Wind Turbine Rotor Hub Cooling via Blade Airflow Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
High temperatures within the hub of wind energy turbines due to heat energy losses and air flow from the nacelle, exceeding the temperature limits of components, particularly at higher ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An air flow system that facilitates the exchange of air between the hub and rotor blades, using a fan to circulate heated air from the hub through the rotor blades, where it is cooled and returned, or passively utilizing the Venturi effect to draw ambient air for cooling, maintaining optimal temperature levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If components such as pitch drives are installed in the hub, then the functionality and power of the wind turbine is improved, but heat generation increases and temperature inside the hub exceeds tolerable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful heat from the hub by introducing a cooling air flow that passes through the hub interior, carrying away excess heat generated by pitch drives and other components, thus removing the thermal problem while preserving the functional components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a pneumatic cooling system where cooled air is circulated through the hub interior via ducts and openings, using fluid (air) flow to remove heat and regulate temperature inside the hub
2Device complexity
If the nacelle is positioned close to the hub, then the device complexity is reduced, but warm air from the nacelle propagates into the hub causing temperature increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cooled air as an intermediary substance that flows through the hub, creating a thermal barrier between the warm nacelle environment and the hub interior, thus allowing close positioning without thermal damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hub interior into a cooled flow path using ducts and openings, separating the thermal zones to prevent warm air intrusion while maintaining structural integration
3Temperature
If cooling air flow is introduced through the hub, then the temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the rotor blades multi-functional by using their existing internal structures (spar caps, shear webs) as cooling air passages, thus achieving temperature control without adding dedicated cooling components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural elements of the rotor blade (spar caps, shear webs) with the cooling system, combining structural support functions with thermal management functions in the same components
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
Effectively cools or heats the hub to maintain components at optimal temperatures, extending their lifespan and enabling more feasible installations at higher altitudes and high-temperature sites, while reducing temperature extremes within the hub.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow means for causing air to flow from inside the hub out of the hub and into the inner space of the at least one rotor blade
Implementation Method 2
passively utilizing the Venturi effect to draw ambient air for cooling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A rotor (16) for a wind energy turbine (10) includes a hub (18) defining an inner space (34) and at least one rotor blade (20) defining an inner space and having a tip (22) and a root (24) attached to the hub. The inner spaces of the hub and the at least one rotor blade are in fluid communication. The rotor further includes air flow (26) means for causing air to flow out of the hub and into the at least one rotor blade.