Wind Turbine Tower Absorber Elements for Electromagnetic Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine towers act as wave guides for electromagnetic waves generated by power electronics components, leading to unwanted radiative emissions due to low cut-off frequencies, which compromise electromagnetic compatibility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating absorber elements with high relative permittivity inside the tower to absorb and convert electromagnetic energy into heat, transforming the tower from a wave guide to a wave filter, thereby reducing electromagnetic emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the tower is designed as a hollow structure to carry cables and provide structural support, then structural functionality is improved, but electromagnetic waves can propagate through the tower acting as a wave guide, causing unwanted radiative emissions
Solution Approach 1:
An absorber element is introduced as an intermediary substance within the tower hollow structure. This absorber element interacts with electromagnetic waves propagating through the tower, converting their energy into heat through dielectric losses. The absorber element acts as a mediator that blocks the wave guide effect while allowing the hollow tower structure to maintain its structural functionality and cable carrying capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical properties of the tower interior are changed by introducing the absorber element with specific dielectric characteristics. The absorber element has a dielectric constant and loss tangent that are optimized to absorb electromagnetic waves at the frequencies generated by power electronics components. This parameter change transforms the tower from a wave guide that propagates electromagnetic energy to a structure that dissipates such energy as heat.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If absorber elements are added inside the tower to block electromagnetic waves, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but the internal structure and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The absorber element is segmented into discrete components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled within the tower hollow structure. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual absorber pieces using standard processes, followed by assembly operations that integrate these elements into the existing tower structure without requiring complete redesign of the tower itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorber element is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it absorbs electromagnetic waves to prevent radiative emissions, provides structural support within the hollow tower, and can serve as a mounting platform for cables or other components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall internal structure despite the added electromagnetic compatibility requirements.
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
Significantly reduces electromagnetic emissions from wind turbines by effectively blocking unwanted frequencies, enhancing electromagnetic compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one absorber element comprises a material having a high relative permittivity, the electromagnetic energy will be at least in part absorbed by the at least one absorber element and be converted into heat
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a wind turbine, including a hollow tower carrying a nacelle, and at least one power electronics component emitting electromagnetic waves during operation, in particular an inverter located at the bottom of the tower, wherein the tower acts as a wave guide for an electromagnetic wave generated by the power electronics component, wherein the tower comprises at least one absorber element at least reducing the transport of the electromagnetic wave of the power electronics component along the tower.