Superconducting Wind Turbine Generator With Reduced Magnetic Gap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional superconducting generators face efficiency issues due to magnetic field saturation in traditional ferromagnetic materials and heating of armature windings, leading to reduced power density and compromised performance.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine design incorporating a superconducting generator with a stationary field disposed concentric and radially outward from the armature, where the magnetic gap is reduced through cryogenic cooling of the superconducting field winding, enhancing magnetic flux density and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If superconducting field windings are used to generate very high magnetic field, then magnetic field strength is improved, but magnetic saturation of traditional ferromagnetic materials occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional ferromagnetic core from the generator design, extracting the problematic magnetic saturation issue. By using air or non-magnetic material instead of ferromagnetic material in the core, the system can operate in high magnetic field environments without saturation, allowing the superconducting field windings to generate very high magnetic fields effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining superconducting materials for field windings with non-magnetic or air-core structures. This composite approach allows the system to leverage the high magnetic field generation capability of superconductors while avoiding the magnetic saturation limitations of traditional ferromagnetic materials.
2Loss of energy
If armature windings are heated during operation, then electrical conductivity is improved, but power density reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the armature windings by implementing active cooling systems. By maintaining lower operating temperatures in the armature, the system reduces resistive losses and improves electrical conductivity without sacrificing power density, reversing the conventional trade-off where heating improves conductivity but reduces overall power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous cooling of the armature windings during operation, maintaining optimal electrical conductivity throughout the operational cycle. This continuous thermal management allows the armature to operate at higher currents with reduced losses, sustaining high power density output.
3Force
If magnetic gap is reduced through cryogenic cooling, then magnetic flux density is improved, but structural stability becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes thermal expansion and contraction principles by designing the generator structure to accommodate cryogenic temperature variations. The structural components are engineered with appropriate clearances and expansion joints that allow for thermal contraction at low temperatures while maintaining the reduced magnetic gap, thereby preserving both magnetic flux density and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic structural design that adapts to temperature changes. The generator structure includes flexible or adjustable elements that can accommodate thermal contraction during cryogenic operation, maintaining optimal magnetic gap and flux density while preserving structural integrity throughout operational cycles.
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 reduced magnetic gap increases magnetic flux density and efficiency of the superconducting generator, requiring less armature current for a given power output while minimizing structural vibrations and allowing for relaxed manufacturing tolerances.
Implementation Method 1
The field windings include superconducting wires that support very high current densities without incurring any dissipation
Implementation Method 2
the stationary field contracts and/or the armature expands during operation of the wind turbine so that the magnetic gap between the superconducting field winding and the armature winding is reduced
Implementation Method 3
due to the currents in the armature windings, the armature is also heated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A wind turbine is presented. The wind turbine includes a rotor having a plurality of blades. The wind turbine further includes a shaft coupled to the rotor. Moreover, the wind turbine includes a superconducting generator coupled to the rotor via the shaft. The superconducting generator includes an armature configured to be rotated via the shaft. The superconducting generator further includes a stationary field disposed concentric to and radially outward from the armature.