Distributed Electrical Generation System for Tidal Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distributed electrical generation systems for wind and tidal turbines face inefficiencies and increased costs due to complex power conditioning equipment that cannot be submerged, requiring expensive and heavy airtight nacelles for tidal turbines, and reactive power issues in high voltage direct current transmission.
Innovation Solution
A distributed electrical generation system utilizing a splittable transformer with separate support structures for high and low voltage components, employing AC to DC converters and high voltage diode bridges, and fly-back converters with power electronic switches and snubbers to manage current flow and torque, allowing for direct current transmission and simplifying nacelle design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional AC power systems with transformers and power conditioning equipment are used, then voltage transformation and power collection are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to complicated power conditioning equipment and airtight nacelles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional AC power conditioning system (transformers, rectifiers, inverters) with a direct-drive permanent magnet generator connected directly to the grid. This eliminates mechanical and electrical conditioning equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable power transmission through direct electromagnetic coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the unnecessary power conditioning equipment from the system. By using a permanent magnet generator with direct grid connection, the patent eliminates transformers, rectifiers, and inverters, keeping only the essential generation and connection components.
2Reliability
If airtight nacelles are used for submerged tidal turbines, then electrical equipment is protected from water, but weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the airtight nacelle enclosure with a direct-water-contact design. The permanent magnet generator is sealed and designed to operate directly in the tidal environment, eliminating the need for heavy airtight enclosures while maintaining operational reliability through appropriate sealing and corrosion-resistant materials.
3Loss of energy
If conventional AC collection systems are used, then voltage transformation is achieved, but energy losses increase due to reactive power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the AC transmission system with direct current (DC) connection. The permanent magnet generator produces DC output that connects directly to the grid, eliminating reactive power losses associated with AC transmission and simplifying the transmission system architecture.
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
This solution simplifies the nacelle structure, reduces electrical losses, eliminates the need for cooling equipment, and enhances efficiency by avoiding reactive power considerations, enabling fully immersed tidal turbines and efficient power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
Each turbine is arranged to drive a permanent magnet electrical generator
Implementation Method 2
Each electrical generator is electrically connected to a respective AC to DC converter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A distributed electrical generation system (110) comprises a plurality of turbines, generators (112), diode bridges (114), transformers (116) and high voltage diodes (118). The system further comprises a HVDC-cable (120) and a high voltage inverter bridge (122). Each turbine drives a respective one of a plurality of electrical generators producing an alternating current. Each electrical generator is electrically connected to an associated diode bridge and each diode bridge rectifies the alternating current to a direct current. Each diode bridge is electrically connected to an associated transformer and each transformer steps up the direct current to a high voltage direct current. Each transformer is electrically connected in parallel to a high voltage direct current cable by associated high voltage diodes. The high voltage direct current cable is electrically connected to the high voltage inverter bridge. The high voltage inverter bridge converts the direct current to alternating current.