HVDC Modular Platform Design for Offshore Wind
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing HVDC platforms for offshore wind energy generation are large and heavy due to heat dissipation and high voltage arcing issues, leading to increased costs and design complexities, necessitating a more efficient and compact solution for AC to DC power conversion.
Innovation Solution
A modular HVDC platform design featuring a structural jacket with pre-fabricated and pre-commissioned rectifier and utility modules, each housed in separate, stress-skinned structures, allowing for efficient temperature control and reduced weight, with reactors positioned laterally to minimize vertical space and weight, and a method for constructing this platform by installing modules on a substructure with a module support frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional HVDC platform design is used with large converting equipment, then power conversion capability is achieved, but platform weight and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The converting equipment is divided into multiple modular converter units that can be independently configured and assembled. Each module contains standardized components that can be scaled to achieve the required power conversion capability while minimizing overall weight and size through optimized modular arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies advanced cooling techniques and high-voltage direct current transmission parameters to reduce the physical size of equipment. By operating at optimized voltage levels and implementing efficient thermal management, the converting equipment achieves high power capability with reduced weight compared to conventional AC transmission systems.
2Power
If conventional HVDC platform design is used with large converting equipment, then power conversion capability is achieved, but platform dimensions and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The converting equipment is divided into multiple modular converter units that can be independently configured and assembled. Each module contains standardized components that can be scaled to achieve the required power conversion capability while minimizing overall weight and size through optimized modular arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking of modular converter units to achieve high power conversion capability without proportionally increasing horizontal footprint. By arranging equipment in three-dimensional configurations rather than spread-out two-dimensional layouts, the platform maintains compact dimensions while delivering required power capacity.
3Weight of stationary object
If modular design is implemented, then platform size and weight are reduced, but design and construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The converting equipment is divided into multiple modular converter units that can be independently configured and assembled. Each module contains standardized components that can be scaled to achieve the required power conversion capability while minimizing overall weight and size through optimized modular arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
Modular converter units are pre-assembled and pre-tested in controlled manufacturing environments before being transported and installed on the platform. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site construction complexity and allows for standardized installation procedures, offsetting the increased design complexity through simplified assembly and commissioning processes.
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 modular design significantly reduces the size and weight of the HVDC platform by 15-30% compared to conventional systems, lowering construction costs and enabling faster assembly with smaller cranes and vessels, while maintaining operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
each rectifier module comprises equipment for converting AC power to DC power
Implementation Method 2
the converting equipment dissipates a large amount of heat directly to the ambient air
Implementation Method 3
the high voltages of conversation equipment have a potential to arc from one location to another within the HVDC platform, so sufficient distance between components and inert atmospheres are required to prevent such arcing
Data Source
AI summary
A modular HVDC platform and a method for constructing the same are disclosed herein. The modular HVDC platform has a topside disposed on a structural jacket. The topside includes a first rectifier module, a second rectifier module, and a utility module. The first and second rectifier modules have equipment for converting AC power to DC power disposed therein. The utility module contains equipment for supporting the operations of the rectifier modules. Each of the rectifier modules and the utility modules can be fabricated and commissioned onshore prior to installation on the structural jacket at an offshore location.