Wind Turbine Stator Cable Routing for Compact Generator Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine designs require a large space for electrical components due to the configuration of stator windings and converter units, which is inefficient in terms of space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The cable connections for the stator windings are routed from both sides of the stator, with one side facing the drive end and the other side facing the non-drive end of the wind turbine, allowing for a more compact design by providing additional space for the electrical converter units and maintaining even magnetic force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If both sets of stator windings are connected to the non-drive end of the generator, then the electrical components are concentrated in one location, but the required space in the non-drive end region becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable connections into two separate groups: first cable connections guided off from the drive end and second cable connections guided off from the non-drive end. This segmentation allows the electrical components to be distributed across different spatial locations, reducing the concentration of components in the non-drive end region and thereby reducing the required space in that specific area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes both axial directions (drive end and non-drive end) for cable connections. Instead of concentrating all connections at one end along the axial dimension, the solution distributes connections to both ends of the stator, effectively using the full axial length of the generator to accommodate electrical components, thus reducing the space requirement at any single location.
2Area of stationary object
If cable connections are guided from both drive end and non-drive end, then space utilization is improved, but the structural complexity of cable routing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connections are segmented into two distinct groups with different routing paths. First cable connections are routed from the drive end while second cable connections are routed from the non-drive end. This segmentation simplifies the routing complexity by creating clear, separate pathways for different cable groups, making the overall system easier to manufacture and maintain despite utilizing both ends.
Solution Approach 2:
Different cable connections are assigned different routing characteristics based on their local requirements. The first cable connections are guided off from the drive end while the second cable connections are guided off from the non-drive end. This local differentiation optimizes space utilization in each region while maintaining overall system simplicity through standardized routing procedures for each cable group.
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 configuration allows for a more compact and efficient use of space within the wind turbine, enabling continued operation with reduced power output if one electrical converter unit fails, while maintaining a balanced magnetic field distribution.
Implementation Method 1
the generator (3) has a stator (7) with two sets of stator windings (8, 9)
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine including at least one generator is disclosed. The generator includes a stator with two sets of stator windings. The first set of stator windings is connected to a first electrical converter unit by a first cable connection and the second set of stator windings is connected to a second electrical converter unit by a second cable connection. The first cable connection is guided from the respective set of stator windings in the region of the side facing the drive end of the wind turbine and the second cable connection is guided from the respective set of stator windings in the region of the side facing the non-drive end of the wind turbine.