Wind Turbine Stationary Ring Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face mechanical stress limitations due to central bearing designs, leading to high maintenance and repair costs and restricting the length of rotor blades.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine design featuring a stationary ring that distributes mechanical loads around its circumference, eliminating the need for a central rotor shaft and allowing integration of generators within roller bearings or magnetic bearings, enabling longer rotor blades and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a central bearing design with rotor shaft is used, then the mechanical load is concentrated on a single axis, but this leads to high mechanical stress and limits rotor blade length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the load-bearing function from a single central shaft into multiple distributed support points around the rotor hub. The rotor hub is segmented into multiple connection points that independently support rotor blades, distributing mechanical stress across multiple locations rather than concentrating it on one central axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional central axis load path to a two-dimensional distributed support structure. Load paths are extended radially outward from the center to multiple peripheral support points, adding a spatial dimension to load distribution and reducing stress concentration at the central axis.
2Device complexity
If a central rotor shaft is used to transmit torque, then the structure is simple, but the mechanical stress on the shaft and bearings reaches mechanical limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque transmission function from the mechanical rotor shaft and transfers it to a stationary ring structure. The rotor hub connects to the stationary ring through multiple radial arms that transmit torque without requiring a continuous central shaft, eliminating the shaft as a load-bearing component.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, distributes mechanical loads, enables rotor rotation, and facilitates generator integration. This multi-functional design replaces the traditional separate shaft and bearing system, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
3Strength
If roller bearings are used to support the rotor, then mechanical load can be distributed, but the generator integration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the generator directly with the stationary ring structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting arrangements. The generator is positioned within the annular space of the stationary ring, with its stator integrated into the ring body and rotor aligned with the rotating hub, creating a unified assembly that simplifies overall system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary ring acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the roller bearings and the generator. It provides a stable mounting platform for the generator while transmitting loads from the rotor, decoupling the generator from direct mechanical stress and simplifying its integration to the rotating assembly.
4Reliability
If magnetic bearings are used for floating support, then mechanical wear is eliminated, but the bearing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic bearing technology partially, using it only for the critical rotor hub support where wear elimination provides maximum benefit. Roller bearings are used for less critical support functions, creating a hybrid system that achieves wear resistance where needed while controlling overall system cost through selective application of expensive technology.
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
This design reduces mechanical stress, lowers maintenance costs, and allows for increased rotor blade lengths or additional blades, enhancing power output while maintaining efficient energy conversion.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor includes a rotor ring which is supported in a floating manner on the stationary ring by magnetic forces
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine is described which includes a support structure, a rotor which includes one or multiple rotor blades and which is situated on the support structure so that the rotor is freely rotatable about a rotation axis, and a generator which is connected to the rotor and which converts the wind energy into electrical energy when the rotor is rotating. The support structure includes a stationary ring on which the rotor is rotatably guided and on which the stator of the generator is situated.