Direct Drive Generator Handling via Rotational Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size and weight of wind turbine components, particularly direct drive generators, lead to handling difficulties during transportation and storage, resulting in potential damage from standstill marks and impacts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a support structure and actuator means to rotate either the stator or rotor of the direct drive generator, preventing standstill marks and impacts by ensuring continuous motion, with the option to fix one part to the structure and rotate the other, utilizing hydraulic cylinders for efficient movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the direct drive generator is transported with stationary components, then transportation is simpler, but stand still marks and deformations occur on the components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by rotating the inner component (rotor or stator) during transportation and storage. Instead of keeping all components stationary, the system dynamically rotates the inner component on its axis using actuator means, ensuring it never remains in one position long enough to develop stand still marks or deformations from its own weight.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the inner component is continuously rotated during handling, then stand still marks are prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by implementing a control system that rotates the inner component only when the wind turbine is not operating or during specific handling phases. During normal operation, rotation is stopped to save energy, while during transportation and storage, rotation is activated to prevent stand still marks. This intermittent rotation strategy prevents damage while minimizing energy consumption.
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 method effectively prevents damage to both inner and outer components of the direct drive generator during handling, enhances safety by embedding rotating parts, and allows for efficient transportation and storage without power-intensive continuous rotation.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator means can be a hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A method of handling a direct drive generator of a wind turbine is provided. The direct drive generator comprises a stator and a rotor concentrically arranged about an axis of the direct drive generator. The method includes steps of placing the direct drive generator on a support structure, fixing a selected one of the stator or the rotor to the support structure, connecting actuator means to a remaining one of the stator or the rotor, and rotating the remaining one of the stators or the rotor using the actuator means.