Insulated Feedthrough Tube for Wind Turbine Stray Current Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated drive trains in wind turbines face issues with stray currents causing potential damage to toothings and rolling bearings due to voltage flashovers, and the limited space between the transmission and generator complicates sufficient electrical insulation of torque-transmitting components.
Innovation Solution
A feedthrough tube is fixed within the transmission using a fixing means made of an electrical non-conductor, such as polyamide, which provides electrical insulation and prevents creepage currents, allowing for compact installation suitable for integrated drive trains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sufficient electrical insulation is provided for torque-transmitting components, then damage from stray currents is prevented, but the available space between transmission and generator is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A feedthrough tube is introduced as an intermediary component to transmit torque between the transmission and generator while providing electrical insulation. The tube is fixed to the transmission output shaft and extends into the generator, allowing mechanical torque transmission while preventing direct electrical contact between the transmission housing and generator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedthrough tube is made from a composite material structure combining a metallic core for torque transmission with an insulating coating or layered structure. This allows the single component to simultaneously provide mechanical strength for torque transmission and electrical insulation to prevent stray current damage.
2Area of stationary object
If integrated drive train design is implemented, then space efficiency is improved, but stray currents cause damage to toothings and rolling bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The feedthrough tube acts as an intermediary that breaks the electrical continuity between the transmission and generator while maintaining mechanical torque transmission. This mediator function prevents stray currents generated in the generator from flowing through the transmission components, protecting toothings and rolling bearings from voltage flashovers.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical insulation function is extracted and integrated into the feedthrough tube structure itself. By incorporating insulating properties directly into the torque transmission path, the harmful electrical connection is removed while preserving the integrated design benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement including a transmission, a feedthrough tube, and a fixing means is disclosed. A fixing means is disclosed whereby the feedthrough tube is fixed in the transmission. The fixing means includes an electrical non-conductor. Arrangements are disclosed in which the feedthrough tube is fixed axially and immovably in the fixing means.