Wind Turbine Acceleration Restriction via Eddy Current Braking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wind power generation apparatuses face damage from high rotating acceleration in high-speed winds, as existing electronic braking mechanisms are ineffective for continuous high-speed operations.

Innovation Solution

A wind power generation apparatus incorporating a rotating shaft, a wind power generation device with a rotor and stator assembly, and an acceleration restriction mechanism featuring swing structures and a metal ring, which generates an eddy current to limit rotating acceleration, allowing operation in continuously high-speed winds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wind power generation apparatus uses electronic braking mechanism, then rotating speed can be reduced in sudden high speed winds, but it cannot be applied to continuously high speed winds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against high rotating accelerationVSAvoidapplicability to different wind conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electronic braking mechanism with a mechanical acceleration restriction mechanism that uses magnetic portions and metal rings to generate eddy currents. This mechanical system passively restricts rotating acceleration through electromagnetic forces without requiring electronic control, enabling it to handle both sudden and continuous high-speed wind conditions where electronic braking fails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If high speed winds drive the conventional wind power generation apparatus, then power generation increases, but rotating acceleration rapidly increases causing damage to inner components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generationVSAvoidrotating acceleration damage

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by pre-installing acceleration restriction mechanisms with magnetic portions and metal rings that generate eddy currents to counteract excessive rotating acceleration before it causes damage. This preventive measure allows the system to maintain high power generation in high-speed winds while automatically restricting acceleration that would harm inner components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If acceleration restriction mechanism with N number of swing structures is used, then rotating acceleration is limited, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against rotating accelerationVSAvoidnumber of swing structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the acceleration restriction mechanism into N number of swing structures, each with magnetic portions and metal rings. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the acceleration restriction function across multiple independent units, improving reliability while maintaining a modular structure that can be scaled based on specific application requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 apparatus effectively reduces rotating acceleration through eddy current generation, enabling safe operation in continuously high-speed winds without damage to internal components.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic portion at least partially covers the metal ring along the axial direction, so that the metal ring generates an eddy current limiting a rotating acceleration of the rotor assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy current: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 2

a region between the first magnetically attractable module and the second magnetically attractable module passes through the induction module so as to allow the induction module to generate an induction current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the magnetic portion is movable relative to the inner housing from an initial position to an acceleration restriction position by a centrifugal force that is generated from the rotor assembly in rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS11686286B2Wind power generation apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 HERO POWER TECH CORP

AI summary

A wind power generation apparatus includes a rotating shaft, a wind power generation device assembled to the rotating shaft, and an acceleration restriction mechanism. The wind power generation device includes a drag blade fixed on the rotating shaft, an inner housing connected to an outer edge of the drag blade, and an outer housing sleeved around the inner housing. The acceleration restriction mechanism includes a plurality of swing arms pivotally connected to the inner housing and a metal ring fixed on the outer housing. A magnetic portion of each swing arm is movable relative to the inner housing from an initial position to an acceleration restriction position. When the magnetic portion of each swing arm is at the acceleration restriction position, the magnetic portion at least partially covers the metal ring, so that the metal ring generates an eddy current limiting a rotating acceleration of the drag blade.