Shaftless Turbine Generator Structure for Low-Wind Power Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbines with central shafts face challenges in generating power at low wind speeds due to the inertia introduced by the shaft, which limits their efficiency in harnessing energy from weak wind flows.
Innovation Solution
A shaftless electric generator design is employed, featuring a rotor and stator configuration with adjustable bearings and a threaded adjustor rod to manage tension, allowing the rotor to rotate freely without a central shaft, thereby enabling power generation at lower wind speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a central shaft is used to support the rotor and transmit blade load, then structural strength and stability are improved, but inertia increases preventing power generation at low wind speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central shaft from the generator structure entirely, extracting the source of excessive inertia while maintaining structural integrity through alternative support mechanisms including bearing assemblies and a distributed rotor design
2Strength
If a central shaft is used to transmit rotational force from blades, then mechanical strength is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The central shaft is completely removed from the system, eliminating the complex mechanical transmission path and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining load-bearing capabilities through alternative configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical shaft-based transmission system is replaced with a direct-drive configuration where the rotor itself generates electrical energy through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for mechanical power transmission components
3Weight of moving object
If a shaftless design is used to reduce inertia, then power generation at low wind speeds is enabled, but structural support and load bearing become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into multiple segments or sections that are independently supported by bearing assemblies distributed around the circumference, allowing each segment to be lighter while collectively supporting the total load, thereby reducing overall inertia while maintaining structural capability
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing assemblies serve multiple functions simultaneously: supporting the rotor weight, accommodating thermal expansion, providing electrical isolation, and enabling precise alignment, thereby reducing the need for separate structural 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
This design enhances the ability to generate electricity from low wind speeds by reducing inertia and optimizing the transfer of rotational forces from the blades to the rotor, improving energy conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A shaftless electric generator design is employed, featuring a rotor and stator configuration with adjustable bearings and a threaded adjustor rod to manage tension, allowing the rotor to rotate freely without a central shaft, thereby enabling power generation at lower wind speeds
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine with an associated shaftless electric generator includes a rotor and a stator; a mounting plate rotatable with the rotor and a void along a central axis of the rotor. A plurality of blades extend from the mounting plate. Adjustable bearings are interposed between the rotor and the stator, the adjustable bearings being configured to support the mounting plate and the plurality of blades. A threaded adjustor rod located in the void may be manipulated to adjust tension on the adjustable bearings.