Multiphase Generator Conversion System for Wind Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern wind turbines with permanent magnet generators require numerous AC/DC converters and transformers to convert AC output to DC for HVDC links, leading to increased component count, weight, and maintenance costs, especially in offshore installations.
Innovation Solution
A multiphase generator-conversion system that includes a multiphase generator with n stators and n conversion lines, each with an ac/ac module generating single-phase AC voltage, a transformer module producing n-phase AC voltage, and a single rectification module to convert to DC, minimizing the number of transformers and rectification modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multiphase AC generators are used with AC/DC converters for each stator, then the output voltage can be converted to DC for HVDC links, but the number of power converters and transformers increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the AC/DC conversion function into a single centralized converter that processes the combined output from all n multiphase stators. Instead of having separate AC/DC converters for each stator, the system combines all AC outputs and uses one converter to produce the DC output, thereby reducing the number of converters from n to 1 while maintaining reliable DC output for HVDC links.
Solution Approach 2:
The single AC/DC converter is designed to handle the combined output from multiple multiphase stators, making it a universal converter that performs the conversion function for the entire generator system rather than requiring dedicated converters for each stator. This multi-functional approach reduces component count while achieving the same conversion objective.
2Reliability
If multiple power converters and transformers are used for conversion, then AC to DC conversion can be achieved, but the weight and size of the wind turbine system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power conversion functions into a single integrated AC/DC converter unit. By merging the conversion capability for all n multiphase stators into one converter, the total weight of power conversion components is significantly reduced compared to having n separate converters, while maintaining full AC to DC conversion capability.
3Reliability
If a large number of power converters and transformers are installed, then complete AC/DC conversion can be implemented, but space requirements and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements complete AC/DC conversion by merging all conversion functions into a single AC/DC converter that processes the combined output from n multiphase stators. This approach requires significantly less installation space compared to deploying n separate converters and associated transformers, while ensuring complete conversion capability is maintained.
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 configuration reduces the number of rectification modules and transformers, decreasing the overall weight, size, and maintenance costs of wind turbine systems, particularly beneficial for offshore installations by simplifying component integration and reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
Each conversion line includes an ac/ac module, coupled to the respective plurality of phase lines and arranged to receive a multi-phase AC voltage and generate a single phase AC voltage at an output
Implementation Method 2
the transformer module arranged to receive the n single-phases of the ac/ac modules and generate an n-phase AC voltage at an output
Implementation Method 3
By generating an n-phase AC voltage at the output it is possible to connect only a single rectification module for converting the n-phase AC voltage to a DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Multiphase generator-conversion systems and clusters are disclosed. The multiphase generator-conversion systems include a multiphase n-stator generator, n conversion lines and a transformer module. Each n conversion line is coupled to the plurality of phase lines of one of the n stators, respectively. Each conversion line comprises a rectification module, coupled to the respective plurality of phase lines, configured to receive a multiphase AC voltage and generate a first DC voltage at an output. A dc/ac inverter is coupled to the output of the respective rectification module. The dc/ac inverter receives the first dc voltage and generates a single-phase AC voltage at an output. The transformer module is arranged to receive the n single-phases of the dc/ac inverters and generate an n-phase AC voltage at an output. This voltage is input to a single diode rectifier. Multiphase generator-conversion clusters include multiphase generator-conversion systems arranged to be coupled to a diode rectifier.