Cable guide assembly and method for wind turbines

Abstract

To provide cable guiding assemblies and methods for wind turbines.SOLUTION: The present disclosure relates to cable guiding assemblies for wind turbine power cables. The cable guiding assembly comprises an outer part and a central part. Each component has a top surface, a bottom surface, a laterally inner surface and a laterally outer surface. The laterally inner surface has a plurality of recesses suitable for receiving power cables. An outer portion of the central part is configured to be attached to an inner portion of the outer part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to wind turbines, and more particularly to guidance systems and methods for power cables of wind turbines. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, modern wind turbines are used to supply electricity to the power grid. This type of wind turbine typically comprises a tower and a rotor mounted on the tower. The rotor, typically having a hub and multiple blades, is designed to rotate under the influence of wind on the blades. This rotation generates torque, which is usually transmitted to a generator directly through the rotor shaft or through a gearbox. In this way, the generator produces electricity that can be supplied to the power grid.

[0003] The wind turbine hub may be rotatably coupled to the front of the nacelle. The wind turbine hub can be connected to the rotor shaft, which can then be rotatably mounted within the nacelle using one or more rotor shaft bearings located in the inner frame of the nacelle. The nacelle is a housing located at the top of the wind turbine tower that accommodates and protects, for example, the gearbox (if any) and generator, and, depending on the wind turbine, further components such as a power converter and auxiliary systems.

[0004] Power cables carry electrical energy from the generator in the nacelle down the wind turbine tower to the power grid. Power cables typically consist of bundles of metal wires, such as copper wires, enclosed in protective and flexible covers, such as rubber covers. Power cables in wind turbines are expected to withstand vibration, bending, twisting, abrasion, a wide range of temperatures, and electromagnetic interference. In offshore wind turbines, they must also be resistant to saltwater and salt-sea air. Power cables should allow the nacelle to yaw while reliably carrying electrical energy at all times.

[0005] Depending on the internal layout of wind turbines, particularly the generators and nacelles, power cables must pass through confined spaces. This can lead to cable entanglement and increase electromagnetic interference between cables. Cables can be damaged if they come into contact with sharp objects or if their temperature rises due to insufficient spacing between them. Cable spacers and cable guides are known to group and route power cables in an organized manner.

[0006] The size and shape of cable spacers and guides can be adapted to the space and configuration through which the cable must pass. [Overview of the project]

[0007] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a cable guide assembly is provided. The cable guide assembly comprises a central portion having a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral inner surface, and a lateral outer surface, the lateral inner surface having a plurality of central recesses forming a central opening suitable for receiving wind turbine power cables. The assembly further comprises an outer portion surrounding the central portion and having a top surface, a bottom surface, a lateral inner surface, and a lateral outer surface, the lateral inner surface having a plurality of outer recesses forming an outer opening suitable for receiving wind turbine power cables. The outer portion of the central portion is configured to be attached to the inner portion of the outer portion such that the central portion partitions the outer opening.

[0008] Such a guidance system can enable the guidance of power cables in a regular and controlled manner within a narrow space, for example, through an opening on the surface of a wind turbine. Sufficient spacing between cables can also be achieved. This guidance system may be particularly useful for power cables whose trajectory changes from a first direction to a second different direction, for example, from a substantially horizontal trajectory to a vertical trajectory. Thus, the transition of the power cable to the second direction can be made more organized, while temperature rise due to power loss in the cable can be avoided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a wind turbine. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a simplified internal view of an example of a wind turbine nacelle. [Figure 3A] This diagram schematically illustrates an example of a guidance system for power cables used in wind turbines. [Figure 3B] This diagram schematically illustrates an example of a guidance system for power cables used in wind turbines. [Figure 4A] Figure 3A schematically shows an example of the components of the outer part of the cable guide assembly. [Figure 4B] Figure 3A schematically shows an example of the central components of the cable guide assembly. [Figure 5] This diagram schematically shows an example of a cable guide assembly that includes a frame for guiding a power cable toward a portion of the cable guide assembly. [Figure 6A] This diagram schematically shows an example of a cable guide frame. [Figure 6B] This diagram schematically shows an example of a cable guide frame. [Figure 7] This diagram schematically shows an example of a cable guide assembly that changes the direction of a power cable. [Figure 8] This diagram schematically illustrates one example of a method for guiding power cables through the opening of a wind turbine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present invention and is not a limitation of the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment to further bring about additional embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace such modifications and changes that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a wind turbine 10. In this example, the wind turbine 10 is a horizontal-axis wind turbine. Alternatively, the wind turbine 10 may be a vertical-axis wind turbine. In this example, the wind turbine 10 includes a tower 100 extending from a support system 14 on the ground 12, a nacelle 16 mounted on the tower 100, and a rotor 18 coupled to the nacelle 16. The rotor 18 includes a rotatable hub 20 and at least one rotor blade 22 coupled to the hub 20 and extending outwardly from the hub 20. In this example, the rotor 18 has three rotor blades 22. In alternative embodiments, the rotor 18 includes more or fewer than three rotor blades 22. The tower 100 can be made of tubular steel to define a cavity (not shown in FIG. 1) between the support system 14 and the nacelle 16. In alternative embodiments, the tower 100 is any suitable type of tower having any suitable height. According to an alternative form, the tower may be a hybrid tower comprising a concrete portion and a tubular steel portion. Also, the tower may be a partial or complete lattice tower.

[0012] The rotor blades 22 can be spaced apart around the hub 20 so as to facilitate the rotation of the rotor 18 and allow the kinetic energy to be transmitted from the wind to mechanical energy that can be used and subsequently to electrical energy. The rotor blades 22 are fitted to the hub 20 by coupling the blade root portion 24 to the hub 20 in a plurality of load transfer regions 26. The load transfer regions 26 can have hub load transfer regions and blade load transfer regions (both not shown in FIG. 1). The load induced on the rotor blade 22 is transmitted to the hub 20 via the load transfer region 26.

[0013] In an example, the rotor blade 22 can have a length in the range of about 15 meters (m) to about 90 m or more. The rotor blade 22 can have any suitable length that allows the wind turbine 10 to function as described herein. For example, non-limiting examples of blade lengths include lengths less than 20 m or exceeding 37 m, 48.7 m, 50.2 m, 52.2 m, or 91 m. When the wind hits the rotor blade 22 from the wind direction 28, the rotor 18 rotates about the rotor axis 30. When the rotor blade 22 rotates and is subject to centrifugal force, the rotor blade 22 also receives various forces and moments. Thus, the rotor blade 22 can deflect and / or rotate from a neutral or non-deflected position to a deflected position.

[0014] Furthermore, the pitch angle of the rotor blade 22, i.e., the angle that determines the orientation of the rotor blade 22 with respect to the wind direction, is changed by the pitch system 32, and by adjusting the angular position of at least one rotor blade 22 with respect to the wind vector, the load and power generated by the wind turbine 10 can be controlled. The pitch axis 34 of the rotor blade 22 is also shown. During operation of the wind turbine 10, the pitch system 32 can specifically change the pitch angle of the rotor blade 22 such that the angle of attack of (a part of) the rotor blade is reduced, thereby facilitating a reduction in the rotational speed and / or facilitating a stall of the rotor 18.

[0015] In this example, the blade pitch of each rotor blade 22 is controlled individually by the wind turbine controller 36 or the pitch control system 80. Alternatively, the blade pitch for all rotor blades 22 may be controlled simultaneously by the control system.

[0016] Furthermore, in this example, as the wind direction 28 changes, the yaw direction of the nacelle 16 can be rotated around the yaw axis 38, thereby positioning the rotor blades 22 relative to the wind direction 28.

[0017] In this example, the wind turbine controller 36 is shown as being concentrated within the nacelle 16, but the wind turbine controller 36 may be a distributed system located throughout the wind turbine 10, on the support system 14, within the wind power plant, and / or in a remote control center. The wind turbine controller 36 includes a processor 40 configured to carry out the methods and / or steps described herein. Furthermore, many of the other components described herein include processors.

[0018] As used herein, the term “processor” is not limited to integrated circuits referred to as computers in the prior art, but broadly includes controllers, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), application-specific integrated circuits, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. It should be understood that processors and / or control systems may also include memory, input channels, and / or output channels.

[0019] Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the wind turbine 10. In this example, the wind turbine 10 includes a nacelle 16 and a rotor 18 rotatably coupled to the nacelle 16. More specifically, the hub 20 of the rotor 18 is rotatably coupled to an electric generator 42 positioned within the nacelle 16 by a main shaft 44, a gearbox 46, a high-speed shaft 48, and a coupling 50. In this example, the main shaft 44 is positioned at least partially coaxial with the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the nacelle 16. The rotation of the main shaft 44 drives the gearbox 46, which in turn drives the high-speed shaft 48 by converting the relatively slow rotational motion of the rotor 18 and the main shaft 44 into the relatively fast rotational motion of the high-speed shaft 48. The latter is connected to the generator 42 to produce electrical energy with the help of the coupling 50. Furthermore, a transformer 90 and / or appropriate electronic equipment, switches, and / or an inverter can be placed in the nacelle 16 to convert the electrical energy generated by the generator 42, which has a voltage of 400V to 1000V, into electrical energy having a medium voltage (10 to 35kV). The electrical energy is then conducted from the nacelle 16 to the tower 100 via the power cable 160.

[0020] The gearbox 46, generator 42, and transformer 90 may be supported by the main support structure frame of the nacelle 16, or optionally embodied as the main frame 52. The gearbox 46 may include a gearbox housing connected to the main frame 52 by one or more torque arms 103. In this example, the nacelle 16 also includes a main front support bearing 60 and a main rear support bearing 62. Furthermore, the generator 42 may be mounted to the main frame 52 by isolation support means 54, in particular to prevent vibrations of the generator 42 from being introduced into the main frame 52 and thereby causing a noise emission source.

[0021] Optionally, the main frame 52 is configured to bear the weight of the components of the rotor 18 and nacelle 16, as well as the entire load caused by the wind and rotational load, and further to introduce these loads into the tower 100 of the wind turbine 10. The rotor shaft 44, generator 42, gearbox 46, high-speed shaft 48, coupling 50, and any associated fastening, support, and / or fixing devices, including but not limited to supports 52, front support bearings 60, and rear support bearings 62, may be referred to as the drivetrain 64.

[0022] The nacelle 16 may also include a yaw drive mechanism 56 that can be used to rotate the nacelle 16 and, consequently, the rotor 18 around the yaw axis 38, thereby controlling the viewpoint of the rotor blades 22 with respect to the wind direction 28.

[0023] To properly position the nacelle 16 with respect to the wind direction 28, the nacelle 16 may also include at least one weather measurement system, which may include a wind vane and an anemometer. The weather measurement system 58 can provide the wind turbine controller 36 with information, which may include wind direction 28 and / or wind speed. In this example, the pitch system 32 is at least partially located within the hub 20 as a pitch assembly 66. The pitch assembly 66 includes one or more pitch drive systems 68 and at least one sensor 70. Each pitch drive system 68 is coupled to each rotor blade 22 (shown in Figure 1) to modulate the pitch angle of the rotor blade 22 along the pitch axis 34. Only one of the three pitch drive systems 68 is shown in Figure 2.

[0024] In this example, the pitch assembly 66 includes a hub 20 and at least one pitch bearing 72 coupled to each rotor blade 22 (shown in Figure 1) to rotate each rotor blade 22 around a pitch axis 34. The pitch drive system 68 includes a pitch drive motor 74, a pitch drive gearbox 76, and a pitch drive pinion 78. The pitch drive motor 74 is coupled to the pitch drive gearbox 76 so that the pitch drive motor 74 imparts mechanical force to the pitch drive gearbox 76. The pitch drive gearbox 76 is coupled to the pitch drive pinion 78 so that the pitch drive pinion 78 is rotated by the pitch drive gearbox 76. The pitch bearing 72 is coupled to the pitch drive pinion 78 so that the rotation of the pitch drive pinion 78 causes the rotation of the pitch bearing 72.

[0025] The pitch drive system 68 is coupled to the wind turbine controller 36 to adjust the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22 upon receiving one or more signals from the wind turbine controller 36. In this example, the pitch drive motor 74 is any suitable motor driven by a power and / or hydraulic system that enables the pitch assembly 66 to function as described herein. Alternatively, the pitch assembly 66 may include any suitable structure, configuration, arrangement, and / or component, but is not limited to, a hydraulic cylinder, spring, and / or servo mechanism. In a particular embodiment, the pitch drive motor 74 is driven by energy extracted from a stored energy source (not shown) that supplies the rotational inertia and / or energy of the hub 20 to the components of the wind turbine 10.

[0026] The pitch assembly 66 may also include one or more pitch control systems 80 for controlling the pitch drive system 68 in accordance with control signals from the wind turbine controller 36 in certain priority situations and / or during rotor overspeed. In this example, the pitch assembly 66 includes at least one pitch control system 80 communicably coupled to each pitch drive system 68 in order to control the pitch drive system 68 independently of the wind turbine controller 36. In this example, the pitch control system 80 is coupled to the pitch drive system 68 and the sensor 70. During normal operation of the wind turbine 10, the wind turbine controller 36 can control the pitch drive system 68 to adjust the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22.

[0027] According to one embodiment, for example, a power generator 84, which includes a battery, an electric capacitor, or an electric generator driven by the rotation of the hub 20, is located on or within the hub 20 and coupled to the sensor 70, the pitch control system 80, and the pitch drive system 68 to provide a power source to these components. In this example, the power generator 84 provides a continuous power source to the pitch assembly 66 during the operation of the wind turbine 10. In an alternative embodiment, the power generator 84 provides power to the pitch assembly 66 only during power loss events of the wind turbine 10. Power loss events may include power grid loss or depletion, malfunction of the wind turbine 10's electrical system, and / or failure of the wind turbine controller 36. During a power loss event, the power generator 84 operates to provide power to the pitch assembly 66 so that the pitch assembly 66 can operate during the power loss event.

[0028] In this example, the pitch drive system 68, sensor 70, pitch control system 80, cable, and power generator 84 are each positioned within a cavity 86 defined by the inner surface 88 of the hub 20. In an alternative embodiment, the components may be positioned relative to the outer surface of the hub 20 and coupled directly or indirectly to the outer surface.

[0029] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a cable guide assembly 300 for a wind turbine power cable 780 is provided. The cable guide assembly 300 comprises an outer portion 400 and a central portion 500. The outer portion has a top surface 405, a bottom surface 410, a lateral inner surface 415, and a lateral outer surface 420. The lateral inner surface 415 of the outer portion has a plurality of recesses 425 that form an outer opening suitable for receiving a wind turbine power cable. The central portion 500 has a top surface 505, a bottom surface 510, a lateral inner surface 515, and a lateral outer surface 520. The lateral inner surface 515 has a plurality of central recesses 525 that form a central opening suitable for receiving a wind turbine power cable. The outer portion 530 of the central portion 500 is configured to be attached to the inner portion 435 of the outer portion 400.

[0030] The outer recess 425 forms an outer opening for receiving a power cable. The outer opening is partitioned by a central portion.

[0031] Placing power cables in each recess 425, 525 in parts 400, 500 can help organize the power cable pathways. This allows for easy changes in the trajectory of power cables in a controlled and regular manner, for example, from horizontal or near-horizontal to vertical.

[0032] The power cable can be easily placed in the outer recess 425 or the central recess 525 by pushing the cable toward the lateral outer surfaces 420, 520 of the component. The cable in the outer recess can be secured by attaching the outer portion 530 of the central portion 500 to the inner portion 435 of the outer portion 400. The attachment can be done mechanically, for example, through nuts and bolts.

[0033] The central and outer sections can be shaped and sized so that sufficient distance is maintained between cables simply by placing them in the recesses. Sufficient distance can also be provided between cables to avoid excessive temperature rise within the cable harness due to heat dissipation by the cables. For example, cables can be spaced at least one cable diameter apart from each other. By using two consecutive or slightly overlapping components for cable placement, the space for the power cables can be utilized more effectively.

[0034] Figures 3A and 3B schematically show top views of two examples of the cable guide assembly 300. Figure 4A schematically shows a perspective view of an example of a component 401 of the outer section 400 in Figure 3A. Figure 4B schematically shows an example of a perspective view of a component 501 of the central section 500 in Figure 3A.

[0035] In Figure 3A, the outer portion 400 and the central portion 500 are annular. The lateral inner surfaces 415, 515 are radial inner surfaces 415, 515, and the lateral outer surfaces 420, 520 are radial outer surfaces 420, 520. The recesses 425, 525 partially extend in the radially outward direction 306 and extend throughout the entire thickness of the part. Thus, the recesses 425, 525 can be seen as blind holes extending along the radially outward direction 306 and as through holes extending along the axial direction 315.

[0036] The recesses 425, 525 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction 310. The projections 440, 540 extending in the radially inward direction 307 can space two consecutive recesses apart in both the outer and central portions. The projections 440, 540 and the recesses 425, 525 may have complementary shapes and may form wavy radial inner surfaces 415, 515.

[0037] In Figure 3B, the outer portion 400 and the central portion 500 have a rectangular shape. The recesses 425, 525 extend toward the lateral outer surface 420 of the corresponding parts 400, 500, partially perpendicular to the lateral outer surface 420, for example, and extend through the thickness of the parts. Thus, the recesses 425, 525 can be seen as blind holes extending toward the lateral outer surface 420 and as through holes extending along the axial direction 315.

[0038] The recesses 425, 525 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction 310 (in the same part 400 or 500). Herein, the lateral direction 310 may also refer to a direction substantially parallel to the lateral outer wall 520 of the central portion 500, and optionally to the outer wall 420 of the outer portion 400. A direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction 310 and axial direction 315 may be called the transverse lateral direction 305'. The lateral direction 310 and the transverse lateral direction 305' are shown in Figure 3B with respect to portions 401 and 501 of parts 400 and 500. These directions 310, 305' are also shown with respect to portions 402 and 502 of parts 400 and 500.

[0039] Projections 440, 540 extending toward the lateral inner surfaces 415, 515, for example perpendicular to the lateral inner surfaces 415, 515, can space two consecutive recesses of the part apart. The projections 440, 540 and recesses 425, 525 may have complementary shapes and may form wavy lateral inner surfaces 415, 515.

[0040] Regardless of the shape of the components 400, 500, the outer edges 427, 527 of the recesses 425, 525 may be rounded. When the components 400, 500 are viewed from the top or bottom, rounded recesses 425, 525 having, for example, a semicircular or semielliptical shape can reduce or avoid damage to the power cable as the cable passes through the recess.

[0041] The inner ends 441, 541 of the projections 440, 540 may be rounded as shown in Figure 4A, or they may be straight as shown in Figure 4B. Other shapes are also possible. The inner ends 441, 541 of the projections 440, 540 may be cut off.

[0042] The projections 440 and 540 may have axial receptacles or holes 442 and 542 for receiving fasteners for attaching the outer portion 400 to the central portion 500 and the central portion 500 to the inner portion 600, respectively.

[0043] The outer portion 400 can have a lateral outer surface 420 of any suitable shape, independent of the closed shape in which the wavy lateral inner surface 415 or projection 440 can be formed. In Figure 3A, the lateral outer surface 420 is circular and the projection 440 forms a circular shape, but the lateral outer surface 420 may be square or have other shapes. The same applies to the outer portion 400 in Figure 3B.

[0044] Generally, the lateral outer surface 520 of the central portion 500 can have a shape corresponding to the shape formed when the tip 441 of the outer portion 400 is joined. Such a shape is a circle in Figure 3A and a rectangle in Figure 3B. Other shapes are also possible.

[0045] The recess 525 in the central portion 500 may be offset (330) from the recess 425 in the outer portion 400 along the lateral direction 310, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0046] The offset 330 between the recesses in the central 500 and the outer 400 allows for the placement of power cables within the trefoil. In particular, power cables can easily pass from a flat arrangement to a trefoil arrangement. The trefoil of cables may include cables carrying the same electrical phase.

[0047] In Figure 3A, all recesses 525 in the central portion 500 are offset (330) circumferentially 310 from the corresponding continuous recesses 425 in the outer portion 400. In other words, the recesses 525 in the central portion 500 are not aligned with the recesses 425 in the outer portion 400 in the radial direction 305.

[0048] In other examples, some of the recesses 525 in the central portion 500 may be aligned radially 305 with some of the recesses 425 in the outer portion 400, and some of the recesses 525 in the central portion 500 may be offset (330) from a series of corresponding recesses 425 in the outer portion 400. In several other examples, all of the recesses 525 in the central portion 500 may be aligned radially 305 with all of the corresponding recesses 425 in the outer portion 400.

[0049] The same applies to other geometric shapes of parts 400 and 500. For example, in Figure 3B, some recesses in part 400 are aligned with some recesses in part 500 in the lateral direction 305', while some recesses in part 400 are offset (330) from a series of recesses in part 500 in the lateral direction 310.

[0050] The number of recesses 425 in the outer portion 400 may be twice the number of recesses 525 in the central portion 500. This can be seen in Figure 3A, where there are nine recesses 525 in the central portion 500 and eighteen recesses 425 in the outer portion 400.

[0051] In this way, the number of trefoil arrangements can be maximized while maintaining an appropriate distance between cables to avoid excessive heating. The number of trefoil arrangements corresponds to the number of recesses 525 in the central portion 500.

[0052] The cable guide assembly 300 may include an inner portion 600 configured to be attached to the inner portion 535 of the central portion 500. The inner portion 600 may be attached to one or more projections 540, in particular one or more projection tips 541. For this purpose, holes 542 may be provided.

[0053] The inner portion 600 partitions the central opening and can secure the power cable placed in the recess 525 of the central portion 500. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power cable from coming loose.

[0054] The inner portion 600, like the outer portion 400 and the central portion 500, may have an upper portion, a bottom portion, a lateral inner surface, and a lateral outer surface. Its lateral outer surface may have a shape resulting from joining the projection 540 of the central portion 500, for example, the tip 541 of the projection. The inner portion 600 may have a lateral outer portion 630, for example, a radially outer portion, which can be joined to the central portion 500. Receptacles or holes 642 for fastening may be provided, for example, on the lateral outer portion 630.

[0055] The inner portion 600 may have an annular shape in Figure 3A and a rectangular shape in Figure 3B. Other shapes are also possible. The inner portion 600 may be hollow in the axial direction 315, as in Figure 3A. This may not apply to other examples, and the part may be solid inside.

[0056] The central section 500 may further comprise one or more through-holes 550 extending in the axial direction 315. These holes 550 may have a T-shape, V-shape, or similar shape in some examples, as shown in Figure 4B. This can enhance the cooling of the power cables and reduce the weight of the central section 500. The one or more through-holes 550 for cooling are distinct from the recesses 525 for routing the cables. The first hole 550 has a closed cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction 315, while the second recess 525 has an open cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction 315.

[0057] If the through-hole 550 has a shape that substantially matches or conforms to the shape of the recess 525 and the lateral outer surface 520 of the central portion 500, cooling of the power cable and weight reduction of the component can be further maximized.

[0058] The shape of the hole 550 can take into account other features of the central portion 500. For example, if a receptacle or hole 542 for a fastener is provided in the part 500, the shape of the cooling hole 550 may be adapted to the receptacle or hole 542, as shown in Figure 4B.

[0059] The outer portion 400 and / or inner portion 600 may similarly include one or more cooling through-holes extending axially 315.

[0060] At least one of the outer portion 400 and the central portion 500 may comprise a plurality of sub-components or segments 401, 501. Figures 4A and 4B schematically show possible segments 401 of the outer portion 400 and segments of the central portion 500 in Figure 3A. The outer annular portion 400 may include, for example, two segments 401, and the central annular portion 500 may include, for example, three segments 501.

[0061] In Figure 3B, the outer portion 400 and the central portion 500 may each be provided in, for example, four segments or sub-components.

[0062] Providing parts 400, 500 on two or more segments or sub-components can facilitate the assembly of the cable guide assembly 300. The risk of parts 400, 500 being damaged or broken during transport to the installation site can be reduced. Segments may be attached to other segments of the same or different parts 400, 500 by mechanical fasteners and / or adhesives.

[0063] The inner portion 600 may also be provided in two or more segments in some examples. In Figure 3A, this portion 600 is formed integrally.

[0064] The length 350 of the cross-section of the outer portion 400 may be approximately 40 centimeters, 50 centimeters, or more in some examples. The length 350' of the central portion 500 may be approximately 25 centimeters, 35 centimeters, or more. The length 350'' of the inner portion 600 may be approximately 10 centimeters, 15 centimeters, or more.

[0065] The width 355 of the outer section 400 and / or the width 355' of the central section 500 may be 5 centimeters, 10 centimeters, 15 centimeters, or more. The width 355'' of the inner section 600 may be 5 centimeters, 10 centimeters, or more.

[0066] The length 353 of the parts 400, 500, and 600 in the axial direction 315 may be 5 centimeters, 10 centimeters, or more.

[0067] The two consecutive recesses in the same part 400, 500 may be spaced 1 to 5 cm apart in the circumferential direction 310. The spacing may also be greater than 5 cm.

[0068] One or more of the outer portion 400, the central portion 500, and the inner portion 600 may be made of plastic, such as one or more thermoplastic resins. One or more of the parts 400, 500, and 600 may be made of POM-C.

[0069] In some examples, as shown in Figure 3A, the outer portion 400, the central portion 500, and the inner portion 600 may be annular portions.

[0070] The cable guide assembly 300 may include a cable guide frame 700 configured to guide a cable from a first direction toward recesses 425, 525 in the outer portion 400 and the central portion 500. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an example of such a cable guide assembly 300. The frame 700 may have an upper portion 705 and a bottom portion 710. In some examples, the frame 700 may be attached to the lateral outer portion 430 of the outer portion 400 by the bottom portion 710 of the frame 700, for example, by bolting.

[0071] The frame may comprise a plurality of cable support elements 730, such as bars, where the cable support elements located on the lateral inner side 703 are at a different height than the cable support elements located on the lateral outer side 704. In this example, the frame comprises a first plurality of bars forming a first support level (715') and a second plurality of bars forming a second higher support level (715).

[0072] The upper parts 705 of the cable guide frame 700 may have different heights (measured relative to the same reference point). The upper part 705A of the cable guide frame 700 configured to be placed far from the outer part 400 may be higher than the upper part 705B of the cable guide frame 700 configured to be placed closer to the outer part 400. The upper parts 705 of the guide frame 700 may taper in the radially inward direction 307 or in the inward lateral direction 307'.

[0073] The change in height of the upper 705 of the frame 700 may help to safely route the power cables toward the outer 400 and central 500. Excessive bending of the power cables can be avoided. Transition of the cable from a first direction, e.g., horizontal or near-horizontal, to a second different direction, e.g., vertical, may not damage the power cables.

[0074] In some examples, the upper part 705 of frame 700 may be convex, as shown in Figure 5. The convex upper part 705 of frame 700 allows for smoother changes in cable direction than the concave upper part 705.

[0075] The cable guide frame 700 may have one or more levels 715 for supporting power cables. In Figure 6A, the frame 700 has only one support level 715 for power cables. The cable guide frame 700 may have two support levels 715, 715' for power cables, as shown in Figures 5 and 6B. If there are multiple support levels 715, each support level 715, 715' may be at a different height, for example, relative to parts 400 and 500, and optionally relative to part 600.

[0076] Each support level 715, 715' for the power cable can have its height reduced in the radially inward direction 323 as described above. Each support level 715, 715' may taper in the radially inward direction 307 or in the inward lateral direction 307'.

[0077] The cable guide frame 700 may have a first end 720 and a second end 725. The first end 720 and the second end 725 can hold the cable support element 730. The ends 720, 725 of the guide frame 700 may comprise one or more plates, for example, one or more flat plates. In Figures 6A and 6B, the ends 720, 725 of the frame 700 include one flat plate, while in Figure 5, the ends 720, 725 of the frame 700 include two flat plates, one above the other. One or more plates may extend axially 315. The axial direction may also be vertical. The plates may also extend radially 305 or laterally 305'. The plates may include zero, one or more through holes 727.

[0078] At least one cable support element 730 may extend in the lateral direction 310 between the first end 720 and the second end 725. One or more cable support elements 730 can extend in the lateral direction 310. One or more cable support elements (bars in this example) 730 may be curved, for example, as shown in Figures 5 and 6A. The cable support elements 730 may also be straight, as shown in Figure 6B.

[0079] The cable support element 730 may be a bar or a rod, as shown in Figures 5, 6A, and 6B. In other examples, the cable support element may be a plate. A flat or curved plate may extend between the first end 720 and the second end 725 of the frame 700. Using a bar or a rod can reduce the weight of the cable guide frame 700 and make the assembly of the frame 700 easier. Opposing edges of the plate or opposing ends of the rod may be welded to the ends 720, 725 of the frame 700.

[0080] The cable support element 730 may be further held between the ends 720, 725 of the frame 700. For example, one or more intermediate plates 735 can be used for this purpose. Other supports 735 that are not plates are also possible.

[0081] For example, the maximum height of the guide frame 700 in the portion 705A, which is configured to be mounted furthest from the outer portion 400, may be 15 cm or more.

[0082] One or more cable guide frames 700 can be used. For example, as shown in Figure 7, two guide frames may be placed surrounding the outer portion 400 and the central portion 500, or they may be placed in front of each other. "In front" may mean along the radial direction 305 or the lateral direction 305'. If the guide frame 700 extends in the lateral circumferential direction 310 (see, for example, Figure 3A), the guide frame 700 may extend partially around the outer portion 400 or the central portion 500 (e.g., between 90° and less than 360°), or it may extend entirely around the component 400 (i.e., 360°). If the guide frame 700 extends in the lateral linear direction 310 (see Figure 3B), the guide frame 700 may extend partially or entirely along the lateral outer portion 430 of the outer portion 400.

[0083] The cable guide frame 700 may be made of steel in some examples. Stainless steel may also be used.

[0084] It should be noted that, in order to provide the advantages described above, the cable guide frame 700 does not need to overlap or be mounted on the outer section 400. Even if the guide frame 700 is placed or mounted on a surface different from that of the components 400, 500, improved and safer routing of cables toward the recesses 425, 525 of the outer section 400 and the central section 500 can still be obtained.

[0085] In a further aspect of the present invention, a method 800 is provided for guiding a power cable 780 through an opening in a wind turbine. The opening in the wind turbine can be understood as any component or part of the wind turbine or an opening inside it. The component may be permanent or temporary. Method 800 can use the cable guide assembly 300 as described above.

[0086] The method involves attaching an outer portion 400 of block 810, having an upper surface 405, a bottom surface 410, a lateral inner surface 415, and a lateral outer surface 420, to a structure surrounding the opening of a wind turbine, wherein the lateral inner surface 415 has a plurality of outer recesses 425 that form the outer opening.

[0087] The outer portion 430 of the outer portion 400 may be attached directly or indirectly to a structure surrounding the opening, such as a surface. If the attachment is indirect, one or more intermediate portions may be placed between the outer portion 400 and the surface surrounding the opening. A connector having the shape of the outer portion 430 of the outer portion 400 can be attached to the surface surrounding the opening, and then the outer portion 400 can be attached to the connector.

[0088] For example, the opening may be circular, the connector may be a ring with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the opening, and the outer portion 400 may be annular or have a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the connector. Adhesives and / or mechanical fasteners may be used.

[0089] The method further includes passing one or more power cables through an outer opening in block 820. For example, the first power cable may pass through a recess 425 in the outer portion 400.

[0090] If the outer portion 400 includes two or more segments, some or all of the segments can be attached to a structure surrounding the opening before the power cable passes through the opening 425 in the outer portion 400.

[0091] The method further includes attaching the outer portion 530 of the central portion 500, which has a top surface 505, a bottom surface 510, a lateral inner surface 515, and a lateral outer surface 520, to the inner portion 435 of the outer portion 400, wherein the lateral inner surface 515 has a plurality of central recesses 525 that form a central opening. Thus, a power cable can be held in the outer opening.

[0092] The central portion 500 may be attached to one or more projections 440 of the outer portion 400, particularly one or more projection tips 441. Nuts and bolts may be used. The attachment may be along the axial direction 315, for example, the bottom surface 510 of the central portion 500 may be in contact with the top surface 405 of the outer portion 400, as shown in Figure 3A. In this regard, the top surface of the component may be oriented in the direction from which the cable comes. The bottom surface of the component may be oriented in the direction from which the cable exits after passing through the recess of the component. Alternatively, the attachment may be oriented along the radial direction 305 or the lateral direction 305'.

[0093] The central portion 500 may be installed before or after one or more power cables pass through the recesses 425 of the outer portion 400.

[0094] The method further includes passing one or more power cables through a central opening in block 840. For example, a second power cable may pass through a recess 525 in the central portion 500. The second power cable is different from the first power cable.

[0095] If the central section 500 is provided in two or more segments, power cables may be passed through when some or all of the segments of the central section 500 are attached to the outer section 400. Cables, for example, both first and second power cables, can also be passed through after the central section 500 is attached to the outer section 400.

[0096] By using this method 800, power cables can be guided in a controlled manner. The spacing between cables can also be ensured by the distance between recesses in the same component and by the distance between recesses in different components. Temperature rise due to heat dissipation when power cables pass through a confined space can be avoided or at least reduced.

[0097] Power cables passing through recesses 425 in the outer portion 400 can be easily and quickly secured by attaching the outer portion 530 of the central portion 500 to the inner portion 435 of the outer portion 400. If necessary, the inner portion 600 may be attached to the inner portion 535 of the central portion 500 to secure the power cables to the recesses 525 of the central portion 500. The attachment can be carried out in the axial direction 315, or in the radial direction 305 or the lateral direction 305'.

[0098] In some examples, one or more power cables can be passed through the hollow inner section 600, such as the inner section 600 in Figure 3A.

[0099] The method may further include attaching the inner portion 600 to the inner portion 535 of the central portion 500 in order to hold the power cable 780 within the central opening 525.

[0100] The method may further include arranging the cable guide frame 700 together with the outer portion 400 and the central portion 500, and passing the power cable 780 over the cable guide frame 700. For example, a cable guide frame 700 having a tapered upper portion 705 can be attached to the surface surrounding the opening and / or the upper surface 405 of the outer annular portion 400 such that the height of the upper portion 705 of the guide frame 700 decreases toward the opening. The power cable can then be passed over the cable guide frame 700.

[0101] The use of the guide frame 700 can prevent excessive bending of the power cable when directed towards the recesses 425, 525 of the outer portion 400 and the central portion 500. For example, the guide frame 700 can help safely guide the power cable from a horizontal or near-horizontal direction to a vertical direction. The curvature of the power cable can be controlled by adjusting the maximum height of the upper portion 705 of the guide frame 700 and how the height of the upper portion 705 changes along the radial direction 305 or the lateral direction 305'.

[0102] When the cable guide frame 700 has two or more support levels 715, a power cable may be supported by a first level 715' of the guide frame 700, and another power cable may be supported by a second level 715 of the guide frame, and the first and second levels are at different heights. The slope (tapering) of the support levels may differ from the slope of the other support levels.

[0103] The installation of one or more frames 700 for guiding cables can be done before or after the installation of the outer section 400, the central section 500, and the inner section 600. In some examples, one or more frames 700 and the outer section 400 are installed before routing one or more cables through the opening.

[0104] If there are two support levels 715, 715' within the guide frame 700, the power cable 780 supported by the first level 715' may pass through the outer opening 425, and the power cable 780 supported by the second level 715 may pass through the central opening 525. For example, a cable passing through a recess 425 in the outer part 400 may be supported by the upper support 715, and a cable passing through a recess 525 in the central part 500 may be supported by the bottom support 715' (as shown in Figures 5 and 7, for example). The cables can thus be more organized and easier to track.

[0105] In a further aspect of the present invention, a cable harness mount 300 for a wind turbine power cable 780 is provided. The cable harness mount 300 comprises an outer ring 400, a central ring 500, and an inner ring 600. The outer ring 400 has a radial inner surface 415 having a ridged shape that defines projections 440 extending radially inward 307 and notches 425 extending radially outward 306, the projections 440 being spaced apart by the notches 425 along the circumferential direction 310. The central ring 500 has a radial inner surface 515 having a ridged shape that defines projections 540 extending radially inward 307 and notches 525 extending radially outward 306, the projections 540 being spaced apart by the notches 525 along the circumferential direction 310.

[0106] Power cables can be routed in an organized and secure manner. Cables in a cable harness can be spaced sufficiently apart from each other so that power loss does not cause a temperature rise that exceeds a certain temperature threshold.

[0107] The inner ring 600 is configured to be attached to the inner portion 535 of the central ring 500, for example, to some or all of the protrusions 540 of the central ring 500. The outer portion 530 of the central ring 500 is configured to be attached to the inner portion 435 of the outer ring 400, for example, to some or all of the protrusions 540 of the central ring 500.

[0108] The notches or recesses 525 of the central ring 500 may be offset (330) from the notches 425 of the outer ring 400 in the circumferential direction 310. The above description applies to whether all recesses are aligned radially 305, some recesses are aligned radially 305, or whether the recesses are not aligned radially 305. This notch configuration allows for easy conversion of the cables from a flat arrangement to a trefoil arrangement.

[0109] The number of notches 425 in the outer ring 400 may be twice the number of notches 425 in the central ring 500. In such a situation, the number of trefoil configurations that can be obtained can be maximized.

[0110] The central ring 500 may further comprise through-holes 550 that cross the central ring 500 in the axial direction 315. This allows for cooling of the cable harness while reducing the weight of the central ring 500. One or more through-holes 550 for cooling are distinct from notches 525 for routing cables. The first hole 550 has a closed cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction 315, while the second recess 525 has an open cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction 315.

[0111] The cable harness mount 300 may further comprise a frame 700 having an upper section 705 with a variable height configured to orient the power cables in a more vertical direction. The vertical direction may also be axial 315. The upper section 705 of the frame 700 may have its height reduced in the radially inward direction 307.

[0112] The frame 700 may have one or more support levels 715 as described above.

[0113] The above-described explanation with respect to Figures 3A to 7 can also be applied to the cable harness mount 300. Similarly, such a cable harness mount 300 can also be used in the method 800 described above.

[0114] In one example, the cable harness mount may be positioned in an opening in the nacelle, specifically in an opening in the crane assembly. The cable harness mount can function to redirect the power cable from a substantially horizontal direction toward a substantially vertical direction. The power cable may extend further downward through the wind turbine tower.

[0115] At a plurality of locations along the wind turbine tower and / or at a plurality of locations along a substantially horizontal direction (upstream of the cable harness mount), a cable organizer or a cable assembly can be arranged, where the power cables are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0116] Throughout this disclosure, power cables are referenced. The dimensions and materials of the power cables can vary. For example, a copper cable for high and medium voltage power transmission (MVhigh cable, 20 - 35 kV) can have a cross-section of at least 55 mm , 2 , 2 ,

[0118] , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , specifically at least 60 mm 2 , more specifically at least 65 mm 2 , and / or about 70 mm <00000​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0119] Aluminum low-to-medium voltage power transmission cables (MVlow cables, approximately 10kV) are at least 200mm long. 2 , especially at least 220mm 2 Preferably at least 230 mm 2 , and / or approximately 240mm 2 It can have a cross-section of and / or 280 mm 2 Specifically, 260mm 2 More specifically, 250mm 2 It can have the following cross-sections.

[0120] According to an additional or alternative embodiment, electrical energy generated by a generator having a voltage of 400V to 1000V is guided through a tower to power components, switches, and / or transformers in order to be converted to a medium voltage (10 to 35kV) by the components located lower than the nacelle.

[0121] The number of power cables may vary depending on the generator configuration, particularly the number of phases. In the example, a wind turbine may have at least nine power cables, specifically at least twelve, and more specifically 15 to 24 cables.

[0122] Although only a few examples are disclosed herein, other alternative examples, modifications, uses, and / or equivalents thereof are possible. Furthermore, all possible combinations of the examples described are also covered. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any particular example, but should be determined solely by a fair reading of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 10 Wind Turbines 12 Ground 14 Support System 16 Nacer 18 rotors 20 Hubs 22 rotor blades 24. Blade base 26 Load transfer region 28 Wind direction 30 rotor shaft 32 Pitch System 34 Pitch axis 36 Wind Turbine Controller 38 Yaw axis 40 processors 42 Electric generators 44 Main shaft, rotor shaft 46 Gearbox 48 High-speed shaft 50 Couplings 52 Main frame, support 54 Separation support means 56 Yaw drive mechanism 58 Weather Measurement Systems 60 Main forward support bearing 62 Main rear support bearing 64 Drivetrain 66 Pitch Assembly 68 Pitch Drive System 70 sensors 72 pitch bearing 74 Pitch drive motor 76 Pitch Drive Gearbox 78 Pitch Drive Pinion 80 Pitch Control System 84 Power Generators 86 Hollow 88 Inner self 90 Transformer 100 Towers 103 Torque Arm 160 Power Cables 300 Cable Guide Assembly, Cable Harness Mount 305 Radial 305' Lateral direction 306 radially outward 307 Radial inward direction 307' Medial lateral direction 310 Circumferential direction, lateral direction, lateral circumferential direction, lateral linear direction 315 Axis 323 Radial inward direction 330 offset 350 Length 350' length 350'' length 353 Length 355 width 355' width 355'' width 400 Outer part, component, outer annular part, outer ring 401 Component, part, segment 402 parts 405 Top 410 Bottom 415 Lateral inner surface, radial inner surface 420 Lateral external surface, radial external surface, external wall 425 Outer recess, outer opening, notch 427 Outer edge 430 Lateral lateral part 435 Inner part 440 Protrusion 441 Inner end, protrusion tip 442 Receptacle or hole 500 Central ring section, parts, central ring, central section 501 Component, part, segment 502 parts 505 Top surface 510 Bottom 515 Lateral inner surface, radial inner surface 520 Lateral outer surface, radial outer surface, lateral outer wall 525 Central recess, second recess, central opening, notch 527 Outer edge 530 Outer part 535 Inner part 540 Protrusion 541 Inner end, protrusion tip 542 Receptacle or hole 550 Through holes, first holes, cooling holes 600 Inner part, components, inner ring 630 Lateral lateral part 642 Receptacle or hole 700 Cable Guide Frame 703 Lateral medial 704 Lateral lateral 705 Top 705A Upper part, part 705B Top 710 Bottom 715 Second higher support level, upper support 715' First support level, bottom support 720 First end 725 Second end 727 Through hole 730 Cable support element 735 Intermediate plate, support 780 Wind Turbine Power Cable 800 ways

Claims

1. A cable guide assembly (300), A central portion (500) having a top surface (505), a bottom surface (510), a lateral inner surface (515), and a lateral outer surface (520), wherein the lateral inner surface (515) has a plurality of central recesses (525) that form a central opening (525) suitable for receiving wind turbine power cables (780), An outer portion (400) surrounding the central portion (500), having an upper surface (405), a bottom surface (410), a lateral inner surface (415), and a lateral outer surface (420), wherein the lateral inner surface (415) has a plurality of outer recesses (425) that form an outer opening (425) suitable for receiving wind turbine power cables (780) and Equipped with, The outer portion (530) of the central portion (500) is configured to be attached to the inner portion (435) of the outer portion (400) such that the central portion (500) demarcates the outer opening (425). The cable guide assembly (300) further comprises an inner part (600) which is a flat inner part (600) and is configured to be attached to the inner part (535) of the central part (500) such that the inner part (600) partitions the central opening (525).

2. The cable guide assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein the outer portion (400), the central portion (500), and the inner portion (600) are annular portions.

3. The bottom surface of the inner portion (600) is positioned on the top surface (405) of the central portion (500), The cable guide assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein the recess (525) in the central portion (500) is offset from the recess (425) in the outer portion (400) along the circumferential direction (310).

4. The cable guide assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein the number of the outer recesses (425) is twice the number of the central recesses (525).

5. The cable guide assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein the central portion (500) further comprises one or more through holes (550) extending in the axial direction (315).

6. The cable guide assembly (300) according to claim 1, wherein the outer portion (400) and / or the central portion (500) are made from a plurality of segments (401, 501).

7. The cable guide assembly (300) according to claim 1, further comprising a frame (700) configured to redirect the wind turbine power cable (780) from a first direction toward the recesses (425, 525) of the outer portion (400) and the central portion (500).

8. The cable guide assembly (300) according to claim 7, wherein the frame (700) comprises a plurality of support elements (730), and the support elements (730) located on the lateral inner side (703) are at a different height from the support elements (730) located on the lateral outer side (704).

9. The cable guide assembly (300) according to claim 7, wherein the frame (700) comprises a first plurality of support elements forming a first support level (715') and a second plurality of support elements forming a second higher support level (715).

10. A method (800) for guiding a power cable (780) through an opening in a wind turbine (10), The outer part (400) is attached (810) to a structure surrounding the opening, wherein the outer part (400) comprises an upper surface (405), a bottom surface (410), a lateral inner surface (415), and a lateral outer surface (420), and the lateral inner surface (415) has a plurality of outer recesses (425) that form the outer opening (425), Passing one or more of the power cables (780) through the outer opening (425) (820), In order to hold the power cable (780) within the outer opening (425), the outer portion (530) of the central portion (500) is attached (830) to the inner portion (435) of the outer portion (400), The central portion (500) has an upper surface (505), a bottom surface (510), a lateral inner surface (515), and a lateral outer surface (520), and the lateral inner surface (515) has a plurality of central recesses (525) that form a central opening (525), Passing one or more of the power cables (780) through the central opening (525) (840), In order to hold the power cable (780) within the central opening (525), the inner part (600) is attached to the flat inner part (535) of the central part (500), Method (800), including.

11. The method according to claim 10 (800), further comprising arranging a cable guide frame (700) together with the outer portion (400) and the central portion (500), and passing a power cable (780) above the cable guide frame (700).

12. The method according to claim 11 (800), wherein one or more of the power cables (780) are supported by a first level (715') of the guide frame (700), and one or more other power cables (780) are supported by a second level (715) of the guide frame (700), and the first and second levels (715', 715) are at different heights.

13. The method according to claim 12 (800), wherein the power cable (780) supported by the first level (715') passes through the outer opening (425), and the power cable (780) supported by the second level (715) passes through the central opening (525).

Images