Modular Wind Turbine Nacelle With Auxiliary Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large wind turbines face challenges in modularity, ease of design and manufacturing, maintenance, and transportation due to increasing size, leading to high costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A modular nacelle design comprising a main unit and two auxiliary units, where the auxiliary units house identically functioning operative components, allowing for redundant operation, efficient maintenance, and transportation using standard shipping containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the nacelle size is increased to accommodate larger wind turbine components, then the power output and physical dimensions increase, but transportation and handling costs increase and ordinary transport means cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The nacelle is divided into a main unit and multiple auxiliary units that can be manufactured, transported, and assembled separately. The main unit houses the rotor-supporting assembly while auxiliary units contain operative components, allowing each segment to be optimized for transport and then combined at the installation site.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary units are designed as standardized modules that can accommodate different operative components (converters, transformers, electrolysis cell stacks, batteries) with similar functions. This universal design allows the same auxiliary unit structure to house various power conversion components, reducing manufacturing complexity and transportation costs.
2Strength
If the nacelle is designed as a single integrated unit, then structural integrity is maintained, but maintenance and repair require disruption of the entire system and result in extended downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The nacelle is segmented into a main unit and auxiliary units connected through interfaces. This segmentation allows individual auxiliary units to be disconnected and replaced without affecting the main unit or other auxiliary units, enabling maintenance of specific components while the rest of the system remains operational.
Solution Approach 2:
Redundant operative components are pre-installed in the auxiliary units. When one component fails, the redundant component can immediately take over, allowing time for repair or replacement of the malfunctioning unit without interrupting overall system operation.
3Reliability
If redundant operative components are installed in the nacelle, then reliability and continuous operation are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary units are designed as universal modules that can house different types of operative components (converters, transformers, electrolysis cell stacks, batteries) that all perform similar power conversion functions. This standardization reduces the complexity increase that would otherwise result from installing redundant components, as the same modular structure can accommodate various component types.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A wind turbine nacelle configured for mounting on a wind turbine tower and for supporting a rotor-supporting assembly, the nacelle comprising a main unit, and at least one auxiliary unit. The auxiliary unit accommodates at least one operative component, e.g. a converter, a transformer, an electrolysis cell, or a battery. An operative component having a similar function is accommodated in another auxiliary unit which thereby facilitate shared operation, and easy and fast maintenance or replacement of the operative component.