Concentric Multi-Stator Generator With Variable Rotor Airgap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power generators do not fully utilize the potential of the magnetic field, leading to suboptimal power output and performance.
Innovation Solution
The electric power generator design features a rotor with magnetic pole structures and multiple stators arranged coaxially, with varying rotor-stator airgaps and uniform stator-stator airgaps, allowing for more efficient use of the magnetic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single stator is used with the rotor, then the magnetic field forms a closed circuit through the return path, but the power output and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single stator is divided into multiple stators (first stator and second stator) arranged concentrically around the rotor. Each stator has its own airgap and can independently interact with the rotor's magnetic field, allowing multiple stators to collectively capture more magnetic flux and generate higher power output than a single stator could achieve alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane stator configuration to a multi-layer concentric stator arrangement. The first stator and second stator are positioned at different radial distances from the rotor, creating a three-dimensional magnetic field utilization structure that increases power density without proportionally increasing overall generator size
2Power
If the airgap between rotor and stator is reduced to increase magnetic field strength, then power output improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different airgap design strategies to different locations: the first airgap between rotor and first stator has non-uniform thickness (varying from minimum to maximum), while the second airgap between first and second stators has uniform thickness. This local differentiation allows optimization of magnetic flux distribution in the critical rotor-stator interface while maintaining manufacturability in the stator-stator interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the airgap parameters (thickness, uniformity) depending on the specific airgap location and function. The first airgap uses variable thickness to optimize magnetic coupling, while the second airgap uses constant thickness for ease of manufacture. This parameter optimization allows achieving high power output without excessive manufacturing precision requirements
3Productivity
If multiple stators are added to increase power output, then efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple stators (first stator and second stator) into a single integrated generator structure that shares a common rotor and magnetic field source. The stators are concentrically arranged and can be manufactured as integrated components, allowing the system to achieve enhanced power output through magnetic field utilization without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
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 configuration results in improved power output, reduced harmonic distortion, and a smoother sinusoidal output waveform, achieving a Total Harmonic Distortion of less than 0.8% without waveform-correcting circuitry.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor generates a magnetic field which radiates from the rotor into and through the stator
Implementation Method 2
a first stator of the plurality of stators is provided concentrically around and adjacent to the rotor, the rotor and the first stator being separated by a rotor-stator airgap
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power generator comprises a rotor and a plurality of stators arranged coaxially and concentrically about a central axis. A first stator is provided concentrically around and adjacent to the rotor, the rotor and the first stator being separated by a rotor-stator airgap and a second stator is provided concentrically around and adjacent to the first stator, the first and second stators being separated by a stator-stator airgap. The rotor includes a plurality of magnetic pole structures configured to provide or generate a plurality of magnetic poles and a radially outer surface of each of the magnetic pole structures is curved with an average radius of curvature which is less than an average distance between the outer surface and the central axis. The rotor-stator airgap thus varies circumferentially in distance, with a shortest distance being at a circumferential centre of each of the magnetic pole structures and longest distance being at circumferential ends of each of the magnetic pole structures. The stator-stator airgap is of uniform thickness.