tubes 10 using high pressure and water pressure.

[81] First, when a worker desires to expand the tubes 10 using the balls 70, as shown in

FIG. 8, the balls 70 are inserted into the tubes 10, namely, the circulation passages 13, and thereafter are discharged to the outside.

[82] As shown in FIG. 8, the diameter D2 of each ball 70 is larger than the diameter Dl of each circulation passage 13. That is, the diameter of the ball is set such that the outer circumference of each tube 10 is in close contact with an associated insert hole 35 of each plate fin 30.

[83] Meanwhile, after each ball 70 is inserted into an associated circulation passage 13, the ball 70 is, as shown in FIG. 9, pushed from one end of the circulation passage to the other end under predetermined pressure using the support rod (not shown) having a predetermined length, so that the ball 70 is discharged to the outside of the circulation passage 13.

[84] At this time, the diameter Dl of the circulation passage 13 of each tube 10 is gradually expanded as shown in FIG. 9. Thus, the outer circumference of each tube 10 is in close contact with the plurality of insert holes 35 of the plate fins 30.

[85] As such, the outer circumferences of the tubes 10 are in close contact with the plurality of insert holes 35, thus more firmly securing the plurality of plate fins 30 to predetermined positions on the tubes 10.

[86] Further, when a worker desires to expand the diameter Dl of each tube 10 using the expanding member, first, the expanding ball of the expanding member is inserted into the associated circulation passage 13.

[87] Further, predetermined pressure is applied to the support rod of the expanding member, which is not inserted into the associated circulation passage 13, so that the support rod of the expanding member passes through the circulation passage 13 and then is discharged to the outside.

[88] At this time, the expanding ball of the expanding member, integrally provided on one end of the support rod of the expanding member, is moved from the interior of the circulation passage 13 to the exterior thereof, thus expanding the diameter of the associated tube 10.

[89] In contrast, the support rod of the expanding member may first pass through the corresponding circulation passage 13 so as to expand the diameter of the associated tube 10.

[90] As such, when the support rod of the expanding member passes through the associated circulation passage 13, the expanding ball of the expanding member, which is not inserted into the circulation passage 13, passes through the circulation passage 13 along with the support rod of the expanding member which passes through the circulation passage 13, thus expanding the diameter of the associated tube 10.

[91] Further, a worker may expand the tube 10 having a diameter Dl using high pressure and water pressure. At this time, due to the high pressure and water pressure applied to the circulation passage 13 of each tube 10, the diameter Dl of the tube 10 may be gradually increased.

[92] Through the above-mentioned methods, a worker may expand the tube 10 having the diameter Dl. However, the method of expanding the tube 10 having the diameter Dl is not limited to the above-mentioned methods, and it is possible to expand the tube 10 having the diameter Dl through various other methods.

[93] As described above, because of the tube expansion step S4 which expands the d iameter of the plurality of tubes 10 and secures the plate fins 30 to predetermined positions on the tubes 10, the plurality of plate fins 30 can be more firmly secured to the tubes 10.

[94] Preferably, as shown in FIG. 10, a crease unit 37 is provided on each of the plate fins

30 which are more firmly secured to predetermined positions on the outer circumference of the tubes.

[95] In detail, as shown in FIG. 10, the crease unit 37 includes a first crease part 37a which is bent towards the left in a downward direction from the upper position to the lower position, and a second crease part 37b which integrally extends downwards from the first crease part 37a in such a way as to be bent to the right in a downward direction from the upper position to the lower position. The first and second crease parts 37a and 37b are repeatedly formed on the plate fins 30.

[96] Further, the crease unit 37 is provided on each plate fin 30, so that the contact area of the plate fin 37 with heat generated from the generator can be increased, and thus the heat exchange efficiency of the tubes 10, namely, of the cooling apparatus 5 can be more considerably improved. Thereby, the effect of dissipating the heat generated from the generator to the outside can be more remarkably improved.

[97] The plate fins 30, provided on the plurality of tubes 10, are made of copper or aluminum. Preferably, the plate fins are made of aluminum.

[98] The reason for this is because when the plate fins 30 are made of cheap aluminum rather than expensive copper, this leads to a considerable reduction in the costs of manufacturing the plurality of plate fins 30.

[99] As such, when the plurality of plate fins 30 is made of aluminum, the costs of manufacturing the plate fins 30 can be reduced, so that the manufacturing costs of the cooling apparatus 5 can be more considerably reduced in comparison with that of a conventional cooling apparatus.

[100] FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective view schematically illustrating the state in which the plurality of tubes 10, on which the plurality of plate fins 30 is arranged at predetermined intervals, is bent into an omega shape.

[101] Next, the tube bending step S5 is the step which bends the plurality of tubes 10, on which the plurality of plate fins 30 is arranged at predetermined intervals, into the omega (Ω) shape.

[102] Here, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a worker may bend the plurality of tubes 10, on which the plurality of plate fins 30 is arranged at predetermined intervals, into the omega shape using a bending machine.

[103] As such, by bending the plurality of tubes 10, on which the plurality of plate fins 30 is arranged at predetermined intervals, into the omega shape using the bending machine, a worker can more easily bend the tubes 10 simultaneously without exerting a large force, thus enabling easy manufacture. Further, unlike the prior art, the present invention obviates the necessity of bending the plurality of tubes 10 into the omega shape one by one.

[104] Preferably, each of the plate fins 30, provided on the plurality of tubes 10 which are bent into the omega shape, has a thickness Wl (see FIG. 10) from 0.1mm to 0.4mm.

[105] If the thickness Wl of each plate fin 30 is below 0. lmm, the plate fin 30 is too thin, so that the plurality of plate fins 30 may become undesirably deformed when the plurality of tubes 10 are being bent.

[106] Further, if the thickness Wl of each plate fin 30 is above 0.4mm, the plate fin 30 is so thick that a larger number of plate fins 30 can not be provided on the plurality of tubes 10. Thereby, the effect of dissipating heat from the generator to the outside is lowered.

[107] Therefore, when each plate fin has the thickness from 0. lmm to 0.4mm, a larger number of plate fins 30 can be provided on the plurality of tubes 10, thus more efficiently dissipating heat from the generator to the outside, in addition to preventing the plate fins 30 from being deformed while the plurality of tubes 10 is bent into the omega shape.

[108] Further, preferably, each annular protrusion 33 of each plate fin 30 has a thickness W2 (see FIG. 10) of 2.5mm or less.

[109] If the thickness W2 of the annular protrusion 33 is above 2.5mm, there is a strong possibility of deforming the plate fins 30 while the plurality of tubes 10 is bent, and in addition, it is impossible to arrange a larger number of plate fins 30 on the outer circumferences of the tubes 10, so that the effect of dissipating heat from the generator to the outside may be remarkably deteriorated.

[110] In other words, each annular protrusion 33 of each plate fin 30 has the thickness W2 of 2.5mm or less, thus preventing the plurality of plate fins 30 from being deformed while the plurality of tubes 10 is bent into the omega shape, and allowing a larger number of plate fins 30 to be placed on the outer circumferences of the tubes 10, thereby more efficiently dissipating heat from the generator to the outside.

[I l l] Although not shown in the drawings, the plurality of tubes 10 bent into the omega shape, is secured at regular intervals to predetermined positions by positioning plates having a plurality of rows of insert holes into which the plurality of tubes 10 bent into the omega shape is inserted.

[112] As described above, the cooling apparatus 5, having the plurality of tubes 10 and the plurality of plate fins 30, dissipates heat from the generator to the outside, thus allowing heat to be more efficiently dissipated from the generator to the outside, and can be simply manufactured, thus allowing a worker to more easily manufacture the cooling apparatus 5, and reducing the manufacturing costs of the cooling apparatus 5, therefore considerably increasing the productivity of the cooling apparatus 5. Industrial Applicability

[113] As described above, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing an omega cooling apparatus for generators, in which a step of manufacturing the cooling apparatus including a plurality of tubes and a plurality of plate fins is simple, so that a worker can more easily manufacture the cooling apparatus, thus considerably increasing the productivity of the cooling apparatus. Further, the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling apparatus is considerably improved, and the plurality of plate fins is not deformed while the plurality of tubes is bent into an omega shape.

[114]

Claims

[1] A method of manufacturing an omega cooling apparatus for a generator, comprising: preparing a plurality of tubes having a predetermined length, cooling water circulating in the tubes to perform a heat exchange operation with heat generated from the generator; preparing a plurality of plate fins having a plurality of insert holes which are formed at regular intervals in one or more rows, and having an annular protrusion which protrudes from each of the insert holes; inserting the plurality of tubes into the insert holes of the plurality of plate fins, so that the plurality of plate fins is arranged on outer circumferences of the plurality of tubes at regular intervals; and bending the plurality of tubes, on which the plurality of plate fins is arranged at regular intervals, into an omega shape. [2] The method according to claim 1, further comprising: expanding the interior diameter of the plurality of tubes inserted into the insert holes, thus securing the plurality of plate fins to predetermined positions on the plurality of tubes. [3] The method according to claim 1, wherein a crease unit is provided on each of the plate fins. [4] The method according to claim 3, wherein each of the plate fins is made of an aluminum material. [5] The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each of the plate fins has a thickness from 0.1 to 0.4mm. [6] The method according to claim 1, wherein a thickness of the annular protrusion of each of the plate fins is 2.5mm or less. [7] An omega cooling apparatus, comprising: a plurality of plate fins having a plurality of insert holes arranged at regular intervals in one or more rows, and an annular protrusion which protrudes from each of the insert holes; and a plurality of tubes inserted into the corresponding insert holes of the plurality of plate fins, and bent into an omega shape.