Movable Generator Support for Wind Turbine Rim Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbines face challenges in maintaining reliable and cost-effective support structures for electrical generators due to horizontal movements of the circular rim, which can cause misalignment and reduced efficiency in electricity generation.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine design featuring a movable support system with a linear actuator and gas-inflated expandable member to align and engage the generator driving wheel with the circular rim, ensuring continuous contact and alignment despite horizontal movements, utilizing a proximity sensor to adjust the position dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the circular rim is made stronger to withstand horizontal forces, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the circular rim movable along the tower rather than fixed. The rim can horizontally follow the movement of the turbine blades under wind load, eliminating the need for excessive structural strength to resist these forces. This dynamic adaptation allows the rim to be lighter and less expensive while maintaining functional integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the generator support structure is made more rigid to maintain alignment, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure for the generator is designed to be movable rather than rigidly fixed. It includes adjustment mechanisms that allow the generator and driving wheel to follow the horizontal movement of the circular rim while maintaining proper alignment and engagement. This dynamic support system achieves precise alignment without requiring an overly complex rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator support structure incorporates self-adjusting features that automatically compensate for rim movement. The system uses the movement itself to maintain alignment through built-in adjustment mechanisms, eliminating the need for external complex alignment systems or continuous manual intervention.
3Reliability
If the generator is made movable to follow rim movements, then the reliability of engagement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator assembly is mounted on a movable support structure that can follow the horizontal movements of the circular rim. This dynamic mounting ensures continuous reliable engagement between the driving wheel and rim while accommodating operational displacements. The movement capability is integrated into the support design rather than added as a separate complex system.
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
This solution ensures stable and efficient electricity generation by maintaining consistent engagement between the generator and the circular rim, enhancing the reliability and reducing costs associated with larger, stronger blades.
Implementation Method 1
a gas-inflated expandable member to align and engage the generator driving wheel with the circular rim
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical generator 46 is driven by a circular rim 30 of a wind turbine 10 in response to atmospheric wind. The generator and its driving wheel 50 are supported on a tiltable platform 60 that is movable on a guide track 56 by linear actuator 66 in response to electronic sensors 76, 77. The bellows 74 biases the tiltable platform upwardly to maintain the generator driving wheel 50 in contact with the circular rim of the turbine wheel.