Abstract:
A heat sink for cooling at least one power semiconductor module, and that includes a basin for containing a cooling liquid. The basin has a contact rim for receiving the base plate and that includes a surface that is sloped inwards to the basin.
Abstract:
A wind turbine converter system (3) with a rectifier (4) and an inverter (5) and a converter controller (11) has at least first and second converter strings (24, 25). The converter system is controlled by a master-converter controller (13) and a slave-converter controller (12). The master-converter controller (13) controls the first converter string (25) and the slave-converter controller (12) controls the second converter string (24). The master-converter controller (13) receives commands from a superordinate wind turbine controller (21), provides the slave-converter controller (12) with string-control commands on the basis of the superordinate control commands, and controls the conversion operation of the first converter string (25) on the basis of the superordinate control command. The slave-converter controller (12) receives the string-control commands from the master-converter controller (13) and controls the conversion operation of the second converter string on the basis of the string-control commands received. The first and the second converter strings (24, 25) can be arranged in a bipolar configuration giving access to a neutral point (62). Fault detection can be performed based on the current through the neutral (62). The system is capable of fault ride-through. Also, in case of failure of the master-converter controller (13), a redundant unit takes its place.
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.
Abstract:
A hydrogen generation system comprising a wind turbine rotor coupled to a generator, wherein the generator is electrically coupled to a DC-link by way of a primary power converter, the DC-link having a power dissipation element. The system also comprises a hydrogen electrolysis system coupled to the DC-link; an auxiliary power converter coupled to the DC-link; and one or more auxiliary loads. The auxiliary power converter comprises an energy storage system and is electrically coupled to the one or more auxiliary loads to provide operating power thereto. Furthermore, the system comprises a control system coupled to the auxiliary power converter, the primary power converter and the hydrogen electrolysis system, wherein the control system is configured to operate the auxiliary power converter, the primary power converter and the hydrogen electrolysis system to control the voltage on the DC-link to remain with a predetermined range. Beneficially, the system of the invention manages the primary power converter to provide power to the electrolysis system, and the auxiliary power converter, to provide power to at least the auxiliary loads, in such a way as to optimise the generation of hydrogen by the electrolyser whilst decoupling the performance of the electrolyser from varying wind conditions.
Abstract:
A method, converter arrangement, and controller are disclosed for connecting an output of a converter with an electrical grid to control inrush currents into a grid filter assembly connected with the output of the converter, the electrical grid carrying an alternating current (AC) signal having one or more phases. The method includes determining a voltage of the AC signal and operating, after pre-charging a direct current (DC) link of the converter to a predetermined voltage, the converter using open-loop voltage control to produce an AC output signal that substantially matches the AC signal of the electrical grid. The open-loop voltage control is based on the determined voltage of the AC signal. The method further includes closing, after a predetermined amount of time of operating the converter using the open-loop voltage control, a switching device to thereby connect the output of the converter with the electrical grid.
Abstract:
An inductor 1 for connecting a wind turbine generator to the electricity grid is mounted within a housing 2, and the coils of the inductor 1 are cooled by means of cooling plates 3 located within the coils, and in which are formed tubular conduits. Coolant liquid is supplied to the conduits through supply pipes 7 which are connected to the conduits by means of connectors 8 mounted underneath the housing 2, such that any coolant liquid which escapes from the connectors 8 falls under gravity into a drip tray 10 arranged below the housing 2. Corresponding connectors are provided underneath the housing for connecting the conduits to outflow pipes. A sensor 11 within the drip tray 10 detects the presence of any coolant liquid which has leaked from the connectors 8 and, in response, generates an alarm signal which is transmitted to control circuitry for disconnecting the inductor 1 and shutting down the wind turbine generator.
Abstract:
A wind turbine generator 1 supplies three-phase a.c. current of variable voltage and variable frequency to two pairs of rectifiers 4a, 4b and 4c, 4d which generate respective d.c. outputs connected to positive, negative and neutral d.c. conductors 6, 7, 8. The outputs from each pair of rectifiers are connected together, and the outputs from the two pairs are connected in series to create a high-voltage d.c. output. Inverters 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d then convert the d.c. power to a.c. at a fixed frequency and voltage suitable for connection to the mains grid. To reduce the effect of common-mode noise, a capacitor is connected between the 1 neutral conductor7 and earth, and a respective filter circuit 30 is connected between each of the a.c. outputs of the inverters 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d and earth. To reduce the effect of voltage surges during lightning, a surge protection device is also connected between the neutral d.c. conductor 7 and earth. Any imbalance in the current in the positive and negative conductors 6, 8 is compensated by detecting the presence of current flowing in the neutral conductor 7. Power supplied to auxiliary circuits from the output of one of the inverters, e.g. 10a, of the wind turbine is measured, and any resulting imbalance between the current in the positive and negative conductors is compensated. In the event of an earth-leakage fault in the conductors connecting the a.c. outputs of the inverters to the grid, when isolated, isolation detection relays 25 are provided.
Abstract:
A wind turbine converter system with a rectifier and an inverter and a converter controller has at least first and second converter strings. The converter system is controlled by a master-converter controller and a slave-converter controller. The master-converter controller controls the first converter string and the slave-converter controller controls the second converter string. The master-converter controller receives commands from a superordinate wind turbine controller, provides the slave-converter controller with string-control commands on the basis of the superordinate control commands, and controls the conversion operation of the first converter string on the basis of the superordinate control command. The slave-converter controller receives the string-control commands from the master-converter controller and controls the conversion operation of the second converter string on the basis of the string-control commands received. The first and the second converter strings can be arranged in a bipolar configuration giving access to a neutral point. Fault detection can be performed based on current through the neutral. The system is capable of fault ride-through. Also, in case of failure of the master-converter controller, a redundant unit takes its place.
Abstract:
A heat sink for cooling at least one power semiconductor module, and that includes a basin for containing a cooling liquid. The basin has a contact rim for receiving the base plate and that includes a surface that is sloped inwards to the basin.
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.