Segmented Busbars in Wind Pylon Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex and costly process of installing current conductors, typically cables, within a wind power installation's pylon after its erection, requires cables to be pulled over the entire height, which is time-consuming and dependent on the pylon's previous construction.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pre-installed busbar elements with clamping holders in pylon segments allows for the busbar elements to be prefabricated and mounted in a way that their end portions are clamped or inserted into holders at the lower end region, enabling connection to adjacent segments without the need for post-erection cable installation, and using connecting elements to bridge gaps or obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are installed after pylon erection by pulling them over the entire height, then electrical connection between generator and power module is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The busbar elements are pre-installed in the pylon segments during pylon fabrication, before the pylon is erected at the installation site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming cable pulling operations after pylon erection, as the electrical conduction path is already in place and ready for connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the flexible cable system with a rigid busbar system that is integrated into the pylon structure. This substitution eliminates the mechanical complexity of cable routing and securing, providing a more stable and reliable electrical connection that is inherently part of the pylon's structural assembly.
2Reliability
If cables are pulled through the entire pylon height after erection, then electrical connection is established, but the operation becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The busbar elements are merged with the pylon segments into a single integrated structure. The busbars are fixedly connected to the pylon segments, combining the structural support function of the pylon with the electrical conduction function of the busbars, thereby eliminating the need for separate cable installation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The busbar elements are pre-installed in the pylon segments during pylon fabrication, before the pylon is erected at the installation site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming cable pulling operations after pylon erection, as the electrical conduction path is already in place and ready for connection.
3Productivity
If busbar elements are pre-installed in pylon segments, then erection time is reduced, but additional clamping holders and connecting elements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping holders are integrated into the pylon segment structure itself, rather than being separate external components. This merging reduces the overall number of discrete parts and simplifies the assembly process, as the clamping function is built into the pylon segment design.
Solution Approach 2:
The busbar system is divided into modular busbar elements that can be pre-installed in each pylon segment independently. This segmentation allows for parallel preparation of multiple pylon segments, improving overall productivity while the standardized connecting elements ensure consistent assembly across all segments.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind power installation is provided having a pylon made up of a plurality of pylon segments, a generator arranged in the region of the head of the pylon, a power module arranged in the region of the pylon base or separate from the pylon, busbar elements which are installed segmented in the associated pylon segments for current transfer from the generator to the power module, and connecting elements for connecting busbar elements which are installed in adjacent pylon segments. Clamping holders may be mounted to the inside wall in the end region, that is the lower end region in the erected condition, of the pylon segments with end portions of the busbar elements clamped or inserted into the clamping holders.