Generator Contactor Mounting on Stator Housing for Voltage-Free Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbines with variable rotational speed face challenges in maintaining a voltage-free connection between the generator contactor and converters, which can lead to safety risks and inefficiencies due to the presence of voltage when the rotor is turning.
Innovation Solution
The generator contactor is positioned within the stationary stator housing structure, directly connected to the stator windings, ensuring a voltage-free connection when switched off, and equipped with circuit breakers and a remote locking mechanism for enhanced safety and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the generator contactor is mounted in the converter cabinets as known from prior art, then the electrical system can be connected, but the connection between the contactor and converters remains voltage-free only when the rotor is stationary, creating safety risks when the rotor is turning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting location of the generator contactor. Instead of mounting it in the converter cabinets away from the generator, the contactor is mounted directly in the generator assembly on the stator housing. This inversion ensures that the connection between the contactor and stator windings remains voltage-free when the contactor is switched off, regardless of rotor position, thereby improving safety while maintaining accessibility through the generator's service position.
2Ease of manufacture
If the generator contactor is positioned远离 the stator coils, then installation is easier, but the wire length increases leading to energy losses and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the generator contactor with the generator assembly by mounting it directly on the stator housing. This integration minimizes the distance between the contactor and stator coils, reducing wire length and associated energy losses. The contactor is positioned such that its terminals are in close proximity to the stator winding terminals, eliminating the need for long connection cables while maintaining ease of installation through the generator's accessible service position.
3Reliability
If the generator contactor is mounted in the generator assembly, then the connection to stator windings is minimized and voltage-free status is maintained, but the space available for mounting is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by utilizing specific receiving spaces and surfaces on the stator housing structure that are designed for mounting the generator contactor. The stator housing includes dedicated mounting locations with appropriate space and structural support, allowing the contactor to be positioned optimally for maintaining voltage-free connection while fitting within the limited generator assembly space.
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 configuration minimizes the risk of unintentional contact with current-carrying lines, reduces wire length, and improves safety by maintaining a voltage-free connection, allowing secure operation and maintenance, while enabling installation in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a wind turbine with a generator, comprising a rotor comprising permanent magnets, a stator comprising stator coils
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A wind turbine with a generator (3), comprising - a rotor (6) comprising permanent magnets (8); - a stator (7) comprising stator coils (9) mounted in or on a stator housing structure (12); - at least one generator contactor (11) with an input and an output set of terminals electrically connected to the stator (7) by said input set of terminals; and - at least one converter electrically connected to the generator (3) contactor by said output terminal, whereby the at least one generator contactor (11) is disposed in or on the stator housing structure (12).