Segmented Stator Lamination with Integrated Support Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The mechanical instability of laminated stator cores in wind turbine generators requires external support structures, increasing manufacturing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A self-supporting laminated stator core design featuring segment laminations with a third radial section that forms a support structure, incorporating stiffening struts and through-openings for bracing elements, eliminating the need for external add-on parts and enhancing mechanical integrity and damping of acoustic vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If external support structures are added to stiffen the stator lamination packages, then mechanical stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stability of stator laminationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the stator lamination structure with the support structure by integrating radial sections into the segmented sheet itself. The segmented sheet includes a first radial section for the magnetic yoke, a second radial section forming slots for stator windings, and a third radial section forming the support structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate external support components while maintaining mechanical stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented sheet is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the magnetic yoke (first radial section), accommodates stator windings (second radial section), and provides structural support (third radial section). This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the generator stator assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If external support structures are added to stiffen the stator lamination packages, then mechanical stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stability of stator laminationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple structural functions into a single segmented sheet component, eliminating the need for separate support structures. This reduction in part count directly lowers manufacturing costs by reducing material usage, assembly operations, and quality control steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented sheet is divided into multiple radial sections (first, second, and third radial sections) that can be manufactured and assembled efficiently. This segmentation allows for optimized production processes while maintaining the mechanical stability provided by the integrated third radial section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the segmented sheet is radially extended to form self-supporting structure, then mechanical integrity is improved, but material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical integrityVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The third radial section is strategically positioned adjacent to the second radial section where support is most needed. The segmented design allows material to be concentrated in specific locations (radial extensions for support) rather than uniformly distributed, optimizing the strength-to-material ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3510690B1Segment sheet for a stator lamination stack, stator lamination stack, and generator and wind turbine having same
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH
  • EP3510690B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3510690B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3510690B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a segment sheet (11) for a stator lamination stack (10) of a generator (1) of a wind turbine (100), comprising a base sheet (13) in the form of a ring segment, wherein the segment sheet (11) has a first radial section (15) in which recesses (21) are provided for receiving a stator winding, and a second radial section (17), radially next to the first radial section (15), which forms a segment of a magnetic yolk of the generator (1). In particular, the segment sheet (11) has a third radial section (19) next to the second radial section (17), which forms a segment of a stator-carrier structure of the generator (1), and which is also configured, in particular, to form the stator-carrier structure of the generator together with the third radial sections of further segment sheets. The invention also relates to a stator lamination stack (10), a generator (1) and a wind turbine (100), each having segment sheets (11) of this type.