Eccentric Pinion Drive Train for Modular Wind Turbine Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind power plants are large and expensive, requiring the entire system to stop if the generator fails, leading to reduced availability and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
The arrangement of pinions and generators eccentric to the rotor axis allows for multiple smaller generators to be used, enabling modular replacement and continued operation during failures, with the drive train comprising multiple pinions meshing with the bearing's toothing and connected to generator shafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single large generator is used in conventional wind power plants, then the system structure is simplified, but the system becomes expensive and unavailable during generator maintenance or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The single large generator is divided into multiple smaller generators (typically 3-6 pinions with associated generators) distributed around the bearing inner ring. Each pinion-generator assembly functions as an independent module that can be individually replaced or maintained without stopping the entire system, thereby improving availability while managing complexity through modular design
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple smaller generators are used with eccentric arrangement, then system flexibility and availability improve, but the drive train complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive train is segmented into multiple independent pinion-generator modules arranged eccentrically around the rotor axis. Each module can be independently controlled, engaged, or disengaged from the bearing inner ring toothing, providing operational flexibility to select which generators are active based on wind conditions or maintenance needs
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing inner ring serves multiple functions: it supports the rotor bearings and simultaneously provides the toothing for all pinion-generator modules. The eccentric arrangement allows the same structural elements to accommodate variable numbers of generators and enable different operational configurations
3Productivity
If the entire system must stop for generator maintenance, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity and energy generation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The generator system is divided into modular pinion-generator units that can be independently removed and replaced. When one generator requires maintenance, only that specific module needs to be disengaged from the bearing inner ring toothing and replaced, while other modules continue to generate energy, maintaining productivity during repair
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pinion-generator modules are pre-installed and positioned around the bearing inner ring. This preliminary arrangement allows for quick swap-out of failed or maintenance-needed generators without requiring complex disassembly or system shutdown, as replacement units are already in position or easily accessible
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
This design increases system flexibility and availability by enabling quick generator replacement and partial operation during low wind speeds, reducing costs and maintaining energy production.
Implementation Method 1
the pinion together with the direct or indirect connection to the generator shaft and the generator are arranged eccentrically to the axis of rotation of the rotor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wind power plant (1), comprising a housing (2), a rotor (3) and at least one generator (5) which has a generator shaft (4), wherein the rotor (3) is mounted relative to the housing (2) in a bearing arrangement (8) which has at least two bearing rings (6, 6', 6", 7, 7', 7"), and wherein between the rotor (3) and the generator (5) there is arranged a drive train (9) for transmitting the rotation of the rotor (3) to the at least one generator shaft (4). To obtain a simpler, cheaper and more flexible concept for the plant, the invention provides that the drive train (9) comprises the at least one bearing inner ring (7, 7', 7") of the bearing arrangement (8), wherein the rotor (3) is flange-mounted on a face side (10) of the bearing inner ring (7, 7', 7") and is thus connected in a rotationally conjoint manner to the bearing inner ring (7, 7', 7"), wherein the bearing inner ring (7, 7', 7") is provided with a toothing (11), and that the drive train (9) furthermore comprises at least one pinion (12) which meshes with the toothing (11) of the bearing inner ring (7, 7', 7"), wherein the pinion (12) is connected directly or via a gearing (13) to the generator shaft (4).