Method and device for controlling the torque of a wind turbine generator

Abstract

A wind turbine comprising a generator configured to be driven by a rotor of the wind turbine. The generator is connected to a rectifier which is directly DC coupled to one or more electrolytic cells. The or each electrolytic cell comprises a plurality of electrolytic cells arranged into one or more stacks, each electrolytic cell comprising a pair of electrodes, each electrolytic cell stack comprising a plurality of electrical connectors. Each electrical connector is in electrical contact with an electrode of an electrolytic cell. The electrical connectors are electrically connected to the rectifier by a network of selectively operable electrical conductors configured such that some or all of the electrolytic cells are operable in dependence on operating conditions of the selectively operable electrical conductors. A method for controlling the torque of a wind turbine generator comprising controlling the operation of the selectively operable electrical conductors in dependence on the generator output characteristics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the torque of a wind turbine generator. In particular, this disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the torque of a wind turbine generator by selectively operating a locally located electrolytic cell. Background Technology

[0002] Hydrogen is well known to be a highly efficient energy carrier that releases energy without producing CO2 emissions. It can be easily stored and transported, making it a truly viable alternative to fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel. However, producing hydrogen via water electrolysis requires a significant amount of electricity, potentially reducing the positive environmental impact of using hydrogen fuels.

[0003] Hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources such as wind or solar power is environmentally ideal because no fossil fuels are used in its production. Hydrogen produced in this way is called green hydrogen. However, because wind and solar power production depends on constantly changing environmental conditions, it is practically difficult to use these energy sources to produce hydrogen efficiently. During electrolysis, hydrogen may flow against the intended direction and enter the oxygen stream. This process is called hydrogen cross-over. Especially when the available power of the electrolyzer is low (such as about 15% below the electrolyzer's nominal power), the product flow rate can be so low that hydrogen cross-over can lead to the formation of an explosive gas mixture. This is obviously an intolerable safety hazard, so in practice, electrolyzers are not operated at low loads, meaning that potentially useful green energy cannot be used to produce green hydrogen. It should be noted that the acceptable minimum nominal power (below which hydrogen cross-over becomes unacceptable) varies greatly, for example, depending on the type of electrolyzer technology, electrode efficiency, separator materials, electrolyte selection, pump flow rate (if any), electrolyzer operating mode, and pressure (dry-wet, wet-wet, or SOEC).

[0004] One particularly effective arrangement is to directly connect the electrolyzer to the wind turbine generator via a DC-coupled connection. This arrangement can potentially offer many advantages in terms of reducing converter costs and improving electrical efficiency (due to the need for fewer power electronics devices). However, a major challenge facing the DC-coupled concept is that when the voltage across the electrolyzer is low, the current through the electrolyzer drops sharply, resulting in a significant decrease in generator torque. It is well known that sudden drops in generator torque should be avoided, as this leads to load imbalance, unwanted noise, and improper rotor RPM control. This presents a significant challenge to the DC-coupled concept under low wind turbine rotor RPM.

[0005] This invention was developed in this context. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising:

[0007] A tower supporting the nacelle, wherein the nacelle supports a rotor assembly including a rotor hub and multiple rotor blades;

[0008] An electrical generator located in the nacelle, wherein the electrical generator is configured to be driven by the rotor assembly;

[0009] A rectifier electrically connected to the generator; and

[0010] A plurality of electrolytic cells arranged in one or more stacks, wherein each electrolytic cell includes a pair of electrodes, and wherein each electrolytic cell stack includes a plurality of electrical connectors, each of the plurality of electrical connectors being in electrical contact with the electrodes of the electrolytic cell.

[0011] The electrical connector can be electrically connected to the rectifier via a network of selectively operable (selectively operative) electrical conductors, the network being configured to allow some or all of the electrolytic cells to operate according to the operating conditions of the selectively operable electrical conductors.

[0012] The wind turbine of the present invention is advantageous because one or more electrolyzers (electrolyzers) are located at the wind turbine site and are directly coupled to the rectifier, thereby reducing the power transmission loss between the rectifier and the electrolyzer.

[0013] Optionally, at least one electrical connector of the electrolytic cell stack is configured to allow current to enter (flow into) the stack from multiple locations.

[0014] This is advantageous because the number of electrolytic cells used at any given time can be selected, thus optimizing the operation of the electrolyzer to better suit the generator's available power. This promotes the operation of at least some of the electrolytic cells when available power is low. Furthermore, the current through the electrolyzer can be better controlled, allowing for better control of the generator's torque under low power conditions and during startup and shutdown.

[0015] An electrical connector for at least one electrolytic cell stack may optionally be configured to allow current to leave (flow out) the stack from multiple locations.

[0016] Two of the electrical connectors (preferably two connectors on the same stack) can be connected via a bypass line (such as a selectively operating conductor bypass line) so that current can bypass at least one of the multiple electrolytic cells, such as at least one of the multiple electrolytic cells arranged between the two electrical connectors. This makes operation more flexible because the number of electrolytic cells used at any given time can vary not only based on the available power of the electrolyzer but also based on the conditions of the electrolytic cells or the total usage time. This helps to avoid overusing any section of the electrolyzer.

[0017] Wind turbines can include a single electrolytic cell stack to provide optimal encapsulation efficiency.

[0018] In one example, the selectability of the network of selectively operable electrical conductors is controlled by one or more switches. This is convenient because the switches can be easily operated to select which part of the electrolyzer is used at any given time.

[0019] Optionally, the one or more switches can be remotely controlled, allowing the operator to be located away from the wind turbine discharge site itself.

[0020] Optionally, the one or more switches are configured to be controlled by an electronic controller, so that it is possible to automatically control which sections of the electrolyzer are used at any given time.

[0021] Wind turbines may include an electrolytic cell stack located in the nacelle, a position that allows the electrolytic cells to be placed as close as possible to the generator to reduce transmission losses.

[0022] In one example, one or more electrolytic cell stacks may be located in a tower or on an external platform for easy access, maintenance and installation.

[0023] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling the torque of a wind turbine generator, the method comprising:

[0024] Operate the wind turbine configured as described above;

[0025] Determine the output characteristics of the generator; and

[0026] Based on the determined generator output characteristics, the operation of the selectively operable electrical conductor is controlled to operate part or all of the electrolytic cells.

[0027] Optionally, when the generator output characteristics meet or exceed a predetermined standard, selectively operating conductors can be controlled to operate all electrolytic cells.

[0028] Optionally, controlling the selectively operating conductor may include: controlling the selectively operating conductor to operate a first number of electrolytic cells when the generator output characteristics meet or exceed a first predetermined standard, and controlling the selectively operating conductor to operate a second number of electrolytic cells when the generator output characteristics meet or exceed a second predetermined standard, wherein the second number of electrolytic cells is more than the first number of electrolytic cells, and wherein the second predetermined standard corresponds to a higher generator power output than the first predetermined standard.

[0029] The total operating time or other wear characteristics of each electrolytic cell or group of electrolytic cells can be determined, and the operation of selecting electrolytic cells can be based on an algorithm configured to prioritize the operation of the electrolytic cell or group of electrolytic cells with the lowest total operating time or other wear characteristics.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the internal resistance of each electrolytic cell or group of electrolytic cells can be determined, and the operation of selecting electrolytic cells can be based on an algorithm configured to preferentially operate the electrolytic cell or group of electrolytic cells with the lowest internal resistance at a given current operating point.

[0031] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that all aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives listed in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and drawings, especially their individual features, may be used independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination unless these features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to amend any originally filed claim or accordingly file any new claim, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to make it subordinate to any other claim and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim, even though the original claims were not filed in this manner. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a wind turbine is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing the internal components of a wind turbine nacelle is displayed.

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the electrical connection between the wind turbine generator and the electrolyzer is displayed;

[0036] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of the electrical connection between the wind turbine generator and the electrolyzer is provided.

[0037] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a further alternative arrangement of the electrical connection between the wind turbine generator and the electrolyzer is shown;

[0038] Figure 6 Showing Figure 4 Alternative arrangements to the arrangement shown; and

[0039] Figure 7 Showing Figure 2 Alternative arrangements to the layout shown. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The detailed description of these embodiments is sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized, and structural modifications may be made, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0041] Modern horizontal axis wind turbines typically include a tower that supports the nacelle where the rotor is mounted. Offshore wind turbines may also include a transition section and an external platform located near the tower base.

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a wind turbine 1 is shown. The wind turbine 1 includes a nacelle 2 supported on a generally vertical tower 4, which itself comprises multiple tower sections 5. The nacelle 2 houses numerous functional components, including a gearbox 11 and a generator 12. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) and supports the main rotor assembly 6. The main rotor assembly 6 includes a hub 8 and multiple wind turbine blades 10 connected to the hub 8. In this example, the wind turbine 1 includes three wind turbine blades 10.

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the nacelle 2 and rotor 6 of the wind turbine 1 is shown. The nacelle 2 houses a gearbox 11, which is connected to and driven by the rotor 6. The gearbox 11 is in turn connected to a generator 12. The generator 12 includes multiple coils; three coils are described here (see [reference]). Figure 3 Thus, the generator's power output is a three-phase output. Those skilled in the art will understand that the gearbox 11 can be omitted, so the generator 12 is directly driven by the rotor 6. The generator 12 is connected to an AC / DC converter 14, which is coupled to the electrolytic cell 16 via direct DC coupling.

[0044] Water is supplied to electrolyzer 16 via pipe 18 passing through the interior of tower 4, and hydrogen produced in electrolyzer 16 is transported to the storage facility via pipe 20 passing through the interior of tower 4. In an alternative example, one or both of pipes 18 and 20 may run along the exterior of tower 4. Additional pipes (not shown) may also be provided for transporting oxygen produced in electrolyzer 16 to the storage facility. The hydrogen and / or oxygen facility may be located locally at wind turbine 1 or in a separate facility located away from wind turbine 1.

[0045] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an electrolytic cell 16 and an example configuration of the electrical connection between a generator 12 and the electrolytic cell 16 are shown. The electrolytic cell 16 includes a plurality of electrolytic cells 22 arranged in a stack. Each of the electrolytic cells 22 includes a pair of electrodes 24 for transferring current into and out of the electrolytic cell 22 during use. The electrodes 24 located between adjacent cells 22 in the stack can be electrically connected to each other via an intermediate conductor, so that current can flow in series between the cells 22 in the stack. Alternatively, the electrodes 24 located between adjacent cells 22 can be adjacent to each other or integrated together. Thus, the electrodes 24 of adjacent cells 22 in the stack can be referred to as electrically adjacent. The electrolytic cell 16 can be any suitable type of electrolytic cell known in the art, such as a PEM electrolytic cell, an alkaline electrolytic cell, or a solid oxide electrolytic cell.

[0046] The three-phase alternating current generated by generator 12 is connected to converter 14 via conductors 28a, 28b, and 28c, each of which is associated with a corresponding phase of the three phases of generator 12. The alternating current from generator 12 is converted into direct current by converter 14. In this example, converter 14 is a three-phase rectifier. However, it will be understood that any suitable converter can be used.

[0047] The electrolytic cell 16 includes a first (or input) electrical connector 19a connected to the input electrode 24 of the electrolytic cell 22 located at a first end 17a of the electrolytic cell 16, and a second (or output) electrical connector 19b connected to the output electrode 24 of the electrolytic cell 22 located at a second end 17b of the electrolytic cell 16. The output of the converter 14 is connected to the electrolytic cell 16 via a pair of electrical conductors 30a and 30b. The first electrical conductor 30a of the pair is connected to the first electrical connector 19a, and the second electrical conductor 30b of the pair is connected to the second electrical connector 19b.

[0048] In operation, when the wind turbine 1 is running, causing the generator 12 to supply power to the electrolyzer 16, current flows from the first end 17a to the second end 17b of the electrolyzer 16, thereby producing hydrogen and oxygen products. A disconnecting switch (not shown) may be included in either of the electrical conductors 30a and 30b to electrically isolate the electrolyzer 16 from the power source. This may be necessary, for example, when the available power from the generator 12 to the electrolyzer 16 is low (e.g., less than about 15% of the electrolyzer 16's rated maximum nominal load), making hydrogen cross-contamination a risk. The disconnecting switch may be a mechanical switch or an electronic switch.

[0049] Providing electrical connections along the entire length of the electrolytic cell 16 is well-known and appropriate and effective for a stable power supply that does not change with environmental conditions and for torques that do not require tight impedance matching to stabilize large rotating masses. Figure 3 The arrangement shown allows for a simple operational balance between the wind turbine 1 and the electrolyzer 16. However, this arrangement does not allow the electrolyzer 16 to operate at low power outputs of the wind turbine 1, nor does it allow for stable rotor torque at low RPMs.

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an alternative electrical connection scheme between electrolytic cell 16 and generator 12 is shown. Similar reference numerals are used to indicate similar features.

[0051] As described above, the electrolytic cell 16 includes a plurality of electrolytic cells 22 arranged in a stack.

[0052] Electrolytic cell 16 includes a plurality of electrical connectors 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, and 26f, which are connected to selected electrodes 24 of the electrolytic cells 22 constituting the stack. A first electrical connector 26a is connected to the input electrode 24 of the electrolytic cell 22 located at a first end 17a of electrolytic cell 16, and a sixth electrical connector 26f is connected to the output electrode 24 of the electrolytic cell 22 located at a second end 17b of electrolytic cell 16. Second and fourth electrical connectors 26b and 26d are connected to a first pair of electrically adjacent electrodes (which may be integral) along a portion of the electrolytic cell 22 stack, and third and fifth electrical connectors 26c and 26e are connected to a second pair of electrically adjacent electrodes (which may be integral) along another portion of the electrolytic cell 22 stack. Therefore, depending on the manner in which the electrolytic cell 16 is electrically connected, the electrolytic cell 16 can be divided into three independently operable sections 32.

[0053] The three-phase alternating current generated by generator 12 is connected to converter 14 via conductors 28a, 28b, and 28c, each of which is associated with a corresponding phase of the three phases of generator 12. The alternating current from generator 12 is converted into direct current by converter 14.

[0054] The output of converter 14 is connected to electrolytic cell 16 via a pair of conductors 30a and 30b. The first conductor 30a in this pair is connected to three branch conductors 34a, 34b, and 34c. Similarly, the second conductor 30b in this pair is connected to three branch conductors 34d, 34e, and 34f. Each of the branch conductors 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, and 34f can be selectively connected to the electrode 24 of electrolytic cell 16 via thyristors 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, and 36f.

[0055] The first branch conductor 34a is connected to the first electrical connector 26a via thyristor 36a. Similarly, the sixth branch conductor 34f is connected to the sixth electrical connector 26f via thyristor 36a. The second and fourth branch conductors 34b and 34d are connected to the second and fourth electrical connectors 26b and 26d via thyristors 36b and 36d, respectively, and the third and fifth branch conductors 34c and 34e are connected to the third and fifth electrical connectors 26c and 26e via thyristors 36c and 36e, respectively.

[0056] As is well known, current can only flow through a thyristor when a small control current is applied to its gate. Therefore, thyristors 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, and 36f constitute an electronic switch, selectively connecting branch conductors 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, and 34f to electrical connectors 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26e, and 26f of the electrolytic cell 16. Thus, different parts of the electrolytic cell 16 can be selectively operated according to the power supplied by the generator 12, which will be described in more detail below.

[0057] In operation, when the wind turbine 1 is running, causing the generator 12 to supply power to the electrolyzer 16, if the power supplied by the generator 12 to the electrolyzer 16 is 15% of the rated maximum nominal load of the electrolyzer 16, then the entire length of the electrolytic cell 22 stack constituting the electrolyzer 16 can be utilized. This can be achieved by applying a control current to the gates of the first and sixth thyristors 36a, 36f, causing the current to flow from the first end 17a to the second end 17b of the electrolyzer 16, thereby utilizing each electrolytic cell 22 in the stack. Alternatively, if the available power of the generator 12 is less than 15% of the rated maximum nominal load of the electrolyzer 16, the number of electrolytic cells 22 used can be reduced by selectively operating the thyristors 36a to 36f.

[0058] For example, if the available power of generator 12 is less than 15% but greater than or equal to 10% of the rated maximum nominal load of electrolytic cell 16, a control current can be applied to the gates of the first and fifth thyristors 36a, 36e, causing current to flow from the first end 17a through the first and second sections 32 of the battery 22 stack constituting electrolytic cell 16, thereby causing the power of the operating battery 22 to be higher than a threshold, such as about 15% higher than the rated power of the operating battery 22, even if the operating power is lower than the threshold of the entire electrolytic cell 16. Alternatively, a control current can also be applied to the gates of the second and sixth thyristors 36b, 36f, causing current to flow through the second and third sections 32 of the battery 22 stack constituting electrolytic cell 16.

[0059] If the available power of generator 12 is less than 10% of the rated maximum nominal load of electrolytic cell 16, but greater than or equal to its minimum cutoff power, a control current can be applied to the gates of the first and fourth thyristors 36a and 36d, causing the current to flow from the first end 17a only through the first section 32 of the battery stack 22. Alternatively, a control current can be applied to the gates of the second and fifth thyristors 36b and 36e, causing the current to flow only through the second section 32 of the battery stack 22. In another alternative, a control current is applied to the gates of the third and sixth thyristors 36c and 36f, causing the current to flow only through the third section 32 of the battery stack 22.

[0060] The selection of which segment(s) 32 of the electrolyzer 16 to operate at any given time can be determined by referring to the usage history and / or physical conditions of the segments 32 of the cells 22 in the fuel cell stack. For example, the electrolyzer segments 32 to be operated can be selected by referring to the total operating time of the relevant segments 32 in order to balance the total operating time among the available segments 32 as much as possible. This helps to extend the service life of the electrolyzer 16 by preventing excessive wear of one or more segments 32 of the electrolyzer 16 while keeping other segments 32 relatively idle. If one or more segments 32 of the electrolyzer 16 wear out, the entire electrolyzer 16 must be replaced. Therefore, it is desirable to distribute the total operating time as evenly as possible among the various segments 32.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the selection of which segment(s)32 of the electrolyzer 16 to operate at any given time can be determined by referring to the physical conditions of segment(s)32 of the cells 22 in the stack, such as by internal resistance and / or impedance measurements taken at a given polarization or current setpoint within a certain frequency range. For example, the internal resistance of each segment(s)32 of the electrolyzer 16 at a given polarization and / or current setpoint can be determined in real time, or, for example, by reference to a database or by internal resistance modeling, and the segment(s)32 with the lowest internal resistance can be selected. If this selection method is combined with a total usage time selection method, one or the other can be preferred, or an algorithm can be used to determine which segment(s)32 of the electrolyzer to use at any given time.

[0062] As described in the introduction, when the voltage on electrolyzer 16 is low, the current through the electrolyzer drops sharply. Consequently, the torque of generator 12 decreases significantly. By reducing the number of electrolytic cells 24 on which voltage is applied, the (series) internal resistance encountered by the voltage decreases, thus allowing the current to be maintained at a higher level. This has a dual benefit: firstly, it maintains the generator torque at an acceptable level, and secondly, it allows at least a portion of electrolyzer 16 to continue producing hydrogen under low load conditions. This ability to control the torque of generator 12 during startup and shutdown is also beneficial, as both situations typically result in lower generator torque and can lead to undesirable instability in the operation of the wind turbine generator.

[0063] Since thyristors 36a to 36f are electronic devices controlled by small gate currents, the operation of electrolytic cell 16 can be automatically controlled by a programmable logic controller (PLC) programmed with an appropriate algorithm to select which segment(s) ...(s)(s)(s)(s)(s)(s)(s)(s)(s)(s)(s)(s)(s)

[0064] Thyristors 36a to 36f can be replaced by any other suitable switch, such as an electromagnetic contact switch or a similar switch. Alternatively, thyristors 36a to 36f can also be replaced by manually operated switches.

[0065] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an alternative electrical connection scheme is shown, which is consistent with [other schemes] in all aspects. Figure 4 The electrical connection scheme is similar, but a bypass switch 37 is additionally provided in the electrical bypass line 38. The bypass line 38 is electrically connected to the second electrical connector 26b and the third electrical connector 26c of the electrolytic cell 16 to bypass the intermediate section 32 of the electrolytic cell 16 as needed during use. In one example (e.g.) Figure 5 As shown (indicated), the current indicated by the arrow can enter the stack from connector 26a via conductor 34a, exit from connector 26b via bypass line 38, then re-enter the stack from connector 26c, and finally exit from connector 26f via conductor 34f. This can be useful, for example, in the event that intermediate section 32 is faulty and therefore inoperable. Thus, providing such a selectively operable bypass line 38 allows the electrolyzer 16 to continue operating even if an intermediate section becomes inoperable. Another example where bypassing one or more electrolytic cells, stack sections, or cells from different stacks may be advantageous is prioritizing the operation of the electrolytic cell or group of electrolytic cells with the shortest total operating time, thereby making the overall wear characteristics of the stack more uniform.

[0066] Another example where bypassing one or more electrolytic cells, stack sections, or cells from different stacks may be advantageous is if one or more of the bypassed cells or connections are defective, or if defects occur during the electrolyzer's lifespan. In this case, bypassing defective cells, defective stack sections, or defective connections between cells, stack sections, or stacks (especially in series arrangements) allows the electrolyzer to continue operating with minimal capacity loss.

[0067] This is particularly advantageous if the electrolyzer comprises a large number of cells, stacks, or stack sections arranged in series, and can significantly increase the redundancy of the electrolyzer capacity. Therefore, the present invention is particularly advantageous for wind turbines with a large number of electrolytic cells arranged in series (such as those comprising hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of electrolytic cells arranged in series). The present invention may also be particularly advantageous, or alternatively, for off-grid wind turbines (where off-grid should be understood as the wind turbine having no electrical connection and not outputting the generated electrical energy, but optionally including electrolyzer product output pipes), where defects in the electrolyzer can significantly reduce the wind turbine's production capacity. With a wind turbine according to this aspect of the invention, the wind turbine can continue operating with a relatively small capacity reduction before electrolyzer maintenance, thus this is particularly advantageous for offshore wind turbines or off-grid wind turbines. For example, the situation may be relevant if there is a fault or defect in the electrical connection between adjacent cells, adjacent stack sections, or adjacent stacks, but gas or liquid separation is not (severely) affected.

[0068] Bypass circuit connections can also be used to prioritize the operation of the electrolytic cell or a group of electrolytic cells with the shortest total operating time, thereby providing the stack with more uniform overall wear characteristics.

[0069] Bypass circuit connections can also be used to prioritize the operation of the electrolytic cell or a group of electrolytic cells with the lowest internal resistance, thereby providing more efficient overall production for the stack.

[0070] For example, a selectively operable bypass line can be controlled by one or more switches (such as thyristors). Typically, a bypass line between two electrical connectors of one or more fuel cells will bypass one or more electrolytic cells, fuel cell sections, or even the fuel cell stack itself located between the two electrical connectors.

[0071] In this example, the bypass switch 37 is a thyristor. Those skilled in the art will understand that switch 37 can be any suitable type of mechanical or electronic switch, which can be locally operated or remotely operated.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will clearly see that providing bypass line 38 to allow the intermediate section of electrolytic cell 16 to be bypassed is merely an example. Furthermore, it will be clear that regarding... Figures 3 to 5 The described example electrolytic cell 16 may include any number of sections 32 and, as needed, any number of bypass lines 38 and switches 37. Furthermore, each section 32 of the electrolytic cell 16 may include one or more electrolytic cells 22.

[0073] In the above example, electrical conductors 28a, 28b, 28c, 30a, 30b, 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34e, 34f, and 38 include busbars. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, electrical conductors can include any suitable electrical conductor, such as cables or similar conductors. Depending on the specific system design, any suitable combination of electrical conductors can be used.

[0074] Figure 6 Another example of a hydrogen production system for wind turbine 1 is shown, in which three electrolyzer stacks 21a, 21b, and 21c are provided to replace Figures 3 to 5 A single electrolytic cell 16 is used. In this example, all three electrolytic cells 21a, 21b, and 21c can be used when the power supply is higher than 15% of the rated maximum nominal load of the series-operated electrolytic cells 21a, 21b, and 21c. Alternatively, depending on the available power, only one or two of the electrolytic cells 21a, 21b, and 21c can be used in the same manner described above for electrolytic cell 16. In this way, the power experienced by each operating stack is above a threshold portion of the rated power, such as above approximately 15% of the rated power. To allow series operation of electrolytic cells 21a, 21b, and 21c, electrolytic cells 21a and 21b are connected by electrical conductor 23a, and electrolytic cells 21b and 21c are connected by electrical conductor 23b.

[0075] Each of electrolytic cells 21a, 21b, and 21c includes a plurality of electrolytic cells 22. In an alternative example, each of the three electrolytic cells 21a, 21b, and 21c may be configured as described above regarding... Figures 3 to 5 The electrolyzer 16 described is divided into two or more sections in the same manner to provide greater operational flexibility and allow one or more sections (not shown) of electrolyzers 21a, 21b, 21c to operate above a threshold portion of the rated power, even if the electrolyzer is below the threshold.

[0076] It is not necessary for the electrolytic cell 16 to be electrically divided into three sections 32 or to provide three electrolytic cells 21a, 21b, 21c in place of a single electrolytic cell 16. The above description is given by way of example only. Those skilled in the art will clearly see that a single electrolytic cell 16 can be divided into any number of sections 32 as needed according to a specific system design, or that any suitable number of individual electrolytic cells 21 (a, b, c) can be used to replace a single electrolytic cell 16. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will also clearly see that if multiple individual electrolytic cells are used, they themselves can also be electrically divided into two or more sections as needed according to a specific system design.

[0077] Figure 7An alternative arrangement of the wind turbine 1 is shown, in which the electrolyzer 16 (or alternatively, electrolyzers 21a, 21b, 21c) is located on a platform 27 outside the wind turbine 1. In another alternative (not shown), the electrolyzer 16 (or alternatively, electrolyzers 21a, 21b, 21c) may be located on or within a transition section of the wind turbine 1 or within the tower 4. To reduce transmission losses and achieve the most efficient system possible, the electrolyzer is preferably no more than 10 meters away from the generator 12, and more preferably no more than 5 meters away.

[0078] Technicians will clearly see that the application of this technology is not limited to the testing and manufacturing of wind turbine blades, nor is it limited to the manufacturing of general composite material components. This technology can be used in any automated process that requires precise tool positioning near the workpiece.

Claims

1. A wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising: A tower supporting the nacelle, wherein the nacelle supports a rotor assembly including a rotor hub and multiple rotor blades; An electrical generator located in the nacelle, wherein the electrical generator is configured to be driven by the rotor assembly; A rectifier electrically connected to the generator; and A plurality of electrolytic cells arranged in one or more stacks, wherein each electrolytic cell includes a pair of electrodes, and wherein each stack includes a plurality of electrical connectors, each of the plurality of electrical connectors being in electrical contact with a corresponding electrode of a corresponding electrolytic cell. The electrical connector is electrically connected to the rectifier via a network of selectively operating electrical conductors, the network being configured to enable some or all of the electrolytic cells to operate according to the operating conditions of the selectively operating electrical conductors. The plurality of electrical connectors are configured such that current can enter the fuel cell stack from some of the electrical connectors and exit the fuel cell stack from others, and The network includes a bypass line and a bypass switch. The bypass line connects two electrical connectors of the same battery pack to each other, and the bypass switch is configured to selectively allow current to flow through the bypass line to bypass at least one electrolytic cell disposed between the two electrical connectors.

2. The wind turbine according to claim 1, wherein the wind turbine comprises a single fuel cell stack.

3. The wind turbine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The selectability of a network of selectively operating electrical conductors is controlled by one or more switches.

4. The wind turbine according to claim 3, wherein, The one or more switches are configured to be controlled by an electronic controller.

5. The wind turbine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wind turbine includes a fuel cell stack located in the nacelle.

6. The wind turbine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wind turbine includes a fuel cell stack located in the tower.

7. A method for controlling the torque of a wind turbine generator, the method comprising: Operating a wind turbine configured according to any one of claims 1 to 6; Determine the output characteristics of the generator; as well as Based on the determined generator output characteristics, the operating conditions of the selectively operable electrical conductor are controlled to operate part or all of the electrolytic cells, wherein current is selectively allowed to flow through the bypass line by controlling the bypass switch to bypass the at least one electrolytic cell.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the method comprises: When the generator output characteristics meet or exceed a predetermined standard, the operating conditions of the selectively operating electrical conductor are controlled to operate all electrolytic cells.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the method comprises: When the generator output characteristics meet or exceed a first predetermined standard, the operating conditions of the selectively operable electrical conductor are controlled to operate a first number of electrolytic cells. And when the generator output characteristics meet or exceed a second predetermined standard, control the operating conditions of the selectively operable electrical conductor to operate a second number of electrolytic cells, wherein the second number of electrolytic cells is more than the first number of electrolytic cells, and wherein the second predetermined standard corresponds to a higher generator power output than the first predetermined standard.

10. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the method comprises: Determine the total running time of each electrolytic cell or group of electrolytic cells, and select electrolytic cells based on algorithmic operations configured to prioritize the operation of the electrolytic cell or group of electrolytic cells with the shortest total running time.

11. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the method comprises: Determine the internal resistance of each electrolytic cell or group of electrolytic cells, and select electrolytic cells based on algorithmic operations configured to prioritize the operation of the electrolytic cell or group of electrolytic cells with the lowest internal resistance.

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