Annular Rotor Generator Shaft Coupling for Wind Turbines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary electric machines with multiple generators in series face limitations in increasing power generation capacity and durability without upsizing, as upstream generators require higher strength and space, restricting downsizing of downstream generators, and are vulnerable to displacement due to wind loads.
Innovation Solution
A rotary electric machine design featuring an armature unit with an annular rotor and stator, an input/output shaft extending through the rotor's central space, and a coupling device positioned farther from the external device to transmit torque, allowing for reduced size and improved durability by securing a long axial span and reducing misalignment angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple generators are coupled in series with upstream generators requiring higher strength, then power generation capacity increases, but downstream generators must be downsized and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the generator into functionally independent segments: the rotor and stator form the power generation unit, while the input/output shaft and coupling device form a separate transmission unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, eliminating the need for upstream generators to be oversized to handle downstream torque requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary between the rotor and the input/output shaft. It transmits torque while accommodating misalignment and displacement, thereby protecting the generator components from excessive mechanical loads and eliminating the need for oversizing.
2Length of stationary object
If coupling device is positioned closer to external device, then device size reduces, but misalignment angle increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention positions the coupling device in the radial direction within the rotor's central space rather than extending axially. This dimensional repositioning allows the coupling device to be close to the external device axially while maintaining a long input/output shaft span, thereby reducing misalignment angles and improving durability without increasing overall device size.
3Length of moving object
If input/output shaft span is shortened, then device size reduces, but misalignment angle increases reducing robustness
Solution Approach 1:
The input/output shaft is nested within the rotor's central space, extending axially through the rotor. This nesting allows the input/output shaft to maintain a long span for robustness against displacement while the overall device size is controlled by the rotor's dimensions. The coupling device is positioned at the rotor's end face, completing the compact configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary electric machine includes an armature unit including an annular rotor configured to be rotatable around an axis and a stator disposed on a radially outer side of the annular rotor; an input or output shaft coupled at a first end thereof to an external device and extending along an axial direction of the annular rotor in a central space defined in a central portion of the annular rotor; and a coupling device disposed closer to a second end of the input or output shaft than an end of the annular rotor adjacent to the external device in the axial direction of the annular rotor and connecting the input or output shaft and the annular rotor so as to be able to transmit a torque.