Wind Turbine Generator Radial Tensioning for Gap Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Direct-drive wind power turbines with permanent-magnet synchronous electric generators face structural challenges due to low rotation speed and the need for large, heavy generators, which can lead to strain on the supporting structures and affect the annular gap, impacting efficiency and weight considerations.
Innovation Solution
An electric generator design featuring a radial tensioning device with an annular plate and radial arms that adjust the shape of the supporting structure to control the annular gap and maintain structural rigidity, allowing for local deformation and coaxial alignment of the supporting structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the electric generator is made larger to increase power output, then the maximum torque and electric power are improved, but the weight and structural size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the structural parameters of the supporting structures, specifically making them hollow tubular structures with optimized wall thickness and diameter ratios. This allows the structures to maintain sufficient mechanical strength while significantly reducing the overall weight and volume of the generator assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite construction by combining hollow tubular supporting structures with active parts, creating a integrated assembly where the supporting structures serve both mechanical support and flux path functions, optimizing the weight-strength-efficiency balance.
2Loss of energy
If the annular gap is minimized to increase efficiency, then flux dispersion is reduced and efficiency improves, but the generator becomes more sensitive to strain from the supporting structure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces adjustable radial tensioning devices that can dynamically compensate for strain-induced deformations in the supporting structures. This allows the annular gap to be maintained at optimal dimensions even when the supporting structure experiences mechanical strain during assembly or operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial tensioning devices act as intermediary elements between the supporting structure and the active parts, absorbing and compensating for dimensional changes in the supporting structure to maintain a stable annular gap.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the supporting structure is made more rigid to prevent strain, then structural stability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the supporting structure into modular components (first supporting structure, second supporting structure, radial tensioning devices) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structures are designed to perform multiple functions: providing mechanical support, conducting magnetic flux, and serving as mounting structures for active parts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electric generator (4) for a wind power turbine (1), the electric generator having a tubular first supporting structure (12) extending about an axis of rotation (A1); a second supporting structure (14) extending about the axis of rotation (A1), substantially coaxial with the first supporting structure (12), and fitted to the first supporting structure (12) to rotate about the axis of rotation (A1); first active parts (13) fitted to the first supporting structure (12); second active parts (15) fitted to the second supporting structure (14), facing the first active parts (13), and separated from the first active parts (13) by an annular gap; and a radial tensioning device (23) designed to adjust the shape of the first supporting structure (12) about the axis of rotation (A1).