Wind turbine and network chopper

Abstract

This invention provides a wind turbine and a network choke. The wind turbine has a nacelle in which an inverter and a network choke are disposed, the network choke being connected to the output of the inverter. The network choke has three choke coils and a yoke, wherein the yoke has a lower yoke portion and an upper yoke portion. Each choke coil has a first end face and a second end face, and a core located between the first end face and the second end face. Each choke coil has a first water cooling unit that abuts against the end of the core via its first end. The second end of the water cooling unit serves as a winding contact surface and has a rounded or curved design. Each choke coil has at least one additional water cooling unit having a straight first end and a curved or rounded second end serving as a winding contact surface, wherein the additional water cooling unit is arranged between two winding segments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to wind turbines and wind turbine network chokes. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2016 122 435 A1 shows a wind turbine with a synchronous generator, inverter and network choke.

[0003] The network choke in a wind turbine serves as a core filter and protection element between the wind turbine's inverter and the public power grid. Its fundamental task is to improve power quality and ensure that the generated energy is optimally delivered to the grid. Specifically, the network choke reduces harmonics caused by the inverter by smoothing high-frequency current components. This guarantees higher power quality and compliance with grid connection guidelines.

[0004] Simultaneously, the network choke protects the system's sensitive electronic components from network feedback, such as sudden voltage spikes or load fluctuations, and limits inrush currents that may occur during wind turbine startup. In this way, the network choke minimizes both mechanical and electrical loads on the components. Furthermore, the inductive characteristics of the network choke contribute to the stability of the entire system by suppressing interaction between the wind turbine and the power grid and preventing resonance.

[0005] Typically, network chokes are designed as air coil inductors or iron-core chokes. Network chokes are constructed to meet the requirements of the power grid without reducing the efficiency of the wind turbine.

[0006] Given the specific operating conditions and high electrical and thermal loads, the requirements for cooling the network choke in wind turbines are particularly stringent. The network choke must be able to continuously dissipate the heat generated by current losses in the coils and core losses. Especially under such high loads during wind turbine operation, this heat generation can lead to severe overheating if a suitable cooler is not provided.

[0007] The cooler for a network choke must be able to maintain the operating temperature of the network choke within a safe range under all operating conditions. The cooler must be configured to operate effectively even under maximum load to prevent overheating and resulting material damage. Uniform heat dissipation is particularly important to minimize thermal stress within choke components such as the coil and core, and thus extend the choke's lifespan.

[0008] In addition, the cooler must be robust and reliable to withstand the environmental conditions of wind turbines. Wind turbines are typically located in environments with extreme temperature fluctuations, high atmospheric humidity, salty marine air, or other corrosive effects. The cooling components must be able to withstand these external conditions without compromising their performance. This requires the use of corrosion-resistant materials and structural designs that prevent the intrusion of dust, moisture, or other contaminants.

[0009] Another requirement is the energy efficiency of the cooler. Since the overall performance of a wind turbine can be compromised by any internal consumption, the cooling system of the network choke should operate as energy-efficiently as possible. This can be achieved through passive cooling methods, such as natural convection, or by using energy-efficient active cooling systems, such as fans or liquid coolers.

[0010] In addition, noise generated by the cooler also plays a role. Especially in active cooling systems such as fans, measures must be taken to minimize noise levels in order to meet the stringent noise protection regulations for wind turbines.

[0011] Furthermore, when the network choke is installed in the nacelle of the system, the requirements for the cooler of the network choke in the wind turbine are particularly demanding. In this location, the network choke also faces specific general requirements arising from the special conditions within the nacelle, such as heat dissipation, resistance to environmental impacts, and energy efficiency.

[0012] Space in the cabin is often limited, which hinders the construction and integration of effective cooling systems. Therefore, coolers must have a compact design and fit seamlessly into the existing cabin infrastructure without obstructing access to other critical components or airflow within the cabin.

[0013] The ambient temperature in the cabin can be significantly increased by waste heat from other system components, such as generators or inverters. This places additional demands on the heat load capacity and efficiency of the coolers. In such cases, active cooling systems, such as those with forced ventilation, may be required to keep the operating temperature within safe ranges. It is essential to ensure that the cooling system can reliably handle the additional heat dissipation even under extreme ambient temperatures.

[0014] Because the nacelle is continuously exposed to intense vibrations and mechanical loads during wind turbine operation, the cooler must be mechanically stable. Fasteners and materials must permanently withstand vibrations and load variations without compromising functionality or heat dissipation efficiency.

[0015] In addition to thermal and mechanical loads, the nacelle may also be exposed to extreme weather conditions. Particularly in offshore wind turbines, cooling systems must be corrosion-resistant to withstand salty air and moisture. Effective dustproof, fouling-proof, and moisture-proof seals are equally crucial to ensuring system functionality.

[0016] Finally, noise generated within the nacelle is also a critical factor. Cooling the network choke should not lead to excessive noise pollution, as excessive noise pollution can negatively impact wind turbine noise protection regulations and the working environment for maintenance personnel. Innovative methods such as vibration-damping fans or passive cooling systems can provide remedies in this regard.

[0017] In the priority application of this application, the European Patent Office has searched the following documents: CN 201 820 596 U, CN 104 008 859 A, DE 20 2011 110750 U1, CN 103 227 030 A, CN 205 159 050 U, CN215 069 577 U, DE 10 2016 122435 A1, DE 20 2013 011286 U1, WO 2012 / 100810 A1 and CN 105 280 333 A. Summary of the Invention

[0018] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine and a network choke that improves the cooling of the network choke in the wind turbine and can reduce power loss.

[0019] This objective is achieved by the wind turbine provided in this application and the wind turbine network choke provided in this application.

[0020] Therefore, a wind turbine with a nacelle is provided. A generator, an inverter, and a network choke are disposed in the nacelle. The network choke has at least three choke coils, each of the at least three choke coils having a water cooler. The water cooler has a cooling unit, each cooling unit having a straight end that can abut against the core of the choke coil and at least a partially rounded or bent end at the opposite end of the straight end.

[0021] The choke has a core, aluminum windings, and a water cooler, which may, for example, have four units. A first terminal bus and a second terminal bus can be wound into a winding for two connections of the choke. A first cooling unit can be disposed between the terminal bus and the core. A second cooling unit, having at least a partially rounded or bent end, can be disposed at the other end of the core, i.e., at the end face. A third cooling unit can be disposed on one side of the bus, the free end of which is at least partially rounded or bent. The second cooling unit can be wound by means of a winding. A fourth cooling unit can be disposed on the winding, which can also be at least partially wound by means of a winding. The fourth cooling unit has at least a partially rounded end.

[0022] The wound or bent ends of the cooling unit are also wound with aluminum windings and have a flat design, which allows for better heat transfer from the cooling unit to the windings. In particular, this prevents air gaps between the cooling unit and the aluminum windings. This enables better heat transfer, resulting in improved overall cooling.

[0023] According to the invention, heat dissipation of the network choke is improved by having at least a partial bend or rounding at one end of the water cooling unit. Therefore, the winding can be positioned more effectively around the water cooling unit, thereby improving the winding's wrapping around the water cooler. In particular, cavitation can be reduced in this way, improving heat conduction from the cooling unit outwards via the winding. The water cooling unit can absorb released heat as close as possible to the winding.

[0024] Each water-cooled unit has a winding contact surface, which can be enlarged by shaping the second end, particularly by rounding or bending the second end. This allows for increased heat transfer between the winding and the cooling body.

[0025] By placing a cooling unit at the end face of the choke and designing the winding contact surface of the cooling unit to be rounded or curved, cooling performance can be improved by eliminating the need for a cooling yoke.

[0026] Furthermore, improved cooling allows for a reduction in the grade of electrical steel sheets used in the core package, without exceeding the temperature limits within the choke coil. The lower grade of electrical steel sheets results in reduced costs.

[0027] Therefore, cost-effective network chokes can be obtained by improving cooling performance.

[0028] Eliminating yoke cooling saves electrical energy used to operate the yoke cooler. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The advantages and exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a wind turbine is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic exploded view and a schematic cross-sectional view of a network choke are shown.

[0032] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a network choke is shown.

[0033] Figures 4A to 4C Different views of the cooling unit are shown.

[0034] Figures 5A to 5C A different view of another cooling unit is shown, and

[0035] Figures 6A to 6C A different view of another cooling unit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a wind turbine is shown. Figure 1 A wind turbine 100 is shown, comprising a tower 102, a nacelle 104, and an aerodynamic rotor 106. The aerodynamic rotor 106 has three rotor blades 108. The wind turbine 100 also includes a rotor 110. The aerodynamic rotor 106 is directly or indirectly connected to a generator 200 and transmits rotational motion to the generator 200. The rotational motion causes the generator 200 to generate energy, which is fed to an inverter 300. A network choke 400 is provided at the output of the inverter. The network choke 400 can be arranged in a power cabinet inside the nacelle. The network choke 400 can be cooled via a fluid cooling system.

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic partial exploded view and a schematic cross-sectional view of a network choke are shown.

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a network choke is shown.

[0039] The network choke 400 includes: at least one choke coil 410, the at least one choke coil 410 having a first end face 410a and a second end face 410b; and a yoke 430, the yoke 430 having a lower yoke portion 431 and an upper yoke portion 432. Furthermore, each choke coil 410 is assigned two terminal buses 420. The choke coil 410 includes: a core packet 411, the core packet 411 having a first end face 411a and a second end face 411b and a plurality of electrical steel sheets; windings 412; and a water cooler 440. The water cooler 440 of the respective choke coil 410 can be connected via a water line 445. Each choke coil 410 has a core packet 411 and a plurality of windings 412. The windings 412 are wound around the core packet 411. In addition, terminal buses 420 are provided, the terminal buses 420 also being at least partially wound by the windings 412.

[0040] A water cooler 440 is also provided, which, for example, has four water cooling units 441, 442, 443, and 444. Cooling units 441, 442, 443, and 444 are disposed on the end faces 410a and 410b of the choke coil 410. The core package 411 has a first end 411a and a second end 411b, as well as two longitudinal sides 411c and 411d. The longitudinal sides 411c and 411d have winding contact surfaces that are not cooled by means of the water cooling units. This allows for the realization of a choke coil with a small build size.

[0041] A first water-cooling unit 443 is disposed at the end 411a of the first core package. A terminal bus 420 is adjacent to and wound around the first winding segment 412a in the direction of the end face 410a. A second water-cooling unit 444 is adjacent to the first winding segment 412a. The water-cooling unit 444 has a first end 444a and a second end 444b. The first end 444a is adjacent to the first winding segment 412a. The second end 444b is surrounded by the second winding segment 412b. The second end 444b has a rounded design.

[0042] The third water cooling unit 44a is adjacent to the second end 411b of the core package 411 and has a first end 441a and a second end 441b. The first end 441a is adjacent to the second core package end 411b and may optionally have a straight design. The second end 441b is arranged opposite to the first end 441a and may have at least a rounded design.

[0043] The third winding segment 412c is adjacent to the second end 441b. The fourth water cooling unit 442 is adjacent to the third winding segment 412c. The water cooling unit 442 has a first end 442a and a second end 442b. The second end 442b may have a rounded design. The fourth winding segment 412d may be located at the second end 442b.

[0044] The choke coil 410 has a first end face 410a and a second end face 410b, as well as a first longitudinal side portion 410c and a second longitudinal side portion 410d. A first cooling unit 443 has a first end portion 443a and a second end portion 443b. The first end portion 443a abuts against the first end portion 441a of the core package 411. The second end portion 443b abuts against the busbar 420. The first water cooling unit 443 thus extends between the first end portion 441a of the core package 411 and one of the two busbars 420. The first end portion 441a has a core package contact surface. The second end portion 443b has a busbar contact surface. A first winding segment 412a is disposed between the busbar 420 and the second cooling unit 444. The second cooling unit 444 has a first end portion 444a and a second end portion 444b. The first end portion 444a may have a substantially straight design. The second end portion 444b is configured as a winding contact surface and is configured to be at least partially rounded or curved. This design of the second side 444b expands the winding contact surface, thereby improving heat transfer. Due to the rounded design, the winding can be better wound around the second cooling unit, and in particular around the second end 444b of the cooling unit.

[0045] Figures 4A to 4C Different views of the cooling unit are shown. Figures 5A to 5C A different view of another cooling unit is shown. Figures 6A to 6C A different view of another cooling unit is shown. Figures 4A to 6C Three different implementations of the water cooling unit are shown. According to... Figures 4A to 6C The difference between these water-cooled units lies in the design of their second end, particularly the curvature of the second end, i.e., the winding contact surface.

[0046] The cooling unit 441 has a first side 441a and a second side 441b. Alternatively, the first side 441a may have a straight design, and the second side 441b may have a curved or rounded design. Figures 4A to 6C Different cooling units with different rounded corners are shown.

[0047] The cooling unit 441 has at least two through holes 441c through which coolant can flow.

[0048] The cooling unit 441 can be made of metal. In particular, the cooling unit can be milled from a single piece, in which through holes must be provided accordingly. Alternatively, the cooling unit can be made of a steel sheet with pipes 441c.

[0049] The radius of curvature of the cooling unit can be measured to be 8 mm to 12 mm, for example, particularly 10 mm, or the curvature can have several curvature segments, for example, with curvatures of 8 mm to 15 mm, particularly 12 mm, and with curvatures of 40 mm to 60 mm, particularly 50 mm.

[0050] Improved cooling of the network choke allows the use of lower-grade electrical steel sheets for the core. Higher-grade electrical steel sheets are no longer necessary because the cooler is sufficient to dissipate enough heat from the core.

[0051] For example, electrical steel sheet 2 can be used in the prior art. However, the structural design according to the invention allows the use of a lower grade electrical steel sheet 1, because the structural design according to the invention ensures improved cooling performance. For example, electrical steel sheet 2 is Power Core® M250-35A from ThyssenKrupp Steel. For example, electrical steel sheet 1 is powercore® traction027-140Y420 from ThyssenKrupp Steel, which has a relative grade of NO27-14 according to DIN EN 10303 standard.

[0052] List of reference numerals

[0053] 100 wind turbine

[0054] 102 towers

[0055] Cabin 104

[0056] 106 rotor

[0057] 108 rotor blades

[0058] 110 Rotor

[0059] 200 generator

[0060] 300 inverter

[0061] 400 network choke

[0062] 410 choke

[0063] 410a First End Face

[0064] 410b Second End Face

[0065] 410c First longitudinal side

[0066] 410d Second longitudinal side

[0067] 411 core package

[0068] 411a First end

[0069] 411b Second end

[0070] 412 winding

[0071] 412a First Winding Section

[0072] 412b Second Winding Section

[0073] 412c third winding section

[0074] 412d fourth winding section

[0075] 420 terminal bus

[0076] 430 yoke

[0077] 431 Lower yoke section

[0078] 432 Upper yoke portion

[0079] 440 water cooler

[0080] 441 Water Cooling Unit

[0081] 441a First end

[0082] 441b Second End

[0083] 441c through hole

[0084] 442 Water Cooling Unit

[0085] 442a First end

[0086] 442b Second End

[0087] 443 Water Cooling Unit

[0088] 443a First end

[0089] 443b Second End

[0090] 444 Water Cooling Unit

[0091] 444a First end

[0092] 444b second end

[0093] 445 water pipeline

Claims

1. A wind turbine (100) comprising: The nacelle (104) contains an inverter (300) and a network choke (400), the network choke (400) being connected to the output of the inverter (300). in, The network choke (400) has three choke coils (410) and a yoke (430), wherein the yoke (430) has a lower yoke portion (431) and an upper yoke portion (432). Each choke coil (410) has a first end face (410a) and a second end face (410b) and a core package (411) located between the first end face (410a) and the second end face (410b), the core package (411) having a first core package end (411a) and a second core package end (411b). Each choke (410) has a first water cooling unit, a second water cooling unit, a third water cooling unit and a fourth water cooling unit (440; 441, 442, 443, 444). The first water cooling unit (443) has a corresponding straight first end (443a) and a second end (443b) and is arranged between the first core end (411a) and the busbar (420). The second water cooling unit (444) has a straight first end (444a) and a rounded or bent second end (444b) that serves as a winding contact surface. A first winding section (412a) abuts between the busbar (412) and the second water cooling unit (444), wherein the straight first end (444a) of the second water cooling unit (444) abuts against the first winding section (412a). A second winding section (12b) is wound around the rounded or bent second end (444b) of the second water cooling unit (444), such that the winding (412) of the second winding section (412b) completely abuts against the second winding contact surface of the second water cooling unit (444). The third water cooling unit (441) has a straight first end (441a) and a rounded or bent second end (441b) that serves as a winding contact surface. The first end (441a) abuts against the second core end (411b) and has a straight design. A third winding section (412c) is wound around the rounded or bent second end (441b) of the third water cooling unit (441), such that the winding of the third winding contact section (412c) completely abuts against the winding contact surface. The fourth water cooling unit (442) has a first end (442a) and a second end (442b), wherein the first end (442a) is designed to be straight and abuts against the third winding section (412c). The second end (442b) of the fourth water cooling unit (442) is a rounded or curved design and has a winding contact surface. A fourth winding section (412d) is wound around the second end (442b) of the fourth water cooling unit (442b), such that the winding of the fourth winding section (412d) completely abuts against the winding contact surface of the second end (442b) of the fourth water cooling unit (442).

2. The wind turbine (100) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the water cooling units (440; 441, 442, 443, 444) has two water guiding sections (441c), which are adapted to contain the cooling medium of the water cooler.

3. The wind turbine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2. in, The rounded or curved second end (444b) of the second water cooling unit (444), the third water cooling unit (441) and / or the fourth water cooling unit (442) has a radius of curvature of 8 mm to 12 mm or several curvature segments having radii of curvature of 8 mm to 15 mm and 40 mm to 60 mm.

4. A network choke (400) having: Three choke rings (410) and a yoke (430), wherein, The yoke (430) has a lower yoke portion (431) and an upper yoke portion (432). Each choke coil (410) has a first end face (410a) and a second end face (410b) and a core package (411) located between the first end face (410a) and the second end face (410b), the core package (411) having a first core package end (411a) and a second core package end (411b). Each choke (410) has a first water cooling unit, a second water cooling unit, a third water cooling unit and a fourth water cooling unit (440; 441, 442, 443, 444). The first water cooling unit (443) has a corresponding straight first end (443a) and a second end (443b) and is arranged between the first core end (411a) and the busbar (420). The second water cooling unit (444) has a straight first end (444a) and a rounded or bent second end (444b) that serves as a winding contact surface. A first winding section (412a) abuts between the busbar (412) and the second water cooling unit (444), wherein the straight first end (444a) of the second water cooling unit (444) abuts against the first winding section (412a). A second winding section (412b) is wound around the rounded or bent second end (444b) of the second water cooling unit (444), such that the winding (412) of the second winding section (412b) completely abuts against the second winding contact surface of the second water cooling unit (444). The third water cooling unit (441) has a straight first end (441a) and a rounded or bent second end (441b) that serves as a winding contact surface. The first end (441a) abuts against the second core end (411b) and has a straight design. A third winding section (412c) is wound around the rounded or bent second end (441b) of the third water cooling unit (441), such that the winding of the third winding contact section (412c) completely abuts against the winding contact surface. The fourth water cooling unit (442) has a first end (442a) and a second end (442b), wherein the first end (442a) is designed to be straight and abuts against the third winding section (412c). The second end (442b) of the fourth water cooling unit (442) is a rounded or curved design and has a winding contact surface. A fourth winding section (412d) is wound around the second end (442b) of the fourth water cooling unit (442b), such that the winding of the fourth winding section (412d) completely abuts against the winding contact surface of the second end (442b) of the fourth water cooling unit (442).

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