HTS Wind Turbine Generator for Low-Heat Power Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine generators lose significant energy as heat during the conversion of wind energy to electricity, limiting their efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets and conductive coils in the stator and rotor of the generator to enhance energy conversion efficiency by minimizing heat loss and maximizing electrical power production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional electrical generators are used for wind energy conversion, then the generator can produce electrical power, but significant energy is lost as heat during the conversion process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional conductive materials to high-temperature superconducting materials, fundamentally changing the electrical resistance parameter from finite to near-zero values. This enables the generator to operate with dramatically reduced resistive losses while maintaining high power output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials by integrating high-temperature superconducting tapes or wires into the generator structure, combining superconducting materials with conventional structural and magnetic materials to create a hybrid system that achieves both low loss and mechanical integrity
2Productivity
If high-temperature superconducting magnets and conductive coils are incorporated to minimize heat loss, then energy conversion efficiency is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the superconducting coil structure into discrete segments or pancakes, allowing for modular assembly and simplified handling of the complex superconducting components. This segmentation also facilitates integration with conventional generator parts while maintaining the superconducting pathway
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediary elements such as magnetic couplings and flexible connections between superconducting components, allowing the complex superconducting system to interface with conventional generator parts without direct rigid mechanical connections, thereby simplifying overall integration
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 use of HTS magnets and conductive coils significantly reduces heat loss, enhancing the generator's efficiency in converting wind energy to electricity.
Implementation Method 1
high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets configured to generate a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
conductive coils move through the magnetic field generated by the HTS magnets to produce electrical power
Implementation Method 3
the rotor configured to rotate so that the conductive coils move through the magnetic field generated by the HTS magnets to produce electrical power
Implementation Method 4
each of the pancakes being adjacent to either one or two of the cooling plates for removing heat from the pancake via thermal conduction to the cooling apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine generator includes a stator having a plurality of high-temperature superconducting coils. A current is driven through the high-temperature superconducting coils to produce a magnetic field. A rotor comprising one or more phase coils is physically coupled to a wind turbine. As the wind turbine turns the rotor, current is induced in the one or more phase coils to produce electrical power. The phase coils may include conductive material, superconducting material, and/or high-temperature superconducting material.