Integrated Starter-Exciter Layout for Compact Rotating Stabilisers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating stabilisers have a large footprint and complex construction due to the need for a separate auxiliary motor and exciter, requiring maintenance and increasing costs and noise.
Innovation Solution
An integrated starter/exciter replaces the separate auxiliary motor and exciter, combining motor and exciter functions within a single component to reduce the footprint and eliminate the need for a separate auxiliary motor, using a power converter to rotate and excite the rotor assembly during starting and normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate auxiliary motor and exciter are used in the rotating stabiliser, then the motor function and exciter function can be independently performed, but the footprint and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary motor and exciter into a single integrated starter/exciter assembly. The stator of the auxiliary motor is positioned concentrically around the stator of the exciter, sharing a common stator structure. The rotor of the auxiliary motor is coupled to the rotor of the exciter, allowing both functions to be performed by a single rotating assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate auxiliary motor and exciter components, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining both motor and exciter functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated starter/exciter assembly performs multiple functions: it acts as an auxiliary motor to bring the synchronous condenser up to synchronous speed, and simultaneously serves as an exciter to provide field current to the rotor winding. The same rotating assembly with shared stator and rotor structures fulfills both roles, making the system more compact and eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Ease of operation
If a separate auxiliary motor is used, then starting torque can be provided, but maintenance requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the auxiliary motor and exciter into a single assembly with shared stator and rotor structures, the number of separate moving parts and components requiring maintenance is reduced. The combined design eliminates the need for separate bearings, windings, and mounting structures for two independent machines, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and costs while preserving the starting torque capability needed to bring the synchronous condenser up to speed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If separate auxiliary motor and exciter are mounted on separate base plates, then each component can be independently supported, but the total footprint exceeds 11 metres
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated starter/exciter assembly is mounted on a single common base plate rather than requiring separate base plates for the auxiliary motor and exciter. The concentric stator structures and coupled rotors are supported together as one unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate mounting structures and reducing the overall footprint from over 11 metres to a more compact configuration while maintaining stable support for all 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
The integrated design reduces the footprint by approximately 20%, eliminates maintenance needs, decreases acoustic noise, and achieves significant cost savings while maintaining effective grid stability and reactive power support.
Implementation Method 1
A synchronous condenser is an unloaded synchronous rotating machine that is synchronised to the power grid... generates or absorbs reactive power for grid voltage regulation
Implementation Method 2
The power grid is normally a three-phase power grid that provides a three-phase alternative current (AC) supply to the stator winding, which generates a rotating magnetic field within the machine. At the same time, the rotor winding of the rotor assembly is typically excited by a direct current (DC) current.
Implementation Method 3
The auxiliary motor 6 may have any suitable construction and includes a rotor shaft 18. During a starting sequence of the rotating stabiliser 1, the auxiliary motor 6 is driven to rotate the rotor assembly of the synchronous condenser 2 to a rated rotational speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a rotating stabiliser which is electrically connectable to a power grid, and includes a synchronous condenser, a starter/exciter, and a power converter. The synchronous condenser includes a stator assembly with a stator winding that is electrically connectable to the power grid, and a rotor assembly with a rotor winding. The starter/exciter includes a stator assembly with a stator winding and a rotor assembly with a rotor winding And the rotor assemblies are mechanically connected by a rotor shaft. A power converter of the starter/exciter is electrically connected to the rotor windings of the synchronous condenser and starter/exciter and is mounted for rotation on the rotor shaft. The power converter has first terminals electrically connectable to the power grid and second terminals electrically connected to the stator winding of the starter/exciter.