Thyristor Circuit Parallel Switchgear for Compact Offshore Wind Installations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ring cable switchgear assemblies for medium-voltage and high-voltage applications are complex, costly, and require significant space due to the use of circuit breakers and switch disconnectors, particularly in offshore wind farms, where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A switchgear assembly featuring a thyristor circuit in parallel with a switch disconnector, connected to the primary side of a transformer, allowing efficient electrical disconnection of generators or consumers, with the thyristor circuit being designed for stability against overvoltages and capable of handling high currents, reducing complexity and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circuit breakers and switch disconnectors are used in medium-voltage and high-voltage applications, then reliable current interruption is achieved, but device complexity and installation space increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The switchgear assembly is divided into functionally independent modules: a thyristor circuit for current interruption and a switch disconnector for electrical isolation. Each module performs a specific function, allowing them to be designed and optimized separately while working together to achieve reliable current interruption and isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thyristor circuit acts as an intermediary device between the high-voltage line and the switch disconnector. It handles the complex current interruption function using semiconductor technology, while the switch disconnector provides simple mechanical isolation, thereby reducing the overall complexity compared to using only traditional circuit breakers.
2Reliability
If circuit breakers are used for current interruption, then reliable switching is achieved, but installation space requirements become enormous
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical circuit breaker is replaced with a thyristor circuit for current interruption. Semiconductor-based thyristors can interrupt current more compactly than mechanical breakers, significantly reducing the installation space while maintaining switching reliability. The switch disconnector provides mechanical isolation in a compact form factor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional switchgear assemblies are used in offshore wind farms, then grid connection is achieved, but space constraints cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The thyristor circuit and switch disconnector are merged into a single integrated switchgear assembly that provides both current interruption and electrical isolation functions. This compact integrated design meets the strict space constraints of offshore wind farm applications while maintaining full grid connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters and technology approach by using thyristor-based current interruption instead of traditional mechanical breaker technology. This parameter change enables compact dimensions suitable for offshore installations while maintaining the required grid connection functionality.
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 simplifies the disconnection process, reduces component complexity and costs, and allows for compact installations suitable for wind turbines and other applications, such as photovoltaic systems, while enabling efficient management of energy flow in ring cable systems.
Implementation Method 1
a thyristor circuit (111), which is arranged in parallel with a switch disconnector (109)
Data Source
AI summary
A load or a generator is connected to an energy line, e.g. a ring feeder of an energy distribution network by using a switching system. For this purpose, the switching system has a thyristor circuit, which is connected in parallel to a disconnect switch and connects the transformer of the switching system to an energy line. Thereby an efficient disconnect switch can be realized, which can be dimensioned depending on the power of the load or generator.