WO2014016805A2 - Wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor and wind turbine comprising such a rotor - Google Patents

Wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor and wind turbine comprising such a rotor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014016805A2
WO2014016805A2 PCT/IB2013/056120 IB2013056120W WO2014016805A2 WO 2014016805 A2 WO2014016805 A2 WO 2014016805A2 IB 2013056120 W IB2013056120 W IB 2013056120W WO 2014016805 A2 WO2014016805 A2 WO 2014016805A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rotor
cooling channels
tubular structure
sector
cooling
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2013/056120
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2014016805A3 (en
Inventor
Matteo Casazza
Georg Folie
Maddalena RENIER
Daniele FRANCO
Original Assignee
Wilic S.Ar.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wilic S.Ar.L. filed Critical Wilic S.Ar.L.
Priority to US14/416,570 priority Critical patent/US9929611B2/en
Priority to BR112015001629A priority patent/BR112015001629A2/en
Priority to PL13777125T priority patent/PL2878067T3/en
Priority to EP13777125.9A priority patent/EP2878067B1/en
Priority to AU2013294627A priority patent/AU2013294627A1/en
Priority to MX2015001165A priority patent/MX2015001165A/en
Priority to NZ703943A priority patent/NZ703943A/en
Publication of WO2014016805A2 publication Critical patent/WO2014016805A2/en
Publication of WO2014016805A3 publication Critical patent/WO2014016805A3/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K1/00—Details of the magnetic circuit
    • H02K1/06—Details of the magnetic circuit characterised by the shape, form or construction
    • H02K1/22—Rotating parts of the magnetic circuit
    • H02K1/32—Rotating parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
    • F03D9/20—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus
    • F03D9/25—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus the apparatus being an electrical generator
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K9/00—Arrangements for cooling or ventilating
    • H02K9/22—Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
    • H02K9/227—Heat sinks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K1/00—Details of the magnetic circuit
    • H02K1/06—Details of the magnetic circuit characterised by the shape, form or construction
    • H02K1/22—Rotating parts of the magnetic circuit
    • H02K1/27—Rotor cores with permanent magnets
    • H02K1/2706—Inner rotors
    • H02K1/272—Inner rotors the magnetisation axis of the magnets being perpendicular to the rotor axis
    • H02K1/274—Inner rotors the magnetisation axis of the magnets being perpendicular to the rotor axis the rotor consisting of two or more circumferentially positioned magnets
    • H02K1/2753—Inner rotors the magnetisation axis of the magnets being perpendicular to the rotor axis the rotor consisting of two or more circumferentially positioned magnets the rotor consisting of magnets or groups of magnets arranged with alternating polarity
    • H02K1/276—Magnets embedded in the magnetic core, e.g. interior permanent magnets [IPM]
    • H02K1/2766—Magnets embedded in the magnetic core, e.g. interior permanent magnets [IPM] having a flux concentration effect
    • H02K1/2773—Magnets embedded in the magnetic core, e.g. interior permanent magnets [IPM] having a flux concentration effect consisting of tangentially magnetized radial magnets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K2213/00—Specific aspects, not otherwise provided for and not covered by codes H02K2201/00 - H02K2211/00
    • H02K2213/12—Machines characterised by the modularity of some components
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
    • H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
    • H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
    • H02K7/1807—Rotary generators
    • H02K7/1823—Rotary generators structurally associated with turbines or similar engines
    • H02K7/183—Rotary generators structurally associated with turbines or similar engines wherein the turbine is a wind turbine
    • H02K7/1838—Generators mounted in a nacelle or similar structure of a horizontal axis wind turbine
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor.
  • rotary electric machines are used to convert kinetic energy to electric energy. Part of the kinetic energy converted by the rotary electric machine is converted to heat, which must be removed to optimize efficiency of the machine. In fact, as the temperature increases, the efficiency of the rotary electric machine decreases.
  • the electric energy produced is subsequently transformed in phase and frequency in stationary electric machines, which are also cooled to optimize performance .
  • the wind turbines described in US 7,057,305, US 7,161,260, US 6,676,122, US 7,594,800 and EP 2,136,077 comprise air cooling systems. More specifically, EP 2,136,077 describes a wind turbine comprising a rotary electric machine; a rotary assembly with a hub; blades fitted to the hub; a nacelle supporting the rotary electric machine; and a forced-air cooling system, which feeds air successively through the hub, the rotary electric machine and the nacelle. In other words, air flows in through a first opening in the hub, and out through a second opening in the rear of the nacelle.
  • Air cooling systems provide for fairly good performance of rotary electric machines on wind turbines installed in relatively mild or cold climates.
  • US 7,168,251 Bl describes a wind turbine comprising a preferably closed-circuit, preferably liquid cooling system.
  • Wind turbines must often be designed and built with a cooling system designed according to the climate of where the wind turbine is installed, i.e. to maximize power and efficiency of the electric machine according to the climate at the installation site.
  • Application EP 2,354,542 proposes a rotor liquid cooling system with a tubular structure fitted with heat exchangers .
  • a wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor comprising a tubular structure extending and designed to rotate about an axis of rotation; a plurality of active segments parallel to and arranged about the axis of rotation and fitted to the tubular structure; and a plurality of cooling channels formed in the tubular structure .
  • each cooling channel is parallel to the axis of rotation, and extends the full axial length of the tubular structure.
  • the tubular structure comprises a cylindrical body; the plurality of cooling channels including axial cooling channels formed in the cylindrical body.
  • the cylindrical body which is preferably made of metal, is traversed by cooling channels.
  • the cylindrical body preferably comprises axial ribs for supporting the active segments; the cooling channels comprising cooling channels in the axial ribs.
  • the tubular structure comprises a plurality of sectors arranged about the axis of rotation; the plurality of cooling channels comprising cooling channels extending inside the sectors.
  • the tubular structure may comprise a plurality of adjacent sectors; in which case, the cooling channels can be formed easily in each sector.
  • each sector is extruded; the cooling channels being extruded directly inside the sector .
  • the cooling channels can thus be formed simultaneously with the sector.
  • each sector is defined by a stack of laminations with openings; each cooling channel being defined by openings aligned in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
  • the sector is also highly capable of conducting magnetic flux, and the cooling channels are aligned with one another.
  • each sector comprises pipes housed in the cooling channels .
  • the pipes preferably adhere to the sector along the walls of the cooling channels.
  • each sector has axial ribs for supporting the active segments .
  • Each sector is thus designed to directly support, and be positioned contacting, the active segments.
  • the rotor in addition to cooling channels formed in the tubular structure, also comprises further cooling channels extending in an axial direction and preferably the whole length of the rotor.
  • the further cooling channels are bounded by the tubular structure and the active segments.
  • the tubular structure and/or the active segments need simply be designed to define the cooling channels once the active segments are fitted to the tubular structure.
  • Each further cooling cannel is preferably lined with a hydroformed pipe to secure the respective active segment to the tubular structure.
  • the hydroformed pipe lining allows liquid to be conducted inside the further cooling channel, and, on the other, provides for securing the active segment to the tubular structure.
  • the further cooling channels extend axially and are located inside the active segments.
  • the rotor is associated with a liquid cooling system comprising at least one rotating circuit portion extending at least partly inside the cooling channels.
  • a wind turbine designed to eliminate the drawbacks of the known art .
  • a wind turbine comprising a rotary electric machine, and a blade assembly connected to the rotary electric machine; and wherein the rotary electric machine comprises a rotor as described above.
  • the rotor is connected directly to the blade assembly, to eliminate the need for a mechanical transmission.
  • the wind turbine comprises a liquid cooling system, in turn comprising a rotating circuit portion fitted to the rotor, and a stationary circuit portion.
  • Figure 1 shows a view in perspective, with parts removed for clarity, of a wind turbine equipped with a rotor in -accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a partly schematic elevation, with parts removed for clarity, of a rotary electric machine equipped with the Figure. 1 rotor, and of a liquid cooling system associated with the rotor;
  • Figure 3 shows a larger-scale view in perspective, with parts removed for clarity, of a detail of the Figure 2 rotor
  • Figure 4 shows a larger-scale, partly exploded view in perspective, with parts removed for clarity, of a component of the Figure 2 rotor;
  • Figure 5 shows a partly sectioned side view, with parts removed for clarity, of a variation of the Figure 4 component ;
  • Figure 6 shows a partly exploded view in perspective, with parts removed for clarity, of the Figure 5 variation
  • Figure 7 shows a partly sectioned, schematic side view, with parts removed for clarity, of a rotor in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention
  • Figures 8 and 9 show larger-scale, partly sectioned side views, with parts removed for clarity, of details of the Figure 9 rotor in accordance with variations of the present invention.
  • Wind turbine 1 comprises a pylon 2; a nacelle 3 mounted to rotate on pylon 2; an electric machine 4 fitted to nacelle 3; and a blade assembly 5 connected to electric machine 4.
  • the wind turbine also comprises a liquid cooling system 6, of which Figure 1 only shows two heat exchangers 7 which, in the example shown, are fitted to the outside of nacelle 3.
  • electric machine 4 comprises a stator 8 fixed to nacelle 3; and a rotor 9, which is supported to rotate with respect to stator 8, is located inside stator 8, and is connected rigidly to, and driven directly by, blade assembly 5.
  • electric machine 4 is tubular and extends about an axis of rotation A.
  • stator 8 comprises a tubular structure 10; and active segments 11, which are arranged about axis of rotation A, are fitted to tubular structure 10, and extend axially.
  • Rotor 9 comprises a tubular structure 12; a hub 13; a radial structure 14 for connecting hub 13 to tubular structure 12; and active segments 15 arranged about axis of rotation A.
  • tubular structure 12 comprises a plurality of sectors 16 arranged about axis of rotation A and substantially adjacent to one another circumferentially . Each sector 16 is fitted to radial structure 14.
  • Rotor 9 is connected to liquid cooling system 6, which comprises a rotary circuit portion 17 and a stationary circuit portion 18. Rotor 9 actually comprises rotary circuit portion 17 of liquid cooling system 6.
  • Liquid cooling system 6 schematically comprises a rotary liquid distributor 19 to which rotary circuit portion 17 and stationary circuit portion 18 are connected; a liquid circulating pump 20 located along stationary circuit portion 18; and at least one of heat exchangers 7 , which are also located along stationary circuit portion 18.
  • Liquid cooling system 6 generally comprises a plurality of rotary circuit portions 17, each associated with a respective sector 16.
  • Each rotary circuit portion 17 comprises two, respectively liquid feed and liquid return, branches 21, which, in the example shown, extend radially at radial structure 14.
  • Tubular structure 12 comprises a plurality of cooling channels 22 formed in tubular structure 12 itself.
  • each sector 16 has cooling channels 22 parallel to axis of rotation A.
  • the cooling channels 22 formed in tubular structure 12 serve to conduct air, or, as in the example shown in the attached drawings, form an integral part of liquid cooling system 6.
  • rotary circuit portion 17 is defined partly by cooling channels 22.
  • each sector 16 is defined by an extruded section cut to the required length, and comprises a main body 23; a plurality of cooling channels 22; ribs 24 for supporting active segments 15; and two axial guides 25 designed to form an axially-sliding joint with radial structure 14.
  • each sector 16 comprises four cooling channels 22; and five axial grooves 26 alternating with cooling channels 22.
  • cooling channels 22 are designed to conduct cooling liquid, and axial grooves 26 to conduct cooling air.
  • the four cooling channels 22 are connected to one another by fittings 27, and two of the cooling channels 22 are connected to branches 21 by respective fittings 28.
  • each cooling channel is connected to an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold.
  • Each fitting 27 comprises a plug 29 designed to seal two adjacent cooling channels 22 and a cavity 30 formed in main body 23 and connecting the two adjacent cooling channels 22.
  • Each fitting 28 comprises a plug 31 designed to seal a cooling channel 22, and which has an attachment 32 for connecting plug 31 to a branch 21.
  • plurality 33 indicates a sector similar to sector 16 in Figures 3 and 4, and which is designed for assembly to radial structure 14, to define tubular structure 12 ( Figure 2) , and to support active segments 15.
  • Active segments 15 are shown in more detail in Figures 5 and 6, and, in the example shown, each comprise a group of permanent magnets 34, and two magnetic guides 35 on opposite sides of the group of permanent magnets 34.
  • Each magnetic guide 35 is defined by a pack of laminations, is prismatic, and has a portion designed to form a prismatic joint with sector 33, and to define a seat for the group of permanent magnets 34 and for a protective plate 36.
  • Magnetic guide 35 comprises ties 37 for tightening together the pack of laminations, and is generally impregnated with resin.
  • each sector 33 is also defined by a pack of laminations tightened together by ties 37, and comprises a main body 38; a plurality of cooling channels 39; ribs 40 for supporting active segments 15; and two axial guides 41 designed to form an axially-sliding joint with radial structure 14 ( Figure 2) .
  • Each sector 33 comprises four cooling channels 39, and five axial grooves 42 alternating with cooling channels 39.
  • Main body 38 of sector 33 and each active segment 15 form a cooling channel 43 at each groove 42.
  • main body 38 and each two adjacent active segments 15 define a further cooling channel 44.
  • sector 33 and active segments 15 fitted to sector 33 together define cooling channels 39 formed in sector 33, and cooling channels 43 and 44 located between sector 33 and the active segments.
  • Cooling channels 39, 43 and 44 form part of air cooling circuits or liquid cooling circuits.
  • cooling channels 39 may be lined with polymer material or with actual hydroformed pipes 45, which, when cooling channels 39 define rotating circuit portion 17, are connected to fittings Rl and R2 : R2 for connecting two cooling channels 39; and Rl for each connecting a cooling channel 39 to a branch 21 of rotating circuit portion 17.
  • the other cooling channels 43 and 44 may also theoretically be lined with hydroformed pipes 45 and form part of a liquid cooling circuit .
  • cooling channels 43 with hydroformed pipes provides for securing active segment 15 to tubular structure 12, and in particular to sector 33.
  • Number 46 in Figure 7 indicates a rotor of a tubular rotary electric machine for a preferably direct- drive wind turbine .
  • Rotor 46 comprises a tubular structure 47; and a plurality of active segments 48 arranged along tubular structure 47.
  • Tubular structure 47 has a cylindrical body 49; and a plurality of ribs 50 defining axial seats for active segments 48.
  • each active segment 48 comprises a group of permanent magnets 51 gripped between two magnetic guides 52.
  • Tubular structure 47 i.e. ribs 50 and cylindrical body 49, is preferably cast in one piece, and the parts of it requiring greater dimensional accuracy subsequently machined.
  • Tubular structure 47 also comprises axial cooling channels 53 and 54 formed in tubular structure 47 itself; and axial cooling channels 55 bounded by tubular structure 47 and active segments 48.
  • Each cooling channel 55 is bounded by an active segment 48, by two adjacent ribs 50, and by cylindrical body 49.
  • Cooling channels 53, 54 and 55 form part of air or liquid cooling circuits.
  • Cooling channels 53 and 54 may easily be used to form rotating circuit portion 17 ( Figure 2), and cooling channels 55 are designed to preferably conduct air.
  • Cooling channels 53 are formed, preferably cast or drilled, directly inside cylindrical body 49. Cooling channels 54 are formed the same way inside ribs 50. And cooling channels 53 and 54 may easily be connected to one another by U-shaped fittings 56, and to branches 21 by L-shaped fittings 57.
  • Figure 8 shows a variation of the active segments 48 fitted to tubular structure 47, it being understood that the Figure 8 active segments may also be fitted to tubular structure -12, with the necessary alterations to form a prismatic joint with tubular structure 12.
  • Active segment 48 comprises a cooling channel 58 formed in active segment 48 itself. In the example shown, cooling channel 58 is bounded by two permanent magnets 51, and more specifically by two grooves 59 in two adjacent permanent magnets 51.
  • FIG 9 shows a further variation of the active segments 48 fitted to tubular structure 47.
  • Active segment 48 comprises a plurality of cooling channels 60 formed in active segment 48 itself.
  • each cooling channel 60 is bounded by two permanent magnets 51 spaced apart, and by magnetic guides 52.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Motor Or Generator Cooling System (AREA)
  • Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
  • Wind Motors (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Motors, Generators (AREA)

Abstract

A rotor (9) of a wind turbine rotary electric machine (4) has a tubular structure (12) extending and designed to rotate about an axis of rotation (A); a plurality of active segments (15) parallel to and arranged about the axis of rotation (A) and fitted to the tubular structure (12); and a plurality of cooling channels (22) formed in the tubular structure (12).

Description

WIND TURBINE ROTARY ELECTRIC MACHINE ROTOR, AND WIND TURBINE COMPRISING SUCH A ROTOR
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor.
BACKGROUND ART
To produce electric energy using wind turbines, rotary electric machines are used to convert kinetic energy to electric energy. Part of the kinetic energy converted by the rotary electric machine is converted to heat, which must be removed to optimize efficiency of the machine. In fact, as the temperature increases, the efficiency of the rotary electric machine decreases.
The electric energy produced is subsequently transformed in phase and frequency in stationary electric machines, which are also cooled to optimize performance .
For this purpose, the wind turbines described in US 7,057,305, US 7,161,260, US 6,676,122, US 7,594,800 and EP 2,136,077 comprise air cooling systems. More specifically, EP 2,136,077 describes a wind turbine comprising a rotary electric machine; a rotary assembly with a hub; blades fitted to the hub; a nacelle supporting the rotary electric machine; and a forced-air cooling system, which feeds air successively through the hub, the rotary electric machine and the nacelle. In other words, air flows in through a first opening in the hub, and out through a second opening in the rear of the nacelle.
Air cooling systems provide for fairly good performance of rotary electric machines on wind turbines installed in relatively mild or cold climates.
In hot climates, on the other hand, liquid cooling systems are required.
US 7,168,251 Bl describes a wind turbine comprising a preferably closed-circuit, preferably liquid cooling system.
Wind turbines must often be designed and built with a cooling system designed according to the climate of where the wind turbine is installed, i.e. to maximize power and efficiency of the electric machine according to the climate at the installation site.
Designing and building wind turbines according to the climate at the installation site, the scale economies made possible by mass production of the wind turbine component parts are greatly reduced.
In this respect, known cooling systems are not particularly versatile and perform poorly as regards cooling the electric generator.
To eliminate this drawback, the Applicant's Patent
Application EP 2,354,542 proposes a rotor liquid cooling system with a tubular structure fitted with heat exchangers .
This system is highly effective and versatile, but the heat exchangers increase the weight of the rotor. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotary electric machine rotor that can be effectively cooled by a liquid or gas or a liquid/gas mixture, and is designed to eliminate the drawbacks of the known art.
According to the present invention, there is provided a wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor, the rotor comprising a tubular structure extending and designed to rotate about an axis of rotation; a plurality of active segments parallel to and arranged about the axis of rotation and fitted to the tubular structure; and a plurality of cooling channels formed in the tubular structure .
This provides for highly effective cooling of the tubular structure, which is positioned directly contacting the active segments.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each cooling channel is parallel to the axis of rotation, and extends the full axial length of the tubular structure.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tubular structure comprises a cylindrical body; the plurality of cooling channels including axial cooling channels formed in the cylindrical body.
In other words, the cylindrical body, which is preferably made of metal, is traversed by cooling channels.
The cylindrical body preferably comprises axial ribs for supporting the active segments; the cooling channels comprising cooling channels in the axial ribs.
Because the axial ribs are positioned contacting the active segments, cooling the axial ribs is especially important.
In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tubular structure comprises a plurality of sectors arranged about the axis of rotation; the plurality of cooling channels comprising cooling channels extending inside the sectors.
Instead of a one-piece cylindrical body, the tubular structure may comprise a plurality of adjacent sectors; in which case, the cooling channels can be formed easily in each sector.
More specifically, each sector is extruded; the cooling channels being extruded directly inside the sector .
The cooling channels can thus be formed simultaneously with the sector.
In a variation, each sector is defined by a stack of laminations with openings; each cooling channel being defined by openings aligned in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
In this way, the sector is also highly capable of conducting magnetic flux, and the cooling channels are aligned with one another.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each sector comprises pipes housed in the cooling channels .
The pipes preferably adhere to the sector along the walls of the cooling channels.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each sector has axial ribs for supporting the active segments .
Each sector is thus designed to directly support, and be positioned contacting, the active segments.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in addition to cooling channels formed in the tubular structure, the rotor also comprises further cooling channels extending in an axial direction and preferably the whole length of the rotor.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the further cooling channels are bounded by the tubular structure and the active segments.
Since the active segments are fitted directly to the tubular structure, the tubular structure and/or the active segments need simply be designed to define the cooling channels once the active segments are fitted to the tubular structure.
Each further cooling cannel is preferably lined with a hydroformed pipe to secure the respective active segment to the tubular structure.
The hydroformed pipe lining, on the one hand, allows liquid to be conducted inside the further cooling channel, and, on the other, provides for securing the active segment to the tubular structure.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the further cooling channels extend axially and are located inside the active segments.
It is thus possible to cool the heat-generating active segment.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rotor is associated with a liquid cooling system comprising at least one rotating circuit portion extending at least partly inside the cooling channels.
The possibility of liquid-cooling the rotor improves rotor cooling capacity, especially when the cooling channels are located inside the tubular structure .
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a wind turbine designed to eliminate the drawbacks of the known art . According to the present invention, there is provided a wind turbine comprising a rotary electric machine, and a blade assembly connected to the rotary electric machine; and wherein the rotary electric machine comprises a rotor as described above.
Preferably, the rotor is connected directly to the blade assembly, to eliminate the need for a mechanical transmission.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wind turbine comprises a liquid cooling system, in turn comprising a rotating circuit portion fitted to the rotor, and a stationary circuit portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A number of non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the attached drawings, in which :
Figure 1 shows a view in perspective, with parts removed for clarity, of a wind turbine equipped with a rotor in -accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a partly schematic elevation, with parts removed for clarity, of a rotary electric machine equipped with the Figure. 1 rotor, and of a liquid cooling system associated with the rotor;
Figure 3 shows a larger-scale view in perspective, with parts removed for clarity, of a detail of the Figure 2 rotor; Figure 4 shows a larger-scale, partly exploded view in perspective, with parts removed for clarity, of a component of the Figure 2 rotor;
Figure 5 shows a partly sectioned side view, with parts removed for clarity, of a variation of the Figure 4 component ;
Figure 6 shows a partly exploded view in perspective, with parts removed for clarity, of the Figure 5 variation;
Figure 7 shows a partly sectioned, schematic side view, with parts removed for clarity, of a rotor in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 8 and 9 show larger-scale, partly sectioned side views, with parts removed for clarity, of details of the Figure 9 rotor in accordance with variations of the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates as a whole a wind turbine for producing electric energy. Wind turbine 1 comprises a pylon 2; a nacelle 3 mounted to rotate on pylon 2; an electric machine 4 fitted to nacelle 3; and a blade assembly 5 connected to electric machine 4.
The wind turbine also comprises a liquid cooling system 6, of which Figure 1 only shows two heat exchangers 7 which, in the example shown, are fitted to the outside of nacelle 3.
In the example shown, electric machine 4 comprises a stator 8 fixed to nacelle 3; and a rotor 9, which is supported to rotate with respect to stator 8, is located inside stator 8, and is connected rigidly to, and driven directly by, blade assembly 5.
It is understood that the present invention also applies to configurations other than the one shown and described in detail, i.e. to configurations in which the rotor surrounds the stator, or in which a drive is interposed between the blade assembly and the rotor.
With reference to Figure 2, electric machine 4 is tubular and extends about an axis of rotation A.
In the example shown, stator 8 comprises a tubular structure 10; and active segments 11, which are arranged about axis of rotation A, are fitted to tubular structure 10, and extend axially. Rotor 9 comprises a tubular structure 12; a hub 13; a radial structure 14 for connecting hub 13 to tubular structure 12; and active segments 15 arranged about axis of rotation A.
In the example shown, tubular structure 12 comprises a plurality of sectors 16 arranged about axis of rotation A and substantially adjacent to one another circumferentially . Each sector 16 is fitted to radial structure 14. Rotor 9 is connected to liquid cooling system 6, which comprises a rotary circuit portion 17 and a stationary circuit portion 18. Rotor 9 actually comprises rotary circuit portion 17 of liquid cooling system 6. Liquid cooling system 6 schematically comprises a rotary liquid distributor 19 to which rotary circuit portion 17 and stationary circuit portion 18 are connected; a liquid circulating pump 20 located along stationary circuit portion 18; and at least one of heat exchangers 7 , which are also located along stationary circuit portion 18.
Liquid cooling system 6 generally comprises a plurality of rotary circuit portions 17, each associated with a respective sector 16. Each rotary circuit portion 17 comprises two, respectively liquid feed and liquid return, branches 21, which, in the example shown, extend radially at radial structure 14.
Tubular structure 12 comprises a plurality of cooling channels 22 formed in tubular structure 12 itself. In the example shown, each sector 16 has cooling channels 22 parallel to axis of rotation A. The cooling channels 22 formed in tubular structure 12 serve to conduct air, or, as in the example shown in the attached drawings, form an integral part of liquid cooling system 6. In other words, rotary circuit portion 17 is defined partly by cooling channels 22.
More specifically, and with reference to Figure 3, each sector 16 is defined by an extruded section cut to the required length, and comprises a main body 23; a plurality of cooling channels 22; ribs 24 for supporting active segments 15; and two axial guides 25 designed to form an axially-sliding joint with radial structure 14.
With reference to Figure 4, each sector 16 comprises four cooling channels 22; and five axial grooves 26 alternating with cooling channels 22.
In the example shown, cooling channels 22 are designed to conduct cooling liquid, and axial grooves 26 to conduct cooling air.
The four cooling channels 22 are connected to one another by fittings 27, and two of the cooling channels 22 are connected to branches 21 by respective fittings 28.
Alternatively, each cooling channel is connected to an inlet manifold and an outlet manifold.
Each fitting 27 comprises a plug 29 designed to seal two adjacent cooling channels 22 and a cavity 30 formed in main body 23 and connecting the two adjacent cooling channels 22.
Each fitting 28 comprises a plug 31 designed to seal a cooling channel 22, and which has an attachment 32 for connecting plug 31 to a branch 21.
With reference to Figures 5 and 6, plurality 33 indicates a sector similar to sector 16 in Figures 3 and 4, and which is designed for assembly to radial structure 14, to define tubular structure 12 (Figure 2) , and to support active segments 15. Active segments 15 are shown in more detail in Figures 5 and 6, and, in the example shown, each comprise a group of permanent magnets 34, and two magnetic guides 35 on opposite sides of the group of permanent magnets 34. Each magnetic guide 35 is defined by a pack of laminations, is prismatic, and has a portion designed to form a prismatic joint with sector 33, and to define a seat for the group of permanent magnets 34 and for a protective plate 36. Magnetic guide 35 comprises ties 37 for tightening together the pack of laminations, and is generally impregnated with resin.
In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6 , each sector 33 is also defined by a pack of laminations tightened together by ties 37, and comprises a main body 38; a plurality of cooling channels 39; ribs 40 for supporting active segments 15; and two axial guides 41 designed to form an axially-sliding joint with radial structure 14 (Figure 2) .
Each sector 33 comprises four cooling channels 39, and five axial grooves 42 alternating with cooling channels 39. Main body 38 of sector 33 and each active segment 15 form a cooling channel 43 at each groove 42. And likewise, main body 38 and each two adjacent active segments 15 define a further cooling channel 44. In general, sector 33 and active segments 15 fitted to sector 33 together define cooling channels 39 formed in sector 33, and cooling channels 43 and 44 located between sector 33 and the active segments.
Cooling channels 39, 43 and 44 form part of air cooling circuits or liquid cooling circuits.
With reference to Figure 5, the walls of cooling channels 39 may be lined with polymer material or with actual hydroformed pipes 45, which, when cooling channels 39 define rotating circuit portion 17, are connected to fittings Rl and R2 : R2 for connecting two cooling channels 39; and Rl for each connecting a cooling channel 39 to a branch 21 of rotating circuit portion 17.
Likewise, as shown in Figure 6, the other cooling channels 43 and 44 may also theoretically be lined with hydroformed pipes 45 and form part of a liquid cooling circuit .
If so, lining cooling channels 43 with hydroformed pipes provides for securing active segment 15 to tubular structure 12, and in particular to sector 33.
Number 46 in Figure 7 indicates a rotor of a tubular rotary electric machine for a preferably direct- drive wind turbine .
Rotor 46 comprises a tubular structure 47; and a plurality of active segments 48 arranged along tubular structure 47. Tubular structure 47 has a cylindrical body 49; and a plurality of ribs 50 defining axial seats for active segments 48. And each active segment 48 comprises a group of permanent magnets 51 gripped between two magnetic guides 52.
Tubular structure 47, i.e. ribs 50 and cylindrical body 49, is preferably cast in one piece, and the parts of it requiring greater dimensional accuracy subsequently machined. Tubular structure 47 also comprises axial cooling channels 53 and 54 formed in tubular structure 47 itself; and axial cooling channels 55 bounded by tubular structure 47 and active segments 48. Each cooling channel 55 is bounded by an active segment 48, by two adjacent ribs 50, and by cylindrical body 49.
Cooling channels 53, 54 and 55 form part of air or liquid cooling circuits.
Cooling channels 53 and 54 may easily be used to form rotating circuit portion 17 (Figure 2), and cooling channels 55 are designed to preferably conduct air.
Cooling channels 53 are formed, preferably cast or drilled, directly inside cylindrical body 49. Cooling channels 54 are formed the same way inside ribs 50. And cooling channels 53 and 54 may easily be connected to one another by U-shaped fittings 56, and to branches 21 by L-shaped fittings 57. Figure 8 shows a variation of the active segments 48 fitted to tubular structure 47, it being understood that the Figure 8 active segments may also be fitted to tubular structure -12, with the necessary alterations to form a prismatic joint with tubular structure 12. Active segment 48 comprises a cooling channel 58 formed in active segment 48 itself. In the example shown, cooling channel 58 is bounded by two permanent magnets 51, and more specifically by two grooves 59 in two adjacent permanent magnets 51.
Figure 9 shows a further variation of the active segments 48 fitted to tubular structure 47. Active segment 48 comprises a plurality of cooling channels 60 formed in active segment 48 itself. In the example shown, each cooling channel 60 is bounded by two permanent magnets 51 spaced apart, and by magnetic guides 52.
Clearly, changes may be made to the rotor according to the present invention without, however, departing from the scope of the accompanying Claims

Claims

1) A wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor, the rotor (9; 46) comprising a tubular structure (12; 47) extending and designed to rotate about an axis of rotation (A); a plurality of active segments (15; 48) parallel to and arranged about the axis of rotation (A) and fitted to the tubular structure (12; 47); and a plurality of cooling channels (22; 39; 53; 54) formed in the tubular structure (12; 47) .
2) A rotor as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each cooling channel (22; 39; 53; 54) is parallel to the axis of rotation (A) , and extends the full axial length of the tubular structure (12; 47).
3) A rotor as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the tubular structure (47) comprises a cylindrical body (49) ; the plurality of cooling channels including axial cooling channels (53; 54) formed in the cylindrical body
(49) .
4) A rotor as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the cylindrical body (49) comprises axial ribs (50) for supporting the active segments (48) ; the cooling channels comprising cooling channels in the axial ribs
(50) .
5) A rotor as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the tubular structure (12) comprises a plurality of sector's (16; 33) arranged about the axis of rotation; the plurality of cooling channels comprising cooling channels (22; 39) extending inside the sectors (16; 33).
6) A rotor as claimed in Claim 5, wherein each sector (1.6) is extruded; the cooling channels (22) being extruded directly inside the sector (16) .
7) A rotor as claimed in Claim 5, wherein' each sector (33) is defined by a stack of laminations with openings; each cooling channel (39) being defined by openings aligned in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
8) A rotor as claimed in Claim 7, wherein each sector comprises pipes (45) housed in the cooling channels .
9) A rotor as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the pipes
(45) adhere to the sector (33) along the walls of the cooling channels (22; 39; 53; 54).
10) A rotor as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 9, wherein each sector (16; 33) has axial ribs (24; 40) for supporting the active segments (15) .
11) A rotor as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims, and comprising further cooling channels (43; 44; 55; 58; 60) extending in an axial direction.
12) A rotor as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the further cooling channels (43; 44; 55) are bounded by the tubular structure (12; 47) and the active segments (15; 48) .
13) A Rotor as claimed in Claim 12, wherein each further cooling cannel (43) is lined with a hydroformed pipe (45) to secure the respective active segment (15) to the tubular structure (12) .
14) A rotor as claimed in Claim 11 or 12, wherein the further cooling channels (58; 60) extend axially and are located inside the active segments (48) .
15) A rotor as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims, wherein the rotor (9; 46) is associated with a liquid cooling system (6) comprising at least one rotating circuit portion (17) extending at least partly inside the cooling channels (22; 39; 53; 54).
16) A wind turbine comprising a rotary electric machine "(4), and a blade assembly (5) connected to the rotary electric machine (4) ; and wherein the rotary electric machine (4) comprises a rotor (9; 46) as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims.
17) A wind turbine as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the rotor (9; 46) is connected directly to the blade assembly (5) .
18) A wind turbine as claimed in Claim 16 or 17, and comprising a liquid cooling system (6) , in turn comprising a rotating circuit portion (17) fitted to the rotor (9; 46) , and a stationary circuit portion (18) .
PCT/IB2013/056120 2012-07-25 2013-07-25 Wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor and wind turbine comprising such a rotor WO2014016805A2 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/416,570 US9929611B2 (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-25 Wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor, and wind turbine comprising such a rotor
BR112015001629A BR112015001629A2 (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-25 wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor, and wind turbine comprising such rotor
PL13777125T PL2878067T3 (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-25 Wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor and wind turbine comprising such a rotor
EP13777125.9A EP2878067B1 (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-25 Wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor and wind turbine comprising such a rotor
AU2013294627A AU2013294627A1 (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-25 Wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor and wind turbine comprising such a rotor
MX2015001165A MX2015001165A (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-25 Wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor and wind turbine comprising such a rotor.
NZ703943A NZ703943A (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-25 Wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor and wind turbine comprising such a rotor

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMI2012A001304 2012-07-25
IT001304A ITMI20121304A1 (en) 2012-07-25 2012-07-25 ROTOR OF A ROTATING ELECTRIC MACHINE FOR GAS MILLER AND AIRCONDITIONER INCLUDING SUCH ROTOR

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014016805A2 true WO2014016805A2 (en) 2014-01-30
WO2014016805A3 WO2014016805A3 (en) 2014-03-20

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PCT/IB2013/056120 WO2014016805A2 (en) 2012-07-25 2013-07-25 Wind turbine rotary electric machine rotor and wind turbine comprising such a rotor

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EP (1) EP2878067B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2013294627A1 (en)
BR (1) BR112015001629A2 (en)
IT (1) ITMI20121304A1 (en)
MX (1) MX2015001165A (en)
NZ (1) NZ703943A (en)
PL (1) PL2878067T3 (en)
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WO2013073756A1 (en) * 2011-11-16 2013-05-23 (주)코모텍 Motor having embedded permanent magnet
US11081920B2 (en) * 2017-09-29 2021-08-03 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Rotor wedges and layers and heat sinks

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ITMI20121304A1 (en) 2014-01-26
US20150180295A1 (en) 2015-06-25
WO2014016805A3 (en) 2014-03-20
EP2878067A2 (en) 2015-06-03
PL2878067T3 (en) 2020-08-24
US9929611B2 (en) 2018-03-27
MX2015001165A (en) 2016-01-08
EP2878067B1 (en) 2019-12-25
AU2013294627A1 (en) 2015-02-12
BR112015001629A2 (en) 2017-07-04
NZ703943A (en) 2017-04-28

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