Wind Turbine Stator Heat Dissipation via Arcuate Laminates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing larger wind turbines poses a challenge due to the squared increase in output and cubed increase in weight, leading to higher costs and maintenance issues, particularly in coastal environments where corrosion is a concern.
Innovation Solution
The wind turbine features a stator unit composed of connected front and back plates with arcuate laminates under compression, enhancing heat dissipation and structural integrity, and a water-impermeable coating, eliminating the need for an outer shell and incorporating tension rods and staggered laminates for mechanical strength and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the rotor diameter of a wind turbine is increased to increase output, then the power output increases (squared relationship), but the weight increases (cubed relationship)
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is segmented into multiple arcuate laminates stacked together, allowing the structure to achieve the required strength and size while using less material. This segmentation enables the generator to handle larger rotor diameters without proportionally increasing weight, as each laminate contributes to the overall structural integrity and magnetic circuit functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The stator employs composite construction using stacked arcuate laminates made from electrical steel, which provides both mechanical strength and magnetic properties. This composite approach allows the stator to maintain structural integrity for large-diameter generators while minimizing weight compared to solid construction methods.
2Temperature
If a traditional outer shell with ribs is used for heat dissipation, then heat can be dissipated to the atmosphere, but the weight of the generator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the separate outer shell component traditionally used for heat dissipation. Instead, the arcuate laminates themselves are configured to provide thermal pathways, with some laminates extending further radially to create natural convection channels for heat dissipation without adding the weight of a dedicated shell structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate laminates serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the magnetic circuit path, maintain structural integrity of the stator, and enable heat dissipation through their stacked configuration and radial extensions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall weight.
3Length of stationary object
If the stator is made with stacked arcuate laminates for structural integrity, then the generator can handle large diameters, but the complexity of assembly and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is divided into multiple identical or similar arcuate laminates that can be manufactured separately using standardized processes. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components and easier assembly, as the laminates are stacked in a systematic manner rather than requiring complex integrated construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The arcuate laminates are pre-formed and pre-impregnated with resin before assembly. This preliminary preparation of components allows for more efficient final assembly, as the laminates are ready-to-install units that require minimal on-site processing or adjustment during generator assembly.
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 significantly reduces weight and maintenance costs while ensuring longevity and efficiency in heat dissipation, making larger wind turbines more economically viable and durable.
Implementation Method 1
increase the outer surface area of the stator for dissipating heat to the atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
the outer surface of the stator is covered with a water-impermeable protective coating
Implementation Method 3
the stacked, arcuate laminates being sandwiched between the back plate and the front-plate under compression
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, wherein of a first arcuate laminate in contact with a second arcuate laminate stacked against it the outer edge of the first arcuate laminate is at a larger distance from the centreline of the generator than the outer edge of the second arcuate laminate so as to increase the outer surface area of the stator for dissipating heat to the atmosphere. The invention also relates to a direct-drive generator.