Wind Turbine Electrical Adaptor for Refurbishment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbines face challenges in refurbishing their electrical systems due to compatibility issues between new and existing systems, leading to increased costs and complexity, which hinders the implementation of more efficient technology and extends the life of wind turbines.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the installation of new uptower and downtower electrical systems, connected via an electrical adaptor that manages cable bundles and provides compatibility, minimizing heat rise and arc flash, allowing for the use of less expensive metals and supporting extreme cable weights, while enabling easy installation and ampacity calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a new electrical system is installed to replace outdated technology, then power generation efficiency is improved, but compatibility issues with existing systems increase cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an adapter as an intermediary device that connects the new uptower electrical system with the existing downtower electrical system. This adapter serves as a mediator that enables compatibility between different electrical systems, allowing the new efficient technology to integrate with legacy infrastructure without requiring complete system replacement, thereby reducing complexity and cost while maintaining improved power generation efficiency
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical system is completely replaced, then newer technology is implemented, but capital expenses and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrical system replacement into partial segments - specifically replacing only the uptower portion with new technology while retaining the existing downtower system. This segmented approach allows implementation of newer technology where most needed without the prohibitive costs of complete system replacement, making the refurbishment economically viable while still achieving technological modernization
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter designed in the patent serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between different systems, ensures compatibility, manages cable bundles, and enables the integration of new and old technologies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing capital expenses while maintaining adaptability to implement newer technology
3Duration of action of stationary object
If new electrical systems are installed in existing wind turbines, then additional life and efficient power generation are provided, but compatibility and installation complexity arise
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary that simplifies the installation process by providing pre-configured connection interfaces between new and existing systems. This mediator device reduces installation complexity by eliminating the need for complex custom integration work, making it easier to extend the life of existing wind turbines through refurbishment while managing the complexity of installing new electrical systems
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method 100 for refurbishing a wind turbine 10 includes terminating 102 use of an existing uptower electrical system 25 of the wind turbine 10. The method also includes installing 104 a new uptower electrical system 125 for the wind turbine 10 at an uptower location of the wind turbine 10. Further, the method 100 includes providing 106 an electrical adaptor 132, 142 at an uptower location for connecting the new uptower electrical system 125 with an existing downtower electrical system 27. Moreover, the method 100 includes electrically connecting 108 the electrical adaptor 132, 142 between the existing downtower electrical system 27 and the new uptower electrical system 127.