Wind Turbine Rotor Magnet Spacers for Self-Pumping Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face challenges in effectively dissipating thermal energy generated by large electrical currents, particularly in mega-watt scale systems, where air-cooling methods struggle to provide adequate cooling airflow through generator components.
Innovation Solution
A rotor arrangement featuring a cylindrical ring structure with ring-shaped permanent magnet packages and spacer components that act as impellers, generating radial airflow to transfer heat away from the magnet packages and towards the stator, enhancing cooling efficiency by utilizing kinetic energy to create self-pumping airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air-cooling method is used for generator, then cooling cost is reduced, but cooling effectiveness is insufficient for mega-watt scale systems
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor arrangement uses its own rotational kinetic energy to drive the impeller, creating a self-service cooling system that generates airflow without external power sources. The impeller is integrated into the rotor structure, allowing the rotating mass itself to pump cooling air through the generator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system transitions from a static air-cooling arrangement to a dynamic system where the impeller rotates with the rotor, actively pumping air through the generator. The airflow rate dynamically adjusts with rotor speed, optimizing cooling effectiveness across different operating conditions.
2Device complexity
If traditional air-cooling arrangement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but cooling airflow adequacy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the rotor assembly by integrating the impeller directly into the rotor structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate cooling fans or blowers, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable cooling performance through the rotor's inherent rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor assembly serves multiple functions: generating electrical energy through the permanent magnets and simultaneously driving the cooling system through the integrated impeller. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable cooling performance.
3Temperature
If cooling airflow is increased, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases due to ancillary pumping systems
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor arrangement uses its own rotational kinetic energy to drive the impeller, creating a self-service cooling system that generates airflow without external power sources. The impeller is integrated into the rotor structure, allowing the rotating mass itself to pump cooling air through the generator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The impeller acts as an intermediary between the rotor's rotational energy and the cooling air flow. It converts the rotational motion into directed airflow, enabling effective cooling without requiring complex pumping systems or external motors.
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 solution provides enhanced cooling of both the rotor and stator, reducing hot spots and potentially allowing wind turbines to operate at higher power levels without the need for ancillary air pumping systems.
Implementation Method 1
the one or more spacer components are configured to act as an impeller as the rotor rotates, in use, thereby to cause air to flow in a radial direction
Implementation Method 2
The radial airflow flows between and/or around the magnet packages to transfer heat away from the magnet packages, and thereby to provide a cooling function
Implementation Method 3
the generator rotor arrangement is configured to use a portion of the kinetic energy of the rotating rotor arrangement to generate a radial air flow
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to a rotor arrangement (42) for a wind turbine generator (24). The rotor arrangement (42) comprises a cylindrical ring structure (46) arranged to rotate around a rotational axis. The cylindrical ring structure (46) comprises: a plurality of ring-shaped permanent magnet packages (48) arranged coaxially around the rotational axis, a plurality of tie rods (55) extending axially through the plurality of permanent magnet packages (48) to join the plurality of permanent magnet packages (48) together; and one or more spacer components (64; 164) located between at least one axially adjacent pair of the plurality of permanent magnet packages (48) to space the respective pair of permanent magnet packages (48) apart, wherein the one or more spacer components (64; 164) are configured to act as an impeller as the rotor rotates, in use, thereby to cause air to flow in a radial direction, with respect to the rotational axis of the rotor arrangement (42), between the at least one axially adjacent pair of permanent magnet packages (48). The generator rotor arrangement uses a portion of the kinetic energy of the rotating rotor arrangement to generate a radial air flow that flows between and/or around the magnet packages to transfer heat away from the magnet packages, and thereby to provide a cooling function.