Apparatus for measuring wind power generator air gap

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for measuring a wind power generator air gap capable of measuring a measure (air gap) of a large structure with a diameter equal to or greater than several meters which constitutes a wind power generator, and verifying reliability of the air gap in advance before assembly.SOLUTION: An apparatus for measuring a wind power generator air gap is disclosed. The apparatus includes: a support with a rotating driver therein; a first frame having an inner end fixed on the support; a second frame provided above the first frame at an interval; a spacer provided below the second frame; a turning bearing fixing the first frame and rotating the second frame; n (n is a natural number) dummy magnets provided on an outer end of the first frame; n (n is the natural number) dummy coils provided on an outer end of the second frame; and an air gap measuring means measuring an air gap between the dummy magnets and the dummy coils.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air gap measuring device for a wind power generator that can measure the dimensions (air gap) of a large structure that constitutes a wind power generator and has a diameter of several meters or more, and verify the reliability of the air gap before assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Wind power generation is a method of generating electricity by using wind turbines to convert the energy of wind into mechanical energy (rotational force), which then drives a generator to convert this mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0003] Wind power is the most economical of all the new renewable energy sources developed to date, and has the advantage of being able to generate electricity using wind, an unlimited, cost-free clean energy source. As a result, active investment is currently being made in wind power not only in Europe but also in the United States and Asia.

[0004] Wind turbines for such wind power generation are divided into vertical axis wind turbines and horizontal axis wind turbines depending on the direction of the rotation axis. Currently, horizontal axis wind turbines are used in most commercial wind power plants because they are more efficient and stable than vertical axis turbines. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 10-2193215 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an air gap measurement device for a wind power generator that can measure the dimensions (air gap) of a large structure that constitutes a wind power generator and has a diameter of several meters or more, and can verify the reliability of the air gap before assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An air gap measuring device for a wind turbine generator according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0008] The device includes a support base with a rotary driver installed inside, a first frame whose inner end is fixed on the support base, a second frame installed at a distance from the upper part of the first frame, a spacer installed at the lower part of the second frame, a swivel bearing that fixes the first frame and rotates the second frame, n (n is a natural number) dummy magnets installed at the outer end of the first frame, n (n is a natural number) dummy coils installed at the outer end of the second frame, and an air gap measuring means that measures the air gap between the dummy magnets and the dummy coils.

[0009] In the air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first frame and the second frame may be annular frames, with inner ends formed horizontally and outer ends formed vertically, and the inner and outer ends may be connected by a connecting part formed at an angle.

[0010] In the air gap measurement device for a wind turbine generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the slewing bearing can include an outer ring arranged on the outside, an inner ring arranged on the inside, and balls interposed between the outer ring and the inner ring.

[0011] In the air gap measurement device for a wind power generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the outer ring may be coupled to an upper surface of the inner end of the first frame, and the inner ring may be coupled to the spacer.

[0012] In the air gap measuring device for a wind turbine generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the gear formed on the outer surface of the inner ring meshes with the pinion formed on the outer surface of the rotary driver, so that the inner ring can rotate with the rotation of the rotary driver.

[0013] In the air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the spacer is coupled to the inner ring, and when the inner ring rotates due to rotation of the rotary driver, the spacer can also rotate together.

[0014] In the air gap measurement device for a wind power generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the n dummy magnets and the n dummy coils may be provided at positions facing each other on the outer ends of the first frame and the second frame, respectively.

[0015] In the air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the n dummy magnets and the n dummy coils can be installed at equal distances on the outer ends of the first frame and the second frame.

[0016] In the air gap measurement device for a wind turbine generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, the air gap measurement means may be a plurality of measuring sticks that are processed so that the width increases or decreases by a basic unit within the reference width.

[0017] In the air gap measurement device for a wind power generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the air gap measurement means may be a distance measurement sensor provided on either the dummy coil or the dummy magnet.

[0018] In the air gap measurement device for a wind turbine generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first frame may be a stator frame, and the second frame may be a rotor frame.

[0019] In the air gap measurement device for a wind turbine generator according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first frame may be a rotor frame, and the second frame may be a stator frame.

[0020] Further details of embodiments according to various aspects of the present invention are included in the following detailed description. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the uniformity of the air gap is checked and verified during the assembly and maintenance of the wind turbine generator, and the reliability of the air gap can be ensured by assembling and maintaining the wind turbine generator accordingly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a wind power generator. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a rotor housing of a wind power generator. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing an air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Although the present invention can be implemented in various forms and in various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated and described in detail in the detailed description. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments, and that the present invention includes all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0024] The terms used in the present invention are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be understood that, in the present invention, terms such as "comprise" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the accompanying drawings, identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals whenever possible. Detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted. For the same reasons, some components in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically.

[0026] Hereinafter, a wind power generator and an air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a wind power generator, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a rotor housing of the wind power generator.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a wind turbine generator 100 includes a tower 110 , a nacelle 120 , a rotor 130 , and a rotor housing 140 .

[0029] The tower 110 is erected at a certain height on land or sea and supports the nacelle 120 and the rotor 130. The tower 110 may have a tubular shape whose diameter increases from the top to the bottom. In this case, the tower 110 may have a multi-stage structure in which a plurality of tubular members are stacked. Meanwhile, stairs, conveyors, or elevators may be installed inside the tower 110 to transport workers and work tools for maintenance.

[0030] A nacelle 120 may be provided on the upper part of the tower 110 so as to be capable of yawing relative to the tower 110. The nacelle 120 may be located on the upper part of the tower 110 and rotatably coupled to the lower part of the tower 110.

[0031] The nacelle 120 may be a casing-type structure disposed on the top of the tower 110, or may be rotatably disposed on the top of the tower 110 by a motor and bearings. A transmission, a power generator, etc. may be disposed inside the nacelle 120.

[0032] The rotor 130 is composed of a hub 131 and a plurality of blades 132. The hub 131 is rotatably mounted on the front surface of the nacelle 120. The plurality of blades 132 are coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the hub 131 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction.

[0033] The hub 131 may have a cone shape that bulges forward to reduce wind resistance. The blades 132 rotate around the central axis of the hub 131 due to wind. The blades 132 have a streamlined cross section in the width direction and may have a space formed inside.

[0034] The rotor housing 140 may be a cylindrical structure and may be disposed between the hub 131 and the nacelle 120 .

[0035] One side of the rotor housing 140 may be connected to the hub 131, so that when the hub 131 rotates, the rotor housing 140 rotates together. The rotor 141 may be arranged in a ring shape around the inner surface of the rotor housing 140. In this case, the rotor 141 may be a structure that generates magnetic force, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

[0036] A stator 142 that generates a magnetic force, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, may be disposed in the center of the rotor housing 140, and the ring-shaped rotor 141 may surround the stator 142. The stator 142 can be connected to the nacelle 120 by a support frame 143.

[0037] A cover 144 is coupled to the other side of the rotor housing 140, and a rotor 141 and a stator 142 can be housed inside the rotor housing 140. The support frame 143 can be connected to the nacelle 120 by passing through a cover hole 144a formed in the cover 144. A bearing may be disposed between the cover hole 144a and the support frame 143 to facilitate smooth rotation of the rotor housing 140.

[0038] Here, the predetermined gap between the rotor 141 and the stator 142 is called an "air gap."

[0039] On the other hand, if the air gap is non-uniform, the following problems may occur.

[0040] i) Reduced efficiency: If the air gap is too large, wind power cannot be effectively utilized, and if the air gap is too small, rotational resistance increases, which can reduce power generation efficiency.

[0041] ii) Noise and vibration: Unevenness in the air gap can cause collisions and unstable motion between the rotor and stator, which can generate noise and vibration and shorten the life of the generator.

[0042] iii) Component Damage and Failure: Persistent air gap unevenness can result in stress on rotor and stator components, causing wear and damage to the components and in the long run leading to failure.

[0043] iv) Safety Issues: Large air gaps in high speed rotating generators can pose serious safety issues.

[0044] For these reasons, it is very important to maintain the uniformity of the air gap during the design and maintenance of a wind turbine generator. Therefore, the present invention discloses an air gap measurement device for a wind turbine generator that can measure the air gap and verify the reliability of the air gap before assembly.

[0045] An air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] 3 and 4, an air gap measuring device 10 for a wind turbine generator according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a support base 11, a rotary driver 12, a first frame 13, a swivel bearing 14, a spacer 15, a second frame 16, a dummy magnet 17, a dummy coil 18, and an air gap measuring means 19.

[0047] The support base 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an internal space formed therein, and is provided with a rotary driver 12 inside. The support base 11 may be provided on a surface plate, which is a hard, flat plate used as a basic horizontal reference plane.

[0048] The first frame 13 is an annular frame, and the inner end 13a is formed horizontally, and the outer end 13b is formed vertically, and the inner end 13a and the outer end 13b may be connected by a connecting portion 13c formed at an angle. The inner end 13a of the first frame 13 is fixedly installed on the support base 11, and a dummy magnet 17 is provided on the outer end 13b. Such a first frame 13 may be, for example, the frame of the rotor 141 described above.

[0049] The second frame 16 is an annular frame formed in a shape corresponding to the first frame 13. Similar to the first frame 13, the inner end 16a is formed horizontally and the outer end 16b is formed vertically, and the inner end 16a and the outer end 16b may be connected by a connecting portion 16c formed at an angle. The inner end 16a of the second frame 16 is fixed to the upper surface of the spacer 15, and a dummy coil 18 is provided on the outer end 16b. Such a second frame 16 may be, for example, the frame of the stator 142 described above.

[0050] Of course, depending on the design, the first frame 13 may be the frame of the stator 142, and the second frame 16 may be the frame of the rotor 141. The first frame 13 and the second frame 16 may be the frame of the rotor 141 and the frame of the stator 142 before they are assembled after the manufacturing process of the wind turbine generator is completed.

[0051] The slewing bearing 14 fixes the first frame 13 and rotates the second frame 16. The slewing bearing 14 is formed in an annular structure and includes an outer ring 14a disposed on the outside, an inner ring 14b disposed on the inside, and balls 14c interposed between the outer ring 14a and the inner ring 14b.

[0052] The outer ring 14a may be coupled to an upper surface of the inner end portion 13a of the first frame 13, and the inner ring 14b may be coupled to the spacer 15. Specifically, the outer ring 14a, the inner end portion 13a of the first frame, and the support base 11 may be fastened and coupled together with a first bolt B1, and the inner ring 14b and the spacer 15 may be fastened and coupled together with a second bolt B2.

[0053] The gear formed on the outer surface of the inner ring 14b meshes with a pinion formed on the outer surface of the rotary driver 12, so that the inner ring 14b can be rotated by the rotation of the rotary driver 12.

[0054] The spacer 15 is formed in an annular shape and is provided on the upper part of the slewing bearing 14 and on the lower part of the inner end 16a of the second frame 16. The inner end 16a of the second frame 16 can be fixed to the upper part of the spacer 15. The spacer 15 is coupled to the inner ring 14b, so when the inner ring 14b rotates due to the rotation of the rotary driver 12, the spacer 15 rotates together, and the second frame 16 fixed to the upper part of the spacer 15 can also rotate together.

[0055] The dummy magnets 17 and dummy coils 18 are disposed facing each other at the outer ends 13b and 16b of the first frame 13 and the second frame 16, respectively. The dummy magnets 17 and dummy coils 18 have only a predetermined volume and are not magnetic. A plurality of dummy magnets 17 and dummy coils 18 are provided, and are spaced apart at equal distances at the annular outer ends 13b and 16b. For example, if eight dummy magnets 17 and dummy coils 18 are provided, they are spaced apart at 45-degree angles from the center.

[0056] The air gap measuring means 19 measures the air gap G between the dummy magnet 17 and the dummy coil 18 .

[0057] According to one embodiment, the air gap measuring means 19 may be a plurality of measuring sticks machined to precise dimensions, such that the width of the measuring sticks increases or decreases in basic units (e.g., 0.1 mm) from a reference width.

[0058] Specifically, when the preset constant distance between the first frame 13 and the second frame 16 is 10 mm, the width of the plurality of measuring sticks can be processed in increments of 0.1 mm between 9.5 mm and 10.5 mm.

[0059] 5, the air gap measuring means 19 may be a distance measuring sensor provided at a predetermined position on the dummy coil 18. The distance measuring sensor may be a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, or any other sensor capable of measuring a distance, and the type is not limited. Of course, the distance measuring sensor may be provided at a predetermined position on the dummy magnet 17 instead of on the dummy coil 18.

[0060] Next, an operation process of the air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as above will be described.

[0061] First, the first frame 13 and the swivel bearing 14 are positioned on the upper part of the support base 11 and fixed with the first bolt B1. Then, the second frame 16 is fixed on the upper part of the spacer 15.

[0062] Next, dummy magnets 17 are provided on the outer end 13b of the first frame 13, and dummy coils 18 are provided on the outer end 16b of the second frame 16. For example, eight dummy magnets 17 and dummy coils 18 are provided so as to be evenly spaced apart. Of course, the first frame 13 and the second frame 16 can also be fixed together after the dummy magnets 17 and dummy coils 18 are provided.

[0063] Next, the rotation driver 15 is driven to rotate the swivel bearing 14. At this time, the inner ring 14b of the swivel bearing 14 rotates, but the outer ring 14a does not. As the inner ring 14b of the swivel bearing 14 rotates, the spacer 15 coupled to the inner ring 14b also rotates, and the second frame 16 fixed to the upper part of the spacer 15 also rotates.

[0064] More specifically, the rotary driver 15 is driven until one of the dummy magnets (first dummy magnet) and one of the dummy coils (first dummy coil) are positioned to face each other.

[0065] Next, the distance between the first dummy magnet and the first dummy coil is measured. This can be measured manually using multiple measuring sticks, or automatically using a distance measuring sensor installed at a predetermined position on the dummy coil 18. Since the n-th dummy magnet and the n-th dummy coil are also positioned opposite each other, the distance between the n-th dummy magnet and the n-th dummy coil can also be measured.

[0066] Next, the rotary driver 15 is driven until the first dummy magnet and the second dummy coil are positioned opposite each other, and the distance between the first dummy magnet and the second dummy coil is measured. At this time, the nth dummy magnet and the (n+1)th dummy coil are also positioned opposite each other, so the distance between the nth dummy magnet and the (n+1)th dummy coil can also be measured.

[0067] By repeating this process, the distances between all the dummy magnets and all the dummy coils can be measured.

[0068] The results of measuring the air gap through the above process can be used as follows:

[0069] i) Measure the width of the actual magnets to be assembled and group them by tolerance range.

[0070] ii) Measure the width of the actual assembly coil and group it by tolerance range.

[0071] iii) Based on the measured air gap, magnets and coils having corresponding sizes are selected from the grouped magnets and coils, and then the actual assembly is performed.

[0072] Therefore, the air gap measuring device for a wind turbine generator according to the embodiment of the present invention as described above checks and verifies the uniformity of the air gap during the assembly and maintenance of the wind turbine generator, thereby ensuring the reliability of the air gap by assembling and maintaining the wind turbine generator.

[0073] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, a person having ordinary knowledge in the art may modify and change the present invention in various ways by adding, changing, deleting or adding components within the scope of the concept of the present invention as set forth in the claims, and this also falls within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 11: Support stand 12: Rotation driver 13: First frame 14: Swivel bearing 15: Spacer 16: Second frame 17: Dummy magnet 18: Dummy coil 19: Air gap measurement means

Claims

1. a support base having a rotary driver provided therein; a first frame having an inner end portion fixed on the support base; a second frame spaced apart from the upper portion of the first frame; a spacer provided on a lower portion of the second frame; a swivel bearing that fixes the first frame and rotates the second frame; n (n is a natural number) dummy magnets provided at the outer end of the first frame; n (n is a natural number) dummy coils provided at the outer end of the second frame; an air gap measuring means for measuring the air gap between the dummy magnet and the dummy coil; An air gap measuring device for a wind turbine generator, comprising:

2. 2. The air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to claim 1, wherein the first frame and the second frame are annular frames, inner ends of which are formed horizontally, outer ends of which are formed vertically, and the inner and outer ends are connected by a connecting part which is formed at an angle.

3. 2. The air gap measuring device for a wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein the slewing bearing includes an outer ring disposed on the outside, an inner ring disposed on the inside, and balls interposed between the outer ring and the inner ring.

4. The air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to claim 3 , wherein the outer ring is coupled to an upper surface of an inner end portion of the first frame, and the inner ring is coupled to the spacer.

5. 5. The air gap measuring device for a wind turbine generator according to claim 4, wherein the outer ring, the inner end of the first frame, and the support base are fastened and coupled together by first bolts, and the inner ring and the spacer are fastened and coupled together by second bolts.

6. 5. The air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to claim 4, wherein a gear formed on an outer surface of the inner ring meshes with a pinion formed on an outer surface of the rotary driver, and the inner ring rotates with rotation of the rotary driver.

7. The air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to claim 6, wherein the spacer is coupled to the inner ring, and when the inner ring rotates due to rotation of the rotation driver, the spacer also rotates together.

8. 2. The air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to claim 1, wherein the n dummy magnets and the n dummy coils are provided at positions facing each other at outer ends of the first frame and the second frame, respectively.

9. 9. The air gap measuring device for a wind turbine generator according to claim 8, wherein the n dummy magnets and the n dummy coils are installed at outer ends of the first frame and the second frame at equal intervals.

10. 2. The air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to claim 1, wherein the air gap measuring means is a plurality of measuring sticks processed so that the width increases or decreases by a basic unit from a reference width.

11. 2. The air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to claim 1, wherein the air gap measuring means is a distance measuring sensor provided on either the dummy coil or the dummy magnet.

12. The air gap measuring device for a wind turbine generator according to claim 11, wherein the distance measuring sensor is one of a proximity sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, and an infrared sensor.

13. 2. The air gap measuring device for a wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is a stator frame, and the second frame is a rotor frame.

14. 2. The air gap measuring device for a wind turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein the first frame is a rotor frame, and the second frame is a stator frame.

15. 2. The air gap measuring device for a wind power generator according to claim 1, wherein the dummy magnet and the dummy coil only have volume and do not have magnetism.

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