Hub components and wind turbines

Abstract

This invention discloses a hub assembly and a wind turbine generator, comprising a hub, a hub cover, and a fixing mechanism. The hub is fixed to the hub cover by the fixing mechanism, which includes a first fixing pipe and a second fixing pipe. The front end of the hub cover has multiple air inlets for receiving external air. The front end of the hub cover is fixed to the hub via the first fixing pipe, which communicates with both the air inlets and the interior of the hub. The rear end of the hub cover has multiple air outlets for discharging air from the hub cover. The rear end of the hub cover is fixed to the hub via the second fixing pipe, which communicates with both the air outlets and the interior of the hub. The fixing mechanism of the hub assembly itself enables airflow within the hub, enhancing heat exchange between the inside and outside of the hub and achieving convection cooling within the hub. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for additional cooling devices, resulting in a simpler and more compact structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wind turbines, and more specifically to a hub assembly and a wind turbine. Background Technology

[0002] The hub is the key component of the wind turbine, and the hub cover is the outer protective structure of the hub. As an important component of the wind turbine generator set, the hub cover covers the outside of the hub, enabling it to operate normally in harsh weather conditions and protecting the internal equipment and personnel from external environmental factors such as wind, snow, rain, salt, fog, and ultraviolet radiation. Electrical components of the wind turbine generator set, such as the pitch system, are mainly installed inside the hub. These include the pitch motor, shaft cabinet, and other electrical components. Because the hub of the wind turbine generator set is a sealed space, the heat generated by these electrical components cannot escape to the outside, and the lack of air circulation in this sealed space ultimately affects the normal operation of these electrical components and may even cause the wind turbine generator set to shut down.

[0003] Existing technologies have poor heat dissipation capabilities for wheel hubs, which can easily lead to high temperatures in electrical components during summer. Moreover, existing technologies have complex structures, typically requiring the addition of cooling fans. This necessitates the separate use of cooling fans and other electrical structures for heat dissipation, which cannot effectively dissipate internal heat in a timely manner, resulting in low heat dissipation efficiency and affecting the lifespan of electrical components and wheel hubs. Alternatively, there are methods that use fans to draw hot air from the wheel hub into the engine compartment and cool air from the engine compartment into the wheel hub. This involves installing fan groups at both the front and rear of the wheel hub to achieve air exchange. However, these fans occupy a large amount of space and are inconvenient to maintain, and their heat dissipation effect is also not ideal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a hub assembly and a wind turbine to obtain a relatively simple hub heat dissipation structure.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems by the following technical solution: a wheel hub assembly, comprising a wheel hub, a wheel hub cover and a fixing mechanism, wherein the wheel hub is fixed to the wheel hub cover by the fixing mechanism, and the fixing mechanism comprises a first fixing pipe and a second fixing pipe;

[0006] The front end of the wheel hub cover has multiple air inlets for obtaining external air. The front end of the wheel hub cover is fixed to the wheel hub through the first fixed pipe, and the first fixed pipe is connected to the air inlets and the interior of the wheel hub.

[0007] The rear end of the wheel hub cover has multiple air outlets for discharging air from inside the wheel hub cover. The rear end of the wheel hub cover is fixed to the wheel hub via a second fixed pipe, which is connected to both the air outlets and the interior of the wheel hub.

[0008] In this design, the front end of the wheel cover is fixed to the wheel hub via a first fixed pipe. This first fixed pipe is connected to both the air inlet at the front end of the wheel cover and the interior of the wheel hub. Therefore, cool air enters the wheel cover through the air inlet at the front end and then flows into the wheel hub via the first fixed pipe, exchanging heat with the electrical components inside the wheel hub. Simultaneously, the rear end of the wheel cover is fixed to the wheel hub via a second fixed pipe. The hot air after heat exchange flows out of the wheel hub through the second fixed pipe. The fixing mechanism of the wheel hub assembly itself facilitates airflow within the wheel hub, enhancing heat exchange between the inside and outside of the wheel hub and achieving convective heat dissipation within the wheel hub. This allows for effective heat dissipation inside the wheel hub without the need for additional cooling devices, resulting in a simpler and more compact structure for the wheel hub assembly.

[0009] Preferably, the hub cover includes a baffle assembly that forms an air collection area between the air inlet and the hub. The baffle assembly can guide cold air entering from the air inlet into the air collection area. The first fixed pipe is connected to the baffle assembly and communicates with the air collection area.

[0010] In this design, after the outside cold air enters the wheel hub cover through the air inlet at the front end, the baffle assembly can concentrate the cold air in the air collection area. The cold air is compressed in the air collection area, which increases the air velocity, strengthens the air circulation inside the wheel hub, improves the heat exchange efficiency of the cold air inside the wheel hub, and thus enhances the heat dissipation effect of the wheel hub.

[0011] Preferably, the outer periphery of the baffle assembly at least partially abuts against the wheel hub.

[0012] In this design, the baffle assembly can share some of the force on the wheel hub, reduce the load on the fixing mechanism, and thus improve the stability of the connection between the wheel hub and the wheel hub cover.

[0013] Preferably, the baffle assembly includes three interconnected first baffles, the baffle assembly has a triangular cross-section, and the outer periphery of each of the three first baffles at least partially abuts against the wheel hub.

[0014] In this design, the baffle assembly consists of three baffles joined together to form a triangular prism shape. The baffle assembly is less prone to deformation and has better stability when subjected to force, and can more stably fix the wheel hub while collecting air.

[0015] Preferably, the baffle assembly further includes a second baffle connected to two of the first baffles, the second baffle having an air guide hole, the second baffle and the two first baffles connected thereto forming a throttling zone, and the first fixed pipe communicating with the throttling zone.

[0016] In this scheme, the cold air compressed in the air collection area enters the throttling area through the air guide hole on the second baffle. Utilizing the throttling effect, the cold air is further compressed and released from the air guide hole, which causes the temperature near the air guide hole to drop. The pressure of the cold air entering the throttling area further increases, and it enters the hub through the first fixed pipe, which enhances the air circulation inside the hub and improves the heat exchange efficiency of the electrical components inside the hub.

[0017] Preferably, the baffle assembly is in a sealed connection with the wheel hub on one side.

[0018] In this design, the baffle assembly has no gap between itself and the hub on one side. After the cold air enters the air collection area, it will not flow out from the hub side, but can only enter the interior of the hub through the first fixed pipe, which improves the compression effect on the cold air and further increases the pressure of the cold air entering the throttling area, thereby strengthening the air circulation inside the hub.

[0019] Preferably, the second baffle is positioned away from another first baffle that is not connected to it.

[0020] In this design, the structure is positioned so that the second baffle is closer to the junction of the two first baffles, thereby reducing the size of the throttling zone, enhancing the squeezing effect of the cold air at the air guide holes on the second baffle, improving the throttling effect, and further improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the cold air on the wheel hub.

[0021] Preferably, the wheel hub assembly further includes a work platform for maintenance personnel to climb, the work platform being disposed between the air intake and the wheel hub.

[0022] In this solution, a work platform is set up to facilitate maintenance personnel in maintaining the air collection area and the throttling area.

[0023] Preferably, the connection between the hub and the first fixed pipe is distributed circumferentially along the hub, and / or the connection between the hub and the second fixed pipe is distributed circumferentially along the hub.

[0024] In this design, the cold air in the first fixed pipe enters the hub along the circumference of the hub, making the cold air inside the hub more dispersed and the heat exchange for the electrical components inside the hub more uniform. After heat exchange, the cold air entering the hub flows through the connection between the hub and the second fixed pipe into the second fixed pipe, and the circumferential distribution ensures that the interior of the hub can exchange heat with the cold air in all directions, improving the uniformity of heat dissipation for the hub.

[0025] The present invention also includes a wind turbine generator comprising the hub assembly described above.

[0026] When the wind turbine with the above-mentioned hub assembly is working, it uses the natural wind flowing over the surface of the hub for air cooling, which facilitates air circulation inside the hub and enhances the heat dissipation and ventilation effect. The heat dissipation structure is integrated into the fixing mechanism between the hub and the hub cover, avoiding the use of additional heat dissipation structures such as cooling fans, making the overall structure of the wind turbine more compact.

[0027] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows: The front end of the hub cover is fixed to the hub via a first fixed pipe, and the first fixed pipe is connected to the air inlet at the front end of the hub cover and the interior of the hub. Therefore, cold air enters the hub cover through the air inlet at the front end of the hub cover, and then enters the interior of the hub via the first fixed pipe to exchange heat with the electrical components inside the hub. At the same time, the rear end of the hub cover is fixed to the hub via a second fixed pipe, and the hot air after heat exchange flows out of the hub through the second fixed pipe. The fixing mechanism of the hub assembly itself realizes air circulation inside the hub, enhances heat exchange between the inside and outside of the hub, realizes convective heat dissipation inside the hub, and enables effective heat dissipation inside the hub, extending the service life of the electrical components inside the hub. Moreover, no additional heat dissipation device is required, the structure is simple, and the hub assembly structure is more compact. By setting up an air collection zone and a throttling zone, the compression effect of the cold air is improved, the flow rate of the cold air is increased, and the air circulation inside the hub is enhanced, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the electrical components inside the hub. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the wheel hub assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the wheel hub assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention (I).

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram (II) of the internal structure of the wheel hub assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram (III) of the internal structure of the wheel hub assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the air flow path within the hub assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0034] Wheel cover 1

[0035] Air inlet 11

[0036] Air outlet 12

[0037] baffle assembly 13

[0038] First baffle 131

[0039] Second baffle 132

[0040] Air guide hole 1321

[0041] Wind Collection Area 14

[0042] Throttling Zone 15

[0043] Support frame 16

[0044] First fixed pipe 21

[0045] Second fixed pipe 22

[0046] Connecting pipe 23

[0047] Wheel Hub 3

[0048] Work Platform 4 Detailed Implementation

[0049] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0050] like Figures 1-5 As shown, this embodiment discloses a wheel hub assembly, which includes a wheel hub 3, a wheel hub cover 1, and a fixing mechanism. The wheel hub 3 is fixed to the wheel hub cover 1 by the fixing mechanism, which includes a first fixing pipe 21 and a second fixing pipe 22. The front end of the wheel hub cover 1 has multiple air inlets 11 for obtaining external air. The front end of the wheel hub cover 1 is fixed to the wheel hub 3 by the first fixing pipe 21, which is connected to both the air inlets 11 and the interior of the wheel hub 3. The rear end of the wheel hub cover 1 has multiple air outlets 12 for discharging air from the wheel hub cover 1. The rear end of the wheel hub cover 1 is fixed to the wheel hub 3 by the second fixing pipe 22, which is connected to both the air outlets 12 and the interior of the wheel hub 3.

[0051] The front end of the wheel cover 1 is fixed to the wheel hub 3 via the first fixed pipe 21. Cold air from the outside enters the wheel cover 1 through the air inlet 11 at the front end of the wheel cover 1, and then enters the interior of the wheel hub 3 through the first fixed pipe 21 to exchange heat with the electrical components inside the wheel hub 3. At the same time, the rear end of the wheel cover 1 is fixed to the wheel hub 3 via the second fixed pipe 22. The hot air after heat exchange flows out of the wheel hub 3 through the second fixed pipe 22. The air circulation inside the wheel hub 3 is realized through the fixing mechanism of the wheel hub assembly itself, which enhances the heat exchange between the inside and outside of the wheel hub 3, so that the interior of the wheel hub 3 can be effectively dissipated. Moreover, no additional heat dissipation device is required, the structure is simple, and the structure of the wheel hub assembly is more compact.

[0052] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the hub cover 1 includes a baffle assembly 13, which forms an air collection area 14 between the air inlet 11 and the hub 3. The baffle assembly 13 can guide the cold air entering from the air inlet 11 into the air collection area 14. The first fixed pipe 21 is connected to the baffle assembly 13 and communicates with the air collection area 14. After the cold air from the outside enters the hub cover 1 through the air inlet 11 at the front end of the hub cover 1, the baffle assembly 13 can gather the cold air into the air collection area 14. The cold air is compressed in the air collection area 14, which increases the flow rate of the cold air, strengthens the air circulation inside the hub 3, and improves the heat exchange efficiency of the cold air inside the hub 3, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation effect of the hub 3. In other alternative embodiments, the baffle assembly 13 may not be provided, that is, the air inlet 11 is directly connected to the first fixed pipe 21, and the cold air directly enters the first fixed pipe 21 through the air inlet 11.

[0053] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the outer periphery of the baffle assembly 13 abuts against the hub 3. The baffle assembly 13 can share part of the force of the hub 3, reduce the load on the fixing mechanism, and thus improve the stability of the connection between the hub 3 and the hub cover 1. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the baffle assembly 13 may not abut against the hub 3, that is, there is a certain space between the baffle assembly 13 and the hub 3, and the baffle assembly 13 is connected to the hub 3 through the first fixing pipe 21; of course, the outer periphery of the baffle assembly may also partially abut against the hub 3.

[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the baffle assembly 13 includes three interconnected first baffles 131. The cross-section of the baffle assembly 13 is triangular, and the outer periphery of each of the three first baffles 131 abuts against the hub 3. The baffle assembly 13 is formed by splicing three baffles into a triangular prism shape. The baffle assembly 13 is not easily deformed under force and has better stability, which can more stably fix the hub 3 while collecting air. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the baffle assembly 13 can also be cylindrical or other shapes, and the outer periphery of each of the three first baffles 131 can also partially abut against the hub 3.

[0055] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the baffle assembly 13 further includes a second baffle 132 connected to two of the first baffles 131. The second baffle 132 has an air guide hole 1321. The second baffle 132 and the two connected first baffles 131 enclose a throttling zone 15. The first fixed pipe 21 is connected to the throttling zone 15. Cold air compressed in the air collection zone 14 enters the throttling zone 15 through the air guide hole 1321 on the second baffle 132. Utilizing the throttling effect, the cold air is further compressed and released from the air guide hole 1321, causing a decrease in the air temperature near the air guide hole 1321, thereby improving the heat exchange capacity of the cold air. Furthermore, the pressure of the cold air entering the throttling zone 15 further increases, and it enters the interior of the hub 3 through the first fixed pipe 21, strengthening the air circulation within the hub 3 and improving the heat exchange efficiency for the electrical components within the hub 3. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second baffle 132 is a non-bent plate, and the throttling area 15 is triangular. In other alternative embodiments, the second baffle 132 may also be bent, and the throttling area 15 may be quadrilateral, pentagon, etc. Of course, the second baffle 132 may not be provided, and the first fixed pipe 21 may be directly connected to the air collection area 14.

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the baffle assembly 13 is sealed to the hub 3 on one side, meaning that the baffle assembly 13 is closed to the hub 3 on one side, and there is no gap between the baffle assembly 13 and the hub 3. After the cold air enters the air collection area 14, it will not flow out from the side of the hub 3, but can only enter the interior of the hub 3 through the first fixed pipe 21, further increasing the pressure of the cold air entering the throttling area 15, thereby enhancing the air circulation within the hub 3. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, there may be a gap between the baffle assembly 13 and the hub 3.

[0057] In this embodiment, the hub cover 1 also includes a support frame 16, and the first baffle 131 is connected to the support frame 16. There are three support frames 16, and any two first baffles 131 are connected to one of the support frames 16. This structure can reduce the air collection area 14, making it easier for the baffle assembly 13 to be sealed to the hub 3 on one side of the hub 3. Moreover, it can improve the squeezing effect of cold air in the air collection area 14.

[0058] In this embodiment, the second baffle 132 is parallel to the axial direction of the air inlet 11. The second baffle 132, which is parallel to the axial direction of the air inlet 11, can improve the compression effect on the cold air and enhance the throttling effect.

[0059] like Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the second baffle 132 is positioned away from another first baffle 131 that is not connected to it. That is, the second baffle 132 is positioned away from the third baffle 131 (excluding the two first baffles 131 connected to it) among the three first baffles 131. This structural arrangement reduces the size of the throttling zone 15, enhances the squeezing effect of the cold air at the air guide hole 1321 on the second baffle 132, improves the throttling effect, and further improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the cold air on the hub 3. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the second baffle 132 can also be positioned close to another first baffle 131 that is not connected to it.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the wheel hub assembly also includes a work platform 4 for maintenance personnel to climb, which is located between the air inlet 11 and the wheel hub 3. Specifically, the work platform 4 is a ladder, which facilitates maintenance personnel to maintain the air collection area 14 and the throttling area 15.

[0061] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the connection between the hub 3 and the first fixed pipe 21 is distributed circumferentially along the hub 3, and the connection between the hub 3 and the second fixed pipe 22 is also distributed circumferentially along the hub 3. This allows the cold air in the first fixed pipe 21 to enter the interior of the hub 3 circumferentially, making the cold air inside the hub 3 more dispersed and resulting in more uniform heat exchange for the electrical components inside the hub 3. After heat exchange, the cold air entering the hub 3 flows through the connection between the hub 3 and the second fixed pipe 22 into the second fixed pipe 22. This circumferential distribution ensures that the interior of the hub 3 can exchange heat with the cold air in all directions, improving the uniformity of heat dissipation for the hub 3. Of course, in other alternative embodiments, the above-mentioned connection points can also be located on one side of the hub 3, that is, they can also not be distributed circumferentially along the hub 3.

[0062] Specifically, the fixing point, the conduction point, and the connection point of the hub 3 and the first fixed pipe 21 are all at the same location, that is, the first fixed pipe 21 is connected to the hub 3, and the first fixed pipe 21 serves to both fix and conduct the interior of the hub 3.

[0063] In this embodiment, the first fixed pipe 21 and the second fixed pipe 22 are also distributed along the circumference of the hub 3. This structure allows the hub 3 to be connected to the front end of the hub cover 1 and the rear end of the hub 3 and the hub cover 1 in each direction by the first fixed pipe 21 and the second fixed pipe 22, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the hub 3 and the hub cover 1.

[0064] In this embodiment, the fixing mechanism includes multiple first fixing pipes 21 and multiple second fixing pipes 22. Each first fixing pipe 21 is connected to the first baffle 131 at the throttling zone 15. The fixing mechanism also includes a connecting pipe 23 for connecting the first fixing pipes 21. Preferably, the connecting pipe 23 is used to connect two adjacent first fixing pipes 21 on the first baffle 131. This structure allows the first fixing pipes 21 to have a synergistic effect and better stress distribution. Moreover, the cold air inside adjacent first fixing pipes 21 can circulate with each other, further improving the uniformity of cold air circulation.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the airflow path within the hub assembly sequentially passes through the air inlet 11, the first fixed pipe 21, the interior of the hub 3, the second fixed pipe 22, and the air outlet 12; as Figure 5 As shown, the air outlet 12 is a through hole on the hub cover 1, and the second fixed pipe 22 is connected to and conducts through the through hole.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] This embodiment discloses a wind turbine generator, which includes the aforementioned hub assembly. When the wind turbine generator including the aforementioned hub assembly is operating, it utilizes natural wind flowing over the surface of the hub 3 for air cooling, facilitating air circulation within the hub 3 and enhancing heat dissipation and ventilation. The heat dissipation structure is integrated into the fixing mechanism between the hub 3 and the hub cover 1, avoiding the need for additional heat dissipation structures such as cooling fans, resulting in a more compact overall structure of the wind turbine generator.

[0068] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wheel hub assembly comprising a wheel hub, a wheel hub cover and a fixing mechanism by which the wheel hub is fixed to the wheel hub cover, characterised in that, The fixing mechanism comprises a first fixing pipe and a second fixing pipe; The front end of the hub cover is provided with a plurality of air inlet holes for obtaining external wind, and the front end of the hub cover is fixed on the hub through the first fixing pipe, which is in communication with the air inlet holes and the interior of the hub respectively; The rear end of the hub cover is provided with a plurality of air outlet holes for discharging the wind in the hub cover, and the rear end of the hub cover is fixed on the hub through the second fixing pipe, which is in communication with the air outlet holes and the interior of the hub respectively; The hub cover comprises a baffle assembly, which forms a wind collecting area between the air inlet holes and the hub, and the baffle assembly can guide the cold wind entering from the air inlet holes into the wind collecting area, and the first fixing pipe is connected with the baffle assembly and in communication with the wind collecting area.

2. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein, The outer periphery of the baffle assembly at least partially abuts against the hub.

3. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein, The baffle assembly comprises three first baffles connected with each other, and the cross section of the baffle assembly is triangular, and the outer periphery of each of the three first baffles at least partially abuts against the hub.

4. The hub assembly of claim 3, wherein, The baffle assembly further comprises a second baffle connected with two of the first baffles, the second baffle is provided with air guide holes, and the two first baffles connected with the second baffle form a throttling area, and the first fixing pipe is in communication with the throttling area.

5. The hub assembly of claim 4, wherein, The baffle assembly is in airtight connection with the hub on one side of the hub.

6. The hub assembly of claim 4 wherein, The second baffle is arranged away from the first baffle not connected with the second baffle.

7. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein, The hub assembly further comprises a working platform for maintenance personnel to climb, and the working platform is arranged between the air inlet holes and the hub.

8. The hub assembly of claim 1, wherein, The connection between the hub and the first fixing pipe is distributed along the circumference of the hub, and / or the connection between the hub and the second fixing pipe is distributed along the circumference of the hub.

9. A wind driven electric power generator, characterised in that It comprises the hub assembly according to any one of claims 1-8.

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