Flexible Bus Bar Mounting for Wind Turbine Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bus bar systems in wind turbines face mechanical breakage due to vibrations and movements in the support structure, and traditional bus ducts are not economical or suitable for such environments due to their rigidity and magnetic field generation.
Innovation Solution
A polyphase bus bar mounting structure featuring cylindrical tubular conductors with insulation and a dual connector system, where one end is fixedly mounted and the other end is flexibly connected to the support structure using universal springs or resilient tubes, allowing for relative movement and reducing the risk of breakage from vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bus duct systems are used in wind turbine towers, then power delivery capability is achieved, but the rigidity of bus duct causes mechanical breakage due to tower vibrations and movements
Solution Approach 1:
The bus bar support structure transitions from a rigid static mounting to a dynamic flexible mounting system. The support includes flexible elements such as vibration isolation mounts or elastic deformable sections that allow the bus bar to move and absorb vibrations, preventing mechanical breakage while maintaining structural integrity during tower assembly movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure changes its mechanical parameters dynamically - remaining rigid for structural support but becoming flexible for vibration isolation. This is achieved through materials or designs that exhibit different stiffness characteristics under different loading conditions, allowing the structure to be stable during installation but compliant during operation to prevent breakage.
2Power
If bus duct systems are used in wind turbine towers, then power delivery is provided, but excessive magnetic fields are generated requiring shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional bus duct system with a bus bar system that uses tubular conductors. This substitution changes the electromagnetic characteristics of the power delivery system, reducing magnetic field generation while maintaining power delivery capability. The tubular configuration and spacing of conductors optimizes the electromagnetic field distribution to minimize harmful magnetic effects.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid bus duct systems are installed in wind turbine towers, then structural stability is maintained, but movement of the tower support structure causes mechanical breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates dynamic flexibility to accommodate tower movements. The flexible support elements allow the bus bar to move with the tower structure during assembly and operation, preventing stress concentration and mechanical breakage while maintaining overall structural stability.
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 provides a cost-effective, reliable, and vibration-resistant bus bar system that competes with cable systems in wind turbines, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and eliminating the need for excessive magnetic shielding.
Implementation Method 1
universal springs interconnecting the support to the support structure, so as to allow relative movement between at least a part of the connector and the support structure
Implementation Method 2
cylindrical tubular conductors arranged substantially parallel to each other... adapted for connection with conductors of other polyphase bus bar mounting structures
Implementation Method 3
insulation surrounding each of the tubular conductors... provides for protection against electric shock
Implementation Method 4
have increased convection and radiation surface area increasing the amps per square inch of the material used for the tubular conductors
Implementation Method 5
have increased convection and radiation surface area increasing the amps per square inch of the material used for the tubular conductors
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A polyphase bus bar mounting structure (10) mounted to a support structure (26) is disclosed. The support structure (26) may comprise any of a rack, wall or a segment of a wind turbine tower. The polyphase bus bar mounting structure (26) has a plurality of cylindrical tubular conductors (12) arranged substantially parallel to each other. Each of the tubular conductors (12) has first and second opposing end portions (24, 25) adapted for connection with conductors (12) of other polyphase bus bar mounting structures. Insulation (14) surrounds each of the tubular conductors. The bus bar mounting structure has first and second connectors (22, 60). The first connector (22) fixedly mounts the cylindrical tubular conductors (12) adjacent the first end portions (24) thereof to the support structure (26). The second connector (60) flexibly mounts the cylindrical tubular conductors (12) adjacent the second end portions (25) thereof to the support structure (26).