Rotary Machine Air Gap Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine generators face inefficiencies due to asymmetric and transient loads on rotor blades, which can alter and reduce the uniformity of the air gap dimension between rotor and stator components, affecting magnetic field transmission and electrical energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes clearance gap dimension measurement apparatus and adjustment assemblies, allowing for real-time monitoring and modulation of the clearance gap dimension to maintain optimal air gap dimensions, coupled with a blade pitch control system to manage loads and maintain efficient energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the rotor is subjected to asymmetric and transient loads via the blades, then the rotor deflection increases, but the air gap dimension uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the air gap adjustable rather than fixed. The air gap modulation system dynamically changes the air gap dimension in response to varying loads on the rotor blades, allowing the generator to adapt to changing operating conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to maintain optimal air gap uniformity even when subjected to asymmetric and transient loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the air gap dimension from a fixed manufacturing specification to a dynamically adjustable parameter. By modulating the air gap dimension based on real-time load conditions, the system maintains magnetic field transmission efficiency while accommodating rotor deflections caused by asymmetric blade loads.
2Loss of energy
If the air gap dimension is reduced due to rotor deflection, then the magnetic field transmission efficiency decreases, but the generator reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the air gap dimension and using this information to modulate the air gap. The system measures the actual air gap and adjusts it to maintain optimal values, ensuring consistent magnetic field transmission efficiency and preventing conditions that would compromise generator reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap modulation system dynamically adjusts the air gap dimension to compensate for rotor deflections. This dynamic adjustment maintains the air gap within optimal ranges for magnetic field transmission while preventing excessive reduction that would cause mechanical contact and reliability issues.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed air gap dimension is used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the energy conversion efficiency deteriorates under varying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static air gap design to a dynamic air gap modulation system. This allows the air gap dimension to be optimized for different operating conditions, maintaining high energy conversion efficiency across varying loads while using relatively simple adjustment mechanisms that do not significantly complicate manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the air gap parameter from a fixed manufacturing specification to a controllable variable. This enables optimization of energy conversion efficiency under different operating conditions while the modulation mechanism is designed to be integrated into the existing generator structure with minimal manufacturing 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
The system ensures efficient mechanical load transfer, enhances generator reliability, reduces maintenance costs, and minimizes wind turbine outages by maintaining optimal air gap dimensions and blade pitch angles, thereby improving overall energy conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one clearance gap dimension measurement apparatus
Implementation Method 2
at least one clearance gap adjustment assembly
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic field, generated by a plurality of permanent magnets, wound magnets mounted on the rotor, and/or currents induced in the rotor iron passes, through a portion of the air gap
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a rotary machine is provided. The rotary machine has at least one rotating member and at least one substantially stationary member positioned such that a clearance gap is defined between a portion of the rotating member and a portion of the substantially stationary member. The control system includes at least one clearance gap dimension measurement apparatus and at least one clearance gap adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly is coupled in electronic data communication with the measurement apparatus. The control system is configured to process a clearance gap dimension signal and modulate the clearance gap dimension.