Wind Turbine Stator with Compressed Arcuate Laminates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing larger wind turbines poses a challenge due to the significant increase in weight, which raises costs and affects the efficiency of electricity production, as weight increases with the cube of the rotor diameter while output only doubles with diameter length.
Innovation Solution
The wind turbine design features a stator unit formed by connecting front and back plates with tension rods, with arcuate laminates sandwiched between them, allowing for heat dissipation via protrusions and eliminating the need for an outer shell, and the generator's centreline is angled to improve structural integrity and water runoff.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the rotor diameter of a wind turbine is increased to double the output, then the power output is improved, but the weight increases with a power of three
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is divided into multiple arcuate laminates stacked together to form the stator unit. This segmentation allows the stator to achieve the required structural strength and heat dissipation capability while using less material, thereby reducing weight without compromising power output capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate laminates are nested within the stator unit structure, with each laminate contributing to the overall magnetic circuit and structural integrity. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of space and material efficiency, reducing the total weight while maintaining the generator's power handling capability
2Temperature
If an outer shell with ribs is used for heat dissipation, then the cooling function is improved, but the weight and complexity of the generator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation function is merged into the arcuate laminates themselves by adding protrusions to their outer surfaces. This eliminates the need for a separate outer shell with ribs, as the laminates perform both their magnetic function and thermal management function, reducing weight and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate laminates serve multiple functions: they form the magnetic circuit, provide structural support, and dissipate heat through their protrusions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cooling structures, thereby reducing the overall weight and complexity of the generator
3Ease of manufacture
If the centreline of the generator is positioned horizontally, then the installation is simplified, but water accumulation on the stator reduces longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The generator centreline is positioned at an asymmetric angle (>2° to 15° to the horizontal) rather than being perfectly horizontal. This asymmetric positioning allows water to drain off the stator more effectively, preventing water accumulation and improving longevity, while still maintaining relatively simple installation procedures
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 achieves a substantial weight reduction, lowers generator costs, and enhances longevity by allowing efficient heat dissipation and water drainage, making larger turbines more economical and requiring less maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the arcuate laminates having protrusions over the circumference of the stator for dissipating heat to the atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
the front plate and the back plate are connected by tension rods so as to form a stator unit with the stacked, arcuate laminates being sandwiched between the back plate and the front-plate under compression
Implementation Method 3
the centreline of the generator being at an angle of >2° to 15° to the horizontal. The centreline of the generator being at an angle of >2° to the horizontal helps to ensure that water runs of the outside of the stator
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wind turbine of the horizontal axis, direct-drive type, wherein the wind turbine comprises - a hub provided with one or more blades, - a generator with a centreline that is technically horizontal, the generator comprising an inner rotor which is driven by the hub and an outer stator, the stator comprising a front plate, a back plate and stacked, arcuate laminates. The wind turbine according to the invention is characterized in that the front plate and the back plate are connected by tension rods so as to form a stator unit with the stacked, arcuate laminates being sandwiched between the back plate and the front-plate under compression, the arcuate laminates having protrusions over the circumference of the stator for dissipating heat to the atmosphere. The invention also relates to a direct-drive generator.