• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to a wind turbine with a generator and a method of assembling a generator thereof, wherein the generator comprises a rotor rotatably arranged relative to a stator. The rotor comprises a plurality of superconducting pole units arranged on a back iron which is spaced apart from a rotor structure by a number of thermally insulating plates. Said plates are located between either ends of the rotor and orientated relative to the rotational direction of the rotor. Each plate has a first end firmly connected to a first beam extending in an axial direction and a second end firmly connected to a second beam also extending the axial direction. The first beams are connected to the back iron while the second beams are connected to the rotor structure. The plates provide a flexible and cheap support interface that is able to adapt to the tolerances of the individual components.
    公开号:DK201570843A1
    申请号:DKP201570843
    申请日:2015-12-21
    公开日:2017-07-10
    发明作者:Anders Varming Rebsdorf；Mogens Christensen；Stephane A Eisen
    申请人:Envision Energy (Denmark) Aps；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Wind turbine with a superconductive generator having an improved thermally insulating structure
    Field of the Invention
    The present invention relates to a wind turbine with a conductive generator and an assembly of a superconductive generator thereof, wherein the generator comprises a rotor arranged rotatably relative to a stator, the rotor comprises a back iron thermally insulated from a rotor structure, the rotor further comprises a plurality of pole units arranged relative to the back iron, each pole unit comprises rotor coils made of a superconductive material, the stator comprises a plurality of pole units with stator coils, wherein the rotor coils are configured to interact with the stator coils via an electromagnetic field when the rotor is rotated relative to the stator.
    Background of the Invention
    It is known that superconductive generators thermally separate the warm rotor structure from the cold superconducting pole units in order to minimise the total mass that need to be cooled down to the cryogenic operating temperature. This in turn enables the cooling capacity of the cooling system to be reduced. EP 2521252 A1 solves this problem by arranging the superconducting pole units in individually ladder-shaped cryostats which in turn are arranged on a supporting back iron directly connected to a rotor structure. This configuration provides a complex and expensive solution that adds to the total assembly time. This design further requires that the superconductive coils are supportably arranged within each individual cryostat which further adds to the complexity of this solution. US 2008/0079323 A1 discloses an alternative solution wherein the superconductive coils are supportably arranged within a bracket shaped back iron. This back iron is also kept below the critical temperature of the superconductive material. The cold back iron is spaced apart from the warm rotor structure by means of a plurality of thermally support blocks. The cold back iron is further connected to the rotor structure by means of thermally insulating bolts. The individual bolts and support blocks add to the complexity and costs of the solution. This configuration also requires an accurate alignment of the individual support block in order to enable the back iron to be positioned correctly so that the bolts can be mounted to the rotor structure.
    Thus, there is a need for an improved thermally insulating support structure that allows for a simple and inexpensive mounting of the back iron.
    Object of the Invention
    An object of this invention is to provide a support structure that solves the above-mentioned problems.
    An object of this invention is to provide a support structure that is capable of adapting to the tolerances of the individual components.
    An object of this invention is to provide a support structure that provides an improved thermal insulation between the rotor structure and the back iron.
    An object of this invention is to provide an assembly method that allows for a quick and simple mounting of the back iron.
    Description of the Invention
    An object of the invention is achieved by a wind turbine comprising: a wind turbine tower, a nacelle arranged on top of the wind turbine tower, a rotatable hub arranged relative to the nacelle, which hub is connected to at least two wind turbine blades, a generator rotatably connected to the hub, wherein the generator comprises a rotor arranged rotatably relative to a stator, the rotor comprises a back iron and a rotor structure, the rotor further comprises at least one pole unit arranged relative to the back iron, the at least one pole unit comprises at least one rotor coil made of a superconductive material, the stator comprises at least one pole unit with at least one stator coil, wherein the at least one rotor coil is configured to interact with the at least one stator coil via an electromagnetic field when the rotor is rotated relative to the stator, wherein the rotor further comprises at least one plate shaped element arranged between the back iron and the rotor structure, the at least one plate shaped element comprises a first end connected to the back iron and a second end connected to the rotor structure, wherein the at least one plate shaped element is made of a thermally insulating material, characterised in that the back iron comprises a side surface facing the rotor structure and the rotor structure comprises a corresponding side surface facing the back iron, wherein the first end is connected to the side surface and the second end is connected to the corresponding side surface, wherein the first and second ends extend in an axial direction defined by the rotor.
    The terms “plate” and “plate shaped element” are defined as a plate having a length and a width which both are at least four times the thickness of the plate. The plate forms two large side surfaces having any suitable surface profile, including a planar, a curved, a corrugated, or any other suitable surface profile. The terms “beam” and “beam shaped element” are defined as a beam having a length and a width, wherein the width is no more than four times the thickness of the beam.
    This provides a simple and inexpensive mounting of the back iron and the rotor structure which also improves the thermal insulation between cold back iron and the warm rotor structure. The thermally insulating plates also provide a flexible mounting interface that is able to adapt to the tolerances of the individual components which in turn allows for a simpler and faster assembly process. Compared to conventional mounting solutions using tension rods, no moving ball and socket arrangements are needed and thus no moving parts are located within the vacuum chamber.
    The rotor structure and an outer housing connected to the rotor structure form an enclosed chamber in which the back iron and the superconducting pole units are arranged. The outer housing may be defined by a front wall, end walls, and, optionally, intermediate back wall parts. The rotor structure, e.g. a yoke thereof, may form at least a part of the back wall of the outer housing. The respective wall parts may be firmly connected, e.g. via bonding or welding, or mounted together, e.g. via bolts or screws. Sealing means, e.g. deformable rubber elements or welds, may be used to form an airtight seal between the respective wall parts. Thus, the outer housing forms an enclosed chamber which can be evacuated so it forms a vacuum chamber. In example, the thickness of the outer housing, e.g. the wall parts thereof, may be between 1 mm and 20 mm, e.g. between 5 mm and 10 mm.
    The present configuration is suitable for any type of wind turbines comprising a generator wherein the rotor and, optionally, also the stator comprise superconductive coils. The use of thermally insulating plates reduces the total mass of the cold side, i.e. the superconducting pole units and the back iron, which in turn reduces the required cooling capacity of the cooling system. The plates also allow for a cheap and simple manufacturing process compared to conventional thermally insulating tension rods.
    The rotor and stator extend in an axial direction defined by the central rotational axis of the generator. The rotor and stator further extend in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The back iron has two ends facing in opposite axial directions and a side surface facing the rotor structure. Likewise, the rotor structure has two ends facing in opposite axial directions and a side surface facing the back iron. The back iron of the rotor is spaced apart from the rotor structure by means of a number of plates or plate shaped elements, i.e. at least two, situated between the two ends of the rotor. The number of plates may be selected based on the specific configuration and dimensions of the generator. In example, said number of plates may be between 3 plates and 20 plates, e.g. between 5 plates and 12 plates, e.g. 8 plates or 10 plates. In example, this space between the back iron and the rotor structure may have any suitable radial length, such as up to 500 mm, e.g. between 100 mm and 300 mm. This allows the cold back iron to be thermally insulated from the warm rotor structure. This spacing may be evacuated to further insulate the cold components from the surround warm components.
    According to one embodiment, the at least one plate shaped element is orientated relative to the rotational direction of the rotor, wherein the at least one plate shaped element from the first end towards the second end substantially extends in the same direction as a rotational direction of the rotor.
    Each plate has a first end facing the side surface of the back iron and a second end facing the side surface of the rotor structure, wherein the first and second ends extend in the axial direction. The plate is placed in a first angled position relative to a tangential direction of the side surface of the back iron. The plate is further placed in a second angled position relative to a tangential direction of the side surface of the back iron, e.g. parallel to the tangential direction. The first and second angles are measured along a line extending through the first and second ends of the respective plate. In example, the first angle may be between 20 degrees and 80 degrees, e.g. 25 degrees and 60 degrees, e.g. between 30 degrees and 40 degrees. In example, the second angle may be between 0 degrees and 80 degrees, e.g. 20 degrees and 60 degrees. This allows the plates to be substantially orientated in the same or opposite direction as the rotational direction of the rotor. This also allows torque and other forces to be transferred from the back iron, and thus from the superconducting pole units, to the rotor structure.
    The plates may be distributed along the side surface of the rotor structure around the circumference of the rotor structure. Optionally, one or more of these plates may be defined by a set of plates aligned in the axial direction. Each set may comprise a number of individual plates, i.e. at least two, wherein their respective ends are aligned with each other in the axial direction. This allows the respective plate to be formed as a single continuous plate or a set of individual plates. This allows for an easier handling of the plates during the assembly process.
    Optionally, the rotor may further comprise one or more plates which are arranged relative to the above-mentioned plates. In example, these further plates are positioned symmetrically relative to the above-mentioned plates so they substantially extend in the opposite direction relative to the above-mentioned plates. The further plate and the above-mentioned plate may form a single V-shaped plate wherein the first end is defined by a plate area located between the two second ends, or vice versa. Alternatively, the further plate and the above-mentioned plate may be separate plates. These further plates also allow torque and other forces to be transferred from the back iron, and thus the superconducting pole units, to the rotor structure.
    According to one embodiment, at least one beam shaped element is arranged at at least one of the first and second ends, wherein the at least one beam shaped element extends in the axial direction. A number of beams, i.e. at least one, are arranged on one or both side surfaces of the rotor structure and the back iron. Said number of beams may correspond to the number of plates. Optionally, one or more of these beams may be defined by a set of beams aligned in the axial direction. The number of beams in each set may correspond to the number of plates in each set. A first beam is arranged at the first end of the plate and a second beam is arranged at the second end of the plate. Each beam is configured to connect the respective plate to the back iron or the rotor structure.
    Each beam extends in the axial direction and has a first end facing a respective plate and an opposite end facing away from the respective plate, when installed. Each beam further has at least one side surface (in the radial direction) facing the back iron or the rotor structure. Optionally, each beam further has another side surface facing in the opposite direction which acts as a contact surface for contacting the respective side surface of the back iron or the rotor structure.
    The beams have a length measured in the axial direction and a width measured between the first and second ends, e.g. in the tangential direction. The tangential direction is perpendicular to the axial and radial directions of the rotor and stator. The thickness of the beams is measured between the two side surfaces or between the side surface of the back iron or the rotor structure and the side surface of the beam. In example, the thickness and/or length of the beam is equal or greater than the corresponding thickness and/or length of the plate or set of plates.
    According to one embodiment, the at least one of the first and second ends and the at least one beam shaped element are firmly connected by mounting means or bonding means.
    The beams may form part of the rotor structure, e.g. a yoke thereof, and/or the back iron, and thus the beams may project outwards from the side surface of the rotor structure or back iron. This allows the beams to be formed in the same manufacturing process as the rotor structure or back iron. This reduces the total assembly time and the number of required assembly steps. Alternatively, the beams may be formed as separate elements which may be firmly connected to the rotor structure or the back iron. In this configuration the side surface of the rotor structure and/or back iron also act as a contact surface for contacting a corresponding side surface on the respective beams. Optionally, the side surface of the rotor structure and/or back iron may comprise a number of predetermined areas which are prepared for receiving and holding the respective beams. In example, one or more of these areas may include a recess configured to follow the shape of the corresponding beam and/or holes for mounting the beams as described below. Each area defines a connection point which allows the beams to be selectively positioned in one or more areas.
    The beams may be mounted to the rotor structure and/or back iron using mounting means, e.g. bolts and optional nuts, screws, or other suitable mounting means. The beams may comprise a first set of through holes configured to receive these mounting means. Likewise, the rotor structure and/or back iron may comprise a plurality of corresponding holes, e.g. through holes, configured to receive the mounting means as mentioned above. Alternatively or additionally, the beams may be bonded to the rotor structure and/or back iron using bonding means, e.g. glue or other suitable bonding means. The specific bonding mean/glue may be selected so that it has high bonding properties to the materials of the rotor structure, the back iron and/or the beams. In example, the bonding mean/glue may be a two-component epoxy, e.g. Araldite® 2015. This allows the respective beams to be firmly connected to the rotor structure and/or back iron. The beams may also be firmly connected by other means, e.g. welding.
    Each beam may further comprise a second set of holes, e.g. through holes, configured to receive other mounting means for mounting the respective plate to the beam. These mounting means may be bolts and optional nuts, screws, pins, or other suitable mounting means. The wet laminate of the plate may in example be positioned relative to these holes in the respective beam, and said pins may be pushed through the wet laminate before it is cured. This allows the fibres inside the laminate to be pushed aside without breaking. This, in turn, increases the structural strength of the plate around the holes formed by the pins, in particular when subjected to tension forces. Alternatively, bushings may be inserted into holes in the plate and optionally bonded to the plate for added structural strength. This allows the beam and the respective plate to be firmly connected by using mounting means.
    Alternatively or additionally, the beam may be bonded to the respective plate using bonding means, e.g. glue or other suitable bonding means. The specific bonding mean/glue may be selected in order to have high bonding properties for the materials of the rotor structure and/or the beams. In example, the bonding mean/glue may be a two-component epoxy, e.g. Araldite® 2015. The bonding mean/glue is applied to one or more contact surfaces on the beam and/or on a corresponding number of contact surfaces on the plate. This forms a suitable bond between the plate and the beam which allows the beam and the respective plate to be firmly connected.
    The first set of holes may be arranged on the end surfaces of the first and second ends while the second set of holes may be arranged on the side surfaces mentioned earlier. Alternatively, both the first and second sets of holes may be arranged on the side surfaces, e.g. in two different rows.
    According to one embodiment, the at least one of the first and second ends and the at least one beam shaped element are firmly connected by a combination of mounting means and bonding means.
    The plate and the beam may optionally be connected via a combination of mounting means and bonding means. The beam and the rotor structure may further be connected via a combination of mounting means and bonding means. This provides a strong connection capable of transferring loads and forces, e.g. compression and tension forces, between the back iron and the rotor structure. This also allows the respective components to remain firmly connected even if the bond should fail, e.g. due to crakes or loss of bond.
    According to one embodiment, the at least one beam shaped element forms part of the at least one of the first and second ends.
    The first and/or second beam may instead form part of the respective plate, e.g. as a thickened first and/or second end. In this configuration, the second set of holes may be omitted and the mounting means may be inserted into another second set of holes in the respective beam. Bushing may be inserted into these holes and, optionally, bonded to the respective beam for added structural strength. Alternatively, the first and/or second beam may be firmly connected to the back iron and/or rotor structure by suitable pins or threated rod that are pushing through the wet laminate of the respective beam before it is cured. This allows the fibres inside the laminate to be pushed aside without breaking, which in turn increases the structural strength of the beam around the holes formed by these pins or threated rods.
    Alternatively or additionally, the respective beam may in this configuration be bonded to the back iron and/or rotor structure using bonding means, e.g. glue or other suitable bonding means. The specific bonding mean/glue may be selected in order to have high bonding properties for the materials of the respective beam and/or the back iron or rotor structure. In example, the bonding mean/glue may be a two-component epoxy, e.g. Araldite® 2015. The bonding mean/glue is applied to one or more contact surfaces on the beam and/or on a corresponding number of contact surfaces on the back iron or rotor structure. This forms a suitable bond between the respective beam and the back iron or rotor structure.
    According to one embodiment, the at least one beam shaped element comprises at least one relief element, e.g. a relief groove, configured to reduce stresses in the at least one beam shaped element.
    The first and/or second beam may optionally comprise a number of relief elements, i.e. at least one, configured to reduce the stresses in the respective beam caused by the thermal deformation of this beam. The relief elements may be configured as relief grooves formed in one or both side surfaces of the respective beam. Other shapes may be used to relief thermal stresses in the beams. The relief elements may each extend in the axial direction and may be arranged in one or more rows. This reduces the stresses in the beams due to the thermal deformation of the beams.
    According to one embodiment, one of the at least one of the first and second ends and the at least one beam shaped element has a wedge shaped end facing the other of the at least one of the first and second ends and the at least one beam shaped element, wherein said other of the at least one of the first and second ends and the at least one beam shaped element has a corresponding end shaped to receive said wedge shaped end.
    The respective beam and the plate may be configured to form at least one overlapping joint defined by at least the first end of the beam and the respective end of the plate. At least one of the first end of the beam and the respective end of the plate may comprise at least one projecting part that extends towards the opposite facing end. At least the other of the respective end of the plate and the first end of the beam may comprise at least one corresponding groove or notch configured to receive this projecting part. Alternatively, both ends of the beam and the plate may comprise at least one projecting part and at least a corresponding groove or notch. Said projecting parts and corresponding grooves or notches both form at least two opposite facing contact surfaces. The above-mentioned bonding mean/glue may be applied to one or more of these contact surfaces. This increases the total surface area between the two ends and, thus, allows for a stronger bond between the respective beam and the plate.
    The first end of the beam may be wedge shaped wherein the thickness of this wedge shaped end tapers towards its end surface. Alternatively, one or more of the projecting parts mentioned above may be wedge shaped wherein its thickness tapers towards its end surface. The corresponding groove or notch may thus be shaped to follow the contours of this wedge shaped part. This distributes the stresses in the beam and in the plate more evenly and prevents stresses from concentrating at the overlapping joint.
    Optionally, the respective beam may further form another overlapping joint defined by the second end of the beam and the respective end of a further plate. This allows the ends of two plates to be connected to the same beam. Alternatively, the grooves or notches may be omitted and the plate area or plate ends may be sandwiched between the beam and the back iron or rotor structure instead. The beam and plate area/plate ends are then mounted and/or bonded to the back iron or rotor structure. If no separate beams are used, then the plate area and the overlapping plate ends may optionally be mounted and/or bonded directly to the back iron or rotor structure.
    According to one embodiment, the at least one plate shaped element comprises at least one reinforcing element which extends between the first end and the second end.
    One or more of the plates may comprise a number of reinforcing elements, i.e. at least one, configured to add stiffness to the respective plates during operation. The reinforcing elements extend from the first end to the second end, or vice versa. The reinforcing elements may form part of the plate, or be firmly connected to the plate by mounting, bonding, welding, or other techniques. In example, the reinforcing elements may be corrugations, saw-teeth, trapezoid shaped elements, stiffeners, or other suitable reinforcing elements. The reinforcing elements may project outwards on one or both side surfaces of the plate. This adds structural strength to the plates and prevents it from buckling due to compression forces.
    According to one embodiment, the at least one plate shaped element is made of a fibre reinforced material, e.g. fibre reinforced plastics.
    The plates are of any thermal insulating materials or composites having low thermal conductive properties. The plates are in example made of a fibre reinforced material, such as fibre reinforced plastics (FRP). The fibres may be organic, carbon, glass fibres, or other suitable fibres. The beams may be made of the same material, or composite, as the plates, or of a different material or composite. The beams are made of metal, such as aluminium or steel, or composites, such as fibre reinforced plastics, or another suitable material or composite thereof. In example, the materials of the plates, the beams and, optionally, the bonding mean/glue may be selected so that they have the same, or at least substantially the same, thermal deformation properties in one or more directions.
    The material or composite of the plate is selected so that it has sufficient structural strength while at the same time enabling it to adapt, e.g. flex, to the tolerances of the respective individual components and to the thermal contraction of the cold back iron relative to the warm rotor structure. This allows for cheaper and simpler manufacturing and assembly process compared to conventional solutions using thermal insulating rods.
    The plates have a length measured in the axial direction and a width measured between the first and second ends, e.g. in a combined radial and tangential direction. The thickness of the plate is measured between the side surfaces facing the back iron and the rotor structure. In example, the length may be up to 1500 mm, e.g. between 800 mm and 1200 mm. In example, the thickness may be between 10 mm and 50 mm, e.g. between 20 mm and 40 mm.
    The back iron and the rotor structure may be made of any suitable material or alloys, such as steel, iron (e.g. FeNi) or another suitable material or alloy.
    According to one embodiment, the at least one plate shaped element is made of a first layer sandwiched between at least two second layers, wherein one of the first layer and the at least second layer has a greater structural strength than the other layer.
    The plates may have a sandwiched structure comprising a first layer and at least a second layer. In example, the plate may comprise a central/first layer and at least an out-er/second layer located on either side of the central/first layer. The first layer may be configured to provide thermal insulation to the plate while the second layer is configured to provide structural strength to the plate, or vice versa. The first and second layers may have the same or different thermal insulating properties. This allows the plate to have suitable structural strength while acting as a thermal barrier between the warm and cold beams.
    According to one embodiment, a plurality of plate shaped elements are arranged relative to each other along an axial direction defined by the rotor.
    Instead of using a single continuous plate, a plurality of plates may be arranged along the axial direction between the back iron and the rotor structure and aligned relative to each other. Each individual plate has a first end facing the back iron and a second end facing the rotor structure. This divides the total contact area between the respective plate and the back iron or rotor structure into a plurality of individual contact areas. This also provides a strong support structure with a reduced total surface area which in turn reduces the heat transfer between the rotor structure and the back iron.
    According to one embodiment, at least one mounting element is arranged at at least one of the first and second ends of each of the plurality of plate shaped elements, wherein the at least one mounting element is firmly connected to at least one of the back iron and the rotor structure.
    One or more mounting elements may be arranged at the first or second ends of the individual plates. In example, a first mounting element may be arranged at the first end and a second mounting element may be arranged at the second end of each plate. The mounting elements are made of metal, such as aluminium or steel, or composites, such as fibre reinforced plastics, or another suitable material or composite thereof.
    This allows the individual plates to be firmly connected to the back iron and/or the rotor structure.
    The first and/or second mounting elements may alternatively form part of the respective plate, e.g. as a thickened first and/or second end. This allows the mounting elements to be manufactured in the same manufacturing process as the plates.
    Each mounting element extends in the axial direction and has a first end facing a respective plate and an opposite end facing away from the respective plate, when installed. Each mounting element further has at least one side surface (in the radial direction) facing the back iron or the rotor structure. Optionally, each mounting element further has another side surface facing in the opposite direction which acts as a contact surface for contacting the respective side surface of the back iron or rotor structure.
    According to one embodiment, the at least one mounting element is firmly connected to at least one of the back iron and the rotor structure by mounting means or bonding means or a combination thereof.
    The respective mounting elements may be firmly connected to the plate, the back iron and/or rotor structure using mounting means and/or bonding means as mentioned above. In example, the mounting element may have a set of holes or through holes configured to receive mounting means, such as bolts or screws. The back iron and/or rotor structure may also comprise a set of holes or through holes configured to receive the mounting means. The mounting means may optionally be pre-tensioned in order to ensure a firm connection between the respective mounting element and the back iron or rotor structure.
    The back iron and/or rotor structure may comprise a number of protrusions, i.e. at least one, located on the respective side surface. Each protrusion may extend in the axial direction and may project outwards from the respective side surface. Each protrusion may have at least one contact surface for contacting a corresponding contact surface on the individual mounting elements. The individual mounting elements can then be firmly connected to the respective protrusion. Alternatively, the first end of the respective mounting element may be placed in an angled position, e.g. between 20 degrees and 80 degrees, relative to the tangential direction of the respective side surface of the back iron or rotor structure. The individual mounting elements can then be firmly connected directly to the side surface of the back iron or rotor structure without the use of protrusions.
    According to one embodiment, the plurality of plate shaped elements comprise at least one first plate shaped element and at least one second plate shaped element, wherein the at least one first plate shaped element from its first end towards its second end substantially extends in one direction relative to a rotational direction of the rotor, and the at least one second plate shaped element from its first end towards its second end substantially extends in an opposite direction.
    The individual plates may be orientated relative to the rotational direction of the rotor so they all substantially extend in the same or opposite direction as the rotational direction. Alternatively, a first plate may substantially extend in the same direction as the rotational direction while a second plate may substantially extend in the opposite direction as the rotational direction. The first and second plates may be located in the same tangential plane or be angled relative to each other in the radial plane. In example, the first plate may be placed in any angle between 0 degrees and 180 degrees relative to the second plate.
    The second end, e.g. the second mounting element thereof, of the first plate may be aligned with the second end of the second plate, e.g. the second mounting element thereof. This reduces the total amount of machining of the back iron and/or rotor structure. Alternatively, the second end, e.g. the second mounting element thereof, of the first plate may be radially offset relative the second end of the second plate, e.g. the second mounting element thereof. This allows the length of the first and second plates, and thus the thermal insulation of the plates, to be optimised.
    The first and second plates may be offset relative to each other in the axial direction or be aligned with each other in the radial plane. The respective second mounting elements of the first and second plates may be formed as a single mounting element or separate mounting elements. If aligned radially, the first and second plates may form a single plate extending through an intermediate mounting element acting as the second mounting element.
    According to one embodiment, the plurality of plate shaped elements comprise at least a first set of plate shaped elements and at least a second set of plate shaped elements, wherein at least one of the first set of plate shaped elements intersects at least one of the second set of plate shaped elements.
    The individual plates, e.g. the first and second plates, may be arranged in sets along the circumference of the rotor structure. The individual sets may be arranged relative to each other so that they intersect each other. In example, the first plate of one set and the second plate of another set may be arranged so that they intersect each other at an intersection point, and vice versa. This also allows the lengths of the individual plates to be optimised. This further allows the plates to be placed at an optimal angle relative to the rotor structure which allows for an optimal force transfer and saves material of the rotor structure.
    An object of the invention is also achieved by a method of assembling a generator of a wind turbine as described above, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - providing a rotor of a generator, wherein the rotor at least comprises a rotor structure, arranging a back iron of the rotor relative to the rotor structure, positioning at least one plate shaped element relative to the rotor structure and the back iron, mounting a first end of said at least one plate shaped element to the back iron, and further mounting a second end of said at least one plate shaped element to the rotor structure.
    The present configuration allows for a simple and cheap assembly process of the rotor that minimises the total mass that needs to be cooled down. The present assembly method further provides a flexible mounting of the back iron and the rotor structure that does not require a very precise alignment of the individual components and is able to adapt to the tolerances of the individual components. Unlike conventional methods, no ball and socket arrangements are needed in the vacuum chamber for mounting the cold back iron to the rotor structure.
    Use of plates to thermally separate the back iron from the rotor structure allows for a better thermal insulation between the cold components and the warm components. No thermal insulating blocks or thermal insulating bolts and corresponding grooves are needed. The cold components, e.g. the back iron and superconducting pole units, can be manufactured and, optionally, assembled separately from the warm components, e.g. the rotor structure, the housing, and the drive shaft.
    According to one embodiment, the at least one plate shaped element is arranged between a side surface of the back iron and a corresponding side surface of the rotor structure, wherein the at least one plate shaped element is angled relative to a tangential direction of at least one of the side surface and the corresponding side surface.
    The plates are located between either ends of the rotor and are orientated in relation to the rotational direction of the rotor so that the first and second ends extend parallel to the axial direction of the rotor. The plates may thus extend in a combined radial and tangential direction. The individual plates or sets of plates are placed in an angled position so that the first and second ends are radically offset relative to each other. The plates thus act as spokes and allow torque and other forces to be transferred from the back iron, and thus from the superconducting pole units, to the rotor structure. Transition loads from the superconducting pole units, e.g. in the event of short circuiting of the superconducting pole units, are also transferred to the rotor structure via these plates. The back iron may have an outer diameter of 2000 mm to 4000 mm, e.g. between 2500 mm and 3500 mm.
    The rotor structure may form part of the drive shaft, or be mounted to the drive shaft. The rotor structure may comprise a yoke facing the back iron and an inner support part facing the drive shaft. The yoke and inner support part may be formed as a single piece, or be connected by using mounting means (e.g. bolts and nuts), welding, or other suitable techniques. The inner support part may comprise one or more reinforcing elements and, optionally, one or more cut-outs. This reduces the weight and saves material of the rotor.
    The back iron and/or yoke may have a thickness measured in the radial direction of up to 120 mm, e.g. between 50 mm and 100 mm, e.g. between 70 mm and 80 mm.
    According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: arranging at least one beam shaped element on at least one of the side surface and the corresponding side surface, and positioning at least one of the first and second ends relative to said at least one beam shaped element. A set of first beams may be arranged on the side surface of the back iron in a number of predetermined areas and/or another set of second beams may be arranged on the corresponding side surface of the rotor structure. The first and second beams may be aligned parallel to the axial direction. This may be before or after the back iron is positioned and alignment with the rotor structure.
    The individual plates may then be positioned relative to the individual first and second beams to enable the back iron to be connected to the rotor structure. This may be done after the back iron is placed in its installation position. The beams and/or plates may be slid into position in the axial direction or in the tangential direction. The back iron may be placed in a pre-installation position relative to the rotor structure wherein the beams and plates may be used to guide the back iron into its final installation position. This reduces the complexity of the assembly process and also reduces the total assembly time compared to other conventional assembly methods as a very precise alignment of the back iron is not required in order to mount the thermal insulating support elements.
    One or more further plates may be arranged relative to the above-mentioned plates and connected to the back iron and rotor structure via separate first and second beams. In example, these further plates are positioned symmetrically relative to the above-mentioned plates so that they substantially extend in the opposite direction. Alternatively, these further plates may be connected to the same first and/or second beams as the above-mentioned plates. These further plates may also act as spokes and allow torque and other forces to be transferred from the back iron, and thus the superconducting pole units, to the rotor structure.
    According to one embodiment, the at least one beam shaped element and the at least one of the first and second ends is firmly connected by using mounting means and/or bonding means.
    The first and second beams may be firmly connected to the back iron and rotor structure, e.g. the yoke thereof, by using suitable mounting and/or bonding means. This may be done before or after the back iron is placed in its installation position. The first and second beams may be installed before moving the back iron into position relative to the rotor structure as this allows for easy access to the beams and, optionally, the mounting means thereof.
    The first and second beams may further be firmly connected to the respective plates by using suitable mounting and/or bonding means. This may be done before, during or after the back iron is moved into its final installation position. The plates may be installed by using bonding means so that the respective beams and the plate form overlapping joints.
    Alternatively, the method further comprises the step of: firmly connecting at least one beam shaped element to at least one of the first and second ends, and positioning said at least one beam shaped element relative to at least one of the side surface and the corresponding side surface before mounting said at least one plate shaped element to the back iron and the rotor structure.
    In this configuration, the first and second beams may be firmly connected to the individual plates during or after the manufacturing process of these plates. The back iron may then be positioned relative to the rotor structure in its installation position. Afterwards, the plates with said beams connected may be positioned relative to and firmly connected to the back iron and rotor structure. This allows the plates and the first and second beams to be pre-assembled prior to installation.
    According to one embodiment, the first or second end is mounted to the back iron or rotor structure before arranging the back iron relative to the rotor structure.
    Alternatively, one or more of the plates may be positioned relative to and firmly connected to their respective first or second beams. The back iron may then be placed in its installation position and any remaining plates may be positioned relative to their first and second beams afterwards and finally firmly to said beams. This allows the plates to be used to guide the back iron into alignment with the rotor structure.
    After the back iron and the super conduction pole units have been installed, the rest of the outer housing may be mounted to the rotor structure. The rotor structure, e.g. the yoke thereof, may act as a back wall of the housing to which an end wall at either end can be mounted, e.g. via an intermediate back wall part. The end wall may further be mounted to a front wall located between the back iron and the stator. A vacuum system can be used to evacuate the enclosed chamber defined by the outer housing. This forms a vacuum chamber in which the superconducting pole units are located wherein the evacuated space also provides thermal insulation between the cold components and the warm components, e.g. the outer housing and the rotor structure, surrounding the cold components.
    Finally, the electrical connections and cooling connections may be coupled to the superconducting pole units so that the superconductive coils can be cooled to a cryogenic operating temperature. The superconductive coils are configured to interact with a plurality of corresponding stator coils of pole units located in the stator via an electromagnetic field when the rotor is rotated relative to the stator. The cold components, e.g. the superconductive coils, may be operated at a cryogenic operating temperature between 10 K and 70K. The warm components, e.g. the rotor structure, may be operated at an ambient temperature, e.g. between 250 K and 350 K.
    According to one embodiment, the step of positioning the at least one plate shaped element comprises arranging a plurality of plate shaped elements along an axial direction defined by the rotor.
    During assembly, a plurality of plates may be arranged along the axial direction and orientated relative to the rotational direction of the rotor. In example, between 2 and 15 plates, e.g. between 5 plates and 10 plates, are arranged along the axial direction. These plates may be placed in an angled position relative to a tangential direction of the side surface of the back iron and of the rotor structure as mentioned above. This allows for a quick and easy handling and positioning of the individual plates. This also provides a strong support structure having a reduced total surface area which reduces the heat transfer between the rotor structure and the back iron.
    According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of: arranging at least one mounting element at at least one of the first and second ends of each of the plurality of plate shaped elements.
    The individual plates may be outfitted with one or more mounting elements, e.g. during or after the manufacturing of these plates. The mounting elements may be firmly connected to plates using mounting means and/or bonding means as described earlier. A first mounting element of the respective plate is then positioned relative to the side surface of the back iron, e.g. on a protrusion thereof, and firmly connected to the back iron. A second mounting element of the respective plate is then positioned relative to the side surface of the rotor structure, e.g. on a protrusion thereof, and firmly connected to the rotor structure.
    According to one embodiment, the method further comprises steps of: positioning at least one first plate shaped element relative to the a rotational direction of the rotor so that it substantially extends in one direction, and positioning at least one second plate shaped element relative to the at least one first plate shaped element so that it substantially extends in an opposite direction.
    Each individual plate is orientated relative to the rotational direction of the rotor, e.g. in the same or opposite direction. In example, a first plate is angled relative to the tangential direction of the back iron or rotor structure so that it extends substantially along the rotational direction. A second plate is further angled relative to the tangential direction of the back iron or rotor structure so that it extends substantially in the opposite rotational direction. The first and second plates may be arranged in alternating order or in groups along the axial direction. The first plate may further be placed in an angled position relative to the second plate in the radial plane, e.g. in the same tangential plane. This allows the arrangement and positions of the first and second plates to be selected according to the specific configuration of the rotor.
    During positioning of the first and second plates, the second mounting elements of these plates may be offset relative to each other in axial and/or radial direction. This allows the first and second plates to be mounted or demounted individually. Alternatively, the second mounting elements of these plates may be aligned with each other in axial and/or radial direction. This allows the first and second plates to be mounted or demounted in pairs.
    According to one embodiment, at least one of said plurality of plate shaped elements intersects at least one other plate shaped element.
    The first and second plates may form a set of plates extending along the axial direction. A number of sets may be arranged along the circumference of the rotor structure. In example, said number of sets may be between 3 sets and 20 sets, e.g. between 5 sets and 12 sets. The first plate of one set may be positioned so that it intersects a second plate in an adjacent set. The second plates of this one set may further be positioned so that they intersect a first plate in another adjacent set. The intersection points between the first and second plates may be located between the first and second ends of the respective plates. This allows the distance, e.g. the chord, between the first ends of the first and second plates to be increased compared to the use of a single continuous plate as mentioned above. This in turn provides an optimal force transfer between the back iron and the rotor structure and saves material of the rotor structure.
    The first and second plates may be spaced apart so that they do not accidently rub up against each other and thus causing an accelerated wear during rotation of the rotor.
    According to one embodiment, at least one of the at least one plate shaped elements, the at least one beam shaped element and the at least one mounting element are manufactured by pultrusion or extrusion.
    The various plates described above may be manufactured by extrusion, pultrusion, or another suitable manufacturing process. This reduces the amount of finishing work, e.g. grinding and polishing. This also reduces the amount of broken fibres in the laminate of the plate. Alternatively, the individual plates may be cut into the desired dimensions using a larger plate.
    Likewise, the beams and/or the mounting elements may be manufactured by extrusion, pultrusion, or another suitable manufacturing process. The beams and/or the mounting elements may then be machined into their finished configuration using various machine tools. Alternatively, the beams and/or the mounting elements may be formed during the manufacturing of the plates.
    The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and thus the described embodiments can be combined in any manner without deviating from the objections of the invention.
    Description of the Drawing
    The invention is described by example only and with reference to the drawings, wherein:
    Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine;
    Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a generator in the wind turbine;
    Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of the rotor of the generator shown in fig. 2;
    Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the back iron and the rotor structure;
    Fig. 5 shows a first embodiment of the first beam;
    Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of the second beam;
    Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of a respective beam;
    Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of the respective beam;
    Fig. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the respective beam;
    Fig. 10 shows three embodiments of an overlapping joint between the respective beam and the plate;
    Fig. 11 shows three other embodiments of the overlapping joint shown in fig. 10;
    Fig. 12 shows a second embodiment of the rotor of the generator;
    Fig. 13 shows the plate and mounting element shown in fig. 12;
    Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of the rotor shown in fig. 12; and Fig. 15 shows the rotor shown in fig. 12 seen in the axial direction.
    In the following text, the figures will be described one by one, and the different parts and positions seen in the figures will be numbered with the same numbers in the different figures. Not all parts and positions indicated in a specific figure will necessarily be discussed together with that figure.
    Position number list 1. Wind turbine 2. Tower 3. Foundation 4. Nacelle 5. Hub 6. Wind turbine blades 7. Generator 8. Stator 9. Rotor 10. Pole units with superconductive coils 11. Back iron 12. Rotor structure 13. Side surface of rotor structure 14. Side surface of back iron 15. Plates 16. First end of plate 17. Second end of plate 18. Rotational direction 19. First beam 20. Second beam 21. First end of beam 22. Second end of beam 23. Side surfaces of beam 24. Mounting means 25. Groove in beam 26. Bonding means 27. Pins 28. Bushings 29. Projecting elements 30. Grooves for receiving projecting elements 31. Plates 32. First mounting element 33. Second mounting element 34. Through holes of first mounting element 35. Holes of second mounting element 36. Protrusion of back iron 37. Protrusion of rotor structure 38. First plate 39. Second plate
    Detailed Description of the Invention
    Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine 1. The wind turbine 1 comprises a wind turbine tower 2 provided on a foundation 3. A nacelle 4 is arranged on top of the wind turbine tower 2 and configured to yaw relative to the wind turbine tower 2 via a yaw system (not shown). A hub 5 is rotatably arranged relative to the nacelle 4, wherein at least two wind turbine blades 6 are mounted to the hub 5, here three wind turbine blades are shown. The hub 5 is connected to a rotary machine in the form of a generator (shown in fig. 2) arranged in the nacelle 4 via a drive shaft for producing a power output.
    Fig. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of the generator 7 connected to the hub 5. Here, only a central rotational axis (indicated by dotted line) of the drive shaft is shown for illustrative purposes. The generator 7 comprises a stator 8 and a rotor 9 rotatably arranged relative to the stator 8. The stator 8 comprises a plurality of pole units (indicated by dotted lines) having stator coils configured to interact with rotor coils located in a plurality of pole units 10.
    At least the rotor coils are made of a superconductive material which is operated below its critical temperature. Thus, at least the pole units 10 act as superconducting pole units. The stator coils are made of a conductive material, such as cupper, operated at an ambient temperature.
    Fig. 3 shows a first embodiment of the rotor 9 where the pole units 10 are arranged on a back iron 11 facing the stator 8, e.g. on an outer side surface (shown in fig. 3). A cooling system (not shown) is used to cool the pole units 10 down to a cryogenic operating temperature between 10 K and 70 K.
    The rotor 9 further comprises a rotor structure 12 having an inner support part facing the drive shaft and a yoke facing the back iron 11. The inner support part is here shaped as a disc having one or more cut-cuts as shown in fig. 2. The inner support part is mounted to the drive shaft using mounting means. The yoke is here shaped as a ring or tubular element having a side surface 13 facing the back iron 11. The back iron 11 is further shaped as a ring or tubular element having a side surface 14 facing the rotor structure 12.
    The back iron 11 is spaced apart from the rotor structure 12 by a number of plates 15 arranged between the side surfaces 13, 14. The plates 15 are made of a thermally insulating material, e.g. fibre reinforced plastics (FRP), so that the back iron 11 is thermally insulated from the rotor structure 12. The rotor structure 12 is operated at an ambient temperature between 250 K and 350 K. Each plate 15 has a first end 16 facing the back iron 11 and a second end 17 facing the rotor structure 12.
    Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of the rotor structure 12 and the back iron 11. Here, the pole units 10 are omitted for illustrative purposes. The plates 15 are positioned so that the first and second ends 16, 17 extend in the axial direction as illustrated in figs. 2 and 3. The plates 15 are further orientated so that they extend in a combined radial and tangential direction and, thus, substantially extend in the same direction as the rotational direction 18 of the rotor 9 as indicated in fig. 4. A first beam 19 is arranged at the first end 16 of the plate 15 and a second beam 20 is arranged at the second end 17 of the plate 15. The first and second beams 19, 20 extend along the side surfaces 13, 14 in the axial direction as shown in figs. 3 and 4. The first beam 19 is firmly connected to the back iron 11 and the first end 16 of the plate 15. The first beam 20 is firmly connected to the rotor structure 12 and the second end 17 of the plate 15.
    Fig. 5 shows a first embodiment of the first beam 19 having a first end 21 facing the plate 15 and a second end 22 facing in the opposite direction. The first beam 19 further has two opposite facing side surfaces 23 in the radial direction wherein one of which further acts as a contact surface for contacting the side surface 14, e.g. in a predetermined area thereof. Here, the first end 21 is placed in a first angled position, e.g. between 20 degrees and 80 degrees, relative to the tangential direction of the side surface 14.
    The first beam 19 comprises a first set of through holes for receiving mounting means 24 in the form of bolts and nuts for firmly connecting the first beam 19 to the back iron 11. The back iron 11 comprises a corresponding set of through holes for the mounting means 24 as indicated in fig. 4.
    Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of the second beam 20 having a first end 21’ facing the plate 15 and a second end 22 facing in the opposite direction. The second beam 20 further has two opposite facing side surfaces 23 in the radial direction wherein one of which further acts as a contact surface for contacting the side surface 13, e.g. in a predetermined area thereof. Here, the first end 21’ is placed in a second angled position, e.g. parallel to the tangential direction of the side surface 13.
    The second beam 20 comprises a first set of through holes for receiving mounting means 24 in the form of bolts for firmly connecting the second beam 20 to the rotor structure 12. The rotor structure 12 comprises a corresponding set of through holes for the mounting means 24 as indicated in fig. 4.
    At least one groove 25 is formed in the first ends 21, 21’ of the first and second beams 19, 20 for receiving the first and second ends 16, 17 of the plate 15 as shown in figs. 5 and 6. One or more of the inner surfaces of the respective groove 25 may act as contact surfaces for contacting one or more corresponding surfaces on the respective end 16, 17 of the plate 15. Bonding means 26 in the form of glue is applied to these contact surfaces for firmly connecting the plate 15 to the first and second beams 19, 20. Alternatively, the respective beam 19, 20 comprises a second set of through holes for receiving mounting means 24 in the form of bolts and nuts, or the first set of through holes of the respective beam 19, 20 is further used for firmly connecting the plate 15 to the respective beam 19, 20 as shown in fig. 4.
    Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of a respective beam 19, 20 wherein the second set of through holes is configured for receiving other mounting means 27 in the form of pins. The pins are pushed through the web laminate of the respective end 16, 17 of the plate 15 so that the fibres in the laminate are pushed aside without breaking. This, in turn, increases the structural strength of the plate 15 around the trough holes formed by the pins.
    Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of a respective beam 19, 20 wherein the beam forms part of the plate 15’. In this configuration, the respective end 16’, 17’ that defines the beam has an increased thickness compared to the rest of the plate 15’. Bushings 28, e.g. metal bushings, are placed in the first set of through holes for added structural strength of the plate 15’ around these through holes. The plate 15’ is then firmly connected to the back iron 11 or rotor structure 12 via mounting means 24.
    Fig. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of a respective beam 19, 20 wherein the beam forms part of the plate 15’. This configuration differs from the embodiment of fig. 7 by the respective end 16’, 17’ having the same thickness as the rest of the plate 15’. Mounting means 24 can then be inserted through these bushings 28’ for firmly connecting the plate 15’ to the back iron 11 or rotor structure 12.
    Fig. 10 shows three embodiments of an overlapping joint between the respective beam 19, 20 and the respective end 16, 17 of the plate 15.
    In fig. 10A, the respective beam 19, 20 has a rectangular cross-sectional profile seen in the tangential direction. The respective end 16, 17 of the plate 15, and thus the groove 25, further have a rectangular profile.
    In fig. 10B, the respective beam 19’, 20’ has a wedge shaped cross-sectional profile seen in the tangential direction. The thickness measured between the side surfaces 23’ tapers from the second 22’ end towards the first end 2Γ. The respective end 16, 17 of the plate 15, and thus the groove 25, have a rectangular profile.
    In fig. 10C, the respective end 16”, 17” of the plate 15”, and thus the groove 25’, have a wedge shaped cross-sectional profile seen in the tangential direction, and the groove 25’ has a corresponding inverted wedge shaped cross-sectional profile. The thickness measured between the side surfaces of the plate 15” tapers towards the edge of the end 16”, 17” as indicated in fig. 10C.
    Fig. 11 shows three other embodiments of the overlapping joint between the respective beam 19, 20 and the respective end 16, 17 of the plate 15. In these configurations, the respective beam 19, 20 and the plate 15 each comprise at least one projecting element 29 and at least one groove 30 configured to receive an opposite projecting element 29.
    In fig. 11 A, the projecting elements 29 and the grooves 30 have a rectangular profile seen in the tangential direction. Likewise, the respective beam 19, 20 has a rectangular profile.
    In fig. 11B, at least one of the projecting elements 29’ of the respective beam 19”, 20” has a wedge shaped profde and at least one of the corresponding grooves 30’ has an inverted wedge shaped profile. The thickness of this wedge shaped projecting element 29’ tapers towards the edge of that element as indicated in fig. 1 IB. The respective beam 19”, 20” has a wedge shaped cross-sectional profile as shown in fig. 10B.
    Fig. 12 shows a second embodiment of the rotor 9’ of the generator 7 wherein a plurality of plates 31 are arranged along the axial direction. Each plate 31 is firmly connected to the back iron 11’ via a first mounting element 32. Each plate 31 is further firmly connected to the rotor structure 12’ via a second mounting element 33. Here, five plates 31 in the axial direction are shown. Only the yoke of the rotor structure 12’ is shown here for illustrative purposes.
    Fig. 13 shows the plate 31 and the mounting elements 32, 33 thereof. The plates 31 are made of a thermally insulating material, e.g. fibre reinforced plastics (FRP), so that the back iron 11’ is thermally insulated from the rotor structure 12’.
    The mounting elements 32, 33 have a first end facing the plate 31 and a second end facing in the opposite direction. The mounting elements 32, 33 further have two opposite facing side surfaces wherein one of which further acts as a contact surface for contacting the side surface of the back iron 11’ or the rotor structure 12’.
    The first and second mounting elements 32, 33 are configured to firmly connect the plate 31 to the back iron 11’ and the rotor structure 12’. The first mounting element 32 comprises a set of through holes 34 for receiving mounting means in the form of bolts for firmly connecting the first mounting element 32 to the back iron 11’. The back iron 11’ comprises a corresponding set of holes (not shown) for receiving the mounting means. The second mounting element 33 comprises a set of holes 35 for receiving mounting means in the form of bolts for firmly connecting the second mounting element 33 to the rotor structure 12’. The rotor structure 12’ comprises a corresponding set of through holes (shown in fig. 14) for receiving the mounting means.
    Fig. 14 shows a sectional view of the rotor 9’ wherein the mounting elements 32, 33 are positioned relative to protrusions 36, 37 located on the side surfaces 13’, 14’ of the back iron 11’ and the rotor structure 12’.
    Each of the first mounting elements 32 of the plates 31 in the axial direction is firmly connected to the protrusion 36 on the side surfaces 14’ of the back iron 1Γ as indicated in figs. 12 and 14. The mounting means of the first mounting element 32 can be accessed from a substantially radial direction as indicated in figs. 12 and 14.
    Each of the second mounting elements 33 of the plates 31 in the axial direction is firmly connected to the protrusion 37 on the side surfaces 13’ of the rotor structure 11’ as indicated in figs. 12 and 14. The mounting means of the second mounting element 32 can be accessed from a substantially tangential direction as indicated in figs. 12 and 14.
    Fig. 15 shows the rotor 9’ seen in the axial direction wherein a first plate 38 is positioned so that it substantially extends in the same direction as the rotational direction 18 of the rotor 9’. A second plate 39 is positioned so that it substantially extends in the opposite direction of the rotational direction 18 of the rotor 9’. The first and second plates 38, 39 are offset relative to each other as shown in fig. 14. The second mounting elements 33 of the first and second plates 38, 39 are further offset relative to each other in the radial direction as shown in figs. 14 and 15.
    The first and second plates 38, 39 form one set located on the circumference of the rotor structure 12’. Here, six sets of first and second plates 38, 39 are shown. The first plate 38 of this one set is positioned during assembly so that it intersects a second plate 39 of an adjacent set as shown in fig. 15. Likewise, the second plate 39 of this one set is positioned during assembly so that it intersects a first plate 38 of another adjacent set as shown in fig. 15.
    权利要求:
    Claims (24)
    [1]
    A wind turbine (1) comprising: a wind turbine tower (2); a machine booth (4) arranged on top of the wind turbine bar (2); a rotatable hub (5) arranged relative to the machine cabin (4), said hub (5) being connected to at least two wind turbine blades (6); a generator (7) rotatably connected to the hub (5), wherein the generator (7) comprises a rotor (9) arranged rotatably relative to a stator (8), said rotor comprising a rear iron (11) and a rotor assembly (12), said rotor (9) further comprising at least one pole unit (10) arranged relative to said rear member (11), said at least one pole unit (10) comprising at least one rotor winding made of superconducting material, said stator (8) comprising at least one pole unit having at least one a stator winding, wherein the at least one rotor winding (10) is configured to cooperate with the at least one stator winding via an electromagnetic field when the rotor (9) is rotated relative to the stator (8), wherein the rotor (9) further comprises at least one plate-shaped element (15, 31) arranged between the rear iron (11) and the rotor assembly (12), wherein the at least one plate-shaped element (15, 31, 38, 39) comprises a first end (16) connected to the rear iron (11) and a second end (17) connected to the rotor assembly (12), wherein the at least one plate-shaped element (15, 31, 38, 39) is made of a heat insulating material, characterized in that the rear member (11) comprises a side surface (14) facing the rotor structure (12) and the rotor construction (12) comprises a corresponding side face (13) facing the back member (11), wherein the first end (16) is connected to the side face (14) and the second end (17) is connected to the corresponding side face (13), wherein the first ( 16) and other ends (17) extend in an axial direction defined by the rotor (9).
    [2]
    Wind turbine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one plate-shaped element (15, 31, 38, 39) is oriented relative to the direction of rotation (18) of the rotor (9), wherein the at least one plate-shaped element (15) , 31, 38, 39) from the first end (16) to the second end (17) extend substantially in the same direction as the direction of rotation (18) of the rotor (9).
    [3]
    Wind turbine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 2, characterized in that at least one beam-shaped element (19, 20) is arranged at at least one of the first and second ends (16, 17), wherein the at least one beam-shaped member (19, 20) extends in the axial direction.
    [4]
    Wind turbine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one of the first and second ends (16, 17) and the at least one beam-shaped element (19, 20) are fixed with mounting means (24) or adhesives (26) .
    [5]
    Wind turbine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one beam-shaped element (19, 20) forms part of the at least one first (16) and second (17) ends.
    [6]
    A wind turbine (1) according to any of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the at least one beam-shaped element (19, 20) comprises at least one relief element, e.g. a relief track (25) configured to reduce stresses in the at least one beam member (18, 20).
    [7]
    Wind turbine (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that one of the at least one first and second ends (21, 22) and the at least one beam-shaped element (19, 20) has a wedge-shaped end facing towards the second of the at least one first and second ends (21, 22) and the at least one beam-shaped element (19, 20), wherein the second of the at least one first and second ends (21, 22) and the at least one beam-shaped element (19, 20) have a corresponding end configured to receive the wedge-shaped end.
    [8]
    Wind turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one plate-shaped element (15, 31, 38, 39) comprises at least one reinforcing element extending between the first end (21) and the second end (22).
    [9]
    Wind turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one plate-shaped element (15, 31, 38, 39) is made of a fiber-reinforced material, e.g. fiber-reinforced plastic.
    [10]
    Wind turbine (1) according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one plate-shaped element (15, 31, 38, 39) is made of a first layer located between at least two second layers, wherein one of the first layers and the at least second layer have greater structural strength than the second layer.
    [11]
    Wind turbine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of plate-shaped elements (15, 31, 38, 39) are arranged relative to one another along an axial direction defined by the rotor (9).
    [12]
    Wind turbine (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that at least one mounting element (27) is arranged at at least one of the first and second ends (16, 17) of each of the plurality of plate-shaped elements (15, 31, 38). 39), wherein the at least one mounting element (24) is attached to at least one of the rear member (11) and the rotor assembly (12).
    [13]
    Wind turbine (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the at least one mounting element (24) is attached to at least one of the rear element (11) and the rotor assembly (12) with mounting means (24) or adhesives (26), or a combination thereof.
    [14]
    Wind turbine (1) according to any of the preceding claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the plurality of plate-shaped elements (31) comprise at least one first plate-shaped element (38) and at least a second plate-shaped element (39), wherein the at least one first plate-shaped element (38) from its first end towards its second end (32, 33) substantially extends in one direction relative to the rotational direction of the rotor (9), and that at least one second plate-shaped element (39) from its first end towards its other end (32, 33) essentially proceeds in an opposite direction.
    [15]
    Wind turbine (1) according to any of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the plurality of plate-shaped elements (31) comprise at least one first set of plate-shaped elements (38) and at least one second set of plate-shaped elements (39), wherein at least one of the the first set of plate-shaped elements (38) crosses at least one of the second set of plate-shaped elements (39).
    [16]
    A method of assembling a generator (7) in a wind turbine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the method is characterized by the steps of: providing a rotor (9) on a generator (7), wherein the rotor (9) ) at least comprises a rotor assembly (12); arranging a rear iron (11) of the rotor (9) relative to the rotor assembly (12); positioning at least one plate member (15, 31,38,39) relative to the rotor assembly (12) and the rear member (11); mounting a first end of the at least one plate member (15, 31, 38, 39) to the rear iron (11), and further mounting a second end of the at least one plate member (15, 31, 38, 39) to the rotor assembly (12); arranging at least one beam-shaped element (19, 20) on at least one of the side surface (23) and the corresponding side surface; and positioning at least one of the first and second ends (21, 22) relative to the at least one beam-shaped member (19, 20).
    [17]
    Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one plate-shaped element (15, 31, 38, 39) is arranged between a side surface of the rear member (11) and a corresponding side surface of the rotor structure (12), wherein the at least one plate-shaped element (15, 31, 38, 39) is angled relative to a tangential direction of at least one of the side surface (23) and the corresponding side surface.
    [18]
    Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one beam-shaped element (19, 20) and the at least one of the first and second ends (21, 22) are fixed using mounting means (24) or adhesives (26). or a combination thereof.
    [19]
    Method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the first or second end (21, 22) is mounted on the rear iron (11) or rotor assembly (12) before the rear iron is arranged relative to the rotor construction.
    [20]
    Method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the step of placing the at least one plate-shaped element (15, 31, 38, 39) comprises arranging a plurality of plate-shaped elements (15, 31, 38, 39) along a axial direction defined by the rotor (9).
    [21]
    Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the method further comprises the step of: arranging at least one mounting element (27) at at least one of the first and second ends (16, 17) of each of the plurality of plate-shaped elements (15, 31, 38, 39).
    [22]
    Method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the method further comprises the steps of: positioning at least one first plate-shaped element (38) relative to a direction of rotation of the rotor (9), so that it extends substantially in one direction. ; and positioning at least one second plate-shaped element (39) relative to the at least one first plate-shaped element (38) such that it extends substantially in an opposite direction.
    [23]
    Method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of plate-shaped elements (15, 31, 38, 39) crosses at least one other plate-shaped element (15, 31, 38, 39).
    [24]
    Method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, characterized in that at least one of the at least one plate-shaped element (15, 31, 38, 39), the at least one beam-shaped element (19, 20) and the at least one mounting element (24 , 26) is made by pultrusion or extrusion.
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    同族专利:
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    DK178986B1|2017-07-24|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US20080079323A1|2006-09-28|2008-04-03|Jiping Zhang|Superconducting coil support structures|
    EP2521252A1|2009-12-30|2012-11-07|Fundacion Tecnalia Research & Innovation|Direct-action superconducting synchronous generator for a wind turbine|
    WO2015084790A1|2013-12-04|2015-06-11|Hyper Tech Research, Inc.|Superconducting generators and motors|
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    DKPA201570843A|DK178986B1|2015-12-21|2015-12-21|Wind turbine with a superconductive generator having an improved thermally insulating structure|DKPA201570843A| DK178986B1|2015-12-21|2015-12-21|Wind turbine with a superconductive generator having an improved thermally insulating structure|
    PCT/DK2016/050383| WO2017108042A1|2015-12-21|2016-11-22|Wind turbine with a superconductive generator having an improved thermally insulating structure|
    EP16877820.7A| EP3394967A4|2015-12-21|2016-11-22|Wind turbine with a superconductive generator having an improved thermally insulating structure|
    CN201680075085.7A| CN108475981B|2015-12-21|2016-11-22|Wind turbine with superconducting generator having improved thermal insulation structure|
    US16/064,565| US10971989B2|2015-12-21|2016-11-22|Wind turbine with a superconductive generator having an improved thermally insulating structure|
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