Armature for a generator, generator comprising such an armature, and method for increasing the efficiency of a generator

Abstract

The invention relates to an armature (10) for a generator (100), wherein the armature (10) comprises at least one ferromagnetic core (12) and coaxial first and second windings (14a, 14b) wound in opposite directions around the at least one ferromagnetic core (12), the first winding (14a) having a first electrical outlet (15a) and the second winding (14b) having a second electrical outlet (15b) separate from the first electrical outlet (15a). The invention also relates to a generator (100) comprising such an armature (W). The invention further relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of a generator (100).

Description

[0001] Armature for a generator, generator comprising such an armature, and method for increasing the efficiency of a generator

[0002] The invention relates to an armature for a generator.

[0003] The invention further relates to a generator comprising an armature according to the invention.

[0004] The invention also relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of a generator.

[0005] The relatively inefficient method of generating electrical energy used today (and since the discovery of electrical energy generation) is now obsolete.

[0006] Electricity is still produced at the power plant level by using the heat generated by burning the fuel (coal, wood or nuclear) used to heat a liquid (water) to produce steam. The steam produced drives a turbine, which drives an electric generator.

[0007] Electric generators are devices that convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. Their basic principle of operation is the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction, according to which a voltage is generated in a conductor when it is surrounded by a changing magnetic field. In practice, this is achieved by moving the conductor and the magnetic field relative to each other, for example by moving the conductor in the magnetic field. An electric generator basically consists of two main components: a magnetic field generator and an armature. The magnetic field generator is an element that provides the magnetic field and can be a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The armature is a component in which electrically conductive windings (hereafter referred to as 'windings') are located. An electrical voltage is induced in these windings as a result of a change in the magnetic field, as is known to the person skilled in the art. In the generator, the two main units that can be distinguished in terms of movement are the rotating part (rotor) and the stationary part (stator). Depending on the design of the generator, the part that generates the magnetic field and the armature can also act as rotor or stator. In generators, the rotor is usually the magnetic field generator and the armature is usually the stator. The rotor of the generator is driven by an external mechanical power source. This can be, for example, an internal combustion engine, a water turbine, a wind turbine or any other machine that produces mechanical energy. As the rotor rotates, changes in the magnetic field induce an electric current in the windings in the armature. The amount of voltage and current generated depends on the speed of rotation of the rotor, the strength of the magnetic field and the number of turns of the armature windings. Electric generators therefore play a key role in modern power generation and are an essential tool for industrial electrical power supply. Their simple design allows the reliable conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy using different energy sources.

[0008] We recognised that the efficiency of the technology described above at the plant level is currently between 40% and 55% due to losses at the different units.

[0009] We recognised that the currently available mechanical solutions that drive electric generators and the energy input methods that create them produce electrical energy against a physical restraining force in known generators. In all of the generators used today, overcoming Lenz's law and its physical effects plays a fundamental role, causing the high losses, high mechanical inputs and relatively low efficiency. In addition, the greater the electrical energy produced and the power driven, the greater the physical restraint, the greater the mechanical work input and the greater the losses. According to Lenz's law, the induced current generated by the induced voltage is so directed that its magnetic effect hinders the induction process, i.e. the effect that generated it.

[0010] We recognised that by applying the law of action-reaction, the restraining effect of the magnetic field generated by Lenz's law (hereafter: Lenz effect) can be reduced or completely eliminated in generators. It has been recognised that if a magnetic field is generated by an electric current induced in an electric winding when it is loaded, it can be cancelled out or reduced by a magnetic field of opposite direction generated by another independent coaxial winding of reverse direction (winding) on the same iron core. If the windings have the same parameters (number of turns, length, thickness, etc.) and the electrical loadings of the windings are the same, the Lenz effect can be essentially eliminated.

[0011] The invention aims to create a device that is free from the drawbacks of prior art solutions. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an armature for a generator, whereby the Lenz effect can be reduced or, where appropriate, completely eliminated. It is also an object of the invention to provide a generator comprising an armature according to the invention, which is capable of converting mechanical work into electrical energy with greater efficiency than prior art generators.

[0012] According to the invention, the task was solved by means of an armature for a generator, which can reduce or, in some cases, completely eliminate the braking force of the Lenz effect during generator operation.

[0013] The essence of the invention is that the armature comprises at least one ferromagnetic core and coaxial first and second windings wound in opposite directions around the at least one ferromagnetic core, thereby generating magnetic fields in opposite directions in the windings when loaded, which attenuate or, in some cases, completely cancel each other out, eliminating the Lenz effect.

[0014] It is also an object of the invention to provide a method for increasing the efficiency of a generator, free from the drawbacks of prior art solutions. The essence of the method is to provide an armature according to any one of claims 1 to 7 as the armature of the generator, and in the method:

[0015] - rotating the moving part of the generator, thereby generating an induced voltage in opposite directions in the first and second windings of the armature,

[0016] - connecting one or more electrical loads to the first and second windings, and

[0017] - at least partially cancelling out the magnetic fields created by the induced currents in the windings by adjusting the electrical loadings of the first and second windings, reducing or eliminating the physical braking effect of Lenz's law in the armature, by applying the two oppositely directed windings.

[0018] Some preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0019] Further details of the invention are described by means of embodiments and drawings. In the drawing:

[0020] Figure 1 a is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an armature according to the invention, where the first and second windings are arranged side by side;

[0021] Figure 1 b is a schematic view of another possible embodiment of an armature according to the invention comprising a plurality of pairs of first and second windings arranged side by side;

[0022] Figure 2a is a schematic view of another possible embodiment of an armature according to the invention, wherein the first and second windings are wound completely one inside the other, and

[0023] Figure 2b is a schematic view of a further possible embodiment of an armature according to the invention, wherein the first and second windings are partially wound into each other;

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an armature according to the invention comprising a plurality of ferromagnetic cores;

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a possible embodiment of a generator according to the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 a shows a schematic view of a possible embodiment of an armature 10 according to the invention. In the context of the present invention, by armature 10 is meant armature 10 for electric generator 100, the part of generator 100 in which the electric voltage is induced. During the operation of the generator 100, the rotation of the rotor changes the direction of the magnetic flux in the vicinity of the armature 10, which generates an electrical voltage in the armature 10 through electromagnetic induction, as is known to the skilled person.

[0027] The armature 10 comprises at least one ferromagnetic core 12 and coaxial first and second windings 14a, 14b wound in opposite directions around the at least one ferromagnetic core 12.

[0028] The function of the core 12 is to increase the magnetic induction and improve the efficiency of the generator 100. The material of the core 12 may be, for example, soft iron or other magnetically well conducting material capable of concentrating the magnetic flux, so that a stronger magnetic field is induced in the windings 14a, 14b. The core 12 further helps minimize energy losses by reducing the stray magnetic field, increasing the efficiency of the armature 10. In the design of the core 12, it is advisable to pay attention to minimize losses due to eddy currents and hysteresis, which lead to heat generation. In order to reduce these, the core 12 can be divided into lamellas (not shown in the figures), i.e. thin plates insulated from each other, as is obvious to the skilled person. This laminated structure reduces eddy currents and improves the performance of the generator 100. The crosssection of the core 12 is preferably circular, but may be of other shapes, such as a rectangle, where appropriate.

[0029] The material of the first and second windings 14a, 14b is electrically conductive, preferably copper, which has excellent conductivity. It is noted that, of course, in certain cases where, for example, cost reduction is an objective, other materials, such as aluminium, may be used. The disadvantage of aluminium compared to copper is that it has a higher resistance and therefore a higher energy loss. The windings 14a, 14b are insulated (not shown in the diagrams) as is known to the skilled person. Insulation is essential for the efficient and safe operation of an electric generator 100. The primary function of the insulation is to provide electrical isolation between adjacent conductors of the windings 14a, 14b to prevent short circuits. In the armature 10, the conductors of the windings 14a, 14b are arranged in a very close arrangement, so insulating materials are essential to keep the windings 14a, 14b isolated from each other and from the core 12. The insulation also provides thermal protection, as the current flowing through the windings 14a, 14b generates heat and the insulating materials must therefore be resistant to this heat. Good quality insulation can prevent overheating and damage to the windings 14a, 14b. Insulation also provides mechanical protection, which can be important because of the vibrations and other mechanical effects that occur during the operation of the generator 100. The most commonly used insulation materials are varnishes or enamels, which cover the wires in a thin layer, providing electrical insulation and mechanical protection. For further protection of the windings 14a, 14b, impregnating materials, such as resins or silicone-based materials, may be used, where appropriate, to improve the insulating properties, increase the mechanical stability and make the windings 14a, 14b more resistant to environmental influences, as is known to the person skilled in the art.

[0030] The windings 14a, 14b of the armature 10 according to the invention are wound in opposite directions around the ferromagnetic core 12 such that the windings 14a, 14b are coaxial. In other words, the windings 14a, 14b have opposite directions of threading (one right and one left) and the longitudinal axes of the windings 14a, 14b are coincident. Preferably, the windings 14a, 14b are wound tightly around the core 12 so as to follow its circular, rectangular, etc. cross-section. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 a, the windings 14a, 14b are arranged adjacent to each other and electrically isolated from each other around the core 12. In the particularly preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2a, the first and second windings 14a, 14b are wound into each other. In other words, the threads of one of the windings 14a, 14b are arranged alternately between the threads of the other winding 14b, 14a, i.e. the two windings 14a, 14b together form a winding with odd threads belonging to one of the windings 14a, 14b and even threads belonging to the other winding 14b, 14a. In this way, the oppositely directed magnetic fields created by the windings 14a, 14b are generated in substantially the same region of space, and thus their cancellation is more efficient. The windings 14a, 14b may be fully interwound, as shown in Figure 2a, or may be only partially interwound, as can be seen in Figure 2b. For better illustration, in Figures 2a, 2b, the first winding 14a is shown with a dotted line and the second winding 14b with a solid line. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the thread numbers, lengths, cross-sections and material qualities of the first and second windings 14a, 14b are identical. It is noted that, in some cases, embodiments may be conceivable in which one or more of the above parameters of the windings 14a, 14b differ.

[0031] The first and second windings 14a, 14b have a first electrical outlet 15a and a second electrical outlet 15b separate from the first electrical outlet 15a, respectively, i.e. the two windings 14a, 14b form independent circuits. The outlets 15a, 15b provide the connection between the windings 14a, 14b and external electrical loads 200 such as circuits, allowing the transfer of electrical energy. In other words, the outlets 15a, 15b of the electrical windings 14a, 14b are the points at which the windings 14a, 14b transfer electrical power to an external circuit. For example, in the case of the generator 100, the outlets are the points where the induced voltage is discharged, from where the current can be fed to the external network or equipment. The outlets 15a, 15b may be connected to separate electrical loads 200, as appropriate. The power of the electrical loads 200 connected to the windings 14a, 14b via the outlets 15a, 15b may be adjusted to control the strength of the opposing magnetic fields created by the induced currents in the windings 14a, 14b. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second outlets 15a, 15b are coupled to a control unit 20 controlling the electrical loadings of the first and second windings 14a, 14b. By the control unit 20 is meant, in the context of the present invention, a set of electrical or electronic devices and, where applicable, software components capable of sharing the electrical power consumed by one or more electrical loads 200 in a predetermined (preferably equal) proportion between the windings 14a, 14b. Thus, in this embodiment, the one or more electrical loads 200 are connected to the windings 14a, 14b via the control unit 20.

[0032] It is noted that the armature 10 may preferably comprise a plurality of cores 12 and coaxial first and second windings 14a, 14b wound in opposite directions around the cores 12 as previously described, as shown, for example, in Figure 3. It is further noted that embodiments can also be conceivable in which a plurality of pairs of first and second windings 14a, 14b arranged in side-by-side configuration on one or more of the cores 12 are arranged, as shown, for example, in Figure 1 b.

[0033] The invention also relates to a generator 100, comprising an armature 10 according to the invention. In a possible embodiment, the armature 10 is configured as a moving part of the generator 100. This embodiment is typically applicable in DC-operated generators 100. In another embodiment, typical of AC generators 100, the armature 10 is configured as a stationary part of the generator 100. Preferably, the generator 100 according to the invention comprises a control unit 20 controlling the electrical loading of the first and second windings 14a, 14b.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of a generator 100. For the method, the armature of the generator 100 is provided in the form of an armature 10 according to the invention. In a first step of the method, the moving part of the generator 100 is rotated by means of an external mechanical power source. This can be, for example, an internal combustion engine, a water turbine, a wind turbine or any other machine that generates mechanical energy. During the movement of the moving part, the change in the magnetic field induces an electric voltage in the windings 14a, 14b of the armature 10, i.e. an induced voltage is generated in the first and second windings 14a, 14b of the armature 10 in opposite directions. As previously described, the moving part may be a magnetic field generating part 11 or the armature 10 of the generator 100, depending on the design of the generator 100. In the next step, one or more electrical loads 200 are connected to the first and second windings 14a, 14b, thus generating induced currents in the windings 14a, 14b in opposite directions. The winding direction of the windings 14a, 14b determines the direction of the oppositely directed braking magnetic fields created by the currents generated therein. When current flows through a conductor, the directions of threading (right or left) determine the magnetic fields surrounding the windings 14a, 14b. The magnitude of the magnetic field depends on the magnitude of the current flowing in the windings 14a, 14b. In the next step of the method, the opposing magnetic fields created by the currents induced in the first and second windings 14a, 14b are cancelled out at least partially (or entirely) by adjusting the electrical loadings of each of the first and second windings 14a, 14b. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the electrical loadings of the first and second windings 14a, 14b are set to be equal, whereby the currents induced in the windings 14a, 14b create magnetic fields of equal magnitude but opposite directions, which cancel each other out completely. This can be achieved, for example, by connecting electric loads 200 of the same power to each of the windings 14a, 14b. In another preferred embodiment, the electrical loadings of the windings 14a, 14b, i.e. the electrical power drawn from the windings 14a, 14b, are preferably adjusted by means of the control unit 20. Preferably, in this case, the first and second windings 14a, 14b may be connected to a single electrical load 200 such that a portion of the electrical power drawn by the electrical load 200 is provided from the first winding 14a and further portion from the second winding 14b. The unidirectional control of the currents flowing in the windings 14a, 14b is performed by the control unit 20. In order to completely cancel out the opposing magnetic fields which have a braking effect, half of the electrical power consumed by the electrical load 200 is supplied from the first winding 14a and the other half from the second winding 14b.

[0035] With the new technology according to the invention, the mechanical drive required to generate electrical energy essentially only needs to cover the mechanical work to overcome mechanical friction and generate (induce) the electric current, since the Lenz effect no longer brakes the generator 100; no additional large mechanical work is required on the primary side to overcome it.

[0036] It is clear that alternative solutions to the embodiments presented herein may be envisaged by the skilled person, but fall within the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims1. Armature (10) for a generator (100), characterized in that it comprises at least one ferromagnetic core (12) and coaxial first and second windings (14a, 14b) wound in opposite directions around the at least one ferromagnetic core (12), the first winding (14a) having a first electrical outlet (15a) and the second winding (14b) having a second electrical outlet (15b) separate from the first electrical outlet (15a).

2. The armature (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first and second windings (14a, 14b) are wound into each other.

3. The armature (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first and second windings (14a, 14b) have the same number of turns, lengths, crosssections and material quality.

4. The armature (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and second outlets (15a, 15b) are connected to a control unit (20) for controlling electrical loads on the first and second windings (14a, 14b).

5. The armature (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is configured as a moving part of the generator (100).

6. The armature (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is configured as a stationary part of the generator (100).

7. The armature (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic cores (12).

8. A generator (100) characterized in that it comprises an armature (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The generator (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that thearmature (10) is configured as a stationary part of the generator (100).

10. The generator (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the armature (10) is configured as a moving part of the generator (100).1 1. The generator (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the first and second outlets (15a, 15b) comprise a control unit (20) for controlling the electrical loading of the first and second windings (14a, 14b).

12. A method for increasing the efficiency of a generator (100), characterized in that the generator (100) is provided with an armature (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and wherein the method comprises:- rotating the moving part of the generator (10), thereby generating an induced voltage in opposite directions in the first and second windings (14a, 14b) of the armature (10),- connecting one or more electrical loads (200) to the first and second windings (14a, 14b), and- at least partially cancelling out the magnetic fields created by the induced currents in the windings (14a, 14b) by adjusting the electrical loadings of the first and second windings (14a, 14b).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the electrical loadings of the first and second windings (14a, 14b) are set to be equal, thereby completely cancelling the magnetic fields created by the induced currents in the windings (14a, 14b).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first and second windings (14a, 14b) are connected to the same electrical load (200) such that a portion of the electrical power consumed by the load (200) is provided from the first winding (14a) and further portion is provided from the second winding (14b).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that half of theelectrical power consumed by the load (200) is provided by the first winding (14a) and the other half is provided by the second winding (14b).

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