Ring Generator Cooling Flow Control for Shaft Turbines

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for providing cooling and lubrication in the annular space between the ring generator stator and rotor in turbine-generator systems are not fully satisfactory.

Innovation Solution

A turbine-generator device with an annular casing and conveying and throttling devices that supply and discharge cooling fluid through the annular space, utilizing inclined coolant inlets and outlets to manage flow and pressure, and incorporating vortex chambers and flow guide elements to optimize fluid dynamics and minimize wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a shaft turbine is to be connected to a generator, then electrical energy can be generated from water flow, but the mechanical components require precise alignment and are sensitive to mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy generationVSAvoidmechanical stress sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical direct-drive connection between turbine and generator with a magnetic coupling system. The ring generator uses magnetic fields to transfer rotational motion and energy without physical contact between the turbine shaft and generator rotor, eliminating mechanical stress, alignment requirements, and associated reliability issues while maintaining energy generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If conventional direct-drive connection is used between turbine and generator, then mechanical energy transfer is direct, but mechanical stress and alignment precision are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention substitutes mechanical power transmission with magnetic field-based power transmission. The ring generator creates a magnetic field that couples with the turbine rotor, allowing power to be transmitted through magnetic interaction rather than direct mechanical connection, thereby eliminating alignment precision requirements while maintaining efficient power transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If water flow is directly converted to mechanical rotation, then energy conversion is straightforward, but control over water flow distribution is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy conversion efficiencyVSAvoidflow distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The turbine wheel is divided into multiple independent sectors, each equipped with its own throttle device. This segmentation allows individual control of water flow to each sector, enabling precise adjustment of water flow distribution to optimize energy conversion efficiency and adapt to varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The throttle devices are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing real-time modification of water flow characteristics. This dynamic control capability enables the system to adapt to changing water flow conditions and optimize performance, improving both productivity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design ensures effective cooling and lubrication, reduces wear on components, extends maintenance intervals, and enhances the efficiency and stability of the turbine-generator unit.

Implementation Method 1

The ring generator (2) is designed for contactless transmission of power and is positioned in the shaft (1) of the shaft turbine (10).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4540517B1Shaft turbine with a ring generator and conveying and throttle devices
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 GLOBAL HYDRO ENERGY
  • EP4540517B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4540517B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4540517B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a turbine generator device (2) comprising a ring housing (6), a ring generator (15), a supporting element (18) and a turbine rotor (10) with a rotation axis (11). The ring generator (15) comprises a ring generator stator (16), wherein the ring generator stator (16) is coupled to the ring housing (6) for conjoint rotation and axially opposite is coupled to the supporting element (18) for conjoint rotation. The ring generator (15) further comprises a ring generator rotor (17), wherein a ring space (26) is formed between the ring generator stator (16) and the ring generator rotor (17). The turbine generator device (2) comprises, in the region in which the ring housing (6) is coupled to the ring generator (15), a radially encircling first conveying and throttle device (27) for the cooling liquid to be fed to the ring space (26) and, in the region in which the ring generator (15) is coupled to the supporting element (18), a radially encircling second conveying and throttle device (28) for the cooling liquid to be discharged from the ring space (26).