Wind Turbine Rotor Hub Module Carrier Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Larger wind turbines, while increasing energy yield, lead to higher acquisition and operating costs, making them less cost-effective for electrical energy generation.
Innovation Solution
A module carrier system that pre-assembles and attaches electrical modules for pitch drives to the rotor hub of wind turbines, reducing installation complexity and costs by using a modular design with a base body and annular disk configuration, and a machine carrier with tubular sections for stable power transmission between the generator and tower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electrical modules are attached individually to the rotor hub, then the pitch drives can be controlled, but the installation complexity and error potential increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical modules (transformer module, sub-distribution module, blade relay modules, storage modules, and blade control modules) into a single integrated module carrier assembly. This assembly is pre-assembled on the ground and then installed as one unit on the rotor hub, eliminating the complexity of attaching multiple individual modules separately while maintaining all necessary control functions for the pitch drives.
2Productivity
If larger wind turbines are built to increase energy yield, then more electricity is generated, but acquisition and operating costs increase proportionally or more sharply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical control system into a modular architecture where the module carrier can be manufactured and tested separately on the ground, then installed as a complete unit on the turbine. This segmentation reduces installation time and complexity on-site, lowering overall acquisition and operating costs while enabling larger turbine designs through standardized, scalable modular components.
3Ease of operation
If modules are assembled on the rotating rotor hub, then the pitch drives can be controlled, but installation effort and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary assembly of all electrical modules on the module carrier while stationary on the ground, allowing for proper connection and testing before installation. The pre-assembled module carrier is then transported and mounted as a single unit on the rotor hub, significantly reducing on-site installation time and eliminating the complexity of assembling multiple modules on the rotating hub.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a module carrier for securing electrical modules, provided for controlling one or a plurality of pitch drives of a wind power plant, on a rotor hub of said plant, with a base part for supporting the electrical modules, the rotor hub being prepared so as to rotate about a substantially horizontal rotor axis and the base part being prepared so as to be secured in the axial direction of the rotor axis in front of the rotor hub.