Wind Turbine Rotor Heat Pipe Assembly for Temperature Equalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing heat flux densities in wind turbine generators due to output density increases cause deformations and potential damage, especially after repowering, as existing cooling methods become insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A heat pipe assembly is thermally connected to the rotor to conduct, distribute, and dissipate heat generated during operation, using heat pipes made from copper or aluminum with a capillary effect to equalize temperature and reduce deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If output density of the generator is increased, then power generation capacity is improved, but heat flux density increases causing deformations in the support structure
Solution Approach 1:
A heat pipe assembly is introduced as an intermediary thermal management component between the rotor support structure and the cooling system. The heat pipes conduct heat away from critical areas of the rotor band, preventing temperature-induced deformations while allowing the generator to operate at higher output densities
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling approach is changed from conventional water cooling to phase-change heat pipe technology. This parameter change in the cooling mechanism enables more effective heat dissipation at higher power densities without increasing the complexity of the cooling system
2Loss of energy
If conventional water cooling is used, then heat dissipation is achieved, but the cooling becomes insufficient after repowering
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe assembly provides a dynamic thermal management solution that automatically adapts to increased heat loads after repowering. The phase-change mechanism in the heat pipes enables them to handle varying heat flux densities without requiring system redesign, maintaining cooling effectiveness across different power levels
3Temperature
If heat is not adequately dissipated, then temperature differences cause deformations of the rotor band, but adding complex cooling systems increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is segmented into discrete heat pipe assemblies that can be attached to specific high-heat-generation areas of the rotor. This modular approach maintains temperature uniformity without requiring a complete redesign of the entire cooling system, thus limiting the increase in device 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 heat pipe assembly effectively reduces temperature differences at the rotor, preventing deformations and ensuring operational safety by homogenizing rotor temperature and providing a simple retrofit solution without redesigning the generator.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pipe assembly which is thermally connected to the rotor in order to conduct heat which is generated by the rotor
Implementation Method 2
heat pipes made from copper or aluminum with a capillary effect to equalize temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a generator comprising: a stator, a rotor, in particular having a rotor band, and a heat pipe assembly which is thermally connected to the rotor in order to conduct heat which is generated by the rotor, in particular during operation of the generator.