Wind Generator Cooling Deflector for Thermal Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Known airflow cooling systems for generators, especially those with cylindrical electric machines, are not particularly efficient.
Innovation Solution
A wind power generator with a cooling system that includes a deflector body to guide airflow into a gap close to the electric machine, enhancing thermal exchange by ensuring all airflow contacts the hottest parts of the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If airflow cooling systems are used for cylindrical electric machines, then cooling function is provided, but cooling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector body creates a localized cooling gap between itself and the electric machine surface, concentrating the cooling airflow precisely where thermal exchange is most needed. This localizes the cooling effect to the hottest areas rather than allowing diffuse airflow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector body acts as an intermediary component that shapes and directs the airflow between the cooling system and the electric machine. It mediates the interaction between airflow and machine surface, forcing the air through a controlled gap to maximize thermal exchange efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If airflow is allowed to flow freely, then cooling coverage is extended, but thermal exchange with hottest parts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than allowing uniform airflow distribution over a large area, the deflector body concentrates airflow into a narrow gap, creating intense local cooling at the hottest surfaces. The cooling quality is prioritized over coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector body introduces a new spatial dimension by creating a controlled gap space between itself and the machine surface. This gap dimension channels the airflow in a specific path that maximizes contact with hot surfaces, transforming free 3D airflow into directed 2D flow along the gap.
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 improves cooling efficiency by forcing all airflow into a gap near the electric machine, preventing airflow from escaping and enhancing heat exchange, thus providing a more effective and straightforward low-cost cooling system.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system for airflow cooling the electric machine, and which comprises a deflector body for defining a gap between the deflector body and the electric machine and guiding the airflow into the gap
Implementation Method 2
the efficiency of the cooling system is improved by the entire airflow being forced into the gap, which runs close to the electric machine and improves thermal exchange
Data Source
AI summary
A wind power generator has a nacelle; a hub rotatable about an axis of rotation with respect to the nacelle; at least two blades fitted to the hub; an electric machine which is fitted to the nacelle, is bounded by an inner surface extending about the axis of rotation, and has a rotor and a stator; and a cooling system for airflow cooling the electric machine, and which has a deflector body for defining a gap between the deflector body and the electric machine and guiding the airflow into the gap.