Wind Turbine Power Split Transmission Coupling for Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines fail to capture full potential wind energy due to exceeding the maximum power rating of the electrical generator, leading to reduced energy conversion and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power split transmission coupling that diverts hydraulic fluid when the output shaft exceeds a threshold power, allowing for adjustable torque transmission and storage of excess energy for regeneration, enabling efficient energy capture and conversion across varying wind conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical brakes or gearbox adjustments are used to reduce energy input to the generator, then the generator power rating is protected, but wind energy capture efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic fluid intermediary system is introduced between the rotor and generator. The power split transmission coupling uses hydraulic fluid as a mediator to transfer and regulate power, allowing excess energy to be diverted to charge hydraulic accumulators rather than being dissipated by mechanical brakes, thus protecting the generator while capturing wind energy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic power split transmission coupling that uses hydraulic fluid under pressure to transmit torque from the rotor to the generator. Hydraulic accumulators store energy in the form of pressurized fluid, enabling smooth power regulation without mechanical friction losses, thereby improving energy capture efficiency while protecting generator ratings
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the generator operates below maximum power rating, then equipment longevity is improved, but energy conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the torque transmission ratio between rotor and generator through variable displacement hydraulic motors. This allows the generator to operate continuously at or near its maximum power rating across varying wind conditions, maximizing energy conversion efficiency while the hydraulic accumulators absorb excess energy to prevent generator overload and extend operational lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing variable torque multiplication through the power split transmission coupling. The hydraulic system enables continuous adjustment of the torque ratio, allowing the generator to maintain optimal operating parameters (near maximum power rating) regardless of rotor speed variations, thus improving both productivity and equipment longevity
3Productivity
If a power split transmission coupling with hydraulic fluid is used, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power split transmission coupling performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits torque from rotor to generator, regulates power to protect generator ratings, and charges hydraulic accumulators for energy storage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical brake systems and simplifies the overall control architecture, making the increased complexity worthwhile for the significant improvement in energy capture efficiency
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 system enhances energy capture and conversion efficiency by storing excess energy for regeneration, reducing the need for mechanical braking and maintaining generator output near maximum power, thus optimizing wind turbine performance.
Implementation Method 1
a power split transmission coupling, the rotor coupled to the electrical generator through the power split transmission coupling, the power split transmission coupling configured to store hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
a power split transmission coupling comprising: an input shaft coupled to the turbine rotor, the input shaft rotatable according to the rotor torque; an output shaft coupled to the electrical generator, the output shaft rotatable at an output speed
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatuses including systems and methods that can be used for operating a wind turbine including in power generation and regeneration modes are disclosed. According to one example, a method is disclosed that can include adjusting a power split transmission coupling to transfer substantially all torque from a turbine rotor to a generator by working a hydraulic fluid, wherein the generator converts mechanical power to electrical power, diverting the hydraulic fluid at high pressure from the power split transmission coupling in response to the electrical power produced by the generator exceeding a threshold to maintain the electrical power produced by the generator at or below the threshold; storing the hydraulic fluid diverted from the power split transmission coupling under high pressure in a storage vessel; and introducing the hydraulic fluid stored at high pressure to a hydraulic motor in response to the generator producing below threshold electrical power, the hydraulic motor operatively coupled to the generator and configured to transmit mechanical power to the generator for electrical power generation.