Generator Stator Winding Control for Bearing Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine generator systems face high loads on bearings due to radial, axial, and bending forces, leading to increased weight, cost, and stress, which affects the lifespan and efficiency of the system.
Innovation Solution
A method and generator control system that utilizes two electrically separate stator windings with independent current control to generate differential radial forces, counteracting gravitational forces and reducing the load on the mechanical bearing, thereby improving operating conditions and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bearings are designed and sized to withstand the highest loads expected during operation, then the bearing can handle radial, axial, and bending forces, but the bearing becomes heavy and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical bearing support system with an electromagnetic force generation system. Two electrically isolated stator windings generate differential radial forces that counteract gravitational forces and bending moments, reducing the mechanical load on bearings. This substitution allows for lighter bearing designs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the generator by independently controlling the current in two separate stator windings. By adjusting the current differential between the windings, the system dynamically generates radial forces to counteract gravitational effects, thereby reducing bearing loads during operation.
2Reliability
If bearings are designed and sized to withstand the highest loads expected during operation, then the bearing can handle radial, axial, and bending forces, but the bearing becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical bearing support system with an electromagnetic force generation system. Two electrically isolated stator windings generate differential radial forces that counteract gravitational forces and bending moments, reducing the mechanical load on bearings. This substitution allows for lighter bearing designs while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If conventional single stator winding is used, then the generator structure is simpler, but the bearing experiences higher loads and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stator winding into two electrically isolated windings that can be independently controlled. This segmentation enables the generation of differential radial forces to counteract gravitational effects on the rotor, thereby reducing bearing loads and extending bearing lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the generator by independently controlling the current in two separate stator windings. By adjusting the current differential between the windings, the system dynamically generates radial forces to counteract gravitational effects, thereby reducing bearing loads during operation.
4Reliability
If larger bearings are used to handle high loads, then the bearing can withstand stress, but the overall generator size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical bearing support system with an electromagnetic force generation system. Two electrically isolated stator windings generate differential radial forces that counteract gravitational forces and bending moments, reducing the mechanical load on bearings. This substitution allows for lighter bearing designs while maintaining reliability.
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 system reduces the load on the mechanical bearing, prolongs the lifespan of the bearing, and decreases noise emissions by generating a net radial force that counteracts gravitational forces, allowing for a smaller and lighter bearing design while maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
allowing flow of a first electric current through a first stator winding... allowing flow of a second electric current through a second stator winding... generating a first radial force... generating a second radial force
Data Source
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AI summary
It is described a method for controlling a generator (115) having a rotor (104) with plural magnets (106) and at least a first stator winding (163) and a second stator winding (165), electrically separate from the first stator winding, the rotor being adapted to rotate, around a rotation axis (160) perpendicular to a radial direction (164), relative to the stator windings, the method comprising: allowing flow of a first electric current (154) through the first stator winding (163), thereby generating a first radial force (167) having a first magnitude and acting between the first stator winding (163) and the rotor (104); allowing flow of a second electric current (156) through the second stator winding (165), thereby generating a second radial force (169) having a second magnitude and acting between the second stator winding (165) and the rotor (104), wherein the first magnitude is different from the second magnitude resulting in a net generator generated radial force (170) generated by the first stator winding and the second stator winding at the rotor.