Offshore wind power system
By positioning the rectifier outside the nacelle on the offshore wind turbine's tower or structure, the offshore wind power system effectively uses space and simplifies equipment arrangement, addressing the complexity issue of conventional designs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025086155
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-06
- Estimated Expiration
- Not applicable · inactive patent
AI Technical Summary
The conventional arrangement of converters (rectifiers) inside the nacelle in offshore wind turbines complicates the equipment placement and utilization of space.
The rectifier is positioned outside the nacelle, either on the offshore wind turbine's tower or structure, allowing for effective use of space and reducing equipment complexity by placing it in the tower's steel pipes or the offshore structure, such as in a transition piece or external working platform, protected from exposure.
This configuration optimizes space utilization, reduces equipment complexity, and prevents rusting of the rectifier, while facilitating easier maintenance and cost-effective cable management.
Smart Images

Figure 2025166828000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to offshore wind systems. [Background technology]
[0002] Conventionally, electricity generated by offshore wind power has been converted into direct current. Patent Document 1 discloses that energy generated by a generator provided in a nacelle is converted into direct current by a converter provided in the nacelle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7240777 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In Patent Document 1, the converter (rectifier) is provided inside the nacelle. This causes a problem that the arrangement of the equipment inside the nacelle becomes complicated. In other words, in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in the arrangement of the rectifier.
[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide an offshore wind power system that makes effective use of space and improves the complexity of equipment placement by devising an innovative rectifier placement. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] An offshore wind power system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an offshore wind turbine, an offshore structure supporting the offshore wind turbine, a rectifier that converts electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine from alternating current to direct current, a storage battery that stores the electricity converted to direct current by the rectifier, and a transformer that changes the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine, wherein the rectifier is disposed outside a nacelle included in the offshore wind turbine, the offshore wind turbine comprises a tower formed of a plurality of steel pipes, and the rectifier and the transformer are provided in a steel pipe of the plurality of steel pipes that is different from the steel pipe connected to the nacelle. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an offshore wind power system that makes effective use of space and reduces the complexity of equipment placement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a first example of an offshore wind power system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first example of an offshore wind power system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inside of an offshore wind turbine tower. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the transition piece in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a front view of a second example of an offshore wind power system according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front view of a third example of an offshore wind power system according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a transition piece provided in the marine structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example in which a rectifier and the like are provided on an external working platform of an offshore structure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which a rectifier and the like are provided on the tower of an offshore wind turbine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Hereinafter, an offshore wind power system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The offshore wind power system according to this embodiment is a system that generates electricity using offshore wind turbines. For example, only one offshore wind power system according to this embodiment may be installed in the same sea area or wind farm, or multiple offshore wind power systems may be installed. When multiple offshore wind power systems are installed, for example, adjacent offshore wind turbines may be connected by a power transmission cable to exchange generated electricity with each other.
[0010] (Outline of offshore wind power systems) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of an offshore wind power system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of a first example of an offshore wind power system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the inside of the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the transition piece 21 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of a second example of the offshore wind power system 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front view of a third example of an offshore wind power system 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a transition piece 21 provided in the marine structure 20 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the offshore wind power system 1 includes an offshore wind turbine 10, an offshore structure 20, a transformer 30, a rectifier 40, and a storage battery 50.
[0011] The offshore wind turbine 10 has a known configuration. As shown in FIG. 1 , the offshore wind turbine 10 is made up of blades 11, a hub 12, a nacelle 13, and a tower 14. The offshore wind turbine 10 is placed offshore, and generates electricity by transmitting the rotation of the blades 11 to a generator (not shown). The electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10 in this way is transmitted, for example, to an area outside the offshore wind power system 1. That is, for example, the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10 is transmitted to another offshore wind turbine 10 located next to one of the offshore wind turbines 10, or to a power plant on land. Hereinafter, the generation of electricity by the generator of the offshore wind turbine 10 may be simply referred to as the offshore wind turbine 10 generating electricity. In this embodiment, the tower 14 is formed by joining a plurality of cylindrical members 14A, as shown in Fig. 3. The cylindrical members 14A are, for example, steel pipes. In this embodiment, the tower 14 is provided with a plurality of floors 14F. On the floors 14F provided in the tower 14, for example, a worker rest space 14a, a control panel 14b, an electrical panel 14c, a lighting panel 14d, etc. are arranged. 3, the worker's rest space 14a is provided relatively high up in the tower 14. A rotation mechanism (not shown) for rotating the nacelle 13 around the central axis of the tower 14 is provided on a floor 14F directly below the nacelle 13 in the tower 14. For this reason, the worker's rest space 14a is located at least away from the floor 14F directly below the nacelle 13. 3, the control panel 14b, the electrical panel 14c, and the lighting panel 14d are provided relatively low in the tower 14. The control panel 14b is preferably located on a floor 14F near the bottom end of the tower 14. In this embodiment, the multiple floors 14F provided in the tower 14 can be accessed by, for example, an elevator (not shown).
[0012] The offshore structure 20 is a structure that supports the offshore wind turbine 10. For example, a known configuration is suitably used for the offshore structure 20. For example, any of a jacket-type foundation as shown in FIG. 2, a monopile-type foundation as shown in FIG. 5, and a floating foundation as shown in FIG. 6 is suitably used for the offshore structure 20.
[0013] The monopile foundation shown in Fig. 5 is configured by providing a transition piece 21 on top of a monopile 20M driven into the seabed. The monopile foundation shown in Fig. 5 has a configuration corresponding to a center pipe 21a, which will be described later. The center pipe 21a in the monopile foundation shown in Fig. 5 is, for example, cylindrical. Alternatively, the center pipe 21a in the monopile foundation shown in Fig. 5 may have a shape whose diameter increases from top to bottom.
[0014] The floating foundation shown in Fig. 6 is configured by supporting a floating body 20F floating on the sea with wires 20W connected to the seabed. The floating foundation shown in Fig. 6 has a configuration equivalent to a center pipe 21a. The center pipe 21a in the floating foundation shown in Fig. 6 is supported on the sea by the buoyancy acting on the floating body 20F.
[0015] In this embodiment, the offshore structure 20 is a jacket-type foundation, as shown in Fig. 2. That is, the offshore structure 20 includes at least a transition piece 21 to which the lower end of the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10 is connected and which supports the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10, and legs 22 that support the transition piece 21. As shown in Fig. 2, the offshore structure 20 is placed offshore by connecting the legs 22 to piles P driven into the seabed.
[0016] The transition piece 21 includes a center pipe 21a, the upper end of which is connected to the lower end of the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the transition piece 21 also includes an upper flange 21b and a lower flange 21c disposed above and below the center pipe 21a, respectively, and a first web 21d and a second web 21e that reinforce the connections between the center pipe 21a and the upper flange 21b and the lower flange 21c, respectively.
[0017] As shown in Figure 4, the center pipe 21a is provided in the center of the transition piece 21. The center pipe 21a is a tubular member, and its pipe axis extends in the vertical direction. The diameter of the center pipe 21a is the same as the diameter of the part of the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10 that is connected to the center pipe 21a. In this embodiment, the upper end of the center pipe 21a is located, for example, above the upper flange 21b, which will be described below. This preferably makes it easier to connect the center pipe 21a to the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10.
[0018] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the upper flange 21b is a plate-like member provided on the upper part of the center pipe 21a. The upper flange 21b connects the center pipe 21a to the legs 22 at the upper part of the center pipe 21a. In this embodiment, the marine structure 20, which is a jacket-type foundation, has four legs 22. For this reason, in this embodiment, the upper flange 21b is preferably formed in a cross shape, for example, as shown in Figure 4. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the lower flange 21c is a plate-like member provided at the lower part of the center pipe 21a. The lower flange 21c connects the center pipe 21a and the legs 22 at the lower part of the center pipe 21a. In this embodiment, the lower flange 21c is preferably formed in a cross shape, similar to the upper flange 21b, as shown in FIG. 4. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the legs 22 are inclined from top to bottom, away from the center of the marine structure 20. Therefore, each of the upper flange 21b and the lower flange 21c has a shape that can accommodate the inclination of the legs 22. In other words, the shape of the lower flange 21c is similar to the shape of the upper flange 21b and is larger than the upper flange 21b.
[0019] The first web 21d and the second web 21e reinforce the connections between the center pipe 21a and the upper flange 21b and the lower flange 21c, and the connections between the upper flange 21b and the lower flange 21c and the legs 22. In this way, the first web 21d and the second web 21e reinforce the connections between the center pipe 21a and the legs 22, and also reinforce the structure of the entire transition piece 21. 4, one first web 21d and one second web 21e are provided between the center pipe 21a and one leg 22. As a result, the transition piece 21 has a box-shaped space 21A that is a space surrounded by the center pipe 21a, the first web 21d, the second web 21e, the upper flange 21b, and the lower flange 21c.
[0020] The offshore structure 20 has multiple layers inside. In other words, the offshore structure 20 has multiple floors inside. In this embodiment, multiple floors are provided in the transition piece 21 of the offshore structure 20. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the transition piece 21 has a first floor F1, a second floor F2, and a third floor F3. The first floor F1, the second floor F2, and the third floor F3 are all provided inside the center pipe 21a. The provision of these floors inside the center pipe 21a is common to the monopile foundation shown in FIG. 5 and the floating foundation shown in FIG. 6.
[0021] 7, the first floor F1 is one of the floors of the transition piece 21, and is the floor to which the lower end of the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10 is connected. The first floor F1 is the floor provided at the top of the center pipe 21a in the transition piece 21. An interface flange IF is provided at the upper end of the first floor F1, i.e., the upper end of the center pipe 21a, for connecting the lower end of the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. A similar interface flange IF is also provided at the lower end of the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. The lower end of the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10 and the first floor F1 are connected by fastening this interface flange IF with bolts B, as shown in Figure 7.
[0022] 7, the second floor F2 is one of the floors of the transition piece 21 and is located below the first floor F1. The second floor F2 is the floor in the transition piece 21 that is one floor below the first floor F1.
[0023] 7, the third floor F3 is one of the floors of the transition piece 21 and is located below the second floor F2. That is, in the transition piece 21, the first floor F1, the second floor F2, and the third floor F3 are located in this order from top to bottom.
[0024] The transformer 30 changes the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10. The transformer 30 adjusts or transforms the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10 to a voltage that can be processed by the rectifier 40. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7 , the transformer 30 is disposed, for example, between the generator (not shown) of the offshore wind turbine 10 and the rectifier 40. That is, the transformer 30 is connected to the generator (not shown) of the offshore wind turbine 10 via a cable C, and is connected to the rectifier 40 via an AC cable C1. Furthermore, the storage battery 50 is connected to the rectifier 40 via a DC cable C2. That is, the transformer 30 converts AC current transmitted from the generator of the offshore wind turbine 10 into DC current and transmits it to the storage battery 50. Note that, if the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10 can be processed by the rectifier 40, the transformer 30 does not need to be provided on the offshore structure 20. In other words, the generator of the offshore wind turbine 10 and the rectifier 40 may be directly connected via an AC cable C1. In this case, a separate transformer may be provided to change the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10 in order to transmit the electricity to the outside.
[0025] 7, the rectifier 40 is connected to the transformer 30 by an AC cable C1 and to the storage battery 50 by a DC cable C2. The rectifier 40 receives electricity generated by the generator of the offshore wind turbine 10, and the voltage of which is adjusted or transformed by the transformer 30. The rectifier 40 converts the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10 from AC to DC. In this way, the rectifier 40 enables the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10 to be stored in the storage battery 50. In this embodiment, the rectifier 40 is arranged outside the nacelle 13 included in the offshore wind turbine 10. In other words, the rectifier 40 is arranged on the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10 excluding the nacelle 13, or on the offshore structure 20. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the space on the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10 excluding the nacelle 13, and the space on the offshore structure 20. When the rectifier 40 is arranged outside the nacelle 13, it is preferable that the rectifier 40 be protected by, for example, a sealed outer box or the like. As the rectifier 40, for example, a known PCS (Power Conditioning System) is preferably used.
[0026] As shown in Fig. 7, the storage battery 50 is connected to the rectifier 40 via a DC cable C2. The storage battery 50 stores electricity converted to DC by the rectifier 40. The electricity stored in the storage battery 50 is transmitted to an external location outside the offshore wind power system 1, such as an offshore or land-based power plant. Alternatively, the electricity stored in the storage battery 50 may be used, for example, for operating the offshore wind power system 1.
[0027] (Regarding the placement of rectifiers, etc.) Next, the arrangement of the rectifier 40 and other components in the offshore wind power system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In the offshore wind power system 1, it is necessary to make effective use of the space in the offshore wind turbine 10 and the offshore structure 20. In this embodiment, the rectifier 40 and other components are arranged as follows, which contributes to making effective use of the space in the offshore wind turbine 10 and the offshore structure 20. Hereinafter, several examples of the arrangement of the rectifier 40 and other components in this embodiment will be described.
[0028] (First example of rectifier placement) The rectifier 40 and the like are disposed in the offshore structure 20, for example, as shown in Fig. 7. Specifically, the rectifier 40 is disposed inside the offshore structure 20. More specifically, the rectifier 40 is provided in any one of a plurality of layers provided inside the offshore structure 20. As described above, the transition piece 21 has multiple floors. As shown in Fig. 7 , the rectifier 40 and the like are disposed, for example, inside the transition piece 21 of the offshore structure 20. In this case, the transformer 30, the rectifier 40, and the storage battery 50 are provided on the same floor of the transition piece 21. In this embodiment, the transformer 30, the rectifier 40, and the storage battery 50 are provided, for example, on the second floor F2 provided on the center pipe 21a, as shown in Fig. 7 . Alternatively, the transformer 30, the rectifier 40, and the storage battery 50 may be provided on the first floor F1 or the third floor F3.
[0029] (Second example of rectifier placement) The rectifier 40 and other components are disposed in a box-shaped space 21A surrounded by the center pipe 21a, the first web 21d, the second web 21e, the upper flange 21b, and the lower flange 21c, as shown in FIG. 4. In this case, only the rectifier 40 may be disposed in the box-shaped space 21A, and the transformer 30 and the storage battery 50 may be disposed elsewhere, such as inside the center pipe 21a. Alternatively, all of the transformer 30, the rectifier 40, and the storage battery 50 may be disposed in the box-shaped space 21A. Alternatively, one or two of the transformer 30, the rectifier 40, and the storage battery 50 may be disposed in the box-shaped space 21A, and the remaining components may be disposed elsewhere, such as inside the center pipe 21a.
[0030] (Third example of rectifier placement) FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an example in which the rectifier 40 and the like are provided on the external working platform OF of the offshore structure 20. As shown in FIG. The rectifier 40 and the like are disposed, for example, outside the offshore structure 20, as shown in Fig. 8. Specifically, the rectifier 40 and the like are disposed on an external working platform OF provided on the offshore structure 20. In this case, in order to prevent the rectifier 40 and the like from rusting, it is preferable that the rectifier 40 and the like are disposed on the external working platform OF while being stored inside a container OFC or a sealed outer box, as shown in Fig. 8. In this case, only the rectifier 40 may be placed on the external work floor OF, and the transformer 30 and the storage battery 50 may be placed elsewhere, such as inside the center pipe 21a. Alternatively, all of the transformer 30, rectifier 40, and storage battery 50 may be placed on the external work floor OF. Alternatively, one or two of the transformer 30, rectifier 40, and storage battery 50 may be placed on the external work floor OF, and the rest may be placed elsewhere, such as inside the center pipe 21a.
[0031] (Fourth example of rectifier placement) 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example in which the rectifier 40 is provided on the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. The rectifier 40 and the like are provided on the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10, for example, as shown in FIG. 9. Specifically, the rectifier 40 is provided inside the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. As described above, the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10 has multiple floors 14F. As shown in Fig. 9, the rectifier 40 is disposed inside the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. In this case, the rectifier 40 is disposed on one of the multiple floors 14F, that is, the floor 14F on which the control panel 14b is disposed. In this case, the storage battery 50 and the transformer 30 may be disposed on the same floor 14F as the rectifier 40, or on a different floor 14F from the rectifier 40. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the control panel 14b, the transformer 30, the rectifier 40, and the storage battery 50 are provided on the same floor 14F.
[0032] In this embodiment, the rectifier 40 and the like are installed by appropriately selecting any of the above examples. In any of the above examples, it is preferable that the storage battery 50 is installed near the rectifier 40. That is, for example, it is preferable that the storage battery 50 is installed within 100 m of the rectifier 40. If the distance between the storage battery 50 and the rectifier 40 is increased, it becomes necessary to thicken the DC cable C2. Furthermore, the DC cable C2 may be disposed inside a bus duct (not shown). For this reason, it is preferable that the distance between the storage battery 50 and the rectifier 40 be approximately 20 m to 50 m to prevent the DC cable C2 from becoming excessively thick. Furthermore, it is preferable that the transformer 30 be provided in the vicinity of the rectifier 40. That is, for example, it is preferable that the transformer 30 be provided within 10 meters of the rectifier 40. By arranging the storage battery 50 and the transformer 30 near the rectifier 40, it is preferable to reduce the lengths of the DC cable C2 and the AC cable C1 connecting the rectifier 40 to the storage battery 50 and the transformer 30, respectively. This is preferable, for example, to prevent the arrangement of the DC cable C2 and the AC cable C1 from becoming complicated, or to prevent an increase in costs due to the length of the DC cable C2 and the AC cable C1. Note that when the storage battery 50 and the transformer 30 are arranged near the rectifier 40, it is preferable to provide a distance of about 2 m between the storage battery 50 and the transformer 30 and the rectifier 40.
[0033] As explained above, in the offshore wind power system 1 according to this embodiment, the rectifier 40, which converts the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10 from AC to DC, is arranged outside the nacelle 13 included in the offshore wind turbine 10. In other words, the rectifier 40 is arranged in the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10, excluding the nacelle 13, or in the offshore structure 20. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the space in the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10, excluding the nacelle 13, and the space in the offshore structure 20. This makes it possible to reduce the complexity of the arrangement of equipment in the offshore wind power system 1.
[0034] Moreover, the rectifier 40 is disposed on the marine structure 20. This allows the space of the marine structure 20 to be used effectively.
[0035] Moreover, the rectifier 40 is disposed inside the marine structure 20. This prevents the rectifier 40 from being exposed to the outside air. This not only allows the space inside the marine structure 20 to be used effectively, but also prevents the rectifier 40 from rusting.
[0036] The rectifier 40 is provided in one of a plurality of layers provided inside the marine structure 20. This allows the rectifier 40 to be placed at any height inside the marine structure 20, for example. Furthermore, by providing the marine structure 20 with a plurality of layers, the area in the marine structure 20 where equipment and the like can be placed can be increased. Therefore, the space in the marine structure 20 can be used effectively.
[0037] Moreover, the rectifier 40 is disposed outside the offshore structure 20. In other words, the rectifier 40 is disposed on the external working platform OF or the like of the offshore structure 20. This allows the space of the external working platform OF or the like of the offshore structure 20 to be used effectively.
[0038] Moreover, the rectifier 40 is disposed inside the transition piece 21 of the offshore structure 20. This reduces exposure of the rectifier 40 to the outside air. Therefore, in addition to being able to effectively utilize the space inside the transition piece 21 of the offshore structure 20, rusting of the rectifier 40 can be reduced.
[0039] The flow straightener 40 is surrounded by the center pipe 21a, first web 21d, second web 21e, upper flange 21b, and lower flange 21c that are included in the transition piece 21. In other words, the flow straightener 40 is disposed in a box-shaped space 21A that is formed by the center pipe 21a, first web 21d, second web 21e, upper flange 21b, and lower flange 21c. This allows the box-shaped space 21A of the transition piece 21 to be used effectively.
[0040] Furthermore, the transition piece 21 is provided with multiple floors. This increases the area in the transition piece 21 where equipment and the like can be placed. Here, the transition piece 21 is a relatively rigid part of the offshore structure 20. By providing such a transition piece 21 with multiple floors, it becomes easier to place more heavy objects in the transition piece 21. Furthermore, the rectifier 40, the storage battery 50, and the transformer 30 are provided on the same floor of the transition piece 21. This allows maintenance of the storage battery 50, the rectifier 40, and the transformer 30 to be performed simultaneously, making it easier to perform maintenance of the offshore wind power system 1.
[0041] Furthermore, the rectifier 40 is provided on the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. This allows the space on the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10 to be used effectively.
[0042] Furthermore, the rectifier 40 is provided inside the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. This reduces exposure of the rectifier 40 to the outside air. This not only makes it possible to effectively utilize the space inside the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10, but also prevents the rectifier 40 from rusting.
[0043] Furthermore, the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10 is provided with multiple floors 14F. This increases the area in which equipment and the like can be arranged in the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. This makes it easier to make more effective use of the space in the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. The rectifier 40 is provided on one of a plurality of floors 14F provided on the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10, on which the control panel 14b is provided. Here, the control panel 14b is provided relatively low on the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. Accordingly, by providing the rectifier 40 relatively low on the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10, it is possible to more easily arrange the rectifier 40 compared to a case where the rectifier 40 is moved and arranged relatively high on the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10. Furthermore, by providing the rectifier 40 on the same floor 14F as the control panel 14b, it is possible to shorten the length of the cable (not shown) connecting the rectifier 40 and the control panel 14b. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, the cable arrangement from becoming complicated and the cost of the cable from increasing.
[0044] Furthermore, the storage battery 50 is provided near the rectifier 40. This allows the DC cable C2 connecting the storage battery 50 and the rectifier 40 to be shortened. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent the arrangement of the DC cable C2 from becoming complicated and to prevent an increase in the cost of the DC cable C2.
[0045] The offshore wind turbine 10 further includes a transformer 30 that changes the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10. This makes it possible to adjust the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10 to a voltage that can be processed by the rectifier 40 or a voltage that can be stored in the storage battery 50, for example. Furthermore, the transformer 30 is provided near the rectifier 40. This allows the AC cable C1 connecting the transformer 30 and the rectifier 40 to be shortened. This prevents, for example, the AC cable C1 from becoming complicated to arrange and prevents the cost of the AC cable C1 from increasing.
[0046] Here, there are cases where the rectifier 40 can process the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10 without changing it using the transformer 30. In this case, there are cases where the transformer 30 is not required inside the offshore structure 20, and the transformer 30 is only required when transmitting electricity to the outside. Therefore, a transformer 30 that changes the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine 10 is further provided, and the transformer 30 is not provided on the offshore structure 20. In this way, by not providing the transformer 30 on the offshore structure 20, the space of the offshore structure 20 can be used effectively.
[0047] The technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the marine structure 20 does not need to have multiple layers. The transition piece 21 does not have to be provided with multiple layers. In the case where the transition piece 21 has multiple floors, the rectifier 40, the storage battery 50, and the transformer 30 do not have to be provided on the same floor of the transition piece 21. The tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10 does not have to be provided with multiple floors 14F. In the tower 14 of the offshore wind turbine 10, the rectifier 40 may be provided on a floor 14F different from the floor 14F on which the control panel 14b is located. The storage battery 50 does not have to be provided near the rectifier 40 . The transformer 30 does not have to be provided near the rectifier 40 .
[0048] In addition, within the scope of the present disclosure, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate.
[0049] (Addendum) The offshore wind power system according to the embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.
[0050] <1> An offshore wind power system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an offshore wind turbine, an offshore structure supporting the offshore wind turbine, a rectifier that converts electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine from alternating current to direct current, and a storage battery that stores the electricity converted to direct current by the rectifier, wherein the rectifier is positioned outside a nacelle included in the offshore wind turbine.
[0051] According to the above-described offshore wind power system, the rectifier that converts the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine from AC to DC is disposed outside the nacelle included in the offshore wind turbine. In other words, the rectifier is disposed in the tower of the offshore wind turbine or in the offshore structure, excluding the nacelle. This allows for effective use of the space in the tower of the offshore wind turbine and the space in the offshore structure, excluding the nacelle. This reduces the complexity of equipment arrangement in the offshore wind power system.
[0052] <2> the above <1> In the offshore wind power system according to the above, a configuration may be employed in which the rectifier is disposed on the offshore structure.
[0053] In addition, the rectifier is disposed on the offshore structure, which allows for effective use of the space in the offshore structure.
[0054] <3> the above <1> or <2> In the offshore wind power system according to the above, a configuration may be employed in which the rectifier is disposed inside the offshore structure.
[0055] Furthermore, the rectifier is disposed inside the offshore structure, which reduces exposure of the rectifier to the outside air. This not only allows for effective use of the space inside the offshore structure, but also prevents the rectifier from rusting.
[0056] <4> the above <1> from <3> In an offshore wind power system according to any one of the above aspects, a configuration may be adopted in which the rectifier is provided in one of a plurality of layers provided inside the offshore structure.
[0057] The rectifier is provided on one of multiple layers provided inside the offshore structure. This allows the rectifier to be placed at any height inside the offshore structure, for example. Furthermore, by providing the offshore structure with multiple layers, the area in the offshore structure where equipment and the like can be placed can be increased. This allows for effective use of the space in the offshore structure.
[0058] <5> the above <1> from <4> In the offshore wind power system according to any one of the above aspects, the rectifier may be arranged outside the offshore structure.
[0059] The rectifier is disposed outside the offshore structure. In other words, the rectifier is disposed on an external working platform or the like of the offshore structure. This allows for effective use of the space on the external working platform or the like of the offshore structure.
[0060] <6> the above <1> from <5> In the offshore wind power system according to any one of the above aspects, a configuration may be adopted in which the rectifier is disposed inside a transition piece of the offshore structure.
[0061] Furthermore, the rectifier is disposed inside the transition piece of the offshore structure, which reduces exposure of the rectifier to the outside air. This not only allows for effective use of the space inside the transition piece of the offshore structure, but also prevents the rectifier from rusting.
[0062] <7> the above <6> In the offshore wind system according to the above, the transition piece may include a center pipe, a first web, a second web, an upper flange, and a lower flange, and the rectifier may be surrounded by the center pipe, the first web, the second web, the upper flange, and the lower flange.
[0063] The flow straightener is surrounded by the center pipe, first web, second web, upper flange, and lower flange included in the transition piece. In other words, the flow straightener is disposed in a box-shaped space formed by the center pipe, first web, second web, upper flange, and lower flange. This allows for effective use of the box-shaped space of the transition piece.
[0064] <8> the above <6> or <7> The offshore wind power system according to the above may further include a transformer that changes the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine, and the transition piece may have multiple floors, and the rectifier, the storage battery, and the transformer may be provided on the same floor of the transition piece.
[0065] Furthermore, the transition piece is provided with multiple floors. This increases the area in the transition piece where equipment and the like can be placed. The transition piece is a relatively rigid part of the offshore structure. By providing such a transition piece with multiple floors, it becomes easier to place a large amount of heavy equipment on the transition piece. Furthermore, the rectifier, storage battery, and transformer are installed on the same floor of the transition piece, which allows maintenance of the storage battery, rectifier, and transformer to be performed simultaneously, making it easier to maintain the offshore wind power system.
[0066] <9> the above <1> from <8> In the offshore wind power system according to any one of the above aspects, the rectifier may be provided on a tower of the offshore wind turbine.
[0067] The rectifier is also provided on the tower of the offshore wind turbine, which allows for effective use of the space in the tower of the offshore wind turbine.
[0068] <10> the above <9> In the offshore wind power system according to the above, the rectifier may be provided inside the tower.
[0069] The rectifier is also installed inside the tower of the offshore wind turbine, which reduces exposure of the rectifier to the outside air. This not only makes effective use of the space inside the tower of the offshore wind turbine, but also prevents the rectifier from rusting.
[0070] <11> the above <9> or <10> In the offshore wind power system according to the present invention, the tower may have a plurality of floors, and the rectifier may be provided on one of the plurality of floors, the floor on which a control panel is located.
[0071] Furthermore, the tower of an offshore wind turbine is provided with multiple floors, which increases the area in which equipment can be placed in the tower of the offshore wind turbine, making it easier to make more effective use of the space in the tower of the offshore wind turbine. The rectifier is installed on one of multiple floors on the tower of the offshore wind turbine, on which the control panel is installed. Here, the control panel is installed relatively low on the tower of the offshore wind turbine. Accordingly, by installing the rectifier relatively low on the tower of the offshore wind turbine, it becomes easier to install the rectifier compared to when the rectifier is moved and installed relatively high on the tower of the offshore wind turbine. Furthermore, by installing the rectifier on the same floor as the control panel, the cable connecting the rectifier and the control panel can be shortened, which prevents, for example, the cable layout from becoming complicated and the cable costs from increasing.
[0072] <12> the above <1> from <11> In the offshore wind power system according to any one of the above aspects, a configuration may be employed in which the storage battery is provided in the vicinity of the rectifier.
[0073] Furthermore, the storage battery is provided near the rectifier, which allows the cable connecting the storage battery and the rectifier to be shortened, thereby preventing, for example, the cable arrangement from becoming complicated and the cable costs from increasing.
[0074] <13> the above <1> from <12> In any one of the above aspects, the offshore wind power system may further include a transformer that changes the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine, and the transformer may be located near the rectifier.
[0075] The offshore wind turbine also includes a transformer that changes the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine, thereby adjusting the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine to a voltage that can be processed by the rectifier or stored in a storage battery, for example. Furthermore, the transformer is provided near the rectifier, which allows the cable connecting the transformer and the rectifier to be shortened, thereby preventing, for example, the cable arrangement from becoming complicated and the cable costs from increasing.
[0076] <14> the above <1> from <13> In any one of the above aspects, the offshore wind power system may further include a transformer that changes the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine, and the transformer may be configured not to be provided on the offshore structure.
[0077] In some cases, the rectifier can handle the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine without changing it using a transformer. In this case, a transformer may not be needed inside the offshore structure, and may only be needed when transmitting electricity to the outside. Therefore, a transformer that changes the voltage of the electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine is further provided, and the transformer is not installed on the offshore structure. In this way, by not installing a transformer on the offshore structure, the space on the offshore structure can be used effectively. [Explanation of symbols]
[0078] 1. Offshore wind power systems 10 Offshore wind turbines 11 Blades 12 Hub 13 Nacelle 14. Tower 14A Materials 14th floor 14a Rest area 14b Control panel 14c Electrical Panel 14d lighting panel 20 Marine structures 20F Floating Body 20M monopile 20W Wire 21 Transition Piece 21A Box-shaped space 21a center pipe 21b Upper flange 21c Lower flange 21d Web 1 21e Second Web Leg 22 30 Transformer 40 Rectifier 50 Storage battery B Bolt C Cable F1 1st floor F2 2nd floor F3 3rd floor IF Interface Flange OF External work platform OFC Container P pile
Claims
1. Offshore wind turbines and an offshore structure supporting the offshore wind turbine; a rectifier that converts electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine from AC to DC; a storage battery that stores the electricity converted into direct current by the rectifier; a transformer that changes the voltage of electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine; An offshore wind power system comprising: the rectifier is disposed outside a nacelle included in the offshore wind turbine; The offshore wind turbine comprises a tower formed of a plurality of steel pipes; The rectifier and the transformer are provided in a steel pipe different from a steel pipe connected to the nacelle among the plurality of steel pipes. An offshore wind power system characterized by:
2. Offshore wind turbines and an offshore structure supporting the offshore wind turbine; a rectifier that converts electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine from AC to DC; a storage battery that stores the electricity converted to direct current by the rectifier, the rectifier is disposed outside a nacelle included in the offshore wind turbine; The offshore wind turbine comprises a tower formed of a plurality of steel pipes; The rectifier and the control panel are provided on a steel pipe different from the steel pipe connected to the nacelle among the plurality of steel pipes. An offshore wind power system characterized by:
3. The storage battery is provided in the same steel pipe as the rectifier.
3. The offshore wind power system according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The storage battery is provided in a steel pipe different from that of the rectifier.
3. The offshore wind power system according to claim 1 or 2.
5. The storage battery is provided in a steel pipe different from the steel pipe connected to the nacelle among the plurality of steel pipes.
3. The offshore wind power system according to claim 1 or 2.
6. The storage battery is disposed on the marine structure.
3. The offshore wind power system according to claim 1 or 2.
7. The storage battery is disposed outside the marine structure.
3. The offshore wind power system according to claim 1 or 2.
8. The offshore structure further comprises a transition piece, the transition piece includes a center pipe, a first web, a second web, an upper flange, and a lower flange, the storage battery is surrounded by the center pipe, the first web, the second web, the upper flange, and the lower flange; 3. The offshore wind power system according to claim 1 or 2.
9. The offshore structure further comprises a transition piece, The storage battery and the transformer are provided on the same floor of the transition piece. The offshore wind power system according to claim 1 .
10. The storage battery is provided near the rectifier.
3. The offshore wind power system according to claim 1 or 2.
11. Further comprising a transformer that changes the voltage of electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine; The transformer is provided near the rectifier. The offshore wind power system according to claim 2 .
12. Further comprising a transformer that changes the voltage of electricity generated by the offshore wind turbine; The transformer is not provided on the marine structure. The offshore wind power system according to claim 2 .
Citation Information
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