Generator End Winding Protection via Baffle Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generators, particularly in large wind turbines, face damage to exposed stator end windings due to unintentionally falling objects during maintenance, as existing protection methods are cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of mechanical barrier means, such as baffles made from non-magnetic metals like austenitic steel, that partially cover or shield the end windings of both the stator and rotor, preventing damage from falling items by redirecting them onto the barriers rather than the windings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotor end bells are axially shrink-fitted on the ends of the rotor body to protect rotor end windings, then protection against damage is improved, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive baffle plates made from non-magnetic metal instead of complex shrink-fitted end bells. These baffles are straightforward protective elements that can be easily manufactured and installed, providing adequate protection without the complexity and cost of shrink-fitting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure is divided into separate baffle plates for the stator and rotor that can be independently positioned and installed. This segmentation allows for simpler assembly compared to integrated shrink-fitted end bells, while still providing comprehensive protection for both stator and rotor end windings.
2Reliability
If complex constructive measures are implemented to protect end windings, then protection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive baffle plates made from non-magnetic metal instead of complex protective structures. These baffles are straightforward protective elements that can be easily manufactured and installed, providing adequate protection without the complexity of elaborate constructive measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle plates serve as intermediary protective elements positioned between potential falling objects and the end windings. These simple intermediate structures effectively protect the vulnerable end windings without requiring complex integration into the generator's main structure.
3Reliability
If barrier means are designed to fully cover end windings, then protection effectiveness is improved, but space requirements and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle plates are designed to extend partially beyond the end windings axially, providing adequate protection with moderate coverage. This partial extension ensures that falling objects are intercepted before reaching the end windings, while avoiding the need for excessive coverage that would complicate assembly and require additional space.
Data Source
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AI summary
Electric generator is disclosed having a stator and a rotor. The rotor being rotatable around a center axis and relatively to the stator and the stator includes a number of stator windings extending in freely exposed end windings. The stator and/or the rotor is provided with at least one barrier means which barrier means axially extends to such a manner that at least the end windings of the stator are at least partially covered.