Wind Turbine Flexible Coupling for Misalignment and Torque Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine arrangements face challenges in maintaining alignment between the rotor and stator, leading to potential misalignment, excessive bearing wear, and high torque issues, while also requiring rigid and heavy shafts to support the generator, which increases cost and weight.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine apparatus with a yoke connecting the blade portion to the rotor, allowing offset rotation axes and a compliant coupling, and a shaft design with concentric conductive elements separated by an insulator to reduce torque and enable lighter materials, such as aluminum, to be used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid shaft is used to support the generator and maintain alignment, then alignment between rotor and stator is improved, but weight and structural rigidity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible coupling device comprising a flexible membrane that allows relative movement between the rotor and stator while maintaining their functional connection. This flexible membrane accommodates misalignment without requiring rigid structural support, thereby reducing the weight and rigidity requirements of the frame and shaft components.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional hollow shaft is used to carry wiring, then current transmission is enabled, but shaft strength and rigidity requirements increase leading to heavier materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the current transmission function from the mechanical support function. The flexible membrane incorporates conductive elements that transmit current from the rotor to the stator, eliminating the need for a hollow shaft to carry wiring. This allows the shaft to be constructed from lighter materials without compromising current transmission capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible coupling is introduced to allow axis deviation, then alignment tolerance is improved, but high torque is generated on the supporting rail
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane acts as an intermediary element between the rotor and stator, absorbing and distributing the forces generated during operation. This intermediary structure reduces the transmission of high torque to the supporting rail while maintaining the ability to accommodate axis deviations.
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 minimizes misalignment, reduces torque on the frame, and allows for the use of lighter materials, enhancing efficiency and reducing the structural rigidity and weight penalties, while maintaining effective current transmission.
Implementation Method 1
Rotation of the blade portion 9 in response to the force of wind causes rotation of the rotor 13. The movement of the magnets 25 relative to the coils 23 induces a current in the coils 23 which can be harnessed as useful electricity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine apparatus including: a blade portion; a generator having a stator having a plurality of coils and a rotor having a plurality of magnets, the rotor being connected to the blade portion such that rotation of the blade portion and rotor generates a current within the coils.