Wind Turbine Generator Stator Support for Radial Stiffness and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support structures for wind turbine generators lack sufficient mechanical stability and radial stiffness, and require excessive material and complex designs, which are costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising a plurality of carrier elements with specific angled sections forming a Z- or Ω-type profile, providing enhanced radial stiffness and stability while reducing material usage and complexity through fewer pre-machining and welding requirements, and incorporating cooling pockets for improved airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional T-profile carrier elements are used in the support structure, then the design is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the mechanical stability and radial stiffness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier element is divided into three distinct functional sections: base section, side section, and top section. Each section serves a specific purpose in achieving radial stiffness while maintaining manufacturability. The base section provides mounting surface, the side section provides structural rigidity at optimal angles, and the top section connects to the lamination sheet section.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the carrier element have different geometric properties optimized for their specific functions. The side section angles (outer angle φ and inner angle θ between 70°-130°) are specifically designed to maximize radial stiffness in critical areas, while other sections maintain simpler geometries for ease of manufacture.
2Stability of the object's composition
If more material and complex designs are used to improve stability, then mechanical stability improves, but manufacturing costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier element is segmented into three functional sections (base, side, top) that can be manufactured as a single integrated piece or assembled from separate components. This segmentation allows optimization of each section for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The side section angles (outer angle φ and inner angle θ) are parameterized within a specific range (70°-130°) to achieve the optimal balance between mechanical stability and manufacturability. These angle parameters can be adjusted based on specific application requirements without fundamentally changing the design approach.
3Strength
If the base section area is increased to improve connection stability, then connection strength improves, but the available space for cooling air flow decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base section is designed with an optimized area that provides sufficient connection strength to the stator frame while maintaining adequate clearance for cooling air flow. The area is neither maximized nor minimized but optimized for the dual function of structural support and thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing base section area in two dimensions (which would block cooling flow), the connection strength is achieved through the three-dimensional geometry of the side sections with specific angles (φ and θ between 70°-130°) that provide structural rigidity without requiring excessive base area.
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 solution achieves high radial stiffness with reduced material and labor costs, enabling stable connections and efficient cooling, thus addressing the limitations of conventional support structures.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of cooling pockets being formed between the connecting elements for cooling air to pass
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for a stator of a generator, in particular of a wind turbine is provided, wherein the support structure includes a carrier element extending in an axial direction, wherein the carrier element includes a base section, a side section and a top section and wherein the base section of at least one carrier element of the plurality of carrier elements is connected to the base section of another one carrier element of the plurality of carrier elements. A plurality of circumferential connecting elements circumferentially protruding from the base section of one carrier element is connected to another plurality of connecting elements circumferentially protruding from the base section of another carrier element in order to provide a connection between the one and the other carrier element, a plurality of cooling pockets being formed between the connecting elements for cooling air to pass.