Centralized Converter Platform for Offshore Wind Parks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing converter arrangements for transmitting electrical power between AC and DC voltage networks are costly and complex, with maintenance challenges due to the distribution of components across multiple support structures, which affects reliability.
Innovation Solution
A converter arrangement with DC and AC voltage components centralized on a central platform, allowing for reduced costs, simplified maintenance, and increased reliability through centralized component provision and control, along with bypass switches and a self-commutated converter for energy supply, enabling efficient power transmission and compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If converters are distributed on separate support structures, then each converter can be independently positioned, but the overall system complexity and cost increase due to duplication of components across multiple structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple DC voltage components and control devices that were previously distributed across separate support structures into a single centralized platform. This consolidation eliminates duplication of components, reduces overall system complexity, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the functional independence of each converter through the modular platform design.
2Ease of repair
If DC voltage components are distributed across multiple support structures, then each converter has its own components, but maintenance becomes difficult and time-consuming due to scattered locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates all DC voltage components and control devices onto a single centralized platform, transforming maintenance activities from scattered field operations to concentrated platform-based work. This allows maintenance personnel to access and service all components in one location, significantly reducing maintenance time and improving ease of repair while ensuring consistent maintenance standards across the entire converter arrangement.
3Reliability
If converters are arranged on separate support structures, then each converter is independently accessible, but safety risks increase during maintenance due to distributed work locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates maintenance activities to a single centralized platform, allowing all DC voltage components to be serviced from one safe, accessible location. This eliminates the safety risks associated with distributed maintenance operations while maintaining system reliability through the modular platform design that preserves functional independence of each converter. The centralized location enables proper safety protocols and equipment to be more effectively implemented.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a converter arrangement (8) for transferring electrical power between an AC voltage network (5) and a DC voltage line (7), wherein the converter arrangement (8) comprises a plurality of converters (9-12) which can be connected to each other on the DC voltage side and connected with the AC voltage network on the AC voltage side, wherein the converters are arranged on separate support structures associated therewith, and wherein the converter arrangement (8) further comprises a separate central platform (16), wherein a DC voltage connection (13) is arranged to connect the converter arrangement to the DC voltage line at the central platform, and the converters can be connected on the DC voltage side to the DC voltage connection. The invention is characterized in that at least one DC voltage component (15) or one AC voltage component (18-20) of the converters is arranged on the central platform. The invention further relates to a system (1) for transferring electrical power between a wind park (2), arranged in a sea or a lake and comprising a plurality of wind power plants (4), and a land-based power distribution network (3), wherein the system comprises a land-based self-commutated converter (6) and a converter arrangement (8) that can be connected to the self-commutated converter by means of a DC voltage line.