Electrical machine tooth assemblies and methods

Abstract

To provide a tooth assembly that reduces the overall assembly time of a generator.SOLUTION: A tooth assembly (100) comprises a tooth body (110), a winding (120) arranged around the tooth body (110), and a winding stopper (130). The winding stopper (130) comprises a first portion (131) shaped and dimensioned to be received in a groove (114) of the tooth body (110). Further, the winding stopper (130) comprises a second portion (132) extending from the first portion (131) and protruding from a first lateral wall (113) of the tooth body (110). Winding stoppers (130) and methods for assembling the tooth assembly (100) are also provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electromechanical tooth assembly, a winding stopper, and a method of assembling an electromechanical tooth assembly. The present disclosure further relates to an electromechanical machine including such an assembly and a wind turbine incorporating such an assembly and having a generator.

Background Art

[0002] Today, wind turbines are commonly used to supply power to the power grid. This type of wind turbine generally includes a tower and a rotor disposed on the tower. The rotor typically includes a hub and a plurality of blades and is configured to rotate under the influence of wind on the blades. This rotation usually generates torque that is transmitted directly, "direct drive" or "gearless", or using a gearbox, via a rotor shaft to a generator. In this way, the generator generates electricity that can be supplied to the power grid.

[0003] Other electrical machines such as wind turbine generators and motors generally include a rotor (rotating part) and a stator (stationary part). The rotor rotates relative to the stator. The rotor may be an internal structure and the stator may be another structure. Thus, the stator can radially surround the rotor. Alternatively, in other configurations, the arrangement may be reversed such that the rotor radially surrounds the stator.

[0004] Large generators such as modern wind turbines may be permanent magnet generators (PMGs) or electrically excited generators.

[0005] In a permanent magnet generator, generally, permanent magnets (PMs) are disposed on the rotor, while winding elements, i.e., coils, are usually included in the stator. Alternatively, the permanent magnets can be disposed within the stator structure and the winding elements can be disposed within the rotor structure. Permanent magnet generators are generally highly reliable and require less maintenance than other types of generators.

[0006] On the other hand, electrically excited generators generally include a rotor with multiple pole shoes (magnetic pole shoes) and excitation windings, i.e., coils. When in use, current is applied to the excitation coils. The applied current forms the polarity of the magnetic poles, and adjacent magnetic poles have different magnetic polarities. As the rotor rotates, the magnetic field from the pole shoes is applied to the stator windings, creating a fluctuating magnetic flux in the stator windings and generating a voltage in the stator windings. In this way, in an excited generator, the magnetic field for generating power is electrically generated, so permanent magnets are not required.

[0007] A typical permanent magnet generator comprises a stator including a stator yoke having multiple teeth projecting radially. In a generator where the stator surrounds a generator rotor, the teeth may project toward the center of the stator yoke. Alternatively, in a generator where the generator rotor surrounds the stator, the teeth may project radially toward the outside of the stator yoke. Furthermore, multiple slots may be defined between adjacent teeth, each slot accommodating its respective winding.

[0008] To protect and maintain the pre-formed coils in place, winding stoppers (so-called wedges) may be coupled to each generator tooth. For example, it is known to use winding stoppers (or other winding holding elements) that extend into the space between adjacent teeth and hold the coils in place between these teeth. However, the assembly process is time-consuming, complex, and cumbersome. Furthermore, it has been found that winding stoppers affect the cooling of the coils during operation.

[0009] Accordingly, this disclosure provides a method and system for overcoming some of the above-mentioned shortcomings, at least partially. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a tooth assembly for an electromechanical device is provided. The tooth assembly includes a tooth body extending longitudinally from a first end wall to a second end wall. The tooth body defines first and second side walls substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. The first and second side walls also have grooves extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. The tooth assembly also includes a winding and a winding stopper arranged around the tooth body. The winding stopper is attached to the first side wall of the tooth body. Furthermore, the winding stopper includes a first portion shaped and sized to be received in the groove, and a second portion extending from the first portion. The second portion extends from the first portion and protrudes from the first side wall of the tooth body, and the winding stopper is supported only by the tooth body at the first side wall. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In this embodiment, the fact that each tooth assembly is independent of other tooth assemblies allows for the completion of tooth assemblies separately from the main stator (or rotor) assembly line, thereby reducing the overall assembly time of the generator. Furthermore, this configuration simplifies the disassembly process of teeth that need to be replaced. Additionally, since the winding stopper is attached to a single tooth and does not need to extend between teeth, the heat transfer coefficient between the coil and the cooling means is improved. Moreover, because the winding stopper contacts only one side wall of the tooth body, it can be used with windings that include connecting components extending along the end wall of the tooth body rather than the winding itself.

[0012] Furthermore, the disclosed teeth assemblies are suitable for receiving round-wire windings and pre-formed windings. The pre-formed coils may include windings with a tightly packed rectangular cross-section, which can result in a higher slot filling rate and therefore a higher output torque. In addition, compared to round-wire windings, pre-formed coils can be manufactured to increase thermal conductivity from the center of the yoke slot toward the teeth wall. This allows for better distribution of the generated heat across the slot and reduces the peak temperature in the slot and winding. Due to its rigid structure, the pre-formed coils must be inserted radially into the slots. Thus, teeth assemblies that can be mounted independently of others substantially simplify the entire generator assembly process, whether mounted independently of a stator, such as in a permanent magnet generator, or independently of a rotor, such as in an electric excitation generator.

[0013] In another embodiment, a method for assembling a tooth assembly is provided. This method includes providing a tooth body extending longitudinally from a first end wall to a second end wall. The tooth body also defines first and second side walls substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. The first side wall also has a groove extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, this method includes providing a winding around the tooth body. This method also includes providing a winding stopper comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is molded and dimensional to be received in the groove of the tooth body, and the second portion extends from the first portion. Furthermore, this method includes coupling the winding stopper to the groove of the tooth body. The coupling is made such that the second portion of the winding stopper protrudes from the first side wall toward the winding, and the winding stopper contacts the tooth body only at the first side wall.

[0014] According to this additional embodiment, this method allows for the assembly of a tooth assembly independently of other teeth in a simple and reliable manner. Furthermore, this method allows for the assembly of tooth components so as to leave a gap between the winding anchors of adjacent windings. This gap promotes air circulation and increases the heat transfer coefficient between the windings and the cooling medium (refrigerant: i.e., air).

[0015] In another embodiment, a winding stopper is provided that is configured to be attachable to a tooth assembly including a tooth body. The winding stopper includes a first portion that is formed and dimensionally sized to fit into a groove in the tooth body. The first portion also includes a head portion configured to be positioned inside the groove and a neck portion configured to extend from the inside to the outside of the groove. The maximum height of the head portion is greater than the height of the neck portion. Furthermore, the winding stopper includes a second portion configured to hold windings arranged around the tooth body.

[0016] Further objects, advantages, and features of the embodiments of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art by examining the specification or by practicing the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of an example of a wind turbine is shown. [Figure 2] Examples of wind turbine hubs and nacelles are shown. [Figure 3] A schematic perspective view of an example of a teeth assembly for a generator is shown. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken across the line A-A' in the plane shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of a detailed example of a winding stopper assembly in a generator teeth is shown. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows a detailed view of another example of a winding stopper assembly in a generator teeth. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram of yet another example of a winding stopper assembly in a generator teeth is shown. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for providing a teeth assembly for a generator is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of this teaching will be referenced in detail, with one or more examples shown in the drawings. Each embodiment is provided as a description of the invention, not as an limitation. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this teaching. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used in conjunction with another embodiment to obtain yet another embodiment. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to encompass modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a wind turbine 10. In this example, the wind turbine 10 is a horizontal-axis wind turbine. Alternatively, the wind turbine 10 may be a vertical-axis wind turbine. In this embodiment, the wind turbine 10 includes a tower 15 extending from a support system 14 on the ground 12, a nacelle 16 mounted on the tower 15, and a rotor 18 coupled to the nacelle 16. The rotor 18 includes a rotatable hub 20 and at least one rotor blade 22 coupled to the hub and extending outward from the hub 20. In this example, the rotor 18 has three rotor blades 22. In another embodiment, the rotor 18 includes three or more or fewer rotor blades 22. The tower 15 may be made of tubular steel to define a cavity between the support system 14 and the nacelle 16. In an alternative embodiment, the tower 15 is any suitable type of tower having any suitable height. By another method, the tower may be a hybrid tower including a concrete portion and a tubular steel portion. Additionally, the tower can be a partial or full lattice tower.

[0020] The rotor blades 22 are spaced around the hub 20 and facilitate the rotation of the rotor 18, enabling the transfer of kinetic energy from the wind into usable mechanical energy and then into electrical energy. The rotor blades 22 are fitted to the hub 20 by coupling the blade root portion 24 to the hub 20 in a plurality of load transfer regions 26. The load transfer regions 26 can have a hub load transfer region and a blade load transfer region (both not shown in FIG. 1). The loads induced on the rotor blades 22 are transferred to the hub 20 via the load transfer regions 26.

[0021] In an embodiment, the rotor blades 22 can have a length ranging from about 15 meters (m) to about 90 meters or more. The rotor blades 22 can have any suitable length that enables the wind turbine 10 to function as described herein. For example, non-limiting examples of blade lengths include lengths less than 20 m, 37 m, 48.7 m, 50.2 m, 52.2 m, or greater than 91 m. When wind hits the rotor blades 22 from the wind direction 28, the rotor 18 rotates about the rotor axis 30. As the rotor blades 22 rotate and are subject to centrifugal force, the rotor blades 22 are also subject to various forces and moments. Thus, the rotor blades 22 can deflect and / or rotate from a neutral or non-deflected position to a deflected position.

[0022] Furthermore, the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22, i.e., the angle that determines the orientation of the rotor blades 22 with respect to the wind direction, can be changed by the pitch system 32 in order to control the load and power generated by the wind turbine 10 by adjusting the angular position of at least one rotor blade 22 with respect to the wind vector. The pitch axis 34 of the rotor blades 22 is shown. During operation of the wind turbine 10, the pitch system 32 can specifically change the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22 such that the angle of attack of (a part of) the rotor blade is reduced, facilitating a reduction in the rotational speed and / or facilitating stall of the rotor 18.

[0023] In this example, the blade pitch of each rotor blade 22 is controlled individually by the wind turbine control device 36 or the pitch control system 80. Alternatively, the blade pitch of all rotor blades 22 may be controlled simultaneously by this control system.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as the wind direction 28 changes, the yaw direction of the nacelle 16 may rotate around the yaw axis 38 to position the rotor blades 22 relative to the wind direction 28.

[0025] In the embodiment, the wind turbine control device 36 is shown to be concentrated within the nacelle 16, but the wind turbine control device 36 may be a distributed system located throughout the wind turbine 10, on the support system 14, within the wind farm, and / or in a remote control center. The wind turbine control device 36 includes a processor 40 configured to perform the methods and / or steps described herein. Furthermore, many of the other components described herein include processors.

[0026] As used herein, the term “processor” is not limited to integrated circuits as referred to in the art as computers, but broadly means controllers, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), application-specific integrated circuits, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. It should be understood that processors and / or control systems may also include memory, input channels, and / or output channels.

[0027] Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the wind turbine 10. In this embodiment, the wind turbine 10 includes a nacelle 16 and a rotor 18 rotatably coupled to the nacelle 16. Specifically, the hub 20 of the rotor 18 is rotatably coupled to a generator 42 located within the nacelle 16 by a main shaft 44, a gearbox 46, a high-speed shaft 48, and a coupling 50. In this embodiment, the main shaft 44 is at least partially coaxial with the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the nacelle 16. The rotation of the main shaft 44 drives the gearbox, which in turn drives the high-speed shaft 48 by converting the relatively slow rotational motion of the rotor 18 and the main shaft 44 into the relatively fast rotational motion of the high-speed shaft 48. The latter is connected to the generator 42 to generate electrical energy with the help of the coupling 50. Furthermore, a transformer 90 and / or appropriate electronic equipment, switches and / or inverters can be placed within the nacelle 16 to convert the electrical energy generated by the generator 42, which has a voltage between 400V and 1000V, into electrical energy with a medium voltage (10-35KV). This electrical energy is then conducted from the nacelle 16 to the tower 15 via power cables.

[0028] The gearbox 46, generator 42, and transformer 90 may be supported by a main support structure frame of the nacelle 16, which is optionally embodied as a main frame 52. The gearbox 46 may include a gearbox housing connected to the main frame 52 by one or more torque arms 103. In embodiments, the nacelle 16 also includes a main front support bearing 60 and a main rear support bearing 62. Furthermore, the generator 42 may be attached to the main frame 52 by decoupling support means 54, in particular to prevent vibrations of the generator 42 from being introduced into the main frame 52 and generating a source of noise emission.

[0029] Optionally, the main frame 52 is configured to transport the weight of the rotor 18 and the components of the nacelle 16, as well as the total load generated by the wind and rotational loads, and to introduce these loads into the tower 15 of the wind turbine 10. The rotor shaft 44, generator 42, gearbox 46, high-speed shaft 48, coupling 50, and associated fastening, support, and / or fixing devices, including but not limited to the support 52, front support bearing 60 and rear support bearing 62, may be referred to as the drive train 64.

[0030] In some examples, the wind turbine may be a direct-drive wind turbine without a gearbox 46. The generator 42 operates at the same rotational speed as the rotor 18 of the direct-drive wind turbine. Therefore, they generally have a much larger diameter than the generators used in wind turbines with a gearbox 46 to supply the same amount of power as those used in wind turbines with a gearbox.

[0031] Furthermore, the nacelle 16 may include a yaw drive mechanism 56 that can be used to rotate the nacelle 16, and by extension the rotor 18, around the yaw axis 38, in order to control the proximity of the rotor blades 22 to the wind direction 28.

[0032] To properly position the nacelle 16 with respect to the wind direction 28, the nacelle 16 may also include at least one weather measurement system 58 which may include a wind vane and an anemometer. The weather measurement system 58 can provide the wind turbine control device 36 with information including the wind direction 28 and / or wind speed. In this example, the pitch system 32 is at least partially located as a pitch assembly 66 within the hub 20. The pitch assembly 66 includes one or more pitch drive systems 68 and at least one sensor 70. Each pitch drive system 68 is coupled to each rotor blade 22 (shown in Figure 1) to modulate the pitch angle of the rotor blade 22 along the pitch axis 34. Figure 2 shows only one of the three pitch drive systems 68.

[0033] In this example, the pitch assembly 66 includes a hub 20 and at least one pitch bearing 72 coupled to each rotor blade 22 (shown in Figure 1) to rotate each rotor blade 22 around the pitch axis 34. The pitch drive system 68 includes a pitch drive motor 74, a pitch drive gearbox 76, and a pitch drive pinion 78. The pitch drive motor 74 is coupled to the pitch drive gearbox 76 so that the pitch drive motor 74 imparts mechanical force to the pitch drive gearbox 76. The pitch drive gearbox 76 is coupled to the pitch drive pinion 78 so that the pitch drive pinion 78 is rotated by the pitch drive gearbox 76. The pitch bearing 72 is coupled to the pitch drive pinion 78 so that the pitch bearing 72 is rotated by the rotation of the pitch drive pinion 78.

[0034] The pitch drive system 68, upon receiving one or more signals from the wind turbine controller 36, is coupled to the wind turbine controller 36 to adjust the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22. In embodiments, the pitch drive motor 74 is any suitable motor driven by an electric and / or hydraulic system, enabling the pitch assembly 66 to function as described herein. Alternatively, the pitch assembly 66 may include any suitable structure, configuration, arrangement, and / or components, such as hydraulic cylinders, springs, and / or servo mechanisms, but is not limited to these. In certain embodiments, the pitch drive motor 74 is driven by the rotational inertia of the hub 20 and / or energy extracted from a stored energy source (not shown) that supplies energy to the components of the wind turbine 10.

[0035] The pitch assembly 66 may also include one or more pitch control systems 80 for controlling the pitch drive system 68 in accordance with a control signal from the wind turbine controller 36 in certain prioritized situations and / or during overspeed of the rotor 18. In this example, the pitch assembly 66 includes at least one pitch control system 80 communicably coupled to each pitch drive system 68 in order to control the pitch drive system 68 independently of the wind turbine controller 36. In this example, the pitch control system 80 is coupled to the pitch drive system 68 and the sensor 70. During normal operation of the wind turbine 10, the wind turbine controller 36 can control the pitch drive system 68 to adjust the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22.

[0036] In one embodiment, for example, a generator 84 including a battery and an electric capacitor is located inside or within the hub 20 and coupled to a sensor 70, a pitch control system 80, and a pitch drive system 68 to provide a power source to these components. In this embodiment, the wind turbine generator 84 provides a continuous source of power to the pitch assembly 66 while the wind turbine 10 is in operation. In another embodiment, the generator 84 supplies power to the pitch assembly 66 only during power loss events of the wind turbine 10. Power loss events may include power grid losses or dips, malfunctions of the wind turbine 10's electrical system, and / or failures of the wind turbine controller 36. During a power loss event, the generator 84 operates to supply power to the pitch assembly 66 so that the pitch assembly 66 can operate during the power loss event.

[0037] In this embodiment, the pitch drive system 68, sensor 70, pitch control system 80, cable, and generator 84 are each located within a cavity 86 defined by the inner surface 88 of the hub 20. In another embodiment, these components are located relative to the outer surface of the hub 20 and may be directly or indirectly coupled to the outer surface.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an example of a tooth assembly 100 according to the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the tooth assembly 100 is a stator tooth assembly, but the tooth assembly 100 may also be configured to be mounted on a generator rotor or other electrical machine. The stator tooth assembly 100 includes a tooth body 110 extending along the longitudinal direction LD from a first end wall 111 to a second end wall 112. The tooth body 110 also defines first and second lateral walls 113 substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction LD, and the first and second lateral walls 113 include grooves 114 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction LD. The stator tooth assembly 100 further includes windings 120 arranged around the tooth body 110 and a winding stopper 130. The winding stopper 130 includes a first portion that is attached to the first side wall 113 and whose shape and dimensions are determined to be received within the groove 114. The winding stopper 130 also includes a second portion 132 that extends from the first portion 131 and protrudes from the first side wall 113. As shown in the figure, the winding stopper 130 is supported only by the tooth body 110 at the first side wall 113.

[0039] Furthermore, Figure 3 shows that the side wall 113 of the tooth body 110 may include a groove 114 extending into the first end wall 111 of the tooth body 110. This allows the winding stopper 130 to be introduced axially into the groove 114, for example from the first end wall 111, and then slid along the groove 114 to a desired position. In this example, the groove 114 extends longitudinally from the first end wall 111 to the second end wall 112 of the tooth body, but other configurations are possible. In other embodiments, the tooth body 110 may consist of separate grooves 114, i.e., one extending axially from the first end wall 111 and two other grooves 114 extending axially from the second end wall 112. Furthermore, the groove 114 may have a relatively large local opening in the side wall 113 to allow the winding stopper 130 to be introduced throughout in the same way.

[0040] Figure 3 also shows that the groove 114 of the tooth body 110 includes an internal chamber and an orifice. The orifice, located within the side wall 113, provides access to the internal chamber. Furthermore, the internal chamber may have a larger cross-section than the orifice. This is further illustrated and explained in Figures 5 to 7.

[0041] Furthermore, Figure 3 shows that the stator teeth assembly 100 may include multiple winding stoppers 130 distributed along the groove 114. The winding stoppers 130 may extend in the longitudinal direction LD for a range of 50 mm to 150 mm, specifically 75 mm to 125 mm. Such a range of lengths for the winding stoppers 130 allows for the introduction of multiple winding stoppers 130 spaced longitudinally along the groove 114, facilitating the manufacture of the winding stoppers 130 and reducing material costs compared to a single winding stopper 130 extending longitudinally along the entire length of the tooth body 110. Alternatively, winding stoppers 130 with longer or shorter lengths may be used depending on the specific requirements or size of the stator generator. Thus, in other examples, the winding stoppers may extend longitudinally for a range of 60% to 90% of the length of the stator teeth 100, specifically 70% to 90% of the length of the stator teeth 100.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view across the plane A-A' shown in Figure 3. The cross-section of the stator tooth assembly 100 shows that the first portion 131 of the winding stopper 130 is substantially inside the groove 114, and the second portion 132 of the winding stopper 130 protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the side wall 113 of the tooth body 110. More precisely, this embodiment shows that the second portion 132 of the winding stopper 130 extends a portion of the thickness of the winding. Thus, the winding stopper 130 may extend to the outer side wall 121 of the winding 120. Thus, the winding stopper 130 does not obstruct the airflow around the winding 120. This can substantially improve the heat transfer coefficient of the stator tooth assembly 100 and improve the cooling rate of the stator tooth assembly 100 with respect to a given cooling system (not shown). By using multiple winding stoppers 130 distributed longitudinally along the tooth body, each individual winding stopper 130 can adapt to some extent to the local height of the winding. The use of one or more winding stoppers 130 that do not extend along the entire length of the tooth body 110 improves the heat transfer coefficient and promotes more uniform cooling than a single winding stopper extending from one end wall to the other. Figures 3 and 4 show a tooth assembly 100 configured to be attached to a generator stator, but the same advantages apply to a tooth assembly for a generator rotor.

[0043] Furthermore, the exemplary winding stopper 130 in Figure 4 includes a first portion 131 of substantially rectangular shape that fits with the same rectangular cross-section of the inner chamber of the groove 114. However, the shape and dimensions of the first portion 131 and the corresponding shape of the inner chamber of the groove 114 may vary depending on the requirements of the stator teeth and the suitability of the manufacturing technology. In some examples, the inner chamber may have a substantially circular, L-shaped, T-shaped, or dovetail cross-section. Different shapes and dimensions of the above-described components are also possible and will be further explained with reference to Figures 5-7.

[0044] Furthermore, the winding stopper 130 may be made of a composite material. Therefore, the winding stopper 130 may include fibers made from glass, carbon, aramid, basalt, or other materials. Resins such as epoxy and polyester are used. The winding stopper 130 may be in the form of a drawn piece cut to length. Alternatively, the winding stopper 130 can be manufactured from a blank metal piece (a metal block) using known machining techniques.

[0045] Figures 5 to 7 schematically illustrate detailed illustrations of different embodiments of a winding stopper 130 in a tooth body 110. The tooth body 110 may be a generator stator tooth body or a generator rotor tooth body. Thus, the disclosure also provides a winding stopper 130. The winding stopper 130 is configured to be attachable to a tooth assembly 100, which includes the tooth body 110. The winding stopper also comprises a first portion 131 and a second portion 132. The first portion 131 is molded and dimensionally sized to fit within a groove 114 of the tooth body 110. More specifically, the first portion 131 is molded and dimensionally sized to substantially fit with the groove 114 of the tooth body 110. The first portion includes a head portion 133 configured to be positioned inside the groove 114 and a neck portion 134 configured to extend from the inside to the outside of the groove 114. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the maximum height of the head portion 133 is greater than the height of the neck portion 134. The second portion is configured to hold the windings arranged around the teeth body. The geometric shape of the first portion 131 increases the reliability of the windbreak attachment. Since the head portion 133 can only be removed from the groove 114 along the longitudinal direction (i.e., not the transverse or circumferential direction), the windings can be fixed in place by a cantilever-shaped winding stopper. Furthermore, the winding stopper may be configured to contact the side wall 113 of the stator teeth body 110.

[0046] Furthermore, the winding stopper 130 may include a protective element 140 and a bias element 150. In addition, the protective element 140 is configured to be coupled to the stator winding 120, and the bias element 150 is configured to be inserted between the second portion 132 of the winding stopper 130 and the protective element 140. Thus, the bias element 150 facilitates contact between the winding stopper 130 and the stator teeth assembly 100.

[0047] The bias element 150 is schematically shown in Figures 5 to 7, but it should be noted that the bias element 150 may be an elastic element such as a ripple spring, or a rigid element such as a wedge. Other elastic and rigid elements can also be used as the bias element 150.

[0048] The protective element 140 may be made of a composite material, as described above with respect to the winding stopper. Furthermore, the protective element 140 may be bonded to the winding 120 by adhesive. Alternatively, the protective element 140 may be bonded to the winding 120 during the winding manufacturing process, i.e., during resin casting when a pre-formed winding is used.

[0049] As previously mentioned, Figures 5 to 7 show that the first portion 131 of the winding stopper 130 can be formed in different shapes. Figure 5 shows a substantially trapezoidal first portion 131, Figure 6 shows a substantially circular first portion 131, and Figure 7 shows an inverted L-shaped first portion 131. In the illustrated example, the height of the cross-section of the inner chamber is greater than the height of the orifice (indicated by the dashed line), but other relative dimensions can also be used.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the winding stopper 130 may further include a bias element 150 at least partially positioned between the winding 120 and the winding stopper 130. Additionally, the winding stopper 130 may further include a protective element 140 at least partially positioned between the bias element 150 and the winding 120. As shown in the figures, the geometric shapes of the contact areas between these components, i.e., the winding 120, the protective element 140, the bias element 150, and the winding stopper 130, may vary. In one example, the protective element 140 may include a first layer of felt configured to contact the winding 120 and a second composite layer configured to contact the bias element 150.

[0051] Accordingly, each of the winding stoppers 130 that can be inserted into the stator tooth assembly 100 may include bias elements 150 having different dimensions and structural characteristics. This also contributes to compensating for potential differences in height along the winding 120 due to manufacturing defects or design considerations, achieving a more uniform pressure distribution and thus achieving coupling between the winding 120 and the tooth body 110.

[0052] The technical features described herein with respect to the winding stopper 130 may be included in tooth assemblies such as the disclosed stator tooth assembly 100, or in rotor tooth assemblies. Similarly, the technical features discussed with respect to the stator tooth assembly 100 may be included in the winding stopper 130 if they relate to the winding stopper.

[0053] In another embodiment of this disclosure, Method 800 is provided, which is suitable for assembling a teeth assembly 100. Method 800 is schematically shown in Figure 8.

[0054] Method 800 includes providing a tooth body 110 in block 801. The tooth body 110 extends along the longitudinal direction LD from a first end wall 111 to a second end wall 112. The tooth body 110 also forms first and second side walls 113 substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction LD. The first and second side walls 113 also have grooves 114 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction LD. Method 800 also includes providing a winding 120 around the tooth body 110 in block 802. Furthermore, Method 800 includes providing a winding stopper 130 in block 803. The winding stopper 130 comprises a first portion 131 shaped and sized to fit within the grooves 114 of the tooth body 110, and a second portion 132 extending from the first portion 131. Furthermore, method 800 includes coupling the winding stopper 130 to the groove 114 of the tooth body 110 such that in block 804, the second portion 132 substantially protrudes from the first side wall toward the winding 120, and the winding stopper contacts the tooth body only at the first side wall. Furthermore, the shape and dimensions of the first portion 131 of the winding stopper 130 may be determined so that it is not only received in the groove but also substantially fitted inside the groove 114 of the tooth body 110.

[0055] According to this embodiment, the method enables the assembly of tooth assemblies separated from the main generator assembly line. This facilitates task parallelization and reduces overall assembly time. Furthermore, it also avoids the need to assemble individual tooth components (i.e., windings or winding stoppers) inside the generator. This can also improve the efficiency of the assembly process due to a substantial improvement in space constraints. In addition, this method enables the assembly of tooth assemblies having winding stoppers that contact only the side walls of the tooth body, increasing the versatility of the assembly and improving the heat transfer coefficient between the windings and the cooling medium.

[0056] In an example of the disclosed method 800, the groove 114 of the tooth body 110 may extend into at least a first end wall 111. Furthermore, the groove 114 may include an inner chamber and an orifice providing access to the inner chamber. The inner chamber may have a maximum cross-sectional height greater than the height of the orifice. The groove 114 of the tooth body 110 includes an inner chamber and an orifice in one of the side walls 113, the orifice providing access to the inner chamber, the inner chamber having a maximum cross-sectional height, the maximum height being greater than the height of the orifice. Thus, the coupling process in block 804 can be performed by inserting the first portion 131 of the winding stopper 130 longitudinally into the groove 114 of the tooth body 110. In another example, the winding stopper 130 may be inserted longitudinally into the groove 114 through the first end wall 111. The fact that the height of the orifice may be lower than the height of the inner chamber means that the first portion 131 of the winding stopper 130 (which has a shape that fits into the inner chamber of the groove 114) cannot move in and out of the groove 114 through the orifice in the side wall 113. This provides a more reliable connection between the winding stopper 130 and the teeth body 110 and provides a fixed stop for potential radial displacement of the winding 120.

[0057] In further embodiments, the method may include connecting a tooth assembly to a stator yoke such that the tooth body extends radially with respect to the stator yoke. Furthermore, the method may also include connecting additional tooth assemblies to the stator yoke, in which case the tooth assemblies are assembled independently to the stator yoke.

[0058] This description uses examples to disclose teachings including preferred embodiments and to enable a person skilled in the art to implement the teachings disclosed herein, including manufacturing and using any apparatus or system and carrying out any incorporated methods. The patentable scope is defined by the claims and may include other examples that may arise for a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents to each such aspect, may be mixed and harmonized by a person skilled in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques in accordance with the principles of this application. Where reference numerals relating to drawings are enclosed in parentheses within the claims, they are intended solely to increase the understanding of the claims and should not be construed as limiting the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 10: Wind turbine 12: Ground 14: Support system 15: Tower 16: Nacelle 18: Rotor 20: Hub 22: Rotor blade 24: Blade root 26: Load transfer area 28: Wind direction 30: Rotor shaft 32: Pitch system 34: Pitch shaft 36: Wind turbine control device 38: Yaw shaft 40: Processor 42: Generator 44: Main shaft 46: Gearbox 48: High-speed shaft 50: Coupling 52: Main frame 54: Decoupling support means 56: Yaw drive mechanism 58: Weather measurement system 60: Main front support bearing 62: Rear support bearing 64: Drive train 66: Pitch assembly 68: Pitch drive system 70: Sensor 72: Pitch bearing 74: Pitch drive motor 76: Pitch drive gearbox 78: Pitch drive pinion 80: Pitch control system 84: Generator 86: Cavity 88: Inner surface 90: Transformer 100: Tooth assembly 110: Tooth body 111: First end wall 112: Second end wall 114: Groove 120: Winding 121: Outer side wall 130: Winding stopper 131: First part 132: Second part 133: Head part 134: Neck part 140: Protective element 150: Bias element LD: Longitudinal direction

Claims

1. A teeth assembly (100) for an electric machine, comprising: a teeth body (110) extending along a longitudinal direction (LD) from a first end wall (111) to a second end wall (112) and defining first and second side walls (113) substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (LD), the first and second side walls (113) including grooves (114) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (LD); A winding (120) arranged around the tooth body (110); a winding stopper (130) attached to the first sidewall (113) and including a first portion (131) shaped and sized to be received within the groove (114), and a second portion (132) extending from the first portion (131) and protruding from the first sidewall (113); The winding stopper (130) is supported only by the tooth body (110) at the first side wall (113).

2. The teeth assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one groove (114) extends into the first end wall (111) of the teeth body (110).

3. The teeth assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the at least one groove (114) extends longitudinally from the first end wall (111) to the second end wall (112) of the teeth body (110).

4. The teeth assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the teeth body (110) is configured to be coupled to a generator stator.

5. 2. The tooth assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the winding stopper (130) extends longitudinally along the longitudinal direction (LD) for between 60% and 90% of the length of the tooth body (110), specifically between 70% and 90% of the length of the tooth body (110).

6. The teeth assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the first portion (131) and the second portion (132) of the winding stopper (130) are formed of a composite material.

7. 2. The teeth assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the winding stop (130) further comprises a biasing element (150) at least partially disposed between the winding (120) and the second portion (132) of the winding stop (130).

8. The teeth assembly (100) of claim 7, wherein the biasing element (150) is a wedge or a ripple spring.

9. The teeth assembly (100) of claim 7, wherein the winding stop (130) further comprises a protective element (140) disposed at least partially between the biasing element (150) and the winding (120).

10. A teeth assembly (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one groove (114) includes an inner chamber and an orifice in one of the side walls (113), the orifice providing access to the inner chamber, the inner chamber having a maximum height in cross section that is greater than the height of the orifice.

11. The teeth assembly (100) of claim 10, wherein the internal chamber has a generally circular, L-shaped, T-shaped, or dovetail-shaped cross-sectional shape.

12. A method (800) for assembling a teeth assembly (100), comprising: A step (801) of providing a teeth body (110) extending along a longitudinal direction (LD) from a first end wall (111) to a second end wall (112), the teeth body defining first and second side walls (113) substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (LD), the first side wall (113) including a groove (114) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (LD); providing (802) a winding (120) around the teeth body (110); providing (803) a winding stopper (130) including a first portion (131) shaped and sized to be received in the groove (114) of the teeth body (110) and a second portion (132) extending from the first portion (131); a step (804) of coupling the winding stopper (130) only to the groove (114) of the tooth body (110) such that the second portion (132) protrudes from the first sidewall (113) toward the winding (120) and the winding stopper (130) contacts the tooth body (110) only at the first sidewall (113); A method comprising:

13. 13. The method (800) of claim 12, wherein the groove (114) of the tooth body (110) extends into at least the first end wall (111), the groove (114) of the tooth body (110) includes an internal chamber and an orifice for accessing the internal chamber, the internal chamber having a maximum cross-sectional height greater than the height of the orifice, and the winding stopper (130) is coupled to the tooth body (110) by inserting a first portion (131) of the winding stopper (130) into the groove (114) along the longitudinal direction (LD) of the tooth body (110).

14. 14. The method (800) of claim 12 or 13, further comprising coupling the teeth assembly (100) to a stator yoke such that the teeth bodies (110) extend radially relative to the stator yoke.

15. 15. The method (800) of claim 14, further comprising the step of coupling additional teeth assemblies (100) to the stator yoke, wherein the teeth assemblies (100) are assembled independently from the stator yoke.

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