Segmented Generator Carrier Elements for Transportable Wind Turbines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing generator designs for gearless wind energy installations with low-speed synchronous generators face challenges in transportation due to their large diameter, which exceeds typical transport widths, as they require assembly and installation as undivided units, limiting disassembly and transportability.

Innovation Solution

A support element system comprising a stator or rotor carrier with sector-shaped legs and fitting elements for precise assembly, allowing the generator to be divided into parts for transport and reassembled on-site, featuring a full-circumferential support flange for connection to a machine carrier, enabling easier alignment and centering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the generator is designed as a large-diameter low-speed synchronous generator for gearless wind energy installations, then the generator can operate at high efficiency with direct rotor drive, but the generator diameter exceeds typical transport widths and cannot be transported as a complete unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenerator power efficiencyVSAvoidgenerator diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The generator is divided into multiple carrier elements (stator carrier elements and rotor carrier elements) that can be transported separately and assembled on-site. Each carrier element has a manageable size suitable for transport, while collectively forming the large-diameter generator structure needed for high-power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If the generator is divided into multiple carrier elements for transport, then the generator can be transported on standard roads, but the assembly process becomes more complex and requires precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransportable carrier element sizeVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A machine carrier serves as an intermediary structure that receives and positions the individual carrier elements during assembly. The machine carrier includes alignment features and mounting interfaces that guide the carrier elements into their correct positions, simplifying the assembly process despite the multi-component nature of the generator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier elements feature asymmetric design with specific fitting elements (protrusions and recesses) that enable unique orientation and precise alignment during assembly. This asymmetric configuration ensures that each carrier element can only be installed in its correct position, reducing alignment complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If traditional stator carriers are used that require factory-finished assembly, then the generator can be transported undivided, but the generator cannot be disassembled for transport when diameter exceeds road width limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefactory-finished assembly reliabilityVSAvoidtransport flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier elements are designed with dynamic assembly capabilities, allowing the generator structure to transition between a disassembled transport state and an assembled operational state. The fitting elements enable reliable connection during assembly while allowing for disassembly when transport is needed, providing adaptability between different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3317953B1Carrier element, especially stator carier element and/or rotor carrier element, system of carrier elements, generator carrier, generator, generator carrier system, nacelle of a wind turbine, wind turbine and method for mounting a generator carrier system
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH
  • EP3317953B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3317953B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3317953B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a support element for a support of an annular generator, in particular a stator support element for a stator support of an annular generator and/or rotor support element for a rotor support of an annular generator. In order to form the support, a number of support elements are assembled over a generator surface. Said support is designed to have a support ring on its outer circumference for the fastening of a winding and a support projection on the inner circumference, in particular for cooperation with a pin for connection to a bed plate. According to the invention, the support element comprises: - a, preferably one, piece in the form of a segment of a circle, associated with a sector of an area of the generator surface and designed for the assembly of the support ring, - the piece being designed to have a support projection that extends over the entire inner circumference, in particular integrally, for mounting on a support flange that extends over the entire circumference, preferably the support flange that extends over the entire circumference being designed for cooperation with a pin for the connection to a bed plate, - the support projection having a first counterpart element and the support flange having a second counterpart element, the first and second counterpart element being matched, in particular as female and male parts.