Labyrinth sealing device for a cooling air passage of a cooling system of a generator of a wind turbine

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a labyrinth sealing device for an air passage for cooling air of a cooling system of a generator of a wind turbine, the labyrinth sealing device comprising a first labyrinth sealing wall and a second labyrinth sealing wall arranged at a distance from the first labyrinth sealing wall, wherein the first and the second labyrinth sealing wall form a labyrinth-like sealing section which is designed to seal the generator against dirt and / or water from an environment and to fluidically connect the environment of the generator with a generator interior of the generator for cooling the generator.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a use of a labyrinth sealing device for flow-optimized sealing of an air passage for cooling air of a cooling system for a generator of a wind turbine.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to an air passage, a generator and a wind turbine.

[0004] To cool a generator, with air cooling it often has one or more air passages as part of the cooling system. As a rule, such a generator has at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet as air passages. When the generator is in operation, air from the environment is led through the air inlet into the generator interior as cooling air. When the generator is in operation, heated cooling air from the generator interior is led through the air outlet to cool the generator. The cooling system often has one or more fans which draw the cooling air from the environment into the generator, draw it through the generator and draw the heated cooling air out of the generator into the environment.

[0005] To achieve the highest possible cooling performance with the cooling system, the cross-section of the air passages through which the cooling air flows to cool the generator must be as large as possible. However, this is counteracted by the fact that the generator interior must be sealed off from the environment in such a way that no dirt, water, or other objects from the environment can enter the generator interior, which could reduce the service life of the generator, increase maintenance requirements, and potentially interfere with controlled operation of the generator.

[0006] For a stationary seal, a rubber seal, such as an O-ring, can be used to seal against dirt, water, and the like. However, if a rotating component needs to be sealed against a stationary component, radial shaft seals are often used to ensure protection against dirt, water, and the like. However, if the seal also needs to allow cooling air to pass through the seal, neither rubber seals such as O-rings nor radial shaft seals are suitable.

[0007] A labyrinth seal is a seal that provides protection against dirt, water, and the like while simultaneously allowing cooling air to pass through. Such a labyrinth seal is used not only as a seal between two stationary components, but also as a seal between a stationary and a rotating component.

[0008] For functional reasons, such a labyrinth seal device is designed in multiple stages. At each stage, interlocking elements prevent the ingress of dirt, water, and the like. However, this interlocking has the significant disadvantage that it lengthens the flow path of the seal and thus increases flow resistance, which in turn minimizes cooling performance and requires significantly more powerful cooling systems, i.e., more powerful fans.

[0009] These more powerful cooling systems are generally expensive to purchase and operate and counteract the compact design of generators.

[0010] Furthermore, the air passages should preferably be arranged such that the cooling air can be guided from the ambient air into the generator interior, through the generator interior, and discharged from the generator interior into the ambient air with as little resistance as possible. The structural design of generators, particularly their compact design, generally prevents the cooling air from being guided through the air passages with as little resistance as possible. Due to space constraints, the cooling air often has to be guided around corners and edges. These changes in flow direction also increase the flow resistance and thus lead to minimized cooling performance.

[0011] Document CN 101814793 A discloses a wind turbine with a generator having a labyrinth sealing device.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a labyrinth sealing device and its use, an air passage, a generator, and a wind turbine that minimize or eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the invention is based on the object of providing a labyrinth sealing device and its use, an air passage, a generator, and a wind turbine that seals the interior of a generator from the generator's surroundings, protecting it from dirt, water, and the like, while simultaneously enabling cooling performance with a comparatively low-performance cooling system or improving cooling performance with a consistent cooling system.

[0013] According to a first aspect, this object is achieved based on a labyrinth sealing device as described above, wherein the sealing section has an air guiding device which is designed to guide the cooling air through the sealing section in a flow-optimized manner.

[0014] The air passage is designed to conduct cooling air from a cooling system of a generator. In particular, the air passage is designed to fluidically connect the surroundings of the generator with the generator interior. The air passage is preferably an air outlet through which cooling air exits from the generator interior into the surroundings, and / or an air inlet through which cooling air enters the generator interior from the surroundings. Furthermore, it may be preferred that the air passage is designed to establish a fluidic connection within the generator interior.

[0015] The air passage preferably extends between two openings, whereby cooling air can enter through one of the two openings (inlet opening) and cooling air can exit through the other of the two openings (outlet opening). In particular, it is provided that one of the two openings, as a so-called external opening, opens the passage channel to the surroundings of the generator in the installed state. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the other of the two openings, as a so-called internal opening, opens the passage channel to the interior of the generator in the installed state.

[0016] The air passage can be designed, in particular, as a channel. The air passage is preferably tubular. The tubular air passage can, in particular, have a circular and / or triangular and / or quadrangular cross-section. In particular, it can be provided that the air passage is designed in the shape of a ring segment or a partial ring segment.

[0017] If the air passage is an air inlet, the air passage is designed to guide cooling air from the generator's surroundings into the generator's interior. At the air inlet, air from the surroundings is supplied to the generator for cooling. It should be understood that in preferred embodiments of the air passage as an air inlet, the air from the surroundings supplied to the generator for cooling through the air inlet is cleaned, for example, filtered, and optionally tempered to a desired cooling temperature that enables optimal operation of the generator.

[0018] If the air passage is an air outlet, the air passage is designed to guide the cooling air heated by the generator from the generator, the generator interior, into the environment of the generator.

[0019] The air passage preferably has the labyrinth sealing device. In particular, it can be provided that the air passage forms the labyrinth sealing device or that the air passage is partially designed as a labyrinth sealing device. The labyrinth sealing device is preferably arranged or formed between the two openings mentioned above, the inlet opening and the outlet opening, in particular the inner and outer openings.

[0020] The labyrinth sealing device is preferably designed to guide cooling air of a cooling system. In particular, the labyrinth sealing device can be designed to fluidically connect the surroundings of the generator with the generator interior. Furthermore, it can be preferred that the labyrinth sealing device is designed to establish a fluidic connection within the generator interior. The labyrinth sealing device can in particular be designed as a channel. The labyrinth sealing device is preferably tubular. The tubular labyrinth sealing device can in particular have a circular and / or triangular and / or quadrangular cross-section. In particular, it can preferably be provided that the labyrinth sealing device is ring-segment-shaped or partially ring-segment-shaped.The labyrinth seal device preferably extends between two openings, wherein cooling air can enter through one of the two openings, which can also be called the inlet opening, and cooling air can exit through the other of the two openings, which can also be called the outlet opening.

[0021] Furthermore, it may be preferred that the labyrinth sealing device is the air passage or forms this passage. In particular, it is provided that one of the two openings of the labyrinth sealing device is the so-called external opening, which opens the labyrinth sealing device to the surroundings of the generator in the installed state. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the other of the two openings of the labyrinth sealing device is the so-called internal opening, which opens the labyrinth sealing device to the interior of the generator in the installed state.

[0022] The labyrinth seal device has a first and a second labyrinth seal wall, which are arranged at a distance from one another. In particular, it is provided that the distance between the first and second labyrinth seal walls is constant. It may also be preferred that the distance between the first and second labyrinth seal walls can also vary in preferred embodiments. Preferably, one of the two labyrinth seal walls is formed by a stationary component, and the other of the two labyrinth seal walls is formed by a rotating component. In particular, it is provided that the stationary component is a component of the stator, and the rotating component is a component of the rotor.

[0023] It may be preferred that the labyrinth sealing device has more than the first and second labyrinth sealing walls. In particular, it may be provided that the labyrinth sealing device has a third and / or fourth labyrinth sealing wall. Preferably, the third and fourth labyrinth sealing walls are spaced apart, in particular arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another. Furthermore, it is preferred that the third and / or fourth labyrinth sealing wall extend(s) between the first and second labyrinth sealing walls.

[0024] Preferably, the first and second and / or third and / or fourth labyrinth sealing walls form a channel. Furthermore, it can preferably be provided that the first and second and / or third and / or fourth labyrinth sealing walls are tubular. If the labyrinth sealing device is preferably tubular with a circular cross-section, it should be understood that the first and second and / or third and / or fourth labyrinth sealing walls each form a tubular wall section of the tubular labyrinth sealing device.

[0025] Preferably, the first and second and / or the third and / or the fourth labyrinth seal wall formed as a pipe wall section extends 180° in the circumferential direction. Deviating circumferential extensions are conceivable. In particular, it may be preferred for the first and second and / or the third and / or the fourth labyrinth seal wall formed as a pipe wall section to extend 60°, 90°, or 120° in the circumferential direction. In particular, it may be provided that the first and / or the second and / or the third and / or the fourth labyrinth seal wall is / are annular or partially annular.

[0026] If the tubular labyrinth seal device has a triangular cross-section, this is preferably formed by the first, second, and third labyrinth seal walls. If the tubular labyrinth seal device has a quadrangular cross-section, this is preferably formed by the first, second, third, and / or fourth labyrinth seal walls.

[0027] The first and second labyrinth sealing walls form a labyrinth-like sealing section. In particular, it may be preferred for a plurality of labyrinth sealing walls, preferably the first and second and / or the third and / or the fourth labyrinth sealing walls, to form the labyrinth-like sealing section. In a labyrinth-like sealing section, it is provided that it imposes at least one change of direction on the cooling air flowing along the sealing section. A change of direction occurs in particular when the flow direction of the cooling air along the sealing section deviates at least once from the flow direction of the cooling air at the inlet opening of the sealing section.

[0028] Preferably, the sealing section is designed such that it provides a change of direction of at least 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, or 360° and / or at least one change of direction of 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, or 360°. In particular, the sealing section can be designed such that it forces several changes of direction on the cooling air flowing along the sealing section. In particular, it can be provided for this purpose that the labyrinth-like sealing section has a meandering shape. Preferably, the first and second labyrinth seal walls are each tooth-shaped and / or comb-shaped, so that tooth tips or comb tips of the first labyrinth seal wall extend into tooth valleys or comb valleys of the second labyrinth seal wall and conversely, tooth tips or comb tips of the second labyrinth seal wall extend into tooth valleys or comb valleys of the first labyrinth seal wall.

[0029] The air guiding device is preferably curved. The air guiding device is, in particular, convex and / or concave. Additionally or alternatively, it may be preferred for the air guiding device to be inclined, in particular angled, relative to the flow direction of the cooling air.

[0030] The air guiding device has, in particular, a leading edge and / or a trailing edge. The air guiding device preferably extends between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The leading edge is preferably the edge of the air guiding device towards which the cooling air flows. The leading edge is, in particular, the edge from which the cooling air first comes into contact with the air guiding device in the direction of flow. The trailing edge is, in particular, the edge of the air guiding device at which the cooling air flows off. The trailing edge is preferably the edge at which the air flow of the cooling air breaks off and the cooling air is no longer in fluidic contact with the air guiding device. It should be understood that the leading edge is arranged upstream of the trailing edge in the direction of flow.

[0031] Preferably, the air guiding device is concave and / or convex starting from the leading edge. Additionally or alternatively, the air guiding device is concave and / or convex up to the trailing edge. Preferably, the air guiding device extends between the leading edge and the trailing edge in the installed state along the sealing section. In particular, it is provided that the air guiding device is concave and / or convex between the leading edge and the trailing edge. In particular, the air guiding device has concave air guiding sections and / or convex air guiding sections. In particular, the air guiding device can have a curvature that is constant along the sealing section. Alternatively, the air guiding device can have a curvature that varies along the sealing section.In particular, the air guiding device has a section of constant curvature between the leading edge and the trailing edge. Additionally or alternatively, the air guiding device has a section of varying curvature between the leading edge and the trailing edge.

[0032] The invention is based on the discovery that the air guiding device allows the cooling air to be guided along the sealing section with optimized flow. The inventors have recognized that the flow resistance of the sealing section can be minimized by providing an air guiding device. This has the advantage that the cooling air for cooling the generator can be supplied, guided, and / or removed. This significantly improves the cooling performance of the cooling system. This significantly increases the service life of generators.

[0033] In particular, with such an optimized sealing section, a less powerful cooling system can be advantageously provided, which achieves the same cooling effect as the generator. This minimizes acquisition and operating costs. Furthermore, it allows generators to be designed more compactly. This facilitates handling of such generators during assembly and maintenance.

[0034] For the advantages, embodiment variants and embodiment details of this aspect of the invention and its developments, reference is also made to the following description of the corresponding features of the respective other aspects and their developments.

[0035] It is provided that the air guiding device is arranged within the sealing section, spaced apart from the first and second labyrinth sealing walls. In particular, it is preferred that the air guiding device is arranged equidistantly from the first and second labyrinth sealing walls. Furthermore, it may additionally be preferred that the air guiding device is arranged, in particular, spaced apart from the third and / or fourth labyrinth sealing walls. In particular, it is preferred that the air guiding device is arranged equidistantly from the third and fourth labyrinth sealing walls. This preferred embodiment has the particular advantage that the pressure loss is comparatively lower compared to other variants.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the labyrinth seal device, the air guiding device is formed on the first and / or second labyrinth seal wall or forms the first and / or second labyrinth seal wall. Furthermore, it can be additionally or alternatively preferably provided that the air guiding device is formed on the third and / or fourth labyrinth seal wall or forms the third and / or fourth labyrinth seal wall. This preferred embodiment has the particular advantage that it is less complex and therefore even easier to manufacture compared to other variants.

[0037] Furthermore, according to a preferred development of the labyrinth seal device, the air guiding device comprises at least one air guiding element. The at least one air guiding element is, in particular, an air guiding plate.

[0038] The at least one air guide element is preferably curved. The at least one air guide element is, in particular, convex and / or concave. Additionally or alternatively, it may be preferred for the at least one air guide element to be inclined, in particular angled, relative to the flow direction of the cooling air.

[0039] Preferably, the at least one air guiding element is concave and / or convex starting from the leading edge. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one air guiding element is concave and / or convex up to the trailing edge. Preferably, the at least one air guiding element extends between the leading edge and the trailing edge in the installed state along the sealing section. In particular, it is provided that the at least one air guiding element is concave and / or convex between the leading edge and the trailing edge.

[0040] In particular, the at least one air guide element has concave air guide sections and / or convex air guide sections. In particular, the at least one air guide element can have a curvature that is constant along the sealing section. Alternatively, the at least one air guide element can have a curvature that varies along the sealing section. In particular, the at least one air guide element has a section of constant curvature between the leading edge and the trailing edge. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one air guide element has a section of varying curvature between the leading edge and the trailing edge.

[0041] In particular, the air guiding device has two, three or more air guiding elements. The air guiding elements are preferably arranged at a distance from one another that substantially corresponds to the distance between the air guiding elements and the first and / or second labyrinth seal wall. Furthermore, it may be preferred that the two or more air guiding elements are arranged such that they intersect. It is preferably provided that the two air guiding elements are arranged in a cross shape. In particular, it may be provided that one, two or more air guiding elements extend along a first direction of extent, for example in a vertical direction, and one, two or more air guiding elements extend along a second direction of extent, for example in a horizontal direction that is different from the first direction of extent. In particular, it may be preferred that the at least one air guiding element is cross-shaped.

[0042] It may be preferred that one or more air guiding elements extend between the first and second labyrinth seal walls. Preferably, the one or more air guiding elements extend at a distance from the third and / or fourth labyrinth seal walls. In particular, it may be preferred that the one or more air guiding elements extend parallel to the third and / or fourth labyrinth seal walls.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, it may be provided that one or more air guiding elements extend between the third and fourth labyrinth seal walls. Preferably, the one or more air guiding elements extend at a distance from the first and / or second labyrinth seal walls. In particular, it may be preferred that the one or more air guiding elements extend parallel to the first and / or second labyrinth seal walls.

[0044] This arrangement has the advantage that the flow of cooling air within the sealing section can be adjusted to optimize flow.

[0045] Furthermore, according to a preferred development of the labyrinth sealing device, it is provided that the air guiding device has at least two air guiding elements, wherein the at least two air guiding elements are arranged one behind the other and / or next to one another in the flow direction of the cooling air.

[0046] This arrangement has the advantage that the flow of cooling air within the sealing section can be adjusted to optimize flow.

[0047] According to a further preferred embodiment of the labyrinth sealing device, it is provided that the at least one air guiding element is curved and / or the at least one air guiding element is inclined, in particular angled, with respect to the flow direction.

[0048] According to a further preferred development of the labyrinth sealing device, it is provided that the at least one air guiding element is designed as a partial ring segment, which preferably extends by approximately 90° or 180°, and / or is designed as a flat element.

[0049] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the labyrinth sealing device, it is provided that the labyrinth-like sealing section has at least one deflection region which is designed to guide the cooling air in such a way that the at least one deflection region causes a change in the flow direction of the cooling air.

[0050] A deflection region is particularly designed by causing a change in the flow direction in the deflection region. In particular, it is provided that a change in the flow direction occurs around a deflection axis in the at least one deflection region. A deflection axis is not to be understood as a physical axis, but rather as a virtual axis relative to which the flow direction of the cooling air can vary.

[0051] Preferably, the sealing section comprises a plurality of deflection regions. In particular, it may be preferred that the plurality of deflection regions each cause a change in the flow direction about a deflection axis, wherein the deflection axes of the plurality of deflection regions extend parallel and spaced from one another. Furthermore, it may be preferred that a plurality of deflection regions cause a change in the flow direction about a deflection axis, wherein at least one deflection region causes a change in the flow direction about a deflection axis, wherein its deflection axis is oriented rotated relative to the deflection axis of at least one deflection axis of another deflection region.Preferably, the sealing section has, for example, a first deflection region which causes a change in the flow direction about a vertical deflection axis, and a second deflection region which causes a change in the flow direction about a horizontal deflection axis, so that the horizontal deflection axis is rotated by 90° with respect to the vertical deflection axis.

[0052] Furthermore, according to a preferred development of the labyrinth sealing device, it is provided that the at least two deflection regions are designed to effect a change in the flow direction of at least 90°, preferably of at least 180°, wherein the at least two deflection regions are arranged in series in the flow direction.

[0053] According to a further preferred embodiment of the labyrinth sealing device, it is provided that air guiding elements arranged in a deflection region, in particular at least two air guiding elements arranged next to one another orthogonally to the flow direction and / or at least two air guiding elements arranged one behind the other in the flow direction, form an air guiding unit.

[0054] Furthermore, according to a preferred development of the labyrinth sealing device, it is provided that at least one guide element and / or one air guide unit is / are arranged in at least one or in all deflection regions.

[0055] According to a further preferred embodiment of the labyrinth sealing device, it is provided that the first labyrinth sealing wall and the second labyrinth sealing wall are arranged stationary with respect to one another.

[0056] Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first labyrinth seal wall and the second labyrinth seal wall are arranged to be movable relative to one another, wherein the first labyrinth seal wall is arranged to be stationary and the second labyrinth seal wall is arranged to be movable, or the first labyrinth seal wall is arranged to be movable and the second labyrinth seal wall is arranged to be stationary, or the first labyrinth seal wall is arranged to be movable and the second labyrinth seal wall is arranged to be movable.

[0057] Furthermore, according to a preferred development of the labyrinth sealing device, it is provided that the first labyrinth sealing wall is formed by a generator housing and / or nacelle housing and / or machine housing and / or a spinner.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, in a preferred development of the labyrinth sealing device, it is provided that the second labyrinth sealing wall is formed by a generator housing and / or nacelle housing and / or machine housing and / or a spinner.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, in a preferred development of the labyrinth sealing device, it is provided that the sealing section has a constant cross-sectional area, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing section preferably does not change in the flow direction, in particular does not increase and / or does not decrease.

[0060] According to a further aspect, this object is achieved based on an air passage described above comprising a labyrinth sealing device according to the previously described aspect and / or the previously described preferred embodiments thereof.

[0061] According to a further aspect, this object is achieved based on a generator as described above comprising a labyrinth sealing device and / or an air passage according to one and / or both of the previously described aspects and / or the preferred embodiments of the respective aspects.

[0062] According to a further aspect, this object is achieved based on a generator as described above comprising a labyrinth sealing device and / or an air passage and / or generator according to one and / or all previously described aspects and / or the preferred embodiments of the respective aspects.

[0063] According to a further aspect, this object is achieved by using a labyrinth sealing device according to the previously described aspect and / or the previously described preferred embodiments thereof for the flow-optimized sealing of an air passage for cooling air of a cooling system for a generator of a wind turbine.

[0064] For the advantages, embodiment variants and embodiment details of these further aspects of the invention and its developments, reference is also made to the preceding description of the corresponding features of the labyrinth sealing device or the respective other aspects.

[0065] Embodiments of the invention will now be described below with reference to the drawings. These are not necessarily intended to represent the embodiments to scale; rather, the drawings are schematic and / or slightly distorted where this is useful for explanation. With regard to additions to the teachings immediately apparent from the drawings, reference is made to the relevant prior art. It should be noted that various modifications and changes to the form and detail of an embodiment can be made without departing from the general idea of ​​the invention. The general idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the exact form or detail of the preferred embodiments shown and described below, or limited to an object that would be more limited than the object claimed in the claims.For specified design ranges, values ​​within the stated limits are also intended to be disclosed as limit values ​​and can be used and claimed as required. For the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals are used below for identical or similar parts or parts with identical or similar functions. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawings, which show: . Fig. 1 is a schematic, three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine; Fig. 2 is a schematic, sectional view of a first preferred embodiment of a labyrinth sealing device; Fig. 3 is a schematic, sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a labyrinth sealing device; Fig. 4 is a schematic, sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a labyrinth sealing device; Fig. 5 is a schematic, sectional view of a non-claimed embodiment of a labyrinth sealing device; and Fig. 6 is a schematic, three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment.

[0066] In the figures, identical or essentially functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals. General descriptions generally refer to all embodiments unless differences are explicitly stated.

[0067] The explanation of the invention by way of examples with reference to the figures is essentially schematic, and the elements explained in the respective figure may be exaggerated and other elements simplified for better illustration. For example, Figure 1 a wind turbine as such is shown schematically, so that the generator, the air passage and the labyrinth sealing device cannot be seen in detail.

[0068] Figure 1shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of a wind turbine 100. The wind turbine 100 has a tower 102 and a nacelle 104 on the tower 102. The tower 102 can consist of tower segments arranged next to one another. An aerodynamic rotor 106 with three rotor blades 108 and a spinner 110 is provided on the nacelle 104. During operation of the wind turbine 100, the aerodynamic rotor 106 is set in rotation by the wind W and thus also rotates an electrodynamic rotor or rotor of a generator 1, which is directly or indirectly coupled to the aerodynamic rotor 106. The generator 1 is arranged in the nacelle 104 and generates electrical energy.

[0069] The Figures 2 to 6 show air passages 2 of a generator 1 with various embodiments of a labyrinth sealing device 10. In the Figures 2 to 5 the air passage 2 is designed as an air outlet. In Figure 6the air passage 2 is designed as an air inlet.

[0070] In the Figures 2 to 6 It can be seen that cooling air K of a cooling system is guided through the air passage 2 and accordingly through the labyrinth sealing device 10 of the respective embodiment. Figures 2 to 5 It is to be understood that cooling air K heated by the generator is led through the air outlet or the labyrinth sealing device 10 through an inlet opening E from the generator interior and through an outlet opening A into the environment U in order to ensure cooling of the generator 1, so that cooling air K from the environment U can flow in via an air inlet for cooling the generator 1. This is in the Figure 6 shown embodiment: There, an air inlet is shown through which cooling air K is led from the environment U into the generator interior to cool the generator 1. The Figures 2 to 6It can be seen that the labyrinth sealing device 10 for cooling the generator 1 fluidically connects the environment U of the generator 1 with a generator interior of the generator 1.

[0071] The Figures 2 to 5The schematically illustrated embodiments of labyrinth sealing devices 10 each have a first and a second labyrinth sealing wall 11, 12. The first and second labyrinth sealing walls 11, 12 are arranged at a distance from one another, so that cooling air K can be guided between the first and second labyrinth sealing walls 11, 12. The first and second labyrinth sealing walls 11, 12 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that they form a labyrinth-like sealing section 13. In the embodiments, it is provided that the first labyrinth sealing wall 11 is a stationary component and the second labyrinth sealing wall 12 is a rotating component. The labyrinth-like design of the sealing section 13 enables the generator 1 to be sealed against dirt and / or water from the environment U. The labyrinth-like sealing sections 13 of the Figures 2 to 5The schematically illustrated embodiments of the labyrinth sealing devices 10 are characterized in that they cause at least a change in the flow direction of the cooling air K.

[0072] It should be understood that the labyrinth-like sealing section 13 is not absolutely airtight, but rather fluidically connects the environment U of the generator 1 with a generator interior of the generator 1 for cooling the generator 1. However, the at least one change in the flow direction of the cooling air K requires that the generator 1 be sealed against dirt and / or water from the environment U.

[0073] In order to cool the generator as efficiently as possible with cooling air K despite the labyrinth-like sealing section 13, the sealing section 13 has an air guiding device 20 which is designed to guide the cooling air K through the sealing section 13 in a flow-optimized manner. Figures 2 to 6various embodiments of the labyrinth sealing device 10 are shown, which enable a flow-optimized guidance of the cooling air K through the sealing section 13 from the inlet opening E to the outlet opening A.

[0074] The Figures 2 to 4show preferred labyrinth sealing devices 10 in which the air guiding device 20 is arranged within the sealing section 13, spaced from the first and second labyrinth sealing walls 11, 12. The cooling air K is provided to enter the labyrinth sealing device 10 through the inlet opening E. It can be seen that the first labyrinth sealing wall 11 has a first deflection region B1 in the region of the inlet opening E. In the first deflection region, the sealing section 13 forces a change in the flow direction S of the cooling air K by approximately 90° around a first deflection axis. Downstream of the first deflection region, in a second deflection region B2, the sealing section 13 forces a further change in the flow direction S of the cooling air K by approximately 90° around a second deflection axis. In a third deflection area B3, the cooling air K is deflected by 45° to 90° around a third deflection axis.In a fourth deflection region B4, which extends between the third deflection region and the outlet opening A, the flow direction of the cooling air is deflected around a fourth deflection axis between 270° and 360°. It should be understood that the first, second, third, and fourth deflection axes extend substantially parallel and spaced apart from one another.

[0075] The Figures 2 to 4 The preferred embodiments of the labyrinth sealing devices 10 shown differ essentially in the arrangement and design of the air guiding device 20. In the Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, an arrangement of the air guiding device 20 in the third deflection region is provided for a flow-optimized guidance of the cooling air K. The air guiding device 20 has a curved air guiding element 21, which is designed as an air baffle and deflects the cooling air by 90° around a third deflection axis in a flow-optimized manner. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, an arrangement of the air guiding device 20 in the fourth deflection region B4 is provided for a flow-optimized guidance of the cooling air K. The air guiding device 20 has a curved air guiding element 21, which is designed as an air baffle, and deflects the cooling air by 90° around a fourth deflection axis in a flow-optimized manner. Figure 4 The embodiment shown is based on the Figure 3 illustrated embodiment of the labyrinth sealing devices 10. The Figure 4 The embodiment shown differs from that shown in Figure 3The only difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the air guiding device 20 has two air guiding elements arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another, which deflect the cooling air by 180° around a fourth deflection axis in a flow-optimized manner. By arranging the two air guiding elements 21 next to one another in the flow direction S, a particularly flow-optimized guidance of the cooling air K is enabled.

[0076] Figure 5 shows a labyrinth seal device 10, in which the air guiding device 20 is formed on the first and second labyrinth seal walls 11, 12. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air guiding device 20 comprises a plurality of air guiding elements 21 arranged one behind the other in the flow direction S.

[0077] It can be seen that the first labyrinth seal wall 11 forms a wall section with a curvature in the region of the inlet opening E in a first deflection region B1, which wall section enables a flow-optimized inflow of the cooling air K into the sealing section 13. The wall section of the first labyrinth seal wall 11 follows a quarter-circle course in the region of the inlet opening E. In relation to the inlet, a first change of direction of the flow direction S of the cooling air K then occurs by approximately 90° in a second deflection region B2. In this second deflection region B2, both the first and the second labyrinth seal walls 11, 12 have a curved, i.e. convex or concave, wall section, which enables a flow-optimized deflection of the cooling air K. Both the first and the second labyrinth seal walls 11, 12 follow a quarter-circle course in the second deflection region B2.In a third deflection region B3, only the second labyrinth seal wall 12 has a curved wall section, which also follows the shape of a quarter circle. Finally, the sealing section 13 has a fourth deflection region B4. In this region, the first labyrinth seal wall 11 is straight, and the second labyrinth seal wall 12 forms a curved wall section that follows the shape of a semicircle. Due to the specific design of the third and fourth deflection regions B3, B4, the flow direction S of the cooling air K changes by approximately 45° from the third deflection region B3 to the fourth deflection region B4. By means of the fourth deflection region B4, the cooling air is then deflected again by 90° before the cooling air leaves the sealing section 13 through an outlet opening A.

[0078] It can also be seen that the first labyrinth seal wall 11 and the second labyrinth seal wall 12 are arranged substantially parallel to one another along the seal path in the region of the first and second deflection regions B. In the region of the third and fourth deflection regions B3, B4, the first labyrinth seal wall 11 and the second labyrinth seal wall 12 are arranged substantially non-parallel to one another along the seal path 13.

[0079] Figure 6 shows an air inlet as an air passage 2 for a generator 1 with a tubular labyrinth sealing device 10, which extends between an inlet opening E and an outlet opening A. Cooling air K is led from the environment U into the generator interior through the air inlet for cooling a generator 1.

[0080] The tubular labyrinth sealing device 10 has a labyrinth-like sealing section 13, which is divided into a first section A1 and a second section A2, which is different from the first section A1. In the first section A1, the flow direction S of the cooling air K is deflected around a first deflection axis R1. In the second section, the flow direction S of the cooling air K is deflected around a second deflection axis R2, which is different from the first deflection axis R1. In the present case, the second deflection axis R2 is rotated by approximately 90° relative to the first deflection axis R1.

[0081] The tubular labyrinth sealing device 10 has three labyrinth sealing walls in the first section A1: a first, a second, and a third labyrinth sealing wall 11, 12, 14. The three labyrinth sealing walls 11, 12, 14 are arranged in this first section A1 such that they form a labyrinth-like sealing section 13 with a square cross-section, orthogonal to the flow direction S. For this purpose, the first and second labyrinth sealing walls 11, 12 are designed as quarter-circle segments that are arranged parallel and spaced apart from one another. The first and second labyrinth sealing walls 11, 12 are connected to one another by the third labyrinth sealing wall 14, which extends along the sealing section 13 following the course of a quarter circle.In this respect, the tubular labyrinth sealing device 10 defines a sealing section 13 which, in a first deflection region B1 starting from the inlet opening E, initially causes a change in the direction of flow S of the incoming cooling air K around the first deflection axis R1 by approximately 90°.

[0082] To optimize flow, an air guiding device 20 is arranged within the sealing section 13 in the first section A1. The air guiding device 20 has two air guiding elements 21 arranged in a cross shape. One air guiding element 21 extends centrally within the sealing section 13 between and parallel to the first and second labyrinth sealing walls 11, 12. The other air guiding element 21 is also arranged within the sealing section 13, parallel and spaced from the third labyrinth sealing wall 14.

[0083] In the second section, the tubular labyrinth sealing device 10 additionally has a fourth labyrinth sealing wall 15. In the second section A2, the first labyrinth sealing wall 11 is arranged at an angle relative to the second labyrinth sealing wall 12, so that the rectangular cross-section of the sealing section 13 in the second section A2, through which the cooling air K flows, decreases in the direction of the outlet opening A. In this respect, the air guiding device 20 in the second section A2 is designed as an air guiding element 21 on the first labyrinth sealing wall 11. The third and fourth labyrinth sealing walls 15 are triangular in shape and arranged parallel and spaced from one another. As a result of this configuration, the flow direction S of the cooling air K in the second section A2 is changed by approximately 45° around the second deflection axis R2. List of reference symbols

[0084] 1Generator 2Air passage 10Labyrinth sealing device 11First labyrinth sealing wall 12Second labyrinth sealing wall 13Labyrinth-like sealing section 14Third labyrinth sealing wall 15Fourth labyrinth sealing wall 20Air guiding device 21Air guiding element 22Air guiding unit 100Wind turbine AOutlet opening A1, A2Sections of the sealing section B, B1, B2, B3, B4Deflection areas EInlet opening KKooling air R1First deflection axis R2Second deflection axis SFlow direction UMenvironment

Claims

1. A labyrinth seal device (10) for an air passage (2) for cooling air (K) of a cooling system of a generator (1) of a wind power installation (100), the labyrinth seal device (10) having - a first labyrinth seal wall (11) and a second labyrinth seal wall arranged spaced apart from the first labyrinth seal wall, wherein - the first and second labyrinth seal walls (11, 12) form a labyrinthine sealing section (13) which is configured to seal the generator (1) with respect to dirt and / or water from a surrounding area (U) and to fluidically connect the surrounding area (U) of the generator (1) with a generator interior of the generator (1) in order to cool the generator (1), wherein - the sealing section (13) has an air directing device (20) which is configured to direct the cooling air (K) in a flow-optimized manner through the sealing section (13) characterized in that - the air directing device (20) is arranged within the sealing section (13), spaced apart from the first and second labyrinth seal wall (11, 12).

2. The labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the air directing device (20) - is formed on the first and / or second labyrinth seal wall (11, 12).

3. The labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the air directing device (20) has at least one air directing element (21).

4. The labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the air directing device (20) has at least two air directing elements (21), wherein the at least two air directing elements (21) are arranged one behind the other and / or side by side in the flow direction (S) of the cooling air (K).

5. The labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 3 or 4, wherein the at least one air directing element (21) is curved and / or the at least one air directing element (21) is inclined, in particular arranged at an angle, relative to the flow direction (S).

6. The labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, wherein the at least one air directing element (21) is in the form of a part-ring segment which extends preferably through about 90° or 180°, and / or is in the form of a planar element.

7. The labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the labyrinthine sealing section (13) has at least one deflection region (B1, B2, B3, B4) which is configured to guide the cooling air (K) such that the at least one deflection region (B1, B2, B3, B4) causes a change in the flow direction (S) of the cooling air (K).

8. The labyrinth sealing device (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein at least two deflection regions (B) are configured to bring about a change in the flow direction (S) of at least 90°, preferably of at least 180°, wherein the at least two deflection regions (B) are arranged in series in the flow direction (S).

9. The labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein air directing elements (21) arranged in a deflection region (B), in particular at least two air directing elements (21) arranged side by side orthogonal to the flow direction (S) and / or at least two air directing elements (21) arranged one behind the other in the flow direction (S), form an air directing unit (22).

10. The labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein at least one directing element and / or an air directing unit (22) are / is arranged in at least one or in all of the deflection regions (B).

11. The labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein - the first labyrinth seal wall (11) and the second labyrinth seal wall (12) are arranged stationarily with respect to one another, or - the first labyrinth seal wall (11) and the second labyrinth seal wall (12) are arranged movably with respect to one another, wherein ∘ the first labyrinth seal wall (11) is arranged stationarily and the second labyrinth seal wall (12) is arranged movably, or ∘ the first labyrinth seal wall (11) is arranged movably and the second labyrinth seal wall (12) is arranged stationarily, or ∘ the first labyrinth seal wall (11) is arranged movably and the second labyrinth seal wall (12) is arranged movably.

12. The labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein - the first labyrinth seal wall (11) is formed by a generator housing and / or gondola housing and / or machine housing and / or a spinner, and / or - the second labyrinth seal wall (12) is formed by a generator housing and / or gondola housing and / or machine housing and / or a spinner, and / or - the sealing section (13) has a constant cross-sectional area, wherein the cross-sectional area of the sealing section (13) preferably does not change, in particular does not increase and / or does not decrease, in the flow direction (S).

13. An air passage (2) having a labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-12.

14. A generator (1) having a labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-12 and / or an air passage (2) as claimed in the preceding claim 13.

15. A wind power installation (100) having a labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-12 and / or an air passage (2) as claimed in the preceding claim 13 and / or a generator (1) as claimed in the preceding claim 14.

16. The use of a labyrinth seal device (10) as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1-12 for the flow-optimized sealing of an air passage (2) for cooling air (K) of a cooling system for a generator (1) of a wind power installation (100).