Generator Cooling Air Filter Structure With Load-Bearing Cover Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wind turbine generator systems face issues with poor filtering performance at the generator cooling air inlet, high costs due to excessive use of load-bearing members, and cumbersome maintenance processes requiring multiple tools and heavy burdens on operators.

Innovation Solution

A filtering device with a load-bearing cover plate and double-layer filter screens that supports a filter element, reducing the need for additional rigidity in the generator housing and simplifying maintenance by providing an operation region for operators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a filter screen is directly connected with the generator housing to cover the cooling air inlet, then the structure is simple, but the filtering performance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter structure simplicityVSAvoidfiltering performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter structure is divided into multiple components: a filter holder connected to the generator housing, and a filter element installed within the holder. This segmentation allows the filter element to be easily replaced while maintaining a simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and filtering performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A filter holder is introduced as an intermediary component between the generator housing and the filter element. The holder provides a standardized interface that simplifies installation while enabling effective filtering through the filter element, thus improving filtering performance without complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the generator housing is made more rigid to support operators and tools, then the load-bearing capacity increases, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The load-bearing function is segmented from the generator housing and assigned to a dedicated operation platform. This allows the housing to maintain its original simple structure for cost-effective manufacturing, while the separate platform provides the necessary load-bearing capacity for operators and tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The operation platform serves multiple functions: it provides a safe working surface for operators, supports maintenance tools, and can be integrated with the filter holder structure. This multi-functionality achieves load-bearing capacity without requiring expensive modifications to the generator housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If conventional filtering structures are used at the generator cooling air inlet, then the structure is simple, but the filtering performance is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter structure complexityVSAvoidfiltering performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filtering function is segmented into a dedicated filter element housed within a separate holder structure. This segmentation enables the use of high-performance filter elements while keeping the overall structure simple and modular, easily installed and maintained at the cooling air inlet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter holder acts as an intermediary that connects the simple generator housing with the effective filter element. It provides a standardized interface that maintains structural simplicity while enabling superior filtering performance through the filter element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If multiple load-bearing members are used to support the filter element, then the structural stability increases, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The filter holder combines multiple support functions into a single integrated structure. It provides stable support for the filter element while maintaining a simple design that reduces manufacturing cost, eliminating the need for multiple separate load-bearing members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances filtering performance, reduces costs, and facilitates easy maintenance by minimizing the number of tools required and allowing operators to work at elevated positions, ensuring reliable operation and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a filter structure supported by a double-layer filter screen and matched with the filter element forms a reliable and simple-structure filter at the generator cooling air inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4066918B1Generator and wind turbine generator system with filtering device
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 BEIJING GOLDWIND SCI & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP4066918B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4066918B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4066918B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A filtering device, a generator and a wind turbine generator system. The filtering device comprises a force-bearing cover plate (10), a surrounding plate (20), a first filter screen structure (30), a second filter screen structure (40) and a filter cartridge (60); the force-bearing cover plate (10) and the surrounding plate (20) enclose an accommodation space (70) for filling the filter cartridge (60), the surrounding plate (20) forming at least a part of a side wall of the accommodation space (70); the first filter screen structure (30) is provided on an upper side of the filter cartridge (60), is located on a lower side of the force-bearing cover plate (10), and substantially covers an upper side surface of the filter cartridge (60); and the second filter screen structure (40) is provided at a lower side of the filter cartridge (60), and covers a lower side surface of the filter cartridge (60). The filtering device performs filtering at a cooling air inlet of the generator.