Wind turbine nacelle comprising a heat exchanger assembly

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A wind turbine nacelle, comprising:
at least one heat-generating component housed within the nacelle; and at least one heat exchanger assembly for cooling said at least one heat-generating component, wherein the at least one heat exchanger assembly comprises a first cooling assembly and a second cooling assembly, wherein the first cooling assembly comprises:
at least one thermoelectric 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, the thermoelectric element further having a second section arranged in a second region of a relatively low temperature, the thermoelectric element being 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; anda source of electrical energy connected to the thermoelectric element; and wherein the second cooling assembly comprises:
a container which contains a working fluid, wherein the container is arranged such that a first section of the container is in a third region of relatively high temperature in contact with the heat-generating component or in the vicinity thereof, and such that a second section of the container is in a fourth region of relatively low temperature remote from the heat-generating component, wherein the working fluid is capable of evaporating at the first section of the container due to heat exchange with the high temperature region through a first wall of the first section of the container, and wherein the evaporated working fluid is capable of being conveyed within the container from the first region thereof to the second region and of condensing at the second section of the container due to heat exchange with the low temperature region through a second wall of the second section of the container; anda structure allowing the condensed working fluid to be conveyed back from the second section of the container to the first section thereof.