This paper describes a new approach to cooling large rotating electrical machines used in the most challenging environments that now seeks the opportunity to be an alternative to the mainstream solutions. This innovative solution, called Avantair, utilises the much used but often unseen technology known as a heat pipe. This same technology can be found in millions of computer chips worldwide and has been up-scaled to provide sufficient cooling to keep even the largest generators within limits. Traditional technologies using either pumped water at a premium or ambient air have been around for many years. The market is ready to embrace something different. Avantair uses refrigerant as working fluid which is inert, immune to fouling and corroding of the tube, does not need pumping or external piping and has a better performance than air. Avantair uses latent heat of the refrigerant which increases the rate of heat transfer, instead of sensible heat in conventional heat exchangers. Lower recooled air temperature obtained in Avantair system, results in smaller frame size of the generator. Avantair has been successfully used to upgrade open circuit machines to close circuit operation, reducing maintenance and extending life in arduous environments. It is a ‘plug & play’ alternative to complex water cooled solutions and closer approach to tubular CACA. It offers considerable savings in project time and cost over every available alternative, whether the scope is new build or refurbishment. The paper will introduce the core concepts of cooling large machines with Avantair. It will walk through the technical features and benefits that provide the credibility to be a viable alternative; followed by specific examples around meeting specific certifications, extremes of temperature, sound and vibration as well as achieving longevity in both marine and desert conditions.
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