Wind Turbine Cooling Device Using Phase Change Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling systems for wind turbines are complex, unreliable, and energy-intensive, with hydraulic circuits prone to leaks and maintenance issues, especially in offshore locations, leading to reduced assembly reliability and energy production.
Innovation Solution
A passive heat transfer system using tubular conduits with a working fluid that changes phase to transport heat from components to the outside air, eliminating the need for additional pumps and exchangers, and reducing hydraulic connections and filtration systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a dual hydraulic circuit with multiple components (pumps, exchangers, ducts) is used to cool the multiplier, then heat transport capability is improved, but assembly reliability deteriorates due to increased possibility of malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the secondary hydraulic circuit (water-glycol pump, exchanger, ducts) from the cooling system. Only the essential primary circuit with the multiplier pump is retained, directly connecting the multiplier to the cooling tower. This extraction removes multiple potential failure points while preserving the core heat transport function through the simplified direct connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the secondary circuit components (heat exchanger, pump, ducts) into a single integrated cooling tower structure. The cooling tower directly receives hot oil from the multiplier and dissipates heat to the atmosphere, combining multiple separate components into one unified system that maintains heat transport capability while reducing complexity.
2Loss of energy
If multiple hydraulic circuit components (pumps, exchangers, ducts) are installed to achieve heat transport, then cooling performance is improved, but device volume increases and accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate hydraulic components (exchangers, ducts, secondary pump) are merged into a single cooling tower unit that is directly connected to the multiplier. This consolidation reduces the total volume occupied by cooling components and improves accessibility by eliminating the need for multiple connection points and complex ductwork throughout the nacelle.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary hydraulic circuit components are extracted and removed from the system. The cooling function is achieved through a simplified direct connection from the multiplier to the cooling tower, eliminating the need for intermediate exchangers and ducts that would occupy space and reduce accessibility.
3Loss of energy
If a secondary fluid circulation system is implemented to transport heat, then heat transport flexibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to probability of leakages in hydraulic connections
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary fluid circulation system is extracted and completely removed from the cooling architecture. Heat transport is achieved directly through the primary oil circuit from the multiplier to the cooling tower, eliminating the water-glycol secondary circuit and all its connections. This eliminates the leakage risk associated with secondary circuit connections while maintaining effective heat transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention eliminates the need for an intermediary secondary fluid (water-glycol) by using the primary cooling oil directly as the heat transport medium. The oil circulates directly from the multiplier through the cooling tower without requiring a separate secondary fluid system, thereby eliminating the intermediary that introduced leakage risks.
4Temperature
If complex filtration and dehumidification systems are installed to cool the nacelle, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex filtration and dehumidification systems are extracted and removed from the nacelle cooling approach. Instead of filtering and treating outside air before introduction, the invention uses the existing primary cooling oil circuit that already circulates through the nacelle, eliminating the need for separate air treatment systems and their associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary cooling oil circuit is given multi-functionality by using it both for cooling the multiplier and for cooling the nacelle. The same oil that absorbs heat from the multiplier also absorbs heat from the nacelle interior as it circulates, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems for different components and reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution simplifies the cooling system, increases reliability, reduces the risk of leaks and maintenance, and decreases energy consumption, while allowing for efficient heat dissipation without external power, applicable to onshore, offshore, and underwater wind turbines.
Implementation Method 1
Said conduit contains therein a working fluid selected to change from a liquid to gas phase, and vice versa, during operation, thereby transporting heat from one point to another
Implementation Method 2
A first lower portion of each conduit is inserted into the receptacle, said lower portion acting as an evaporator of the working fluid
Implementation Method 3
A second upper portion of each conduit remains outside the receptacle, in contact with the outside air, acting as a condenser of the working fluid
Implementation Method 4
The oil would be in contact with a first lower portion of each conduit, acting as an evaporator of the working fluid and thereby transporting heat to a second upper portion
Implementation Method 5
a second upper portion of each conduit remains outside the receptacle, in contact with the outside air, acting as a condenser of the working fluid
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4A
AI summary
A cooling device for components of wind turbines, comprising at least one conduit (3) containing therein a working fluid (5) selected to change from a liquid to gas phase, and vice versa, during operation; wherein a first lower portion of each conduit (3) is inserted into a receptacle (2) through which a primary coolant fluid (10) transporting heat from a component of a wind turbine to be cooled (7) circulates, said lower portion acting as an evaporator of the working fluid (5); and wherein a second upper portion of each conduit (3) remains outside the receptacle (2), acting as a condenser of the working fluid (5).