Vertical Axis Hydro Generator Stator Fixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydroelectric generators with a vertical axis of rotation face challenges in connecting the stator to the foundation, requiring transfer of weight and absorption of forces while allowing radial expansion to prevent undesired deformations and high foundation forces.

Innovation Solution

A stator casing firmly connected to the foundation with a stiffening ring that is not directly connected to the stator casing, allowing radial expansion through flexible connections and maintaining core centering via strips and pressure plates, with flexible supports to absorb forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the stator is firmly connected to the foundation, then structural stability and force absorption are improved, but radial expansion is restricted causing deformations and high foundation forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidradial expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The stator connection system is segmented into multiple independent support points (feet) distributed around the circumference, allowing localized radial expansion at each point while maintaining overall structural stability. The stator is divided into segments that can expand independently rather than as a rigid whole.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stator housing incorporates flexible elements such as expansion joints and bellows that allow radial expansion while maintaining structural integrity. These flexible components accommodate thermal growth without transmitting excessive forces to the foundation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Shape

If sliding pieces are used to allow radial growth, then radial expansion is permitted, but uneven frictional forces cause non-uniform radial deformations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial expansionVSAvoiduniformity of deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding mechanism is completely removed from the design. Instead of allowing radial movement through friction-prone sliding contacts, the invention uses fixed supports with flexible expansion elements that eliminate sliding friction entirely, ensuring uniform radial expansion without differential frictional forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible expansion joints and bellows serve as intermediary elements between the rigid stator structure and the foundation. These intermediaries accommodate radial expansion through elastic deformation rather than sliding, distributing forces uniformly and preventing non-uniform deformations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the stator core is constrained to prevent radial expansion, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion forces increase causing deformations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The stator support system transitions from a static rigid constraint to a dynamic flexible structure. The expansion joints and bellows provide adaptive compliance that allows the stator to expand thermally while maintaining structural stability, converting fixed constraints into flexible, force-absorbing connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible expansion elements are pre-installed in the stator structure to cushion against thermal expansion forces before they build up. These elements act as built-in shock absorbers that accommodate expansion gradually, preventing the accumulation of excessive thermal forces that would cause deformations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Prevents uneven radial deformations and allows for radial expansion of the stator core while maintaining structural integrity and centered alignment, effectively managing thermal expansion and force transmission.

Implementation Method 1

the stator expands radially during operation due to its heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3544152B1Water power generator with flexible stator fixing

Publication Date: 2020.10.28 ANDRITZ HYDRO GMBH

Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
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AI summary

The subject matter of this invention is a water power generator (1) with a rotor (2) having a vertical axis of rotation (15) and with a stator (3), wherein the stator (3) comprises a stator core (10) containing the winding (26) and a stator shell (12) spaced apart from the stator core (10). The stator core (10) is connected to the stator shell (12) by means of strips (11) and frames (13), and the stator shell (12) is mounted on a foundation (16). According to the invention, the stator shell (12) is rigidly connected to the foundation (16). In the region of the lower end of the stator core (10), a stiffening ring (17) is provided for stabilizing the stator core (10), which is connected to the stator core (10) but spaced apart from the stator shell (12).