Multiple Generator Wind Turbine Torque Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbines face inefficiencies and maintenance challenges due to the use of gearboxes and braking systems to maintain constant rotor speed, which are prone to failure and energy wastage, and lack effective torque management during varying wind conditions.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine drive system with a variable speed rotor and multiple generators, controlled by a system that activates and deactivates generators based on wind speed and direction, using friction coupled mechanical drive components and power electronics to manage torque and avoid slippage, while employing a braking system for extreme weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gearbox is used to maintain constant rotor speed, then AC current frequency is stabilized for grid transmission, but the system becomes expensive and prone to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gearbox from the drive system entirely, using a direct-drive configuration where the rotor connects directly to the generator. This eliminates the complex mechanical transmission components that cause reliability issues and maintenance problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gearbox system with an electrical control system using power electronics and multiple generators that can operate at different speeds. This substitution allows variable rotor speed while maintaining stable electrical output through electronic regulation rather than mechanical transformation.
2Speed
If a braking system is used to maintain constant blade speed, then speed control is achieved, but the system becomes inefficient due to energy expenditure and the brakes become worn requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed control by allowing the rotor to operate at variable speeds according to wind conditions, rather than maintaining a constant speed through braking. The system dynamically adjusts the number of active generators to match available wind energy, converting what would be wasted braking energy into useful electrical generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the variable wind energy that would previously require braking (a harmful waste of energy) into useful electrical power by activating additional generators. The variable speed condition, previously a problem requiring energy-dissipating brakes, becomes an opportunity to optimize power generation across different wind conditions.
3Productivity
If multiple generators are used with variable speed rotor, then wide ranging power production is achieved, but torque management becomes complex to avoid exceeding design levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power generation system into multiple independent generator units that can be selectively activated. Each generator handles a portion of the total power output, allowing the system to scale power production by bringing generators online or offline rather than requiring a single large generator that would need complex torque management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by activating only the number of generators needed for current wind conditions. Rather than all generators operating at partial load (which would create complex torque management issues), the system activates sufficient generators to handle the available wind energy, keeping each active generator operating in an optimal torque range.
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 enables efficient and reliable operation across a wide range of wind speeds, reducing downtime and energy loss by dynamically managing torque and power production, maintaining high efficiency and operational reliability through the use of multiple small generators and advanced power electronics.
Implementation Method 1
friction coupled mechanical drive components that will allow torque peaks to be avoided by slippage between the components when torque exceeds a prescribed level
Implementation Method 2
employing a braking system for extreme weather conditions to shut down the wind turbine
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of generators, the wind turbine being controlled by a controller to add more generators at higher speeds and to shut down generators at lower speeds
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A wind turbine and method of operation thereof uses a plurality of generators and a controller to control the operation of the turbine based on various parameters. The generators are each smaller than the total power capacity of the turbine and the controller adds more generators or removes generators based on the speed of the rotor. The controller loads and unloads the generators, which rotate continuously when the wind turbine is operating.