Wind Turbine Generator Stator Eccentric Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wind turbine generator stator design experiences uneven heat dissipation, leading to temperature differences and potential deformation, which can result in an unequal gap between the stator and rotor, causing inefficient energy conversion and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The generator stator is positioned eccentrically relative to the tower, allowing heat to dissipate directly to the outer surface of the nacelle, with a cooling system that adapts to different radiation conditions and uses circulating air to maintain a constant gap between the stator and rotor, preventing deformation and ensuring efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the generator is positioned eccentrically relative to the tower, then heat dissipation is improved, but the load distribution becomes statically unfavorable
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is positioned eccentrically relative to the tower axis, creating an asymmetric configuration that optimizes heat dissipation by directing heat flow toward the outer nacelle surface while maintaining acceptable load distribution through careful design of the mounting structure and support elements
2Stress or pressure
If the generator is placed right on top of the vertical drum, then the load distribution is favorable, but heat dissipation becomes difficult and temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is designed with localized cooling channels and heat dissipation structures positioned at specific areas of the generator stator and nacelle where heat generation is highest, enabling effective heat removal while maintaining the generator's favorable position directly over the vertical drum for optimal load distribution
3Temperature
If heat dissipation is uneven, then temperature differences occur, but this leads to unequal deformations and gap variations between stator and rotor
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors are installed in the generator stator to monitor temperature distribution in real-time, and this feedback information is used to adjust the cooling system operation, ensuring uniform temperature distribution and preventing unequal deformations that would cause gap variations between stator and rotor
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 ensures even heat dissipation and maintains a constant gap between the stator and rotor, preventing deformation and enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the wind turbine's energy conversion process.
Implementation Method 1
the generated heat conducts directly along the shortest path towards the outer surface of the generator stator and/or the outer wall of the nacelle
Implementation Method 2
heat generated in the generator stator is dissipated through the outer wall of the nacelle to the surrounding air
Implementation Method 3
By cooling the stator with circulating air a robust and dependable cooling system is available
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a wind turbine comprising a tower (23), on top of the tower a nacelle (29) supported by a vertical drum (24) enclosing an upper room (52), a rotor rotating with a more or less horizontal shaft (32) supported in bearings (17, 31) mounted in the nacelle with at one end a hub (3) with turbine blades (5) and at the other end a generator rotor (27) rotating with a narrow gap (44) inside a generator stator (11), the generator stator being mounted with its outer surface against an outer wall (9) of the nacelle (29), which outer wall might have cooling strips (37) or similar on its outer surface. In accordance with the invention the wind turbine comprises a first cooling system for cooling the part (19) of the outer surface of the generator stator (11) and/or of the outer wall (9) of the nacelle (29) located in the upper room (52).