Wind Turbine Rotor Head Mist Eliminator for Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wind power plants face inefficiencies in cooling systems due to the presence of water droplets in outside air, which can lead to ineffective cooling of electrical components and generators, as existing systems struggle to remove moisture effectively.
Innovation Solution
A droplet separator is integrated into the rotor head of a wind turbine, featuring a spiral lamella design that rotates with the rotor, allowing moist air to pass through and separating water droplets, resulting in water-drop-free air for cooling, with the separated liquid draining to the center and being discharged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If outside air is drawn in for cooling the generator and electrical components, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but water droplets from fog or rain are also drawn in, reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A droplet separator is introduced as an intermediary component between the air intake and the generator. This separator removes water droplets from the incoming air stream while allowing the air to continue flowing for cooling purposes, thus mediating between the need for cooling and the need to prevent water ingress
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful water droplets are extracted from the air stream using the droplet separator. The separator isolates and removes the liquid phase from the gas phase, allowing only water-free air to reach the generator while maintaining the cooling function
2Reliability
If a droplet separator is added to remove water droplets, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The droplet separator is merged with the existing rotor structure of the wind turbine. By integrating the separator into the rotating part of the nacelle, the system benefits from the existing rotational motion to drive the separation process without adding independent motors or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The droplet separator utilizes the natural rotational motion of the rotor to create centrifugal forces that separate water droplets from air. The system serves itself by using its own operational movement (rotation) to power the separation function, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control mechanisms
3Productivity
If the spiral incline in the innermost region is made steeper to transport separated liquid, then water drainage efficiency is improved, but droplet separation effectiveness in the inner region is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spiral structure is designed with varying incline angles at different locations. The innermost region has a steeper incline optimized for rapid water transport, while outer regions maintain gentler angles for effective droplet separation. Each region is locally optimized for its specific function within the overall separation process
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 solution provides effective air cooling for wind power plants by ensuring water-free air is used, enhancing the cooling efficiency and preventing water ingress into the nacelle, while maintaining operational efficiency and minimizing pressure losses.
Implementation Method 1
The design of the droplet separator as a spiral-shaped lamella, wherein one baseline of the spiral represents a cone, is particularly advantageous because the separated liquid is conveyed to the center of the spiral by the droplet separator's own rotation and can then drain away.
Implementation Method 2
The design of the droplet separator as a spiral-shaped lamella... allowing moist outside air to reach the tip of the spiral and flow through the spiral droplet separator, thus separating the air from the moisture it contains.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a nacelle and an aerodynamic rotor having a rotor head or a spinner. The rotor head or spinner is arranged in front of a rotor blade plane in the inflow direction of the wind. A mist eliminator is provided in or on the rotor head or spinner and rotates with the rotor head or spinner. The mist eliminator has an end which is in the form of an opening in the rotor head or spinner. Air can enter through this end and flow through the mist eliminator, such that substantially mist-free air is provided at the outlet of the mist eliminator and can be used for cooling the generator.