Wind Turbine Generator Rotor Shroud for Tool Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintenance of electrical generators in wind turbines is challenging due to strong magnetic fields generated by permanent magnet generators, which can attract metal tools and pose safety risks for technicians.
Innovation Solution
A rotor shroud is designed to protect the generator's rotor, featuring a dome portion extending into the central hollow portion and a flange portion for secure attachment to the generator housing, preventing tool contact and enhancing airflow cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cooling systems with separate coolant circulation loops are used for generatorbearings and stator, then reliable cooling is achieved, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the coolant circulation loops for generator bearings and stator into a single integrated cooling system. The stator cooling channels are designed to receive coolant from the generator bearing cooling system, eliminating the need for separate circulation loops while maintaining reliable cooling for both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant circulation system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - cooling the generator bearings and cooling the stator through shared coolant channels. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining effective cooling across all generator components.
2Loss of energy
If large diameter coolant channels are used for effective cooling, then cooling efficiency improves, but generator weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements cooling channels with varying cross-sectional areas optimized for specific local cooling requirements. The stator cooling channels have different dimensions at different locations along the stator, allowing effective cooling with minimized material usage and weight, rather than using uniformly large diameter channels throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling channel cross-sectional area is varied along the length of the stator according to the local heat generation and cooling requirements. This parameter optimization allows the system to achieve effective cooling while minimizing the overall weight and space requirements of the generator.
3Loss of energy
If complex cooling channel geometries are implemented for optimal cooling distribution, then cooling effectiveness improves, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator cooling system is divided into multiple separate cooling channels rather than attempting to create a single complex geometry. Each channel has a relatively simple cross-sectional shape that is easier to manufacture, while the collective arrangement of multiple channels achieves the desired cooling distribution throughout the stator.
4Volume of moving object
If generator bearings are positioned close to the rotor for compact design, then space efficiency improves, but cooling effectiveness deteriorates due to limited space for cooling channels
Solution Approach 1:
The stator cooling channels are designed to extend into the region between the rotor and stator, effectively utilizing the limited space available in this narrow gap. The cooling channels are nested within the stator structure and reach into the bearing vicinity, enabling effective cooling of generator bearings positioned close to the rotor without requiring additional space.
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 rotor shroud provides a safe and efficient assembly process by preventing tool attraction and facilitating maintenance, while maintaining airflow for cooling and fluid drainage, thus enhancing generator maintenance safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a coolant circulating in a coolant circulation system cools the generatorbearings and the stator
Implementation Method 2
coolant circulating in a coolant circulation system cools the generatorbearings and the stator
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical power generator for a wind turbine comprising: a generator housing, a stator at a radially outward position and a rotor in a radially inward position, wherein the rotor comprises a cylindrical ring structure arranged about a rotational axis, R, and defining a central hollow portion. The electrical power generator further comprises a rotor shroud attached to the generator housing and which extends about the rotational axis, R, wherein the rotor shroud includes a dome portion that extends into the central hollow portion of the rotor so as to protect the cylindrical ring structure of the rotor. Advantageously, the rotor shroud provides a tunnel-like surface that extends into the central hollow portion of the generator so as to prevent objects such as tools from contacting components of the rotor. The invention also relates to a method for 15 assembling such an electrical power generator with a rotor shroud.