Rotor assembly and method of cooling

Abstract

An electric machine rotor assembly includes a rotor core defining a rotor axis. Windings are seated in the rotor core. A plurality of wedges circumferentially spaced apart around the rotor core relative to the rotor axis. Each rotor core extends axially and separates between two respective portions of the windings. A supply end plate is mounted at a first axial end of the rotor core. A return end plate is mounted at a second axial end of the rotor core opposite the first axial end. A flow path for coolant fluid extends through the supply end plate into the wedges, through the wedges and into the return end plate, and through the return end plate.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of cooling a rotor assembly during operation comprising:
 porting coolant through an inner rotor body sealingly engaged with a supply plate;   porting the coolant radially through passages in the supply plate;   porting the coolant axially through wedges in proximity to windings; and   porting the coolant radially through a return end plate.   
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising porting the coolant from the return end plate into a volute in a non-rotating housing to direct the coolant to a sump.