Compact Halbach Generator for High-Pressure Fluid Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic turbine generators are not suitable for integration into devices due to their bulkiness and low specific electrical output power, and they are not designed to handle fluids under high pressure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact electric generator design featuring a rotor with a Halbach array of permanent magnets and axial magnetic yokes, which maximizes the magnetic field on one radial side to enhance power output, and a turbine wheel integrated within a conduit or valve to generate electricity from fluid flow, using non-ferromagnetic materials for the wall to minimize electromagnetic disturbances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional hydraulic turbine generator is designed to be compact, then the generator size is reduced, but the specific electrical output power remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a Halbach array configuration for the permanent magnets, which concentrates the magnetic field strength on one radial side of the rotor while minimizing it on the opposite side. This creates a highly localized intense magnetic field region that interacts with the coil to generate higher electrical output power from a compact rotor volume, directly resolving the contradiction between compact size and low specific output power
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry through the Halbach array magnet arrangement, where magnets are oriented at different angles (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) around the rotor circumference rather than uniform orientation. This asymmetric magnetic field distribution maximizes field concentration on one side, enabling higher power density in a compact generator design
2Reliability
If a wall is used to separate the rotor and stator for fluid tightness, then fluid leakage is prevented, but electromagnetic interference increases and high-pressure leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the separating wall from the generator design, allowing the rotor to rotate directly within the fluid-filled cavity without physical separation from the stator. This eliminates the wall that caused electromagnetic interference and high-pressure leakage, while fluid tightness is maintained through the integral design where the rotor assembly forms part of the sealed cavity structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the non-ferromagnetic body material as an intermediary structure that serves multiple functions: it forms the sealed cavity housing the rotor, provides mounting surfaces for the stator components, and allows fluid flow paths without requiring additional separating walls. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for separate sealing walls that caused interference and leakage problems
3Adaptability or versatility
If the generator is designed for integration into a device, then integration capability is improved, but the generator remains bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the generator components (rotor, stator, coil, bearing) directly into the device body structure. The rotor assembly integrates with the turbine wheel, the stator arms mount directly on the body, and the coil is positioned within the body cavity. This merging eliminates separate housing and mounting structures, enabling compact integration into devices while reducing overall generator volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the generator with universal integration capability by making the device body itself serve as the generator housing, mounting structure, and fluid conduit. The same body structure that contains the device fluid passages also houses the generator components, allowing the generator to be integrated into various device types without requiring device-specific customization, thereby achieving both compactness and adaptability
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 design achieves a higher specific output power and is suitable for integration into devices, particularly under high-pressure applications, with reduced electromagnetic interference and no need for rotary sealing, enabling efficient electricity generation from fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
the permanent magnets are arranged according to an Halbach array so as to maximize the magnetic field on the radial side of the rotor adjacent to the arms of the yoke
Implementation Method 2
maximize the magnetic field on the radial side of the rotor adjacent to the arms of the yoke
Implementation Method 3
a turbine wheel integrated within a conduit or valve to generate electricity from fluid flow
Implementation Method 4
A compact electric generator design featuring a rotor with a Halbach array of permanent magnets and axial magnetic yokes, which maximizes the magnetic field on one radial side to enhance power output
Data Source
AI summary
An electric generator comprising a rotor with permanent magnets, configured for rotating about a rotation axis; at least one magnetic yoke with at least two arms extending axially inside or outside of the rotor so as to be adjacent to the radial inner or outer side, respectively, of the rotor; wherein the permanent magnets are arranged according to an Halbach array so as to maximize the magnetic field on the radial side of the rotor adjacent to the arms of the at least one yoke. Also, a valve for gas cylinder, equipped with a corresponding electric generator.