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 In connection to the mains grid. To reduce the effect of common-mode noise, a capacitor is connected between the 1 neutral conductor 7 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.

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 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.