Wind turbine system with external power supply and method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wind turbine system comprising a main power supply line for supplying power to a wind turbine component, an internal backup power supply, and a first converter configured to convert power from the internal backup power supply and provide power to the main power supply line. The wind turbine system also includes an external power supply configured to provide power to the main power supply line, and an external power supply switch disposed between the external power supply and the main power supply line. The external power supply is further configured to provide power to the internal backup power supply. The present disclosure also relates to a method for providing a power supply to a main power supply line of a wind turbine system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wind turbine system including a backup power supply, and in particular to a wind turbine system including an external power supply. The present disclosure also relates to a method for providing a power supply to a wind turbine component. Background Art

[0002] Modern wind turbines are often used to supply electricity to an electrical grid. Such wind turbines generally comprise a tower and a rotor arranged on the tower. The rotor, which typically comprises a hub and a plurality of blades, is set to rotate under the influence of the wind on the blades. This rotation generates a torque, which is usually transmitted to a generator via a rotor shaft (either directly ("direct drive" or "gearless") or by using a gearbox). In this way, the generator produces electricity that can be supplied to an electrical grid.

[0003] The hub of the wind turbine may be rotatably coupled to the front of the nacelle. The hub of the wind turbine may be connected to the rotor shaft, and the rotor shaft may then be rotatably mounted in the nacelle using one or more rotor shaft bearings arranged in a frame inside the nacelle. The nacelle is a housing arranged on top of the wind turbine tower that may house and protect the gearbox (if present) and the generator (if not placed outside the nacelle) and (depending on the wind turbine) additional components such as a power converter, and auxiliary systems.

[0004] Wind turbines generally include auxiliary systems such as pitch control systems, ventilation and temperature regulation systems, communication systems, oil pump systems, and other systems that require electrical power for operation. The power used to operate these systems is generally available from the grid.

[0005] If a grid loss occurs, i.e. if for any reason the wind turbine is prevented from obtaining power from and supplying power to the grid, some of the electrical systems of the wind turbine may stop working. In order to be able to prolong the operation of at least some auxiliary systems of the wind turbine when the grid is unavailable, it is known to provide one or more energy storage and / or energy supply devices. For example, it is known to use batteries or supercapacitors as internal backup power supplies, and / or to use diesel generators or solar panels as external power supplies.

[0006] In order to keep important auxiliary systems operational for extended periods of time, a large amount of power supply / storage and / or a relatively large energy supply / storage may be required.

[0007] Furthermore, during commissioning of a wind turbine, particularly for offshore wind turbines, the power grid may be unavailable, and one or more energy storage and / or energy supply devices may be used to act as a power source and provide power to various auxiliary systems of the wind turbine involved in commissioning. In particular, a storage device for supplying backup power to a wind turbine yaw system may be used to perform commissioning tasks, while a diesel generator may be used to supplement the backup power supply or supply power to auxiliary power systems when necessary.

[0008] In order to meet the requirements of auxiliary systems of wind turbines, diesel generators need to be of large size. Diesel generators used in wind turbines are usually of size >100kVA, and transportation and installation are extremely challenging and expensive, especially for offshore wind turbines.

[0009] The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus to at least partially overcome some of the aforementioned deficiencies. Summary of the invention

[0010] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a wind turbine system is provided. The wind turbine system includes a main power supply line for supplying power to wind turbine components, an internal backup power supply, and a first converter configured to convert power from the internal backup power supply and provide power to the main power supply line. The wind turbine system also includes an external power supply configured to provide power to the main power supply line, and an external power supply switch arranged between the external power supply and the main power supply line. The external power supply is further configured to provide power to the internal backup power supply.

[0011] According to this aspect, the internal backup power supply can be used to meet the power demand from the main power supply line, and the external power supply can be used to charge the internal backup power supply at the same time, allowing to optimize the available energy. The nominal power storage in the internal backup power supply can be reduced, because it can be replenished when needed. In addition, the commissioning time of the wind turbine or wind farm can be reduced, because commissioning tasks requiring power can be scheduled without interruption. A reduction in the size of the external power supply may be possible, reducing its cost. It may even be possible to use a small renewable power source, such as a solar panel instead of a diesel generator.

[0012] Throughout this disclosure, an internal backup power supply may refer to a system or device that is located in a wind turbine and is at least partially configured to store electrical energy that can be supplied to certain components of the wind turbine for use in providing power to them, for example, if the power grid is unavailable. A UPS may be used in conjunction with batteries or supercapacitors. Terms such as auxiliary power source, stored energy, and energy storage device / system may be used interchangeably herein.

[0013] Throughout this disclosure, supplying power to wind turbine components may be understood as supplying electrical power to auxiliary systems in the wind turbine that require electrical power for operation.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for providing power to components of a wind turbine is provided. The method includes supplying power to a main power supply line connected to the wind turbine components using an internal backup power supply; and simultaneously charging the internal backup power supply using an external power supply.

[0015] In another aspect, a backup power supply system for a wind turbine is provided. The backup power supply system includes an internal backup power supply arranged in the wind turbine; and an external power supply, wherein the external power supply is configured to charge the internal backup power supply when the internal backup power supply supplies power to the wind turbine to provide power to wind turbine components.

[0016] Technical Solution 1. A wind turbine system, comprising:

[0017] a main power supply line for supplying power to wind turbine components;

[0018] Internal backup power supply unit;

[0019] a first converter configured to convert power from the internal backup power supply and provide power to the main power supply line;

[0020] an external power supply configured to provide power to the main power supply line, and

[0021] an external power supply switch arranged between the external power supply section and the main power supply line,

[0022] Wherein, the external power supply unit is further configured to provide power to the internal backup power supply unit.

[0023] Technical Solution 2. A wind turbine system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the external power supply unit is an engine generator, in particular a diesel generator.

[0024] Technical Solution 3. A wind turbine system according to Technical Solution 1 or 2, wherein the external power supply unit includes a renewable power source, in particular one or more solar panels.

[0025] Technical Solution 4. A wind turbine system according to any one of Technical Solutions 1-3, wherein the internal backup power supply comprises one or more batteries and / or supercapacitors.

[0026] Technical Solution 5. A system according to any one of Technical Solutions 1-4, wherein the internal backup power supply is configured to provide backup power to the yaw system of the wind turbine.

[0027] Technical Solution 6. A wind turbine system according to any one of Technical Solutions 1-5, wherein the power of the external power supply unit is lower than the power of the main power supply line, optionally wherein the external power supply unit has a power of 20-55 kWA.

[0028] Technical Solution 7. The system according to any one of Technical Solutions 1-6 further includes a second converter to convert the power supplied by the external power supply unit to the internal backup power supply unit.

[0029] Technical solution 8. A method for providing power to a component of a wind turbine, wherein the method comprises:

[0030] utilizing an internal backup power supply to supply power to a main power supply line connected to components of the wind turbine; and

[0031] The internal backup power supply is simultaneously charged using an external power supply.

[0032] Technical Solution 9. A method according to Technical Solution 8, wherein the external power supply unit is a diesel generator having a power lower than that of the main power supply line, optionally having a power of 20-55 kWA.

[0033] Technical Solution 10. The method according to Technical Solution 8 or 9 further includes using a second converter to adapt the power supplied by the external power supply to the internal backup power supply.

[0034] Technical Solution 11. The method according to Technical Solutions 8-10 also includes using the external power supply unit to continuously charge the internal backup power supply unit, and also includes using the external power supply unit to charge the internal backup power supply unit when the internal backup power supply unit does not supply power to the main power supply line.

[0035] Technical solution 12. The method according to technical solutions 8-11 comprises:

[0036] receiving a power demand from the main power supply line;

[0037] utilizing the internal backup power supply to supply power to the main power supply line to meet the power demand; and

[0038] The internal backup power supply is charged using the external power supply while the internal backup power supply supplies power to the main power supply line.

[0039] Technical solution 13. The method according to any one of technical solutions 8-11 further includes:

[0040] receiving a power demand from the main power supply line; and

[0041] Power is supplied to the main power supply line using the external power supply and using the internal backup power supply to meet the power demand.

[0042] Technical Solution 14. The method according to Technical Solution 12 or 13, wherein the power demand is generated during a grid loss event.

[0043] Technical Solution 15. The method according to Technical Solution 12 or 13, wherein the power demand is generated during commissioning of the wind turbine.

[0044] Additional objects, advantages, and features of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the description, or may be learned through practice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a wind turbine;

[0046] Figure 2 An example of a hub and nacelle of a wind turbine is shown;

[0047] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example of a wind turbine system according to the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 4 A flow chart showing an example of a method for providing power supply to a main power supply line of a wind turbine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are shown in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not intended to be limiting. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the teachings. For example, a feature shown or described as a part of an embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet other embodiments. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0050] Figure 1is a perspective view of an example of a wind turbine 10. In the example, wind turbine 10 is a horizontal-axis wind turbine. Alternatively, wind turbine 10 may be a vertical-axis wind turbine. In the example, wind turbine 10 includes a tower 15 extending from a support system 14 on the ground 12, a nacelle 16 mounted on tower 15, and a rotor 18 coupled to nacelle 16. Rotor 18 includes a rotatable hub 20, and at least one rotor blade 22 coupled to hub 20 and extending outwardly from hub 20. In the example, rotor 18 has three rotor blades 22. In alternative embodiments, rotor 18 includes more or less than three rotor blades 22. Tower 15 may be made of tubular steel to define a cavity (not shown) between support system 14 and nacelle 16. Figure 1 ). In alternative embodiments, the tower 15 is any suitable type of tower having any suitable height. According to an alternative, the tower may be a hybrid tower, which includes a portion made of concrete and a tubular steel portion. In addition, the tower may be a partial or full lattice tower.

[0051] Rotor blades 22 are spaced about hub 20 to facilitate rotating rotor 18 to enable kinetic energy to be converted from the wind into usable mechanical energy and subsequently into electrical energy. Rotor blades 22 are coupled to hub 20 by coupling blade root portions 24 to hub 20 at a plurality of load transfer regions 26. Load transfer regions 26 may have hub load transfer regions and blade load transfer regions (both not in the same Figure 1 ). Loads induced to rotor blades 22 are transferred to hub 20 via load transfer regions 26 .

[0052] In an example, rotor blades 22 may have a length in a range from about 15 meters (m) to about 90 m or more. Rotor blades 22 may have any suitable length that enables wind turbine 10 to function as described herein. For example, non-limiting examples of blade lengths include 20 m or less, 37 m, 48.7 m, 50.2 m, 52.2 m, or a length greater than 91 m. When wind strikes rotor blades 22 from a wind direction 28, rotor 18 rotates about rotor axis 30. When rotor blades 22 rotate and are subjected to centrifugal forces, rotor blades 22 are also subjected to various forces and moments. In this way, rotor blades 22 may deflect and / or rotate from a neutral position or a non-deflected position to a deflected position.

[0053] In addition, the pitch angle of rotor blades 22 (i.e., the angle that determines the orientation of rotor blades 22 relative to the wind direction) can be changed by pitch system 32 to control the load and the power generated by wind turbine 10 by adjusting the angular position of at least one rotor blade 22 relative to the wind vector. A pitch axis 34 is shown for rotor blades 22. During operation of wind turbine 10, pitch system 32 can specifically change the pitch angle of rotor blades 22 such that the angle of attack of (portions of) the rotor blades is reduced, which facilitates reducing the rotational speed and / or facilitating stalling of rotor 18.

[0054] In an example, the blade pitch of each rotor blade 22 is individually controlled by wind turbine controller 36 or by pitch control system 80. Alternatively, the blade pitch for all rotor blades 22 may be controlled simultaneously by the control system.

[0055] Furthermore, in an example, as wind direction 28 changes, nacelle 16 may be rotated about yaw axis 38 to position rotor blades 22 relative to wind direction 28 .

[0056] In the example, the wind turbine controller 36 is shown as being centralized within the nacelle 16, however, the wind turbine controller 36 may be a distributed system throughout the wind turbine 10, on the support system 14, within the wind farm, and / or at a remote control center. The wind turbine controller 36 includes a processor 40 configured to perform the methods and / or steps described herein. In addition, many of the other components described herein include a processor.

[0057] As used herein, the term "processor" is not limited to the integrated circuits known in the art as computers, but broadly refers to controllers, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), application specific integrated circuits, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. It should be understood that the processor and / or control system may also include memory, input channels, and / or output channels.

[0058] Figure 21 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a wind turbine 10. In the example, the wind turbine 10 includes a nacelle 16 and a rotor 18 rotatably coupled to the nacelle 16. More specifically, the hub 20 of the rotor 18 is rotatably coupled to a generator 42 positioned within the nacelle 16 by a main shaft 44, a gearbox 46, a high-speed shaft 48, and a coupling 50. In the example, the main shaft 44 is arranged at least partially coaxial with a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the nacelle 16. The rotation of the main shaft 44 drives the gearbox 46, which then drives the high-speed shaft 48 by converting relatively slow rotational movement of the rotor 18 and the main shaft 44 into relatively fast rotational movement of the high-speed shaft 48. The latter is connected to the generator 42 with the help of the coupling 50 for generating electrical energy. In addition, a transformer 90 and / or suitable electronic devices, switches and / or inverters may be arranged in the nacelle 16 to transform the electrical energy generated by the generator 42 having a voltage between 400 V and 1000 V into electrical energy having a medium voltage (e.g., 10-35 KV). The electrical energy is conducted from the nacelle 16 to the tower 15 via power cables.

[0059] The gearbox 46, the generator 42 and the transformer 90 may be supported by the main support structural frame of the nacelle 16, which may optionally be implemented as a main frame 52. The gearbox 46 may include a gearbox housing connected to the main frame 52 by one or more torque arms 103. In the example, the nacelle 16 also includes a main front support bearing 60 and a main rear support bearing 62. In addition, the generator 42 may be mounted to the main frame 52 by a decoupling support device 54, in particular to prevent vibrations of the generator 42 from being introduced into the main frame 52 and thereby causing a source of noise emission.

[0060] Optionally, the main frame 52 is configured to carry the weight of the components of the rotor 18 and the nacelle 16 and the entire load caused by wind and rotational loads, and in addition, introduce these loads into the tower 15 of the wind turbine 10. The rotor shaft 44, the generator 42, the gearbox 46, the high-speed shaft 48, the coupling 50, and any associated fastening, support and / or fixing devices (which include but are not limited to the main frame 52 and the front support bearing 60 and the rear support bearing 62) are sometimes referred to as the drive train 64.

[0061] In some examples, the wind turbine may be a direct drive wind turbine without a gearbox 46. In a direct drive wind turbine, the generator 42 operates at the same rotational speed as the rotor 18. Therefore, they generally have a much larger diameter than the generators used in wind turbines with a gearbox 46 for providing a similar amount of power compared to a wind turbine with a gearbox.

[0062] The nacelle 16 may also include a yaw drive mechanism 56 that may be used to rotate the nacelle 16 , and thereby the rotor 18 , about the yaw axis 38 to control the angle of the rotor blades 22 relative to the wind direction 28 .

[0063] In order to properly position the nacelle 16 relative to the wind direction 28, the nacelle 16 may also include at least one meteorological measurement system 58, which may include a wind vane and anemometer. The meteorological measurement system 58 may provide information to the wind turbine controller 36, which may include the wind direction 28 and / or wind speed. In an example, the pitch system 32 is at least partially arranged as a pitch assembly 66 in the hub 20. The pitch assembly 66 includes one or more pitch drive systems 68 and at least one sensor 70. Each pitch drive system 68 is coupled to a corresponding rotor blade 22 (at Figure 1 ), for adjusting the pitch angle of rotor blades 22 along pitch axis 34. Figure 2 Only one of three pitch drive systems 68 is shown.

[0064] In the example, pitch assembly 66 includes at least one pitch bearing 72 coupled to hub 20 and to a corresponding rotor blade 22 (at Figure 1 34) for rotating the corresponding rotor blade 22 about the pitch axis 34. The pitch drive system 68 includes a pitch drive motor 74, a pitch drive gearbox 76, and a pitch drive pinion 78. The pitch drive motor 74 is coupled to the pitch drive gearbox 76 so that the pitch drive motor 74 imparts mechanical force to the pitch drive gearbox 76. The pitch drive gearbox 76 is coupled to the pitch drive pinion 78 so that the pitch drive pinion 78 is rotated by the pitch drive gearbox 76. The pitch bearing 72 is coupled to the pitch drive pinion 78 so that rotation of the pitch drive pinion 78 causes rotation of the pitch bearing 72.

[0065] Pitch drive system 68 is coupled to wind turbine controller 36 for adjusting the pitch angle of rotor blades 22 upon receipt of one or more signals from wind turbine controller 36. In an example, pitch drive motor 74 is any suitable motor driven by electrical power and / or a hydraulic system that enables pitch assembly 66 to function as described herein. Alternatively, pitch assembly 66 may include any suitable structure, configuration, arrangement, and / or component, such as, but not limited to, a hydraulic cylinder, a spring, and / or a servo mechanism. In certain embodiments, pitch drive motor 74 is driven by energy extracted from the rotational inertia of hub 20 and / or a stored energy source (not shown) that supplies power to components of wind turbine 10.

[0066] The pitch assembly 66 may also include one or more pitch control systems 80 for controlling the pitch drive system 68 according to control signals from the wind turbine controller 36 in the event of a particular priority situation and / or during an overspeed of the rotor 18. In an example, the pitch assembly 66 includes at least one pitch control system 80 that is communicatively coupled to a corresponding pitch drive system 68 for controlling the pitch drive system 68 independently of the wind turbine controller 36. In an example, the pitch control system 80 is coupled to the pitch drive system 68 and to the sensor 70. During normal operation of the wind turbine 10, the wind turbine controller 36 may control the pitch drive system 68 to adjust the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22.

[0067] According to an embodiment, a power generator 84 (e.g., including a battery and a capacitor) is arranged at or within the hub 20 and is coupled to the sensor 70, the pitch control system 80, and the pitch drive system 68 to provide a power source to these components. In an example, the power generator 84 provides a continuous power source to the pitch assembly 66 during operation of the wind turbine 10. In an alternative embodiment, the power generator 84 provides power to the pitch assembly 66 only during an electrical power loss event of the wind turbine 10. The electrical power loss event may include a power grid loss or drop, a fault in the electrical system of the wind turbine 10, and / or a failure of the wind turbine controller 36. During the electrical power loss event, the power generator 84 operates to provide electrical power to the pitch assembly 66 so that the pitch assembly 66 can operate during the electrical power loss event.

[0068] In the example, pitch drive system 68, sensor 70, pitch control system 80, cables, and power generator 84 are each positioned in a cavity 86 defined by an inner surface 88 of hub 20. In alternative embodiments, the components are positioned relative to an outer canopy surface of hub 20 and may be coupled directly or indirectly to the outer canopy surface.

[0069] Figure 3 A wind turbine system according to an example of the present disclosure is schematically shown. The wind turbine system includes a main power supply line 200 for supplying power to wind turbine components, an internal backup power supply 110, and a first converter 130, the first converter 130 being configured to convert power from the internal backup power supply 110 and provide power to the main power supply line 200.

[0070] The wind turbine system further includes an external power supply 120 configured to provide power to the main power supply line 200, and an external power supply switch 135 disposed between the external power supply 120 and the main power supply line 200. The external power supply 120 is further configured to provide power to the internal backup power supply 110.

[0071] The wind turbine system allows the internal backup power supply to be charged while it is supplying power to the main power supply line. The power available in the internal backup power supply for performing a specific task or supplying a specific component is not limited to its storage level at a given moment, because the batteries and / or supercapacitors in the internal backup power supply can be charged and replenished during their use. Peak power can be achieved without the use of an external power supply, and an external power supply with reduced power capacity can be used, allowing the size of the external power supply to be drastically reduced, saving cost and time.

[0072] Figure 3 The arrows in indicate the direction along which power can be supplied. Figure 3 As schematically shown in the example of , the wind turbine system may be arranged such that the main power supply line 200 receives power from the internal backup power supply 110 and / or from the external power supply 120. The main power supply line 200 may supply the received power to different auxiliary systems in the wind turbine (e.g., control and communication systems, ventilation systems, etc.).

[0073] In addition, the external power supply 120 is connected to the internal backup power supply 110 so that it can supply power to the internal backup power supply 110 .

[0074] The internal backup power supply 110 may include one or more batteries and / or supercapacitors that may be charged or discharged depending on the requirements of the electrical system of the wind turbine. In some examples, the internal backup power supply 110 may have a power capacity that may be equal to or greater than the maximum consumption of the most basic auxiliary systems of the wind turbine. In some examples, the internal backup power supply 110 may have a nominal power of 50-180 KVA. In some examples, the internal backup power supply 110 may be configured to provide backup power to the yaw system of the wind turbine.

[0075] Internal backup power supply 110 may be arranged in the wind turbine or in any suitable location relative to wind turbine 10. In some examples, one or more internal backup power supplies may be placed within nacelle 16. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , an internal backup power supply 110 (also referred to as a power generator 84) is shown for the pitch system 32 of the blades 22. It should be understood that in other examples, such an internal backup power supply 110 may be placed in other locations, such as in the tower, at or near the base of the tower, in the transition piece, and others. It should also be understood that in FIG. Figure 2 In the example of or in other examples, an additional internal backup power supply 110 may also be provided. The internal backup power supply 110 may also be arranged within the wind farm so that it can supply electrical power to more than one wind turbine 10.

[0076] Furthermore, the internal backup power supply 110 is connected to the main power supply line 200 through a first converter 130 which is configured to convert the power supply and provide power to the main power supply line 200 .

[0077] exist Figure 3 In the example shown in , the first converter 130 may include a rectifier stage and an inverter stage. In the rectifier stage, an electric power converter may convert direct current (DC) power from the internal backup power supply 110 from one voltage level to another voltage level. In the inverter stage, another converter may then convert the direct current (DC) power to alternating current (AC) power and may supply it to the main power supply line 200 at an appropriate voltage and frequency.

[0078] In some examples, internal backup power supply 110 may be charged by main power supply line 200 or by external power supply 120 .

[0079] The generator 42 of the wind turbine generates AC power of variable frequency (caused by changing wind conditions). During normal operation of the wind turbine, the AC power generated from the wind turbine generator 42 can be used to charge the internal backup power supply 110, and power can be supplied to the internal backup power supply 110 from the main power supply line 200 of the wind turbine. Therefore, the first converter 130 can also be configured to adjust the power output from the generator 42 to a power output suitable for the internal backup power supply 110, for example, to a DC power with a certain fixed frequency.

[0080] The external power supply 120 may be located in an external part of the wind turbine. The external power supply 120 may have a power lower than the power supplied by the main power supply line. It may be mainly used to maintain a positive energy balance in the internal backup power supply 110, and its nominal power may not need to be equal to or greater than the maximum consumption of the important electrical systems of the wind turbine (i.e., the electrical systems powered by the internal backup power supply).

[0081] Therefore, the external power supply 120 may include much smaller sizes than those used in the art. An external power supply with reduced size may provide significant cost reduction because all steps regarding its transportation and installation may be performed without using costly resources (e.g., large cranes). In some examples, the external power supply may have a power of 20-55 kWA. In some examples, the external power supply may supply 12-15 amperes (A) to the internal backup power supply 110.

[0082] In some examples, the external power supply 120 may be an engine generator, in particular a diesel generator. In other examples, the external power supply 120 may be a renewable power source, such as one or more solar panels.

[0083] like Figure 3 , the external power supply switch 135 is arranged between the external power supply 120 and the main power supply line 200. The switch can adjust the connection between the main power supply line 200 and the external power supply 120, and can provide two alternative ways to guide power. In some examples, or during some time periods, the external power supply switch 135 allows power to be supplied from the external power supply 120 to the main power supply line 200. In other examples, or during other time periods, the external power supply switch 135 can be positioned so that the power generated from the external power supply 120 is directed toward the internal backup power supply 110.

[0084] Therefore, the power generated in the external power supply 120 may be directly supplied to the main power supply line 200 , or may be used to charge the internal backup power supply 110 .

[0085] The wind turbine system may include a second converter 125 to convert power supplied by the external power supply to the internal backup power supply. In some examples, the wind turbine system may include a unidirectional AC / DC converter module 125 connecting the external power supply 120 and the internal backup power supply 110 so that the AC power generated in the external power supply 120 can be converted to DC power and can be used to charge the internal backup power supply 110.

[0086] In some examples, the external power supply 120 may be configured to adapt the power supplied to the internal backup power supply 110. The external power supply 120 may include a controller that may be configured to detect the power provided by the internal backup power supply 110 to the wind turbine main line 200 and adjust the amount of power generated by the external power supply 120. The amount of power supplied to the internal backup power supply 110 may be adjusted so that the external power supply 120 does not generate more power than it must.

[0087] Figure 4 A flow chart showing a method for providing power to components of a wind turbine. The method includes: at box 402, supplying power to a main power supply line 200 connected to the wind turbine components using an internal backup power supply; and, at box 404, simultaneously charging the internal backup power supply using an external power supply.

[0088] In some examples, the method may include receiving a power demand from a main power supply line 200, utilizing an internal backup power supply unit 110 to supply power to the main power supply line 200 to meet the power demand; and utilizing an external power supply unit 120 to charge the internal backup power supply unit 110 while the internal backup power supply unit 110 supplies power to the main power supply line 200.

[0089] In some examples, the power demand may be generated during wind turbine commissioning.

[0090] In other examples, power demand may arise during a grid loss event, where a wind turbine is disconnected from the grid.

[0091] When reference is made throughout this disclosure to the fact that a wind turbine is (electrically) disconnected from the grid, it is understood that the wind turbine is prevented from supplying and drawing electrical power to / from the grid.

[0092] In some examples, the power supplied by external power supply 120 may be the same as the power leaving internal backup power supply 110 so that internal backup power supply 110 remains fully charged after it is used.

[0093] In other examples, the power supplied by the external power supply 120 to the internal backup power supply 110 may be adapted to the actual requirements of the internal backup power supply 110 .

[0094] The power supplied by the external power supply 120 to the internal backup power supply 110 may be less than the power supplied by the internal backup power supply 110 to the main power supply line 200. The external power supply 120 may include a controller that may be capable of determining the amount of power that the external power supply 120 needs to provide so that the power stored in the battery and / or supercapacitor of the internal backup power supply 110 is not depleted before the power demand from the main power supply line 200 is met.

[0095] In these examples, if the controller detects that the internal backup power supply 110 can be fully charged without the external power supply 120 producing a nominal amount of power, the external power supply 120 may reduce and adapt the power supplied to the internal backup power supply 110, for example from 15 to 10A.

[0096] The method thus allows optimizing the energy available in the internal backup power supply by using only the necessary amount of power to maintain charging of the internal backup power supply while it is providing power to the main power supply line, for example during wind turbine commissioning or a grid loss event.

[0097] Since peaks in power caused by power demands of the main power supply line can be met by the internal backup power supply by itself, the requirements of the external power supply are reduced. Hence, a smaller more manageable external power supply can be used in the wind turbine system.

[0098] In other examples, the method may include utilizing the external power supply 120 to continuously charge the internal backup power supply 110. The external power supply may charge the internal backup power supply slowly, for example at 10A, until the latter is fully charged.

[0099] Even though the external power supply 120 can charge the internal backup power supply 110 when it provides power to the main power supply line 200, the internal backup power supply 110 may not be at its highest power capacity after it is used. In such cases, the external power supply 120 can continue to supply power to the internal backup power supply. Therefore, in some examples, the method may include using the external power supply 120 to charge the internal backup power supply 110 when the internal backup power supply 110 is not supplying power to the main power supply line 200.

[0100] In some examples, the energy present in the internal backup power supply 110 may not be sufficient to cover the energy requirements of the main power supply line 200. The external power supply 120 may then be used to supply additional power to the main power supply line 200. In these examples, the method may include receiving a power demand from one of the main power supply lines 200, and supplying power to the main power supply line 200 using the external power supply 120 and using the internal backup power supply 110 to meet the power demand.

[0101] In other examples, the power generated by the external backup power supply may be sufficient to meet the requirements of the main power supply line 200 .

[0102] In another example, the method may further include supplying power to the main power supply line 200 using the external power supply 120 if the power demand can be supplied by the external power supply 120, and supplying power to the wind turbine using the internal backup power supply 110 if the power demand cannot be supplied by the external power supply.

[0103] Power can be directly supplied from the external power supply unit 120 to the main power supply line 200 , and since unnecessary discharge of the internal backup power supply unit 110 can be avoided, the power supply can be more efficient.

[0104] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a backup power supply system 100 for a wind turbine is provided. The system 100 includes an internal backup power supply 110 and an external power supply 120 arranged in the wind turbine. The external power supply is configured to charge the internal backup power supply 110 when the internal backup power supply 110 supplies power to a main power supply line 200 of the wind turbine to provide power to wind turbine components.

[0105] In some examples, the power of the external power supply 120 may be lower than the power of the main power supply line. In some examples, the external power supply 120 may have a power of 20-55 kWA.

[0106] In some examples, the external power supply 120 from the internal backup power supply system may be a diesel generator. In other examples, the external power supply 120 may be a renewable power source. In some examples, the external power supply 120 may include a solar panel.

[0107] In some examples, external power supply 120 may include a power converter 125 to adapt the power supplied by external power supply 120 to internal backup power supply 110 .

[0108] This written description uses examples to disclose teachings, including preferred embodiments, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the teachings, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The scope of the patent application is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims, such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described and other known equivalents for each such aspect may be mixed and matched by a person of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques according to the principles of the application. If reference symbols associated with the figures are placed in brackets in the claims, they are only intended to increase the understandability of the claims and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A wind turbine system, comprising: a main power supply line (200) for supplying power to wind turbine components; Internal backup power supply unit (110); a first converter (130) configured to convert power from the internal backup power supply (110) and provide power to the main power supply line (200); an external power supply (120) configured to provide power to the main power supply line (200), and an external power supply switch (135), the external power supply switch (135) being arranged between the external power supply section (120) and the main power supply line (200), Wherein, the external power supply unit (120) is further configured to provide power to the internal backup power supply unit (110).

2. The wind turbine system according to claim 1, wherein: The external power supply unit (120) is an engine generator, in particular a diesel generator.

3. The wind turbine system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The external power supply (120) comprises a renewable power source, in particular one or more solar panels.

4. The wind turbine system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The internal backup power supply (110) includes one or more batteries and / or supercapacitors.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The internal backup power supply (110) is configured to provide backup power to a yaw system of the wind turbine.

6. The wind turbine system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The power of the external power supply (120) is lower than the power of the main power supply line, and optionally, the external power supply has a power of 20-55 kWA.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a second converter (125) to convert power supplied by the external power supply (120) to the internal backup power supply (110).

8. A method (400) for providing power to a component of a wind turbine, wherein: The method comprises: utilizing an internal backup power supply (110) to supply power (402) to a main power supply line (200) connected to components of the wind turbine; and At the same time, the external power supply unit (120) is used to charge the internal backup power supply unit (110) (404).

9. The method (400) of claim 8, wherein: The external power supply (120) is a diesel generator having a power lower than that of the main power supply line, optionally having a power of 20-55 kWA.

10. The method (400) of claim 8 or 9, further comprising using a second converter to adapt the power supplied by the external power supply (120) to the internal backup power supply (110).

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