Abstract:
A system (1) for recirculation of air in a component of a wind turbine, such as a converter cabinet (2), a nacelle, a generator, etc. The system (1) comprises a housing (5) enclosing the system (1), a fan (4) arranged inside the housing (5) for recirculating the air, an opening (6) arranged in a wall part of the housing (5) and having a filter (7) arranged across it, and means for drawing air from outside the housing (5) to inside the housing (5) via the opening (6) and the filter (7). The air may be drawn through the opening (6) due to a low pressure created when the fan (4) draws air through a heat exchanger (3) arranged in the system (1). Drawing air through the opening (6) creates an overpressure inside the housing (5), and thereby air from outside is prevented from entering the system (1) via possible holes or crevices in the housing (5). Since air entering the system (1) flows via the filter (7), dirt and impurities are therefore prevented from entering the system. Thereby the wind turbine is protected. The system (1) may be a cooling system, e.g. for electronics of the wind turbine.
Abstract:
A wind energy converter includes a wind turbine, a wind turbine foundation including a strengthening structure, and a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of one or more areas of the wind turbine. The wind energy converter is characterized in that at least a part of the temperature control mechanism adjoins the strengthening structure. Also contemplated is a wind turbine foundation including a strengthening structure. The wind turbine foundation is characterized in that the foundation includes at least a part of a temperature control mechanism for heat exchanging with one or more areas of a wind turbine and in that at least a part of the temperature control mechanism adjoins the strengthening structure. Even further contemplated is a method for controlling the temperature of one or more areas of a wind turbine and use of a wind turbine foundation.
Abstract:
A generator for a wind turbine is disclosed. The generator comprises a rotor configured to rotate about a rotational axis, and at least one stator arranged next to the rotor. Each stator comprises at least one flux-generating module facing the rotor but spaced therefrom, thereby forming an air gap between the rotor and each flux-generating module. Each stator also comprises at least one bearing unit, each bearing unit comprising a body defining a cavity with an open end facing the rotor. The generator further comprises a source of pressurized fluid communicating with each bearing unit, and the body of each bearing unit directs the fluid towards the rotor to help maintain the air gap between the rotor and each flux-generating module. Thereby the air gap between the rotor and the flux-generating modules is controlled by means of the fluid bearing units. The invention further provides a wind turbine comprising such a generator.
Abstract:
A wind energy converter includes a wind turbine, a wind turbine foundation and a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of one or more areas of the wind turbine. The temperature control mechanism including a mechanism for exchanging heat. The wind energy converter is characterized in that the mechanism for exchanging heat is positioned in the ground outside the foundation. Also contemplated is a method for controlling the temperature of one or more areas of a wind energy converter and use thereof.
Abstract:
A heat exchanger assembly for cooling a heat-generating component, such as a generator or power electronics module, within a wind turbine nacelle comprises a thermoelectric element, such as a Peltier element, having a first section arranged in a first region of relatively high temperature in contact with the heat-generating component or in the vicinity thereof, and a second section arranged in a second region of a relatively low temperature. The thermoelectric element is configured to transfer heat from the first region of relatively high temperature to the second region of relatively low temperature with consumption of electrical energy. A source of electrical energy is provided for the thermoelectric element, and a control unit may be provided for controlling the energy supply in order to control the temperature of the component or surface area cooled by the thermoelectric element. A further cooling element including a so-called heat pipe may be provided to enhance cooling efficiency.