Deformable Transmission Assembly for Wind Turbine Rotor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind power turbines face issues with rotor displacement due to wind action, leading to misalignment and reduced air gap between stators and rotors, which impairs operation and reduces the working life of electric machines, and are sensitive to dimensional differences and thermal expansion in manufacturing and assembly.
Innovation Solution
A deformable transmission assembly with an elastic joint and a hollow transmission shaft allows relative movement between electric machines, reducing stress and enabling air cooling, while maintaining accessibility for inspection and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the first and second rotors are connected directly through a rigid transmission assembly, then the structural stability is improved, but the rotor displacement is amplified and the misalignment between rotors and stators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the transmission assembly by introducing elastic joints, allowing the system to adapt to dimensional variations and thermal expansion while maintaining reliable rotor-stator alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic joint acts as an intermediary element between the rigid transmission shaft and the rotors, absorbing dimensional differences and thermal expansion to prevent misalignment while maintaining structural stability
2Reliability
If a hyperstatic system is used to support the first and second rotors, then the rotor displacement is limited, but the weight increases and the design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flexibility parameter of the transmission assembly to allow controlled movement, eliminating the need for complex hyperstatic support systems while maintaining acceptable rotor displacement levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for additional hyperstatic support elements by incorporating flexibility directly into the transmission assembly, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability
3Manufacturing precision
If the transmission assembly is made rigid to maintain precise alignment, then the manufacturing precision requirements increase, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the transmission assembly to allow for acceptable alignment tolerances, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic joint provides beforehand cushioning against misalignment caused by manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, protecting the rotor-stator alignment without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces rotor displacement, minimizes the impact of dimensional differences and thermal expansion, and enhances the operational efficiency and lifespan of wind power turbines by absorbing stress and allowing for efficient cooling and maintenance access.
Implementation Method 1
the transmission assembly being deformable to permit relative movement between the first and second electric machine, wherein the transmission assembly comprises at least one elastic joint
Implementation Method 2
the transmission shaft is hollow and the elastic joint is annular, so that air can pass through the transmission shaft and the elastic joint to cool the first and second electric machine
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A wind power turbine, for generating electric energy, has a supporting structure (2); a nacelle (3); a blade assembly (5) rotating with respect to the nacelle (3); a first and second electric machine (9, 13) having, respectively, a first and second stator (10, 14), and a first and second rotor (11, 15) substantially coaxial with each other and fitted to the first and second stator (10, 14) to rotate about a first and second axis (A1, A2); and a transmission assembly (17; 48; 71) for connecting the first and second rotor (11, 15); the transmission assembly (17; 48; 71) being deformable.