Platform for space-saving configuration of energy conversion equipment, and energy conversion equipment
The platform allows for vertical stacking of converter units on skids with open sides for ventilation and access, addressing space and cooling issues in energy conversion equipment, enhancing operational efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SMA SOLAR TECH AG
- Filing Date
- 2022-02-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-17
Smart Images
Figure 0007875211000001 
Figure 0007875211000002 
Figure 0007875211000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a platform for a space-saving configuration of energy conversion equipment. Further, the present invention relates to energy conversion equipment having such a platform.
Background Art
[0002] Energy generation from renewable energy sources, particularly energy generation from solar cells, has become increasingly important, and the proportion of power thus obtained in the power grid is constantly increasing. For this purpose, for example, energy conversion equipment having a converter unit as a component is used. Such a converter unit has components such as an energy storage device such as an inverter or a battery. Today, inverters with conversion outputs in the range of several megawatts are used. They can be incorporated into a housing having standardized dimensions and / or standardized grab points of a cargo container (particularly a standardized air or sea cargo container). A housing such as a container designed accordingly enables transportation with established transportation and loading logistics and provides sufficient protection against the weather for power electronics both during transportation and during operation. The inverter within the container housing is usually installed on a properly designed foundation on the ground so as to be easily accessible for installation and maintenance.
[0003] Furthermore, when energy conversion equipment needs to be installed, and that equipment is located in direct spatial proximity to consumers with very high consumption power, and is also used to stabilize the grid connected to the consumer side, the placement within containers reaches its limits. This is because, in particular, containers may be too close to each other in order to allow access to individual containers for installation or maintenance purposes, and / or the electronic components within the containers may not be adequately cooled. This is especially true when the converter unit within the container itself is sufficiently protected from environmental influences, and therefore additional protection from environmental influences by the container is not absolutely necessary. In this case, additional protection of the converter unit from environmental influences by the container tends to be disadvantageous because the additional housing of the container usually worsens the heat dissipation of the converter unit. A further example is energy conversion equipment that functions as a system supporting the grid by supplying reactive and / or active power to urban subgrids.
[0004] Document CN110486152A discloses a stacked generator set consisting of multiple containers stacked vertically. Each container houses a generator. Multiple heat dissipation devices are positioned above the topmost container.
[0005] Document EP2101017A2 discloses a portable data center comprising one or more modular containers forming a modular enclosure structure. This data center can be quickly deployed in a remote location and can be initiated into operation in a simple manner. [Overview of the project]
[0006] Objective of the present invention Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a platform that enables space-saving and / or easily accessible placement of converter units in energy conversion equipment, particularly when the converter unit is protected from environmental influences on its own without requiring additional protection from environmental influences in the form of additional housing, such as a container. Maximum heat dissipation is necessary for the converter unit during operation. Another object of the present invention is to provide space-saving energy conversion equipment having such a converter unit.
[0007] solution The objective of providing a platform according to the present invention for space-saving arrangement of converter units of energy conversion equipment is achieved by a platform having the features of independent claim 1. The objective of providing space-saving energy conversion equipment is achieved by energy conversion equipment having the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments of the platform are described in dependent claims 1 to 10, and advantageous embodiments of the energy conversion equipment are described in dependent claims 12 to 24.
[0008] Description of the present invention The platform is suitable for a space-saving configuration of energy conversion equipment, which is achieved by placing skids having converter units of energy conversion equipment on the platform and stacking them vertically with further skids and further platforms having further converter units of energy conversion equipment placed on top of them. Skids should be understood as flat, preferably pallet-shaped, support frameworks on which various components of converter units, such as DC / DC converters, switchgear assemblies, DC / AC converters, and transformers, can be pre-assembled. The platform can be stacked vertically with one or more further platforms. For this reason, the expression "one further platform" should be understood to mean at least one further platform.
[0009] The platform includes a frame structure having a support surface for skids. In this case, the platform has no walls surrounding the support surface and is at least largely open. The platform has alignment elements on a first face of its frame structure and support columns on a second face of the frame structure opposite to the first face. In a stacked state, the first face can be considered the bottom surface of the platform, and the second face can be considered the top surface of the stacked platform. However, instead, in a stacked state, the first face can be considered the top surface of the platform and the second face the bottom surface of the platform. The support surface for skids is preferably located on the top surface of the platform. Furthermore, the frame structure forms a standing surface that extends at least largely along the periphery of the support surface, on which a person can walk and which can be used as access to the converter unit. Preferably, the standing surface is formed circumferentially along the entire periphery of the support surface, thus providing access from both directions around it.
[0010] The platform support columns are designed and positioned so that, when stacked, their ends interact with the alignment elements of further platforms, resulting in a laterally centered and vertically spaced arrangement of the platform support surfaces and the support surfaces of further platforms within the stack. This is especially true when further platforms are placed on top of the platform in the stack. The platform support columns are preferably designed to be identical to one another. In one embodiment, the platform support columns and the support columns of further platforms are designed to be identical to one another. Alternatively or additionally, the platform alignment elements are designed and positioned so as to interact with the ends of at least one further platform support column when stacked, resulting in a laterally centered and vertically spaced arrangement of the platform support surfaces and the support surfaces of further platforms within the stack. This is especially true when further platforms are placed below the platform in the stack. The platform alignment elements are preferably designed to be identical to one another. In one embodiment, the platform alignment elements and the further platform alignment elements are designed to be identical to one another. The interaction can be designed, for example, such that a projection of the alignment element engages with a recess in the support column, or vice versa.
[0011] Free space for accommodating converter units placed on skids or further converter units placed on additional skids is formed between the support surfaces of the platform and the additional platform within the stack. Since the platform itself has at least a large portion of the walls surrounding its support surfaces, the free space formed within the stack for accommodating skids and converter units has at least a large portion of the walls surrounding it. As a result, sufficient distance between converter units is ensured, while at the same time sufficient ventilation is ensured.
[0012] Therefore, the platform functions as a component of a modular system for stacking converter units, thereby allowing sufficient access to the converter units positioned above and below, while simultaneously ensuring adequate cooling of the converter units. This platform allows for the stacking of skids on which converter units are positioned, or skids on which converter units can be placed. Thus, skids can be positioned on the platform together with the converter units. Multiple platforms, each having a combination of skids and converter units, are then stacked vertically on top of each other. For this purpose, the platform is equipped with support columns on which upper platforms can be placed. In this way, a stack of platforms with converter units positioned on top can be created, thereby allowing the converter units to be positioned in a space-saving and easily accessible manner, while simultaneously ensuring sufficient ventilation.
[0013] According to the present invention, optimal cooling of the operating converter unit is possible because the platform has at least a large portion of walls surrounding the support surface along its periphery, and there is no additional housing for the converter unit (for example, used when the converter unit is housed in a container). Specifically, performing heat dissipation of a converter unit housed in a container is extremely difficult due to the accumulation of dust that forms therein. In contrast, the platform according to the present invention and a stack of multiple platforms according to the present invention have a largely open structure, as a result of significantly better thermal coupling of the converter unit to the cooling environment. Thermal coupling to the environment is at least significantly better than when a container-like housing is used for the converter unit. As a result, heat dissipation is better for converter units stacked vertically on the platform according to the present invention compared to converter units stacked on top of each other in a container. This is particularly advantageous when the converter unit itself is protected from environmental influences by its own housing or the housing of its components, and therefore does not need to be additionally protected from environmental influences by an additional housing such as a container. The feature that the free space formed within the stack for receiving the skid and converter unit has "at least a majority" of walls surrounding the free space can be interpreted, according to the present invention, as the walls potentially present on the periphery of the free space occupy up to 49% of the lateral periphery surrounding the free space. The feature that "the platform has at least a majority of walls surrounding the support surface" can be interpreted in a corresponding manner, that is, so that the corresponding feature is ultimately satisfied with respect to the free space within the stack.
[0014] In one embodiment, the support surface of the skid is made of a flame-retardant material. In particular, the platform may have a sandwich structure of two metal sheets and an intermediate non-combustible insulating material for this purpose. This can improve fire resistance within the stack. Furthermore, the support columns and / or other parts of the platform may also be coated to be flame-retardant.
[0015] In one embodiment of the platform, one or more sprinkler heads for fire suppression can be attached to the frame structure. In this case, one or more sprinkler heads are directed so that components of the converter unit located on the platform and / or components located below the platform in the stack are exposed to the discharged liquid. This can improve fire protection within the stack.
[0016] In one embodiment of the platform, the alignment elements are designed and positioned to allow not only stacking platforms on top of other platforms, but also stacking platforms on top of containers. Specifically, the alignment elements can surround the top corners of a container when a platform is stacked on top of a container, thereby enabling lateral centering and fixing of the platform on the container. This allows for flexible placement of the platform within the stack, enabling both placement on containers and on additional platforms, which can be achieved without making any changes to the platform, or with only minor changes to the platform.
[0017] The frame structure forms a standing surface located outside the support surface, on which a person can walk, providing access to components that can be placed on or are already placed on the support surface. As a result, for example, maintenance workers can easily perform installation and maintenance work on components, such as converter units, if they are located further up the stack. To provide workers with sufficient freedom of movement to perform this work, the standing surface should have a width of, for example, at least 1 m, preferably at least 1.5 m. Advantageously, the standing surface also has sufficient load-bearing capacity against mechanical loads generated by spare parts or tools placed on it for installation and maintenance work.
[0018] In one embodiment of the platform, the standing surface is formed by arranging floor panels in the form of a grid. Since the grid is air-permeable, ventilation in the areas between platforms is not affected. Furthermore, since rainwater does not accumulate on the standing surface, no separate drainage measures are required.
[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the platform has retaining elements in the area of the support surface to supply supply lines to a skid and / or a converter unit positioned on it. The retaining elements can be designed, for example, as clamps or brackets, and serve to position the ends of the supply lines at designated locations on the platform before the skid and / or the converter unit positioned on or positioned on it is positioned in the area of the support surface. These locations then correspond to the areas on the skid and / or the converter unit where the supply line connections are positioned, thus enabling easy connection of the supply lines. The supply lines can include, for example, electrical lines, gas lines, or supply lines for the working medium of an energy conversion facility. For example, the supply lines can be designed to transport liquid for sprinkler components of an energy conversion facility in case of an accident.
[0020] Fastening elements for handrails that laterally partition the standing surface, such as sleeves, can be provided on the platform to protect people using the standing surface from falling. Such handrails can be easily installed as needed or permanently.
[0021] In one embodiment, the platform height is between 350 cm and 400 cm. This allows for the proper placement of, for example, the converter units of an energy conversion facility. Considering the typical height of the converter units, the loads to be supported are reliably supported by the support columns. This reduces the load on the converter units. The platform height corresponds to the distance between the bottom surface of the frame structure and the top end of the support columns, as shown as dimension "H" in Figure 1, and is substantially determined by the height of the support columns. Furthermore, by defining the platform height in this way, additional free space is reliably formed between the converter units stacked vertically within the stack, thereby supporting sufficient cooling of the converter units during operation.
[0022] In one embodiment of the platform, the ends of the alignment elements or support columns each have, in particular, twist-lock fasteners. One form of twist-lock fastener is known, for example, from Compar Limited. In this case, the platform preferably has alignment elements that allow for locking in addition to the orientation of the two platforms relative to each other. For this purpose, for example, recesses can be provided in both platforms as part of the alignment elements. The twist-lock fasteners can also be fixedly mounted on the underside of the platform as a component of the alignment elements, in which case, for example, only the lower platform has recesses in the area of the end of the support element from which the twist-lock fasteners can engage for locking. Alternatively, the twist-lock fasteners can also be mounted, in particular, to the support columns of the platform rather than on the underside of the platform, and can be fixed in particular. In this way, they can form part of the support columns, in particular part of the ends of the support columns.
[0023] An energy conversion facility for exchanging power with the grid has a stack formed from at least two platforms, with a skid on each platform on which converter units are placed. Electrical and / or media connections are routed through the platforms to the upper platform, providing access to the upper platform for performing work on, for example, the converter units placed on it.
[0024] In one embodiment, the energy conversion equipment has a sprinkler system having a plurality of sprinkler heads and supply lines for supplying liquid connected thereto, wherein the supply lines and / or sprinkler heads have electric heaters. The liquid can be, for example, water or another fire extinguishing medium, and the electric heaters are provided to prevent the water or fire extinguishing medium from freezing at low ambient temperatures, thereby preventing damage to the supply lines and / or sprinkler heads.
[0025] In one embodiment of the energy conversion facility, each converter unit arranged on the skid has one or more DC / AC converters, one or more DC / DC converters, one or more transformers, and / or one or more switching systems. Further, the converter unit can also include a central control unit, which can optionally supply power via a buffer energy source, for example in the form of a battery. Here, the converter units can have the same design, but this is not absolutely necessary. Rather, it is possible to design the converter units differently from each other, and in particular, to include different components in both their type and number.
[0026] In one embodiment of the energy conversion facility, the stack further comprises at least one container as a housing for the components of the energy conversion facility. Advantageously, the platform and further platforms are stacked on at least one container.
[0027] The energy conversion facility can be configured to supply reactive power to the grid and / or to stabilize the frequency of the grid. Alternatively or additionally, the energy conversion facility is designed as an uninterruptible power supply system having a separation element for the grid and the energy storage device.
[0028] In one embodiment, the energy conversion facility further comprises an electrolyzer arranged within the container or on one of the platforms. Naturally, it is also possible for the energy conversion facility to comprise a plurality of electrolyzers. In this case, the power of the connected grid can be used for hydrogen production. As a result of the platforms being arranged as a stack, such an energy conversion facility can be easily expanded according to the operating power without requiring much space.
[0029] In one embodiment of the energy conversion facility, the stack has two containers stacked vertically on top of each other via a container platform, and two platforms are arranged above the two containers.
[0030] In one embodiment, the energy conversion facility has a plurality of stacks, and these stacks are arranged adjacent to each other such that the platforms of adjacent stacks are adjacent to each other and a common plane of the standing surface is formed. The gap formed between the platforms can be covered, for example, with a metal sheet. It is also conceivable to enhance the stability of the stack arrangement by using a particularly elastic connection, such as a screw connection, or a buffer element, between the platforms of adjacent stacks.
[0031] Adjacent stacks can particularly extend in two lateral directions, resulting in the formation of a cluster of platforms. In this case, the stacks can be surrounded by a facade for forming a building structure. In the outer region of the stack cluster, shared access to the platform plane can be achieved by means of stairs or an elevator. In this case, the height and / or material of the facade can be selected such that the noise level of an adjacent residential building is kept below the allowable noise level. This utilizes the fact that noise propagates significantly only along a virtual line starting from the noise source and does not penetrate the facade. For this reason, the height of the facade can be selected such that noise from a noise source arranged far above the stack, for example, a converter unit arranged there, does not reach an annoying level on the upper floors of an adjacent residential building. Unpleasant noise passing through the facade can be reduced by the material of the facade. For example, sound-absorbing materials or sound-reflecting materials can be used for the facade, as is also used for the sound barriers of traffic roads. The allowable noise level varies by region and can be obtained from relevant guidelines regarding noise prevention.
[0032] In at least some areas, a gap can be left between the lower edge of the facade and the ground, allowing for air exchange with the surroundings through this gap, so that a sufficient amount of cooling air can always escape from the environment. Alternatively, the energy conversion equipment may have a raised base that overlaps with the facade, creating a gap between the base and the facade, thereby allowing for air exchange. The raised base may be, for example, part of a concrete building having one or more floors where rechargeable batteries or other storage elements are placed.
[0033] In one embodiment of the energy conversion equipment, the top of the platform of one or more stacks may have a metal cover that covers the top of the converter units placed thereon. The metal cover can be electrically grounded. In this case, the metal covers of adjacent stacks of the energy conversion equipment can be connected to each other so as to create a continuous conductive surface. The metal cover can reduce the irradiation of the environment by electromagnetic interference radiation from one or more converter units located beneath the cover. As a result, the irradiation of the components of the energy conversion equipment from the surroundings by electromagnetic interference radiation can also be reduced. Alternatively or additionally, the cover may also be used as lightning protection for the components of the energy conversion equipment located beneath the cover.
[0034] Since the cover is not subjected to heavy loads, it does not need to be designed to be extremely mechanically stable. Advantageously, the metal cover can be designed to be mostly air-permeable, allowing heated air to escape upwards through the cover. For example, the cover can include a metal grid, or can be specifically designed as a metal grid. The mesh width of the metal grid can be matched to the frequency of the electromagnetic interference radiation to be shielded. In this frequency range, the mesh width is typically 20mm to 200mm.
[0035] The metal cover substantially shields the irradiation of electromagnetic interference radiation from above. Electromagnetic interference radiation emanating laterally from the energy conversion equipment can also be shielded by the corresponding embodiment of the facade. For this purpose, the facade may have, for example, thin metal sheets or metal grids, which are advantageously grounded.
[0036] In one embodiment of the energy conversion equipment, the converter unit is designed to be protected from spray water from a water jet. Thus, the converter unit is protected from weather effects and also protected when a sprinkler system is in use, and the power electronics of the converter unit will not be damaged in adverse weather and / or when the sprinkler system is operating. In this way, the converter unit itself is suitable for outdoor use without additional housing, for example, in the form of an additional container. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0037] The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the platform according to the present invention in several drawings. [Figure 2] Figure 2a shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a platform according to the present invention, including a skid and a converter unit positioned on it. Figure 2b shows a perspective view of a stack having multiple platforms. [Figure 3] Figure 3a shows a perspective view of a container with a platform, skid, and converter unit. Figure 3b shows a side view of a container with a platform positioned on top. Figure 3c shows a perspective view of a stack with two platforms. Figure 3d shows an energy conversion facility with a stack of platforms positioned adjacent to each other on a container. [Figure 4] Figure 4a shows a schematic diagram of a twist lock. Figure 4b shows a schematic diagram of a screw connection. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the converter unit on the skid. [Figure 6] Figure 6a shows one embodiment of the container platform in several drawings. Figure 6b shows a perspective view of two containers with the container platform positioned between them. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an energy conversion facility designed as a building structure with stacks arranged adjacent to each other. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows one embodiment of a platform having a metal cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0038] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a platform 10 according to the present invention, which has a frame structure consisting of a plurality of beams 11 fixedly connected to one another, and this frame structure defines a support surface 17. The platform 10 is shown in a plan view and two side views below and to the right of the plan view. The support surface 17 is located in the inner region of the platform and has alignment elements 12 and support columns 13 in the region of its corner points. The alignment elements 12 and support columns are located on opposite sides of the platform 10. The alignment elements 12 are designed to interact with the ends 13.1 of the support columns (of the further platform 10) so as to align and preferably lock the two platforms. For this purpose, the alignment elements 12 can be designed, for example, as so-called corner castings or twist-lock fasteners. It is also possible for the alignment elements 12 to have corner castings in combination with twist-lock fasteners.
[0039] The platform height H is substantially determined by the length of the support columns 13 plus the thickness of the beams 11. The floor panels 14 are positioned on the frame structure in the outer region of the platform 10 surrounding the inner region, and the outer region is walkable on it within a width B and forms a standing surface 18, on which loads can be placed. The floor panels 14 can be made of an air-permeable and / or liquid-permeable grid. In this case, the frame structure may also have standing surfaces 18 in the form of an outer region that is walkable on and can withstand loads only on three sides of the inner region.
[0040] Furthermore, the platform has guide elements, such as cable channels, through which the supply line 19 is guided. In the inner region, retaining elements are arranged, for example, on cross members of the frame structure, thereby fixing the supply line 19 at a designated position on the platform 10, and a connection region is located nearby. In this way, a simple connection of the platform 10 and / or the converter unit 31 located on the platform can be made via the supply line 19. This connection can be, for example, an electrical connection to an AC voltage grid or a DC voltage bus. However, alternatively or additionally, the supply line may also be designed to supply or discharge a medium for the operation of the energy conversion equipment, such as a coolant or gas.
[0041] Furthermore, fastening elements for the handrail 16 in the form of sleeves 15 are attached along the outer beam 11, and the upright portion of the handrail 16 can be inserted into these fastening elements. These fastening elements can be arranged around the entire side of the platform 10, on only a portion of the side, or not on any side at all.
[0042] The arrangement of the skid 30 having a converter unit 31 on the support surface 17 of the platform 10 is shown in a perspective view in Figure 2a. The skid 30 having a converter unit 31 can be positioned on the support surface 17 in the direction of the arrow, for example, within the support column 13. In this case, the skid having a converter unit can be longer or wider than, for example, the distance between two pairs of support columns 13, and thus project, for example, in the longitudinal or transverse direction between two support columns 13. Cross braces 20 can stabilize the platform 10. Cross braces 20 can be positioned, for example, in the inner region of the platform 10 and / or between the support columns 13.
[0043] Figure 2b is a perspective view of a stack 24 of five platforms 10 arranged vertically to one another. The support columns 13 of each platform 10 interact with platform alignment elements 12 placed on them to align the platforms 10 relative to each other and to optionally lock them in place. Distances, particularly free spaces, are formed in the stack 24 through the support columns 13, and in particular, free spaces are formed between the support surfaces 17 of two vertically stacked platforms 10, where, for example, a converter unit 31, such as an energy conversion device 50, can be placed. Sprinkler heads 21 with supply lines 22 can also be placed on the platforms 10, thereby enabling cooling of the converter unit 31 and extinguishing of a fire by spraying or misting liquid as needed, for example, in the event of a fire.
[0044] Figure 3a is a perspective view showing how the platform 10 can be positioned on the container 40 in the direction of the arrows by its alignment elements 12. The platform 10, with the skid 30 and converter unit 31, is positioned on the container 40 such that the alignment elements 12 of the platform 10 are positioned at standardized acceptance points of the container 40 located at the corners of the container, thereby positioning the platform 10 relative to the container 40. The platform 10 and the container 40 can also be locked via the alignment elements 12. For example, in this case, the alignment elements 12 may each be designed as twist-lock fasteners (not shown in Figure 3a), or each may have twist-lock fasteners.
[0045] Figure 3b shows an energy conversion system 50 having multiple converter units 31 within a stack 24. In Figure 3b, only one converter unit 31 is explicitly shown. However, above the explicitly shown converter unit 31, further converter units 31 are positioned and are symbolized in Figure 3b by dots above the converter unit 31. Below the illustrated converter unit 31, a container 40 is positioned, which can function, for example, as a component housing for further components of the energy conversion system 50. The components of the converter unit 31 and / or the energy conversion system 50 may include power electronics circuits, which can be designed in particular as DC-to-AC converters and / or have a DC / AC converter as a component. Furthermore, the components of the energy conversion system 50 may also include energy storage devices, for example, in the form of rechargeable batteries. Also, an electrical load, such as an electrolytic unit, can be housed in the container 40 as a component and / or be part of the converter unit 31. The container 40 is placed on a base 41. Connecting elements for electrically connecting the power electronics circuits or energy storage devices can be incorporated into the base 41. Platform 10 is positioned above container 40, and alignment elements 12 of platform 10 are positioned at standardized receiving points of container 40 located at the corners of container 40. In this way, platform 10 can be positioned relative to container 40 and to further platforms 10. As a result of the alignment arrangement, it is possible to place further platforms 10 on platform 10, and thus a stack 24 can be formed with multiple platforms 10. Depending on the load capacity of container 40 and / or platform 10, and according to the stability requirements against lateral forces such as those exerted by crosswinds, a stack 24 can be formed, for example, with one container 40 and four or more platforms 10.In either case, the sprinkler 21 can be attached to the platform along with the supply line 22. In this case, the platform 10 can be locked to each adjacent container 40 in the stack 24 and / or each adjacent platform 10, thereby improving the stability of the stack 24.
[0046] The outer area 18 of the platform 10 serves as a standing surface that can be walked on and withstand loads, allowing a person 42 to access elements placed on the platform 10, such as the converter unit 31. This allows the person 42 to access the converter unit 31 and perform installation and maintenance work at heights above the foundation 41 (where a mobile work platform would be required if the standing surface were absent). Access to the standing surface 18 can be via stairs or a ladder.
[0047] Because the length of the support columns 13 is appropriate and air permeable floor panels 14 allow for virtually unobstructed air exchange, effective cooling of all converter units 31 and containers 40 is ensured. Furthermore, water discharge due to precipitation only needs to occur within the plane of the foundation 41.
[0048] Figure 3c is a perspective view showing, as an example, how platform 10 may be positioned on the support columns 13 of a further platform 10 by its alignment element 12 in the direction of the arrow. Specifically, platform 10 having skids 30 and converter units 31 is positioned on the further platform 10 having skids 30 and converter units 31 such that platform 10 takes a predetermined position relative to the further platform 10 by the alignment element 12 of platform 13 interacting with the end 13.1 of the support column 13. The interaction between the alignment element 12 and the end 13.1 of the support column may be, for example, such that a portion of the alignment element 12 engages with, for example, a recess 13.1 of the support column 13.
[0049] The frame structure 11 of the upper platform 10 is positioned such that the upper platform 10 is aligned with the lower platform 10, with alignment elements 12 resting on the ends 13.1 of the support columns 13 of the lower platform. By inserting the floor panel 14 into the frame structure 11 of the platform 10, a walkable standing surface 18 is formed, which can extend completely around the platform 10, for example, thus allowing access to the upper converter unit 31 from all sides.
[0050] As shown in Figure 3d, multiple stacks 24 of containers 40 and platforms 10 can be arranged adjacent to each other and / or front to back on the foundation 41, so as to form a common energy conversion facility 50, and then the stacks 24 are arranged in one or two horizontal directions. The platforms 10 of the stacks 24 arranged adjacent to each other and / or front to back form a continuous plane of standing surfaces 18, leaving gaps between adjacent platforms 10, and these gaps can be covered with, for example, metal plates, as needed. Handrails 16 are required only on the outside of the stacks 24. Access to multiple levels of the standing surfaces 18, such as stair access, can also be located on the outside.
[0051] In the configuration shown in Figure 3d, any platform 10 and / or any container 40 can be replaced with little effort, in that the upper platform 10 is lifted vertically by a crane, the electrical connections and / or further connections are disconnected, and then the platform 10 or container 40 is similarly lifted vertically from the configuration. The upper platform 10 is temporarily lowered, replaced with a given platform 10 and / or a given container 40, and the platforms 10 are then stacked again as stacks 24 within the configuration. The electrical lines and / or further supply lines are then reconnected to each other.
[0052] Figure 4a shows a twist-lock fastener TL as an example. Such a twist-lock fastener TL can be, for example, a component of the alignment element 12. Alternatively, although functionally equivalent, the twist-lock fastener TL may be a component of the support column 13, particularly its end 13.1, rather than part of the alignment element 12 when the platforms 10 are stacked vertically. The bolt B of the twist-lock fastener TL can be moved via a lever L. When the twist-lock fastener TL is positioned such that the bolt B is located in the longitudinal recess 11.L of the beam 11 of the upper platform 10 and its second bolt B is located in the longitudinal recess 13.1.L of the end 13.1 of the support column 13 of the lower platform 10, the two platforms 10 can be aligned and locked together by rotating the lever L.
[0053] Figure 4b shows an example of a screw connection using screws S and nuts M, which allows the beam 11 of the upper platform 10 (in the stack 24) to be screwed to the end 13.1 of the support column 13 of the lower platform 10 (in the stack 24). In this case, the alignment element 12 is designed as a conical tapered molded element projecting downward. In contrast, the end of the support column 13.1 opposite the alignment element 12 has a recess 13.A that accommodates the molded element. In this case, the recess 13.A may also have a conical taper that points downward according to the alignment element 12. When the platforms 10 are stacked one after the other, the alignment element 12 of the upper platform 10 engages with the corresponding recess 13.A of the end 13.1 of the support column 13 of the lower platform 10, thereby resulting in lateral centering of the upper platform 10 relative to the lower platform 10. Figure 4b shows, as an example, an alignment element 12 of the upper platform 10 in the form of a downwardly extending conical tapered molded element, while the end 13.1 of the support column 13 of the lower platform 10 has a corresponding recess 13.A. However, it is also possible that the alignment element 12 of the upper platform 10 has a recess, while the end 13.1 of the support column 13 of the lower platform has an upwardly tapering molded element in this case.
[0054] Figure 5 shows, as an example, the components of a converter unit 31 placed on a skid 30. The converter unit 31 comprises two switching systems 37, two DC / DC converters 35, two DC / AC converters 34, and a transformer 36. However, the converter unit 31 shown in Figure 5 is merely illustrative in terms of the number and type of each component. Specifically, the converter unit 31 may have, for example, 0, 1 or more DC / AC converters 34, 0, 1 or more DC / DC converters 35, 0, 1 or more transformers 36, and 0, 1 or more switching systems 37.
[0055] Figure 6a shows one embodiment of a container platform 610 having a frame structure consisting of a plurality of beams 611 fixedly connected to one another. The container platform 610 is shown in a plan view and two side views below and to the right of the plan view. The container platform 610 has an interior region 617, at which upper alignment elements 612 are positioned on the upper side of the frame structure as receiving points for a first container 40 at its corner points. The upper alignment elements 612 are designed so that the first container 40 can be attached to the upper alignment elements 612 at a defined position. The upper alignment elements 612 can receive standardized container corners with alignment and locking, and can be designed, for example, as twist-lock fasteners TL. Lower alignment elements 613 are positioned on the underside of the container platform 610, and these lower alignment elements allow the container platform 610 to be positioned on a second container 40. The lower alignment elements 613 can be designed, for example, as standardized container corners (known as so-called corner castings) used in cargo containers. The upper alignment element 612 and the lower alignment element 613 are spaced apart from each other by a height of 6.H in a direction perpendicular to the standing surface, such that the container platform 610 defines a distance corresponding to a height of 6.H between two containers 40. In the outer region 618 of the container platform 610 surrounding the inner region 617, floor panels 614 are placed on the frame structure, thereby forming a standing surface in the outer region 618 that is designed to be walkable and load-bearing with a width of 6.B. The floor panels 614 can be made of an air-permeable grid. In Figure 6a, the standing surface completely surrounds the inner region 617 of the platform 610. However, alternatively, the frame structure may have standing surfaces in the form of a walkable or load-bearing outer region 618 on only one, two, or three sides of the inner region 617.
[0056] Furthermore, the container platform 610 has guide elements, such as cable channels, which guide the supply line 619 to the container 40. In the inner region 617, retaining elements are placed, for example, on lateral struts of the frame structure, to fix the supply line 619 at a designated position on the container platform 610, at which point the connection area of the container 40, located above the frame structure, is positioned on the receiving point 612. In this way, a simple connection of the container 40 via the supply line 619 can be achieved. This connection can be an electrical connection, such as an AC voltage grid or a DC voltage bus. In this case, the supply line 619 is designed as an electrical supply line. However, it is also conceivable that one or more of the supply lines 619 are not designed as electrical supply lines, but rather as supply lines for transporting a medium that can supply or discharge, for example, a cooling liquid or gas.
[0057] Furthermore, fastening elements for the handrail 616 in the form of sleeves 615 are attached along the outer beam 611, and the upright portion of the handrail 616 can be inserted into these fastening elements. The fastening elements can be arranged around the entire side of the container platform 610, on only a portion of the side, or not on any side at all.
[0058] In the energy conversion equipment 50, under the intermediate arrangement of the container platform 610, the containers 40 can be stacked on top of each other as housings for components of the energy conversion equipment 50, such as converter units 31.
[0059] Figure 6b shows a more detailed perspective view of the container platform 610 and the containers 40 stacked on top of each other. The frame structure of the container platform 610 is positioned with its lower alignment element 613 placed on the receiving point of the lower container 40. The upper container 40 is then positioned on the upper alignment element 612 of the container platform 610, aligned with the lower container 40. By inserting the floor panel 618 into the frame structure of the container platform 610, a walkable standing surface is formed that extends fully around the container platform 610, thereby allowing access to the upper container 40 from all sides. The upper and lower alignment elements 612 and 613 are positioned to laterally center the upper container 40 on top of the lower container 40, and this arrangement is vertically spaced approximately the height of the container platform 610. This allows multiple containers 40 to be stacked on top of each other within the stack 24 without creating a risk of the stack 24 becoming unbalanced and falling.
[0060] The multiple stacks 24 shown in the previous figure can be formed as a building structure by attaching a facade 46 to the outside of the multiple stacks 24. The facade 46 can contribute to the mechanical stability of the arrangement in addition to being a visual screen. An example of such a building structure is shown in Figure 7. Stairs and elevators can also be incorporated into the outside of the building structure. In a further embodiment, the stacks 24 can also be placed on the outside of the building. One or more stacks 24 containers 40 and / or converter units 31 can form functional units such as an inverter and all energy storage devices connected to the DC voltage side of this inverter. In this way, the energy conversion equipment 50 can be easily expanded by adding further stacks 24.
[0061] Figure 8 shows one embodiment of platform 10 that can be used as the upper platform 10 of the stack 24 of the energy conversion equipment 50 (in Figure 8, the stack 24 is simply symbolized as a dot below platform 10). Platform 10 has a metal cover 49 for shielding from electromagnetic interference radiation and / or lightning protection. The metal cover 49 includes a metal grid 47 and covers the skid 30 on which the converter unit 31 is mounted on its upper surface. The metal cover 49 can be connected to earth (not shown in Figure 8) directly (e.g., via a separate cable) or indirectly (e.g., via electrical contacts to a grounded platform 10 located further below).
[0062] In the example shown in Figure 8, the support columns 13 and converter units 31 are located on the same side of the frame structure, as in Figures 2a and 2b. The metal cover 49, including the metal grid 47, can be attached here to the support columns 13 of the upper platform 10, and thus it can be designed so that there are no support columns to be assigned there. However, it is also possible to instead place the support columns 13 and converter units 31 of the platform 10 on opposite sides of the frame structure. If all the platforms 10 in the same stack have a similar arrangement of their support columns 13 and the converter units 31 placed on them, it is also possible to stack the platforms 10 in a corresponding manner, as shown in Figures 2a and 2b. In this case, in order to cover the converter units 31 in the stack 24 at the top, the cover 49 may also have support columns that are fixed to the frame structure of the platform 10 so as to cover the skid 30 together with the converter units 31 at the top. [Explanation of symbols]
[0063] 10 platforms 11 Beam 11. L Beam Slot 12 Alignment Elements 13 Support pillar 13.1 End of support column 13.1.L Slots in support columns 13.A Recess 14 floor panels 15 sleeves 16 Handrails 17 Support surface 18 Standing surfaces 19 supply lines 20 Cross braces 21 Sprinkler heads 22 supply lines 23 Sprinkler System 24 stacks 30 Skid 31 Converter Unit 34 DC / AC Converters 35 DC / DC Converters 36 Transformers 37 Switch Assembly 40 containers 41 Basics 42 people 43 Service hatch 45 Container Platforms 46 Facade 47 Metal grid 49 Cover 50 Energy conversion equipment TL Twist Lock Fasteners B bolt L lever S screw M Nut 610 Container Platform 611 Beam 612 Alignment elements 613 Alignment elements 614 Floor Panels 615 Sleeves 616 Handrail 617 Inner area 618 Outer area 619 supply line 6.H Container platform height 6.B Walkable width
Claims
1. A platform (10) for a space-saving configuration of an energy conversion device (50), The aforementioned space-saving configuration is achieved by placing a skid (30) having a converter unit (31) of the energy conversion equipment (50) on the platform (10), and stacking it vertically with a further skid (30) and a further platform (10) having a further converter unit (31) of the energy conversion equipment (50) placed on top of it in a stack (24) configuration. - The platform (10) includes a frame structure having a support surface (17) for the skid (30), wherein at least a large portion of the wall surrounding the support surface (17) is absent, and the frame structure has alignment elements (12) on a first surface and support columns (13) on a second surface of the frame structure opposite to the first surface. - The frame structure also forms a standing surface (18) that surrounds the support surface (17) in at least a large portion of its periphery, and this standing surface is accessible to a person walking on as access to the converter unit (31). - The support columns (13) of the platform (10) are designed and positioned such that their ends (13.1) cooperate when stacked with the alignment elements (12) of the further platform (10), thereby resulting in a laterally centered and vertically spaced arrangement of the support surfaces (17) of the platform (10) and the support surfaces (17) of the further platform (10) within the stack (24), and / or the alignment elements (12) of the platform (10) are designed and positioned such that their ends (13.1) cooperate when stacked with the ends (13.1) of the support columns (13) of at least one further platform (10), thereby resulting in a laterally centered and vertically spaced arrangement of the support surfaces (17) of the platform and the support surfaces (17) of the further platform (10) within the stack (24), - A platform characterized in that, when stacked, a free space is formed between the support surface (17) of the platform (10) and the support surface (17) of the further platform (10) for accommodating a converter unit (31) placed on the skid (30) or a further converter unit (31) placed on the further skid (30), and this space is characterized in that there are at least a large portion of walls surrounding the free space along its periphery.
2. In the platform (10) described in claim 1, The platform is characterized in that the support surface (17) of the skid (30) contains a flame-retardant material, and in particular includes a sandwich structure of two metal sheets and an intermediate non-combustible heat insulating material.
3. In the platform (10) according to claim 1 or 2, A platform characterized in that one or more sprinkler heads (21) for fire extinguishing are attached to the frame structure, and the sprinkler heads are directed to spray components of a converter unit (31) located on the platform (10) and / or components of a converter unit located below the platform (10) in the stack (24).
4. In the platform (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The platform is characterized in that the alignment elements (12) are positioned to surround the upper corners of the container (40) when the platform (10) is stacked on top of the container (40), thereby enabling lateral centering and fixing of the platform (10) on the container (40).
5. In the platform (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A platform characterized in that the standing surface (18) is formed by laying floor panels (14) in the shape of a grid.
6. In the platform (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The platform (10) is characterized in that it includes a retaining element in the area of the support surface (17) for holding the supply line (19) to the skid (30) and / or the converter unit (31) disposed thereon.
7. In the platform (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A platform characterized in that fastening elements for a handrail (16) that divides the standing surface (18) in the lateral direction are provided on the platform (10).
8. In the platform (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A platform characterized in that the height (H) of the platform (10) is selected to be between 350 cm and 400 cm.
9. In the platform (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A platform characterized in that the width (B) of the standing surface (18) is at least 1 m.
10. In the platform (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A platform characterized in that each of the alignment element (12) or the end (13.1) of the support column (13) has a twist-lock fastener (TL).
11. Energy conversion equipment (50) for exchanging electricity with the grid, An energy conversion system comprising a stack (24) formed from at least two platforms (10), wherein a skid (30) on which a converter unit (31) is placed is disposed on each of the platforms (10), and each of the platforms (10) is configured according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. In the energy conversion equipment (50) described in claim 11, An energy conversion device further comprising a sprinkler system (23) having a plurality of sprinkler heads (21) and supply lines (22) connected thereto for supplying liquid, wherein the supply lines (22) and / or sprinkler heads (21) have electric heaters.
13. In the energy conversion equipment (50) according to claim 11 or 12, An energy conversion system characterized in that each converter unit (31) disposed on the skid (30) includes one or more DC / AC converters (34), one or more DC / DC converters (35), one or more transformers (36), and / or one or more switch assemblies (37).
14. In the energy conversion equipment (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, The energy conversion equipment is characterized in that the stack (24) further comprises at least one container (40) as housing for the components of the energy conversion equipment (50).
15. An energy conversion facility (50) according to claim 14, characterized in that the platform (10) and further platforms (10) are stacked on top of the at least one container (40).
16. In the energy conversion equipment (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 15, The energy conversion equipment (50) is configured to supply reactive power for grid voltage stabilization and / or power for grid frequency stabilization.
17. In the energy conversion equipment (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 16, The energy conversion equipment (50) is characterized in that it is designed as an uninterruptible power supply system having isolation elements from the grid and energy storage devices.
18. In the energy conversion equipment (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 17, An energy conversion system further comprising at least one electrolytic cell located inside a container (40) or on one of the platforms (10).
19. In the energy conversion equipment (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 18, An energy conversion facility characterized in that the stack (24) includes two containers (40) stacked on top of each other via a container platform (610).
20. In the energy conversion equipment (50) described in Claim 19, An energy conversion facility characterized in that two platforms (10) are located on top of the two containers (40).
21. In the energy conversion equipment (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 20, An energy conversion facility comprising multiple stacks (24) arranged side by side, characterized in that the platforms (10) of adjacent stacks (24) are adjacent to each other and a common plane of standing surfaces (18) is formed.
22. In the energy conversion equipment (50) described in claim 21, An energy conversion facility characterized in that adjacent stacks (24) extend in two lateral directions.
23. In the energy conversion equipment (50) according to claim 21 or 22, An energy conversion facility characterized in that the aforementioned stack (24) is surrounded by a facade (46) to form a building structure.
24. In the energy conversion equipment (50) described in claim 23, An energy conversion system characterized in that the height and / or material of the facade (46) is selected to prevent nuisance noise to adjacent residential buildings that exceeds the permissible noise level.
25. In the energy conversion equipment (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 24, An energy conversion system characterized in that the converter unit (31) is protected by spray water and / or sprinkler water.
26. In the energy conversion equipment (50) according to any one of claims 11 to 25, An energy conversion system characterized in that a metal cover (49) is placed on top of the converter unit (31) on the platform (10) of one or more stacks (24) to shield from electromagnetic interference radiation and / or protect from lightning.
27. In the energy conversion equipment (50) described in Claim 26, An energy conversion apparatus characterized in that the metal cover (49) includes a metal grid (47).