Modular Power Connection Module With Phase Matrix Conductor Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing power connection methods for wind turbines are time-consuming, complex, and prone to misplacement errors, leading to potential underperformance, overload, and safety risks due to the lengthy and heavy electric conductors required for connecting main power components.

Innovation Solution

A modular power connection system comprising submodules with a matrix cross-section arrangement of conductors, allowing for adaptable and scalable connections between wind turbine components, reducing assembly complexity and enhancing safety by preventing uneven current sharing and allowing for preassembly and outsourcing of manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If long heavy electric conductors are used to connect power components, then the connection can be established between distant components, but the assembling process becomes very time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconductor lengthVSAvoidassembling speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into multiple submodules (first submodule, intermediary submodule, second submodule) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each submodule contains specific connection points and conductors, allowing parallel preparation and reducing overall assembly time while maintaining the capability to connect distant power components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The submodules are pre-assembled with conductors already connected to internal connection points before deployment. This preliminary preparation of connection configurations eliminates the need to manually connect long conductors during the main assembly process, significantly reducing assembling time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual conductors are handled separately, then flexibility in connection is maintained, but the risk of misplacement increases leading to underperformance, overload, or safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidplacement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple conductors are grouped together within submodules, with each submodule containing multiple internal connection points that are pre-configured. This merging approach maintains connection flexibility through modular design while significantly reducing placement errors by eliminating the need to handle and position individual conductors separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The submodules act as intermediary units between power components, providing pre-configured connection points and organized conductor groups. This intermediary structure ensures proper conductor placement and phase arrangement while maintaining the adaptability to connect different power component configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If conductors of the same electric phase are arranged in adjacent rows and columns, then the matrix cross-section structure is simplified, but uneven current sharing and electrical problems occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematrix structure complexityVSAvoidcurrent sharing uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetric arrangement within the matrix cross-section by strategically positioning conductors of different electric phases in adjacent rows and columns. This asymmetric phase distribution prevents uneven current sharing and electromagnetic interference while maintaining an organized matrix structure that does not excessively increase complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Ease of manufacture

If the connection module is designed as a fixed configuration, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different wind turbine models and configurations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The submodules are designed with universal connection points and standardized interfaces that can accommodate different power component configurations. The intermediary submodule can be selectively added or removed to adapt to different connection distances and turbine models, while the basic submodule design remains standardized for simplified manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250023286A1A connection module and system

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS

AI summary

A power connection module is provided which includes a first and a second submodules, an intermediary submodule and a plurality of conductors arranged at the intermediary submodule. Each first and second submodules includes a plurality of internal and external connection points. The intermediary submodule is arranged between the first and second submodules and includes a central portion. The plurality of conductors are arranged at the intermediary submodule and are grouped in at least a first phase group and a second phase group, wherein the electric phase of the conductors in the first phase group being different from the electric phase of the conductors of the second phase group. In central portions of the intermediary submodule, the plurality of conductors form a predetermined matrix cross-section, which comprises rows and columns. The conductors arranged in adjacent rows and/or columns of such matrix cross-section belong to a different phase group.