Diode Rectifier Converter Station Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and bulkiness of converter stations for offshore wind farms due to the use of self-commutated converters, which are expensive to set up and maintain, especially when diode rectifiers are used, as they require heavy transformers to manage harmonics and power flow in only one direction, making them unsuitable for efficient energy supply and maintenance in harsh marine environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact converter station design where both the transformer and converter are encapsulated in an insulating material, such as oil, allowing closer component placement without voltage flashovers, and featuring a diode rectifier with passive power semiconductors to reduce weight and losses, along with a smoothing choke to suppress harmonics, and a distributed arrangement of partial converters connected in series or parallel for scalability and fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If self-commutated converters are used for offshore wind farms, then power transmission capability is improved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the converter type from self-commutated converter to diode rectifier, fundamentally altering the operating parameters and working principle. This parameter change reduces weight while maintaining adequate power transmission capability for offshore wind farm applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs diode rectifiers with passive power semiconductors that are simpler, lighter, and more cost-effective compared to expensive self-commutated converters. The design accepts the one-directional power flow limitation in exchange for significant weight and cost reduction
2Ease of manufacture
If diode rectifier is used to reduce weight and cost, then manufacturing cost and weight are reduced, but power flow directionality is limited to one direction only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power transmission system into two parts: a diode rectifier for efficient one-directional power transmission from wind farm to shore, and a separate VSC on the shore side for bidirectional control and grid integration. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate DC voltage connection and shore-side VSC as a mediator between the diode rectifier and the AC grid. This intermediary enables bidirectional power flow capability at the system level while maintaining the simplicity and efficiency of the diode rectifier for offshore power transmission
3Power
If heavy transformers are used to manage harmonics and power flow, then power flow management is improved, but device bulkiness and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy transformer requirement by using a diode rectifier that inherently manages harmonics and power flow without requiring large, bulky transformers. The simpler converter topology eliminates the need for complex transformer-based power flow management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical bulk of heavy transformers with electronic solutions - using diode rectifiers with passive semiconductors and modern power electronics to achieve power flow management through electronic control rather than large magnetic components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in a more compact, cost-effective, and maintainable converter station that reduces weight and manufacturing costs, enabling efficient power transmission and supply to offshore wind farms with reduced maintenance needs and improved insulation against environmental damage.
Implementation Method 1
both the converter and the transformer arranged in a common encapsulating housing which is filled with an insulating material
Implementation Method 2
a converter which has a DC voltage connection and an AC voltage connection, and having at least one transformer which is connected to the AC voltage connection
Implementation Method 3
On the DC voltage side, a smoothing choke is used to smooth the direct current generated by the diode rectifier
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a converter station (1) for transmitting electrical power, comprising a diode rectifier (2) which has a d.c. terminal and an a.c. terminal, and at least one transformer (4) which is connected to the a.c. terminal. In order to render the converter station as compact as possible, the diode rectifier (2) is arranged in an insulating material.