Wind turbine and method for constructing a wind turbine

Abstract

A wind turbine comprises a tower (2), a tower adapter (4) attached to the tower (2), and a nacelle (3) attached to the tower adapter (4), whereby the tower adapter (4) houses at least one electrical device (5, 6) of the wind turbine (1) for regulating or switching electric power provided by a generator (7) of the wind turbine (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a tower, a tower adapter attached to the tower and a nacelle attached to the tower adapter. The invention also relates to a method for constructing a wind turbine. Background Art

[0002] There are various methods known in the art for constructing wind turbines, particularly offshore wind turbines. Offshore wind turbine construction typically begins with setting a foundation, such as a gravity foundation, a monopile foundation, a triple-pile foundation, or a jacket foundation. In most cases, a monopile foundation, which is placed by hammering a steel monopile into the seabed soil, is easiest to use. After the foundation is attached to the seabed, a transition piece can be installed onto the foundation. This typically requires additional time for grouting the transition piece and for the grout to cure. The tower is then mounted onto the transition piece, and the nacelle is subsequently installed on top of the tower. The blades can then be attached to the nacelle, typically using a single-blade installation method that requires the use of tools to rotate the hub.

[0003] Once these components are installed, additional electronics, such as switchgear and electronics for power conditioning, may be installed into the tower or transition piece.

[0004] The aforementioned method for constructing a wind turbine is quite complex and time-consuming. Mounting the nacelle atop the tower is also often quite complex, as the tower is typically connected to a yaw gear or bed frame within the nacelle, while the nacelle's canopy or support frame typically extends directly below this attachment point. Consequently, during nacelle attachment, the attachment point must be raised significantly above its final resting position. This additional lift height to accommodate the required clearance can be quite high, increasing installation complexity and the need for a lifting crane. In the event of a crane failure, this can also result in the nacelle falling from a relatively high height, potentially damaging the nacelle.

[0005] To improve the connection between a wind turbine tower and the section of the wind turbine resting thereon, document EP 2 620 644 A1 proposes the use of a connecting portion arranged to engage with the nacelle of the wind turbine. This connecting portion comprises a first flange at the interface with the nacelle and a substantially tubular adapter element on which the first flange is arranged. This adapter element can be considered the uppermost tower section of the tower and can be assembled together with the yaw ring of the wind turbine to form a yaw system, particularly at ground level before the two elements are raised together to the level at which the adapter is to be installed. While this improves certain steps in wind turbine assembly, wind turbine manufacturing remains a complex process.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a wind turbine which allows easier construction, in particular for offshore use. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This problem is solved by the initially discussed wind turbine, wherein a tower adapter houses at least one electrical device of the wind turbine for regulating or switching the electrical power provided by a generator of the wind turbine.

[0008] By housing at least some of the devices for regulating or switching electrical power within the tower adapter, the installation of such devices or devices can be simplified. In particular, such devices or devices can be installed onshore within the tower adapter, which also allows for testing of components and the installed configuration prior to installation on the wind turbine. As discussed in more detail below, the tower adapter can be attached to the nacelle before the nacelle is mounted on the tower. This ensures that the nacelle's component structures and the tower adapter's attachment point to the tower are positioned relatively close to the base of the structure, thereby eliminating the need to significantly raise the attachment point above its final resting position, as initially discussed. Thus, using a tower adapter with electrical devices installed within it allows for easier installation of the tower's nacelle and simultaneously reduces the need to install the electrical devices on-site, particularly offshore, since they can be pre-installed in the tower adapter. Consequently, the inventive design of the wind turbine provides multiple advantages when constructing the wind turbine.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous when all the equipment for power conditioning and / or switching of the power supplied to the generator is housed in the tower adapter or in the tower adapter and the nacelle. For example, the tower adapter can be pre-installed on the nacelle, and thus, essentially all the electrical components of the wind turbine can be assembled before the structure is delivered to the construction site, particularly an offshore location. This allows the complete electrical system for power conditioning and switching, and possibly some additional equipment and components of the wind turbine, to be installed in essentially the same step as the nacelle. The only remaining step is to connect the external power and communication cables.

[0010] The one or more devices housed in the tower adapter are particularly accessible to maintenance personnel from the nacelle. If the nacelle is accessed, for example, by helicopter or by a crane mounted to the nacelle, it may not be necessary to allow maintenance personnel access to the interior of the tower or the foundation beneath the tower adapter. This allows the use of a substantially empty foundation and tower. In particular, the lower portion of the tower can be airtight, thus avoiding any problems associated with corrosion, etc.

[0011] Since electrical installations and other associated equipment are preferably accessible from the nacelle, the tower may not require an access door at its base. This avoids potential weaknesses in the tower's construction, such as its steel construction. Depending on the characteristics of the wind turbine being constructed and the details of the construction process, it may still be advantageous to provide a breakaway hatch at the tower's top level if this is required to potentially allow access to the interior of the tower.

[0012] In order to allow access to the nacelle and thus potentially to the tower adapter, the nacelle may be equipped with a platform for personnel landing via a helicopter and / or an optional remotely controlled crane which may be used to lift the personnel-carrying platform to the nacelle.

[0013] Switchgear and / or converters and / or transformers can be housed as electrical equipment in the tower adapter. In particular, it is possible for several or all instances of the aforementioned types of electrical equipment to be housed in the tower adapter. It is also possible for the aforementioned electrical equipment, in particular all instances of the aforementioned types, to be distributed between the nacelle and the tower adapter. The aforementioned equipment can be installed in a controlled environment, for example, at an onshore facility, prior to offshore installation.

[0014] A wind turbine may include at least one power cable for transmitting the electricity generated by the generator to an external installation and / or a communication cable for communicating with the external installation, wherein the power cable and / or the communication cable terminate in a tower adapter or a connector attached to the tower and connected to another cable, which is connected to at least one electrical device housed in the tower adapter. In other words, the connections to the external installation for communication or power transmission purposes can terminate in the tower adapter or in an area of ​​the tower where they can be easily connected to the device in the tower adapter. In particular, it is possible that the transmitted power or communication signals are not conditioned in any other way within the wind turbine once they leave the tower adapter. This makes it possible, in particular, to avoid any equipment for power or signal conditioning below the location of the tower adapter.

[0015] The external facility may be, for example, a substation or control facility for an offshore or onshore wind farm. For example, the power cable may be an array cable used to connect multiple wind turbines, such as in an offshore or onshore wind farm, to a substation, or the power cable may be used to connect a wind turbine directly to the power grid. As discussed in more detail below, during construction of the wind turbine, the array cable may be secured to the top of the tower. After the tower adapter is connected to the tower, the array cable may then be connected to a connector on the tower adapter or directly to a device mounted in the tower adapter. The same method may also be used for other power or communication cables.

[0016] Alternatively, a connector may be placed in the top end of the tower and then pre-installed cables, such as jumper cables, in a tower adapter that may be connected to switchgear mounted in the tower adapter may be connected to the connector. It may be advantageous to use a common connector or junction box to provide a connection for multiple power cables, such as all array cables and / or communication cables, through a single plug-and-play connection.

[0017] The power conditioning provided by the one or more electrical devices may include, for example, conversion between AC and DC current, frequency conversion for AC current, transformation between different voltage levels, etc. Switchgear may be used, for example, to disconnect components and / or disconnect power cables connecting the wind turbine to external facilities. A wind turbine may be connected to multiple power and / or communication cables.

[0018] At least one connector in the tower adapter can be connected to a corresponding power or communication cable and provides power or signals that have been conditioned for the external installation, so that after the connection point between the connector and the cable, no further components of the wind turbine, in particular no active components, need to be switched or conditioned for the power or conditioned signals.

[0019] The power cables may be provided with connectors to allow a quick plug-and-play connection between the respective cables and the tower adapter. For example, a T-connector may be used, which allows stacking of multiple connections. Preferably, only one cable is connected to each connector.

[0020] The communication cables may in particular be optical fiber cables. The power and / or communication cables may be pre-installed in the tower, in particular before the tower is connected to the foundation. For offshore wind turbines, the installation of the power and / or communication cables in the tower may be performed onshore, for example.

[0021] The tower may include a cable retainer beneath the tower adapter to hold power and / or communication cables before the tower adapter is installed. The cable retainer holds a length of cable, allowing it to be connected to the tower adapter's connector after installation. Using a cable retainer enables certain terminations to be performed on the cables. Accessories such as connectors can be used as needed. Connectors and other accessories can be installed before the nacelle is installed, which reduces installation time and vessel costs during offshore installations.

[0022] The cables may be installed in the tower before the tower is installed at the wind turbine site, or pulled into the tower and secured to cable holders at the construction site.

[0023] As will be discussed in more detail below, it may be advantageous to have a maintenance platform mounted below the tower adapter to allow maintenance personnel to work in this area. The cable retainer can be easily accessed from the maintenance platform. For example, the cable retainer can be mounted on the maintenance platform or on a wall of the tower above the maintenance platform.

[0024] The tower may include a maintenance platform below the tower adapter, accessible via an opening in the tower adapter. The opening in the tower adapter is preferably closable by a hatch or some other means. For example, the tower adapter may include a platform or floor covering substantially the entire horizontal area of ​​the tower adapter beyond the opening. The maintenance platform is preferably accessible only from this opening and / or from a detachable hatch that connects the maintenance platform to the interior of the tower.

[0025] The use of a maintenance platform allows maintenance personnel to easily access the lower part of the tower adapter, which can be used during the construction and / or maintenance of the wind turbine. The combined use of the tower adapter and the maintenance platform allows for easy maintenance of, for example, switchgear and cables. For example, cables pre-installed in the tower can be connected to the connectors of the tower adapter from this platform and / or the platform can be used during the attachment of the tower adapter to the tower. For example, the platform can be used to apply grout to the connection area between the tower and the tower adapter, connecting these components by welding or bolting, in particular using internal flanges, etc. The use of such a maintenance platform is particularly advantageous because it provides a safe working environment for maintenance personnel, especially if it covers essentially the entire horizontal area of ​​the tower and thus ensures that equipment or personnel cannot fall from the platform.

[0026] Preferably, the wind turbine includes an opening for connecting the nacelle to the tower adapter. This opening can be provided in the floor of the nacelle and / or in the top platform or ceiling of the tower adapter. Connecting the nacelle to the tower adapter via the opening facilitates servicing of electrical components, since preferably all electrical components can be arranged in a common area formed by the nacelle and the tower adapter. This allows for easy and rapid maintenance throughout the life of the wind turbine. Preferably, the opening is closable by a hatch or similar device. In a preferred embodiment, the tower adapter is accessible only via this opening and, optionally, from the aforementioned maintenance platform. Thus, the tower adapter is easily accessible from the nacelle and allows maintenance personnel, for example, to repair or replace electrical devices or other components installed in the tower adapter, or to continue via the tower adapter to a maintenance platform in order to, for example, connect or disconnect power or communication cables.

[0027] The tower adapter may also house other components of the wind turbine. For example, the tower adapter may house battery backup and / or cooling equipment and / or cable supports for supporting power and / or communication cables and / or controllers and / or a tower adapter platform. Arranging all or some of these components in the tower adapter allows these components to be easily installed together with the tower adapter without taking up any space in the nacelle. Placing the components in the tower adapter rather than in the nacelle is also advantageous because it lowers the center of gravity and reduces the loads on moving parts, such as the yaw drive of the nacelle. All new components as well as the previously mentioned components can be easily placed in the tower adapter. Preferably, they can be integrated into the tower adapter as a module, for example as part of a plug-in module that houses the electrical components described below. Additional components can, for example, be housed on the same tower adapter platform as the electrical components and / or mechanical equipment, and / or on separate platforms.

[0028] When the wind turbine's generator is not providing any power or is not providing sufficient power, the battery backup system can be used to power components of the wind turbine. This avoids the need for external power, for example, when starting or shutting down the wind turbine or during maintenance. The battery backup system can also be used to power the aforementioned electrical devices. Additionally or alternatively, it can power the yaw drive of the nacelle, the yaw drive of the rotor blades, drive the generator to overcome friction during startup, and so on.

[0029] The controller can be used to control the parameters of the aforementioned electrical devices, such as the converter, to adjust the power provided by the generator to match the power requirements of internal components and / or external facilities. It can also be used to control the yaw drive of the nacelle, the yaw angle of the blades, and other parameters, depending on external power requirements, weather conditions such as wind speed, and other operating parameters.

[0030] The cooling device can be used to cool the mentioned electrical devices, in particular power converters.

[0031] The use of one or more platforms within the tower adapter may be advantageous as it may facilitate access for maintenance personnel and / or provide space for attaching one or more electrical devices or other components.

[0032] The tower adapter can be connected to the tower via a slip joint or flange connection. A slip joint can be formed, for example, by forming the lower end of the tower adapter into a hollow tube and using a tower with a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow tube. This hollow tube can then slide along the outside of the tower during connection. Alternatively, a tower formed into a hollow tube can be used, into which the tower adapter, having a slightly smaller diameter, can be slid.

[0033] If, for example, the hollow tube and the inserted portion of the other component are approximately cylindrical, a stopper is required to limit the tower adapter from sliding downward along or within the tower. However, this is not necessary if the lower end of the tower and, optionally, the tower adapter, has a tapered shape. Because the tower widens toward the bottom, the hollow tube formed by the tower adapter can still slide a certain distance before the diameter of the tower exceeds the diameter of the opening, thereby preventing further sliding of the tower adapter.

[0034] An advantage of using a sliding joint is that the attachment of the tower adapter to the tower is already achieved by the weight of the tower adapter and the nacelle itself and therefore it is not absolutely necessary that the tower adapter is bolted or welded to the tower.

[0035] Various embodiments of sliding joints are known from the prior art, for example from documents EP 2 910 686 A2 and EP 3 255 210 A2. These methods or other methods for realizing a sliding joint can be used to connect a tower adapter to a tower in the wind turbine.

[0036] An alternative to using a slip joint would be to use a flange connection formed by flanges, for example, connected by welding, gluing, or bolting. Flanges can be, for example, T-flanges, L-flanges, X-flanges, or any other type of flange. In particular, for bolting, corresponding internal or external flanges can be provided on the tower adapter and the top of the tower. Optionally, grouting can be used in the connection area.

[0037] Sliding joints can also be used to connect the tower to the foundation of the wind turbine. Using this method, the assembly of the wind turbine can be further accelerated.

[0038] The tower adapter can accommodate an insert module, which comprises at least two tower adapter platforms connected by a connecting element, wherein at least one of these tower adapter platforms carries an electrical device or at least one of these electrical devices. This can further reduce the amount of work required to construct the wind turbine. The insert module can be used to pre-install and test the electrical devices and other devices to be deployed in the tower adapter. The completed insert module can then be inserted into the tower adapter.

[0039] For example, the sidewalls of the transition piece may include protrusions that support one or more of the tower adapter platforms once the plug-in module is inserted into the tower adapter from the top before the tower adapter is connected to the nacelle. However, the plug-in module may also be inserted into the tower adapter after the tower adapter is connected to the nacelle. For example, the tower adapter may be open at the bottom, and the plug-in module may be inserted into the tower adapter from below, for example, by lowering the tower adapter over the plug-in module, and then secured to the tower adapter, for example, by welding, bolting, gluing, etc.

[0040] According to documents DE 10 2016 219 413 A1 and WO 2018 / 133965 A1, plug-in modules carrying electrical components installed in a tower are known. By providing a matching attachment structure in the tower adapter, such plug-in modules can also be used with the tower adapter.

[0041] The plug-in module or more generally the tower adapter may also house storage space, eg for food supplies, emergency accommodation eg for maintenance personnel and / or mechanical equipment, such as vibration dampers for the tower.

[0042] The use of a tower adapter and the integration of at least part of the power conditioning and / or switchgear in the tower adapter, and in particular the integration of all switchgear and power conditioning equipment in the nacelle and tower adapter, enables several advantages. The tower adapter and the complete electronics in the nacelle can be preassembled and tested starting with the switchgear. After installing the tower adapter and the attached nacelle, further electrical installation can be limited to connecting power and / or communication cables between the tower and the tower adapter. Preferably, all components that may require maintenance can be moved from the tower to the nacelle or tower adapter. In addition to the components already discussed, this can also include, for example, dampers for reducing tower vibrations.

[0043] This method also allows for a very clean design of the tower and foundation, such as a monopile. Aside from power and / or communication cables or, for example, plastic pipes or other housings for these cables, the tower and foundation can be empty. Since personnel access to the interior of the tower is unnecessary, the tower can be airtight below certain points, such as the aforementioned maintenance platform. This also allows for limiting the coating areas of the tower and foundation. For example, only the outside of the tower can be coated to prevent corrosion, since the interior is sealed from the air. In the case of a monopile, the foundation can be coated only in the top area, for example.

[0044] The present invention also relates to a method for constructing a wind turbine, wherein a tower adapter is attached to a provided tower of the wind turbine, the tower adapter being connected to the nacelle of the wind turbine and housing at least one electrical device of the wind turbine for regulating or switching the power provided by the wind turbine's generator. The tower is preferably mounted to the foundation of the wind turbine. The features of the wind turbine according to the invention, and in particular those relating to its construction, can be incorporated into the method according to the invention. The method according to the invention is particularly useful for constructing a wind turbine according to the invention.

[0045] The wind turbine may be an offshore wind turbine, wherein one or more electrical devices installed in the tower adapter are tested onshore before the tower adapter is transferred to the offshore location of the tower. This reduces the complexity of offshore operations and, therefore, the cost and complexity of installing the wind turbine. This can reduce the amount of installation, and in particular the amount of electrical connections required, performed offshore. Installation of the devices in the tower adapter can be performed in a controlled environment, such as at a factory.

[0046] At least one power and / or communication cable can be pre-installed in the tower and connected to a connector on the tower adapter after the tower adapter is mounted on the tower. This has been discussed in detail previously. Preferably, the power and / or communication cable is installed onshore before the tower is transported to the prepared offshore foundation. The connector of the tower adapter can be a connector that is connected to, for example, at least one of the electrical devices via a cable and is mounted, for example, at an easily accessible location on the tower adapter. However, it is also possible to connect the connector of the tower adapter directly to, for example, an electrical device housed in the tower adapter, such as a switchgear. In other words, the pre-installed cable can be connected directly to one of the electrical devices or to other equipment housed in the tower adapter. Routing the cable directly to, for example, the switchgear can be a quick and simple way to provide an offshore electrical installation.

[0047] It is also possible to pre-install multiple power and / or communication cables in the tower and connect them to a common connector attached to the tower before installing the tower adapter on the tower. Multiple additional cables attached to electrical devices, particularly switchgear, are then connected to the common connector after the tower adapter is installed on the tower. This common connector can be, for example, a junction box that terminates all array cables. The additional cables can be jumper cables from the switchgear pre-installed in the tower adapter. The complete electrical connection from the nacelle to the tower adapter and to the tower can then be achieved through a simple plug-and-play connection of these additional cables to the common connector. The connection of these additional cables can be achieved by providing a separate connector for each additional cable or by using another common connector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are only schematic diagrams designed for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present invention. The accompanying drawings schematically show:

[0049] Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine according to the present invention;

[0050] Figure 2 is an intermediate step of an exemplary embodiment of a method for constructing a wind turbine according to the present invention;

[0051] Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment of a method for constructing a wind turbine according to the present invention is Figure 2 The intermediate steps shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figure 1 A wind turbine 1 is shown having a tower 2 and a nacelle 3. In the example, an offshore wind turbine is shown, which is attached to the seabed 20 via a foundation 19. Although the discussed method for reducing the complexity of constructing a wind turbine is particularly advantageous for offshore wind turbines, it can also be advantageously used for onshore wind turbines.

[0053] Wind turbine 1 includes a tower adapter 4 that connects tower 2 to nacelle 3. Tower adapter 4 houses a plurality of electrical devices 5 and 6 for regulating and switching the power provided by generator 7. For clarity, only two of devices 5 and 6 are shown. However, it may be advantageous to install all components for switching and regulating the power of generator 7 within tower adapter 4 or within both tower adapter 4 and nacelle 3.

[0054] Devices 5 and 6 may include, for example, switchgear, at least one converter, and / or at least one transformer. Power conditioning is performed to provide power with the necessary parameters to internal devices and to external facilities, such as an offshore wind farm substation, onshore facilities, etc., via power cables 13. Although only a single power cable 13 is shown connecting wind turbine 1 to the external facilities, this limitation is for clarity. Typically, wind turbine 1 will be connected via multiple power cables 13 and, typically, also via at least one communication cable. The following discussion regarding the connection of power cables 13 also applies to the other power cables 13 and communication cables.

[0055] The electrical devices 5, 6 may already be installed in the tower adapter 4 before the tower adapter 4 is connected to the tower 2. It is also advantageous to connect the nacelle 3 to the tower adapter before the tower adapter 4 is connected to the tower 2. The installation of the electrical devices 5, 6 and optionally the connection between the tower adapter 4 and the nacelle 3 may also be performed onshore.

[0056] To facilitate installation of the devices 5, 6 within the tower adapter 4, the devices 5, 6 can be installed as pre-assembled plug-in modules 8, which can be pre-assembled and tested, for example, before being attached to the tower adapter 4. The plug-in modules 8 include a plurality of tower adapter platforms 9, 10 and connecting elements 11 connecting these platforms. The electrical devices 5, 6 for regulating and switching the power provided by the generator 7 can be pre-installed on these platforms 9, 10. Additional equipment 21 for operating the wind turbine 1, such as battery backup for the wind turbine, cooling equipment, controllers, etc., can also be installed on these platforms 9, 10 or on other parts of the plug-in modules 8 or on the tower adapter 4.

[0057] The plug-in module 8 is preferably inserted into the tower adapter 4 from the top before the nacelle 3 is attached to the top of the tower adapter 4. The protrusions 12 in the wall of the tower adapter 4 can then support the platforms 9, 10. Although it may be advantageous to bolt or otherwise secure the platforms 9, 10 to the protrusions 12 or otherwise secure the plug-in module 8 to the wall of the tower adapter 4, the major part of the load of the plug-in module 8 is already carried by the protrusions 12, thus simplifying the attachment of the plug-in module 8 to the tower adapter 4.

[0058] Sliding joints 17, 18 are used to connect the tower 2 to the foundation 19 and to connect the tower adapter 4 to the tower 2. This allows these components to be installed very quickly and easily. Since the electrical devices 5, 6 and other equipment 21 are already pre-installed and tested in the tower adapter 4, only very limited electrical installation is required on site. This is particularly true if the nacelle 3 has already been connected to the tower adapter 4 on shore, since in this case, only the connection of the power cables 13 or the connection of the communication cables to the external facilities needs to be completed. These power cables 13 and communication cables can, for example, be provided with connectors 14, which are connected to connectors 15 of the tower adapter 4. In order to allow easy access to the connections, the tower 2 can be provided with a maintenance platform 16, which allows maintenance personnel to easily access the connectors 14, 15 and optionally other equipment installed below the platform 9.

[0059] Now refer to Figure 2 Details regarding the attachment of the tower adapter 4 to the tower 2 are discussed. Figure 2 Slightly different constructions of the nacelle 3 and tower converter 4 are shown, but both embodiments are based on the same principles and individual features are freely transferable between the embodiments.

[0060] exist Figure 2In the embodiment shown in FIG, the tower adapter 4 has not yet been attached to the tower 2. However, it has already been connected to the nacelle 3, and the resulting combination of the two components is lifted onto the top of the tower 2 by a crane 22. The tower adapter 4 is then lowered as indicated by arrow 23. At some point, the outer diameter of the top of the tower 2 will be larger than the inner diameter of the tower adapter 4, as indicated by the dashed line 24. The distance 25 that the tower adapter 4 needs to be lifted above its final resting position in order to attach it to the tower is relatively small. Therefore, the need for a crane 22 is limited. The small distance 25 also limits potential damage to the tower adapter 4 if it falls due to a malfunction of the crane 22.

[0061] Due to the tapered shape of the tower 2 and the tower adapter 4, the opening at the bottom of the tower adapter 4 is relatively wide. Therefore, the positioning of the tower adapter 4 and the nacelle 3 above the tower 2 does not need to be perfect, but only needs to have a certain tolerance. Even if the initial positioning is within a certain tolerance, once the inner wall of the tower adapter 4 contacts the outer wall of the tower 2, the tower adapter 4 will automatically center and thus stop in the perfect position.

[0062] Once the tower adapter 4 has been lowered onto the tower, the final steps may be performed by personnel who may be transferred to the nacelle, for example, by helicopter or by a crane lifting the platform 28 . Figure 1 The example in FIG shows a landing point 26 for landing personnel via a helicopter and a crane 27 of the nacelle 3, which can be used to raise and lower a platform 28, for example to lift personnel from a ship. Once the personnel are in the nacelle 3, they can enter the interior of the tower adapter 4 via an opening 29 and from there into the maintenance platform 16 via an opening 30. The openings 29, 30 can be closed by hatch covers 31, 32 or similar means.

[0063] If you have already referred Figure 1 As discussed, the tower adapter 4 comprises electrical devices 5, 6 for regulating or switching the power provided by the generator 7 and further components 21. Figure 1 The components are installed via the plug-in module 8, Figure 2 An example is shown where the components are mounted directly within the tower adapter 4. This configuration also allows for testing of the components on shore at the installation location.

[0064] The power cable 13, as well as any other power or communication cables, can be pre-installed in the tower 2, preferably onshore. The free end of the cable 13 and its connector 14 can be attached to a cable holder 33 mounted so as to be easily accessible from the maintenance platform 16. Once the tower adapter 4 has been lowered onto the tower 2, maintenance personnel can access the maintenance platform 16 via the openings 29, 30, remove the cable 13 from the cable holder 33, and attach the connector 14 to the connector 15. Once all cables are connected, the wind turbine installation is complete. This allows for very rapid installation of the wind turbine.

[0065] It may be advantageous to seal the opening 34 for the cable 13 in an airtight manner to seal the interior of the tower 2 below the service platform 16 from air. This can be used, for example, to avoid corrosion of the tower 2, even when the tower 2 is not coated on its interior.

[0066] Now refer to Figure 3 A slight variation of the method discussed in the previous examples is discussed. Figure 3 Shown with Figure 2 The same situation is shown in FIG. 1 , with some minor modifications. Therefore, only the differences between the two examples will be discussed.

[0067] Instead of the sliding joint 17 used in the previous example to connect the tower adapter 4 to the tower 2, Figure 3 The flange connection 35 is used in the tower adapter. The tower adapter is arranged by the crane 22 so that the flange 36 of the tower adapter 4 overlaps the flange 37 of the tower 2. The flanges 36, 37 can then be connected, for example by bolting or welding, to fix the tower adapter 4 to the tower 2.

[0068] In this example, internal flanges 36, 37 are used for the connection. These flanges 36, 37 are accessible to maintenance personnel from the maintenance platform 16. Alternatively, external flanges could be used, for example.

[0069] Figure 3 Also shown is a method for further stringing together the connection of a plurality of cables 13 to the tower adapter. A plurality of cables 13, for example all array cables for a wind turbine 1, may be pre-installed in the tower 2 and connected to a common connector 38 or junction box. Further cables 40 may then be pre-installed on electrical devices 5, 6, in particular switchgear, housed in the tower adapter 4 and provided with corresponding connectors 39 or a common connector connected to all other cables 40. Once the tower adapter 4 is attached to the tower, the electrical installation may then be completed simply by connecting the connectors 39 or the common connector for the further cables 40 to the common connector 38 mounted to the tower. Please note that although for clarity, Figure 3Other cables 40 are shown hanging naturally, but these will typically be secured to the tower adapter during installation, for example by cable retainers.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and a skilled person will be able to derive other variations from the disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wind turbine comprising a tower (2), a tower adapter (4) attached to the tower (2), and a nacelle (3) attached to the tower adapter (4), characterized in that The tower adapter (4) accommodates at least one electrical device (5, 6) of the wind turbine (1) for regulating or switching the power provided by the generator (7) of the wind turbine (1), wherein the tower adapter (4) is connected to the tower (2) by a sliding joint (17) or a flange connection (35), and when connected to the tower, the tower adapter forms an outer wall structure of the wind turbine from the tower to the nacelle, wherein the wind turbine (1) includes at least one power cable for transmitting the power generated by the generator (7) to external facilities and / or a communication cable for communicating with the external facilities, and wherein the tower (2) includes a maintenance platform (16) below the tower adapter (4), and the opening (34) of the maintenance platform (16) for the cable can be closed in an airtight manner to close the interior of the tower (2) below the maintenance platform (16) to air.

2. The wind turbine according to claim 1, wherein Switchgear and / or converters and / or transformers are accommodated in the tower adapter (4) as electrical devices (5, 6).

3. The wind turbine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The power cable and / or the communication cable terminates in the tower adapter (4) or in a connector (38), the connector (38) being attached to the tower (2) and connected to a further cable (40), the further cable (40) being connected to at least one electrical device (6) housed in the tower adapter (4).

4. The wind turbine according to claim 3, wherein: The tower (2) comprises a cable holder (33) below the tower adapter (4) for holding power cables and / or communication cables before the tower adapter (4) is installed.

5. The wind turbine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The service platform (16) is accessible via an opening (30) in the tower adapter (4).

6. The wind turbine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The wind turbine comprises an opening (29) connecting the nacelle (3) to the tower adapter (4).

7. The wind turbine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The tower adapter (4) also houses battery backup and / or cooling equipment and / or cable supports for supporting the power cables and / or communication cables and / or controllers and / or tower adapter platforms (9, 10).

8. The wind turbine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The tower adapter (4) accommodates an insert module (8), the insert module (8) comprising at least two tower adapter platforms (9, 10) connected by a connecting element (11), wherein at least one of the tower adapter platforms (9, 10) carries at least one of the electrical devices (5, 6).

9. A method for constructing a wind turbine, characterized in that A tower adapter (4) is attached to a provided tower (2) of the wind turbine (1), the tower adapter (4) being connected to a nacelle (3) of the wind turbine (1) and accommodating at least one electrical device (5, 6) of the wind turbine (1) for regulating or switching the electrical power provided by a generator (7) of the wind turbine (1), wherein the tower adapter (4) is connected to the tower (2) by means of a sliding joint (17) or a flange connection (35) and, when connected to the tower, the tower adapter forms the wind turbine (1). An outer wall structure of a turbine from the tower to the nacelle, wherein the wind turbine (1) includes at least one power cable for transmitting the power generated by the generator (7) to an external facility and / or a communication cable for communicating with the external facility, and wherein the tower (2) includes a maintenance platform (16) below the tower adapter (4), and the opening (34) of the maintenance platform (16) for the cable can be closed in an airtight manner to close the interior of the tower (2) below the maintenance platform (16) to prevent air.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The wind turbine (1) is an offshore wind turbine, wherein the electrical device (5, 6) installed in the tower adapter (4) is tested on shore before the tower adapter (4) is transferred to an offshore location of the tower (2).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that At least one power cable and / or communication cable is pre-installed in the tower (2) and connected to the connector (15) of the tower adapter (4) after the tower adapter (4) is mounted to the tower (2).

12. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that A plurality of power cables and / or communication cables are pre-installed in the tower (2) and connected to a common connector (38) attached to the tower (2) before the tower adapter (4) is mounted on the tower (2), wherein after the tower adapter (4) is mounted to the tower (2), a plurality of further cables (40) attached to the electrical devices (5, 6) are connected to the common connector (38).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The electrical devices (5, 6) are switchgear.

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