Segmented Conductor Ring for Electrical Machine Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Maintenance operations in large electrical machines, such as wind turbines, are time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the difficulty in accessing the inner structure, which is obstructed by the outer structure, requiring repetitive disconnection and reconnection of electrical windings through a segmented conductor ring.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a radially configured electrical machine with a releasable segment in the conductor ring, allowing for selective disconnection and reconnection of windings to access multiple regions of the inner structure without reassembling the conductor ring each time, reducing maintenance time and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the outer structure is kept intact to maintain structural integrity, then structural strength is improved, but access to the inner structure for maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidaccess to inner structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outer structure is divided into modular segments that can be selectively removed or opened to provide access to the inner structure for maintenance operations, while maintaining the overall structural integrity when assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the electrical conductor ring is made as a single continuous piece to ensure electrical continuity, then electrical reliability is improved, but maintenance time increases due to repetitive disconnection and reconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical continuityVSAvoidmaintenance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical conductor ring is segmented into multiple sections with connection elements that can be quickly connected and disconnected, maintaining electrical continuity during operation while enabling rapid access during maintenance without requiring complete disassembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductor ring incorporates dynamic connection mechanisms that allow for quick connection and disconnection of segments during maintenance operations, reducing the time required to access the inner structure while maintaining electrical continuity when assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If maintenance operations are performed frequently to prevent element deterioration, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to repeated maintenance interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelement conditionVSAvoidenergy production

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular segmented design allows for preventive maintenance to be performed more efficiently by enabling quick access to critical components, allowing maintenance to be completed faster before deterioration occurs, thus maintaining reliability with less interruption to productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3595139B1Electrical machine and maintenance methods thereof

Publication Date: 2022.10.26 GENERAL ELECTRIC RENOVABLES ESPANA SL

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AI summary

In a first aspect, a method of performing maintenance operations in an electrical machine is provided. The method comprises positioning the rotor in a first position; disconnecting electrical windings, removing one or more segments of an electrical conductor ring and positioning the rotor in a second position without connecting the removed segments of the electrical conductor ring. In a further aspect, a method of operating an electrical machine is also provided. In yet a further aspect, it is provided an electrical machine comprising an electrical conductor ring having a releasable segment.