Wind Turbine Transition Piece High Voltage Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of offshore wind turbines is complex and exposes sensitive switchgear equipment to harsh environments prematurely, as it is often installed during construction of the transition piece before the tower and nacelle are fully assembled, limiting onshore testing and increasing the risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A transition piece with a high voltage joint that allows connection of array cables before the tower piece and switchgear are installed, enabling string testing and operation, and allowing the switchgear to be installed later with the tower piece, reducing the need for early installation of sensitive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If switchgear is installed during construction of the transition piece before tower and nacelle are fully assembled, then string testing and operation can be enabled earlier, but sensitive equipment is exposed to harsh offshore environment and construction risks
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into multiple independent components: transition piece with high voltage joint, array cables, and switchgear. This allows the transition piece and array cables to be installed and tested separately from the switchgear, enabling string testing without exposing the switchgear to harsh construction environments. The segmentation decouples the timing of equipment installation from the timing of system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The high voltage joint with connection terminals is pre-installed in the transition piece during construction, and array cables are pre-connected to these terminals. This preliminary action enables the electrical string to be tested and commissioned before the switchgear is installed, allowing operations to proceed without waiting for complete tower and nacelle assembly while protecting the switchgear from early exposure to harsh conditions.
2Productivity
If switchgear is installed early during transition piece construction, then onshore testing is limited, but equipment is exposed to offshore environment prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separable components where the transition piece with high voltage joint and array cables can be assembled and tested onshore independently of the switchgear. This segmentation allows complete onshore testing of the transition piece assembly before offshore installation, improving manufacturing quality while maintaining installation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The high voltage joint with connection terminals acts as an intermediary component that enables electrical connections without requiring the switchgear to be present. This intermediary allows array cables to be connected and tested onshore, and later connected to the switchgear offshore, bridging the gap between onshore assembly and offshore operation.
3Device complexity
If switchgear is installed together with transition piece, then fewer installation trips are needed, but expensive and sensitive equipment is present during heavy construction work
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is segmented into distinct phases: transition piece installation with high voltage joint, array cable connection and string testing, and later switchgear installation. This segmentation allows the switchgear to be installed separately in a protected environment rather than being present during heavy construction operations, reducing exposure to harmful factors while managing installation logistics.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition piece is prepared with pre-installed high voltage joints and connected array cables before offshore installation. This preliminary preparation enables string testing to be conducted without the switchgear, allowing the switchgear to be installed later in a controlled environment, thereby reducing its exposure to harsh conditions during heavy construction work.
Data Source
AI summary
A transition piece (140) for a wind turbine tower (110) is provided, that is configured to be installed on a tower foundation (111) and to carry a tower piece (113). It comprises a high voltage joint (10) with grid input and output terminals (11, 12) and WTG connecting input and output terminals (14, 13). The grid input terminal (11) is configured for receiving and connecting to an array cable (21) from a power grid (20). The WTG connecting output terminal (13) is operatively connected to the grid input terminal (11) for receiving and connecting to an input cable (23) leading to a switchgear (30). The WTG connecting input terminal (14) is configured for receiving and connecting to an output cable (24) from the switchgear (30). The grid output terminal (12) is operatively connected to the WTG connecting input terminal (14) for receiving and connecting to an array cable (22) leading to the power grid (20). Further, installation, testing, connecting and maintenance methods taking advantage of the high voltage joint (10) are provided.