Offshore Wind Turbine Single Piece Electric Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of step-up transformers at offshore wind turbines is challenging due to high installation effort and difficulties in handling and transporting heavy equipment in rough environmental conditions, particularly when combined with necessary external electric and mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A preinstalled electric assembly comprising a transformer and external equipment, such as gas insulated switchgear, earthing switch, electric disconnector, and surge arrestor, is designed to be handled as a single unit, facilitating easier transportation and installation by forming a compact, corrosion-resistant package that can be mechanically connected onshore, reducing the risk of separation and simplifying high-voltage operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transformer and external equipment are installed separately at offshore wind turbines, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the installation effort and handling difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer and external equipment (gas insulated switchgear, earthing switch, electric disconnector, surge arrestor) are merged into a single pre-assembled package that can be handled as one unit. This integration reduces the number of separate installation operations required at the offshore site while maintaining the functional flexibility of having all components available for configuration.
2Loss of time
If the transformer and external equipment are combined into a single package, then the installation time is reduced, but the weight and transportation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer and external equipment are pre-assembled into a complete package onshore before transportation. This preliminary assembly allows for optimization of the packaging and weight distribution, and enables the entire assembly to be installed as one unit at the offshore site, significantly reducing on-site installation time despite the increased handling of a heavier single object.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the transformer is installed on a separate foundation, then the structural stability is improved, but the footprint and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer and external equipment are combined into a single integrated package that can be mounted directly on the wind turbine tower or platform structure. This eliminates the need for a separate foundation structure, reducing the overall footprint and space requirements while maintaining structural stability through the unified design.
4Ease of repair
If multiple separate components are installed, then the maintenance accessibility is improved, but the risk of separation and connection errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
All electrical connections and mechanical fastenings between the transformer and external equipment are pre-established during onshore assembly. This preliminary action ensures that connections are made under controlled conditions with proper alignment and torque, reducing the risk of separation and connection errors during offshore installation while maintaining accessibility for future maintenance of the integrated package.
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 solution reduces installation time, minimizes the footprint of the assembly, and enhances safety and reliability by allowing for automatic connections and reliable voltage switching, while also providing protection against overvoltages and arc development, thus simplifying maintenance and reducing the risk of damage during offshore installation.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer for transforming a first voltage level, which is provided by the at least one wind turbine, to a second voltage level of the subsea cable
Data Source
AI summary
An electric assembly for electrically connecting at least one wind turbine being located off-shore with an electric subsea cable being connected to an on-shore power grid is provided. The electric assembly has (a) a transformer for transforming a first voltage level being provided by the at least one wind turbine to a second voltage level of the subsea cable, and (b) an external equipment being electrically and mechanically connected to the transformer for controlling an operation of at least the transformer. The transformer and the electric equipment are formed by a preinstalled package, which can be mechanically handled as a single piece. Further, a wind turbine having such an electric assembly, a wind turbine cluster having such a wind turbine, and a method for mounting such an electric assembly to a tower of a wind turbine are provided.