Patent Description:
Modern wind turbines are commonly used to supply electricity into the electrical grid. Wind turbines of this kind generally comprise a tower and a rotor arranged on the tower. The rotor, which typically comprises a hub and a plurality of blades, is set into rotation under the influence of the wind on the blades. Said rotation generates a torque that is normally transmitted through a rotor shaft to a generator, either directly or through a gearbox. This way, the generator produces electricity which can be supplied to the electrical grid.

The wind turbine hub may be rotatably coupled to a front of the nacelle. The wind turbine hub may be connected to a rotor shaft, and the rotor shaft may then be rotatably mounted in the nacelle using one or more rotor shaft bearings arranged in a frame inside the nacelle. The nacelle is a housing arranged on top of a wind turbine tower that contains and protects e.g. the gearbox (if present) and the generator and, depending on the wind turbine, further components such as a power converter, and auxiliary systems.

Power cables carry electrical energy from the generator in the nacelle down the wind turbine tower and up to the electrical grid. A power cable usually includes a bunch of metallic wires, e.g. copper wires, surrounded by a protective and flexible cover, e.g. a rubber cover. Power cables in wind turbine are expected to withstand vibrations, bending, torsion, abrasion, a wide range of temperature and electromagnetic interferences. In offshore wind turbines, they should also be resistant to salt water and salt sea air. Power cables should allow the nacelle to yaw while constantly and reliably carrying electrical energy.

Depending on the internal layout of the wind turbine, and particularly the generator and the nacelle, power cables have to run through tight spaces. This can lead to tangling of the cables as well as increase electromagnetic interference among them. Cables may get damaged if they come into contact with sharp portions or if temperature increases due to lack of sufficient separation among them. Cable spacers and cable guides are known to group and route power cables in an organized way.

The size and shape of cable spacers and guides may be adapted to a space and configuration through which cables have to pass. A prior art example is disclosed in <CIT>.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a cable guiding assembly according to claim <NUM> is provided. A cable guiding assembly comprises a central part having a top surface, a bottom surface, a laterally inner surface and a laterally outer surface, the laterally inner surface having a plurality of central recesses forming central openings suitable for receiving a wind turbine power cable. The assembly further comprises an outer part surrounding the central part and having a top surface, a bottom surface, a laterally inner surface and a laterally outer surface, the laterally inner surface having a plurality of outer recesses forming outer openings suitable for receiving a wind turbine power cable. An outer portion of the central part is configured to be attached to an inner portion of the outer part, such that the central part delimits the outer openings.

Such a guiding system may enable to guide power cables in an ordered and controlled way in a tight space, e.g. through an opening in a wind turbine surface. Sufficient separation among cables may be also obtained. This guiding system may be particularly useful for power cables whose trajectory changes from a first direction to a second different direction, for example from a substantially horizontal trajectory to a vertical one. The transition of the power cables to the second direction may therefore be more organized while increased temperature due to power losses of the cables may be avoided.

Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not as a limitation of the invention.

In examples, the rotor blades <NUM> may have a length ranging from about <NUM> meters (m) to about <NUM> or more. Rotor blades <NUM> may have any suitable length that enables the wind turbine <NUM> to function as described herein. For example, non-limiting examples of blade lengths include <NUM> or less, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or a length that is greater than <NUM>. As wind strikes the rotor blades <NUM> from a wind direction <NUM>, the rotor <NUM> is rotated about a rotor axis <NUM>. As the rotor blades <NUM> are rotated and subjected to centrifugal forces, the rotor blades <NUM> are also subjected to various forces and moments. As such, the rotor blades <NUM> may deflect and/or rotate from a neutral, or non-deflected, position to a deflected position.

In the example, the wind turbine controller <NUM> is shown as being centralized within the nacelle <NUM>, however, the wind turbine controller <NUM> may be a distributed system throughout the wind turbine <NUM>, on the support system <NUM>, within a wind farm, and/or at a remote control center. The wind turbine controller <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> configured to perform the methods and/or steps described herein. Further, many of the other components described herein include a processor.

As used herein, the term "processor" is not limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific, integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. It should be understood that a processor and/or a control system can also include memory, input channels, and/or output channels.

<FIG> is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the wind turbine <NUM>. In the example, the wind turbine <NUM> includes the nacelle <NUM> and the rotor <NUM> that is rotatably coupled to the nacelle <NUM>. More specifically, the hub <NUM> of the rotor <NUM> is rotatably coupled to an electric generator <NUM> positioned within the nacelle <NUM> by the main shaft <NUM>, a gearbox <NUM>, a high-speed shaft <NUM>, and a coupling <NUM>. In the example, the main shaft <NUM> is disposed at least partially coaxial to a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the nacelle <NUM>. A rotation of the main shaft <NUM> drives the gearbox <NUM> that subsequently drives the high-speed shaft <NUM> by translating the relatively slow rotational movement of the rotor <NUM> and of the main shaft <NUM> into a relatively fast rotational movement of the high-speed shaft <NUM>. The latter is connected to the generator <NUM> for generating electrical energy with the help of a coupling <NUM>. Furthermore, a transformer <NUM> and/or suitable electronics, switches, and/or inverters may be arranged in the nacelle <NUM> in order to transform electrical energy generated by the generator <NUM> having a voltage between 400V to <NUM> V into electrical energy having medium voltage (<NUM> - <NUM> KV). Said electrical energy is conducted via power cables <NUM> from the nacelle <NUM> into the tower <NUM>.

The gearbox <NUM>, generator <NUM> in transformer <NUM> may be supported by a main support structure frame of the nacelle <NUM>, optionally embodied as a main frame <NUM>. The gearbox <NUM> may include a gearbox housing that is connected to the main frame <NUM> by one or more torque arms <NUM>. In the example, the nacelle <NUM> also includes a main forward support bearing <NUM> and a main aft support bearing <NUM>. Furthermore, the generator <NUM> can be mounted to the main frame <NUM> by decoupling support means <NUM>, in particular in order to prevent vibrations of the generator <NUM> to be introduced into the main frame <NUM> and thereby causing a noise emission source.

For positioning the nacelle <NUM> appropriately with respect to the wind direction <NUM>, the nacelle <NUM> may also include at least one meteorological measurement system which may include a wind vane and anemometer. The meteorological measurement system <NUM> can provide information to the wind turbine controller <NUM> that may include wind direction <NUM> and/or wind speed. In the example, the pitch system <NUM> is at least partially arranged as a pitch assembly <NUM> in the hub <NUM>. The pitch assembly <NUM> includes one or more pitch drive systems <NUM> and at least one sensor <NUM>. Each pitch drive system <NUM> is coupled to a respective rotor blade <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) for modulating the pitch angel of a rotor blade <NUM> along the pitch axis <NUM>. Only one of three pitch drive systems <NUM> is shown in <FIG>.

In the example, the pitch assembly <NUM> includes at least one pitch bearing <NUM> coupled to hub <NUM> and to a respective rotor blade <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) for rotating the respective rotor blade <NUM> about the pitch axis <NUM>. The pitch drive system <NUM> includes a pitch drive motor <NUM>, a pitch drive gearbox <NUM>, and a pitch drive pinion <NUM>. The pitch drive motor <NUM> is coupled to the pitch drive gearbox <NUM> such that the pitch drive motor <NUM> imparts mechanical force to the pitch drive gearbox <NUM>. The pitch drive gearbox <NUM> is coupled to the pitch drive pinion <NUM> such that the pitch drive pinion <NUM> is rotated by the pitch drive gearbox <NUM>. The pitch bearing <NUM> is coupled to pitch drive pinion <NUM> such that the rotation of the pitch drive pinion <NUM> causes a rotation of the pitch bearing <NUM>.

Pitch drive system <NUM> is coupled to the wind turbine controller <NUM> for adjusting the pitch angle of a rotor blade <NUM> upon receipt of one or more signals from the wind turbine controller <NUM>. In the example, the pitch drive motor <NUM> is any suitable motor driven by electrical power and/or a hydraulic system that enables pitch assembly <NUM> to function as described herein. Alternatively, the pitch assembly <NUM> may include any suitable structure, configuration, arrangement, and/or components such as, but not limited to, hydraulic cylinders, springs, and/or servomechanisms. In certain embodiments, the pitch drive motor <NUM> is driven by energy extracted from a rotational inertia of hub <NUM> and/or a stored energy source (not shown) that supplies energy to components of the wind turbine <NUM>.

The pitch assembly <NUM> may also include one or more pitch control systems <NUM> for controlling the pitch drive system <NUM> according to control signals from the wind turbine controller <NUM>, in case of specific prioritized situations and/or during rotor <NUM> overspeed. In the example, the pitch assembly <NUM> includes at least one pitch control system <NUM> communicatively coupled to a respective pitch drive system <NUM> for controlling pitch drive system <NUM> independently from the wind turbine controller <NUM>. In the example, the pitch control system <NUM> is coupled to the pitch drive system <NUM> and to a sensor <NUM>. During normal operation of the wind turbine <NUM>, the wind turbine controller <NUM> may control the pitch drive system <NUM> to adjust a pitch angle of rotor blades <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, a power generator <NUM>, for example comprising a battery, electric capacitors hence letter or an electrical generator driven by the rotation of the hub <NUM>, is arranged at or within the hub <NUM> and is coupled to the sensor <NUM>, the pitch control system <NUM>, and to the pitch drive system <NUM> to provide a source of power to these components. In the example, the power generator <NUM> provides a continuing source of power to the pitch assembly <NUM> during operation of the wind turbine <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, power generator <NUM> provides power to the pitch assembly <NUM> only during an electrical power loss event of the wind turbine <NUM>. The electrical power loss event may include power grid loss or dip, malfunctioning of an electrical system of the wind turbine <NUM>, and/or failure of the wind turbine controller <NUM>. During the electrical power loss event, the power generator <NUM> operates to provide electrical power to the pitch assembly <NUM> such that pitch assembly <NUM> can operate during the electrical power loss event.

In the example, the pitch drive system <NUM>, the sensor <NUM>, the pitch control system <NUM>, cables, and the power generator <NUM> are each positioned in a cavity <NUM> defined by an inner surface <NUM> of hub <NUM>. In an alternative embodiment, said components are positioned with respect to an outer surface of hub <NUM> and may be coupled, directly or indirectly, to outer surface.

In one aspect of the disclosure, a cable guiding assembly <NUM> for wind turbine power cables <NUM> is provided. The cable guiding assembly <NUM> comprises an outer part <NUM> and a central part <NUM>. The outer part has a top surface <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM>, a laterally inner surface <NUM> and a laterally outer surface <NUM>. The laterally inner surface <NUM> of the outer part has a plurality of recesses <NUM> forming outer openings suitable for receiving a wind turbine power cable. The central part <NUM> has a top surface <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM>, a laterally inner surface <NUM> and a laterally outer surface <NUM>. The laterally inner surface <NUM> has a plurality of central recesses <NUM> forming central openings suitable for receiving a wind turbine power cable. An outer portion <NUM> of the central part <NUM> is configured to be attached to an inner portion <NUM> of the outer part <NUM>.

The outer recesses <NUM> form outer openings for receiving power cables. The outer openings are delimited by the central part.

Placing a power cable per recess <NUM>, <NUM> in a part <NUM>, <NUM> may help to organize the passage of power cables. It may facilitate changing a trajectory of power cables in a controlled and order manner, for example from a horizontal or close to horizontal direction to a vertical direction.

A power cable may be easily placed in an outer recess <NUM>, or central recess <NUM> by pushing the cable towards a laterally outer surface <NUM>, <NUM> of the part. The cable in the outer recess may be secured by attaching an outer portion <NUM> of the central part <NUM> to an inner portion <NUM> of the outer part <NUM>. Attachment may be mechanically, e.g. through nuts and bolts.

The central part and the outer part may be shaped and sized such that a sufficient distance is arranged between the cables merely by placing the cables in the recesses. A sufficient distance among cables for avoiding an excessive increase of temperature in a cable harness due to heat dissipation by the cables may also be provided. For example, cables may be spaced at least one cable diameter from one another. By using two consecutive or slightly overlapping parts for cable placement, space of passage for the power cables may be better utilized.

<FIG> schematically represent a top view of two examples of a cable guiding assembly <NUM>. <FIG> schematically illustrates a perspective view of an example of a component <NUM> of an outer part <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> schematically illustrates an example of a perspective view of a component <NUM> of a central part <NUM> of <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the outer part <NUM> and the central part <NUM> are annular. The laterally inner surface <NUM>, <NUM> is a radial inner surface <NUM>, <NUM> and the laterally outer surface <NUM>, <NUM> is a radially outer surface <NUM>, <NUM>. The recesses <NUM>, <NUM> extend partially in a radially outward direction <NUM> and extend through the entire thickness of the parts. Recesses <NUM>, <NUM> may thus be seen as blind holes extending along a radially outward direction <NUM> and as a through holes extending along an axial direction <NUM>.

The recesses <NUM>, <NUM> are separated along a circumferential direction <NUM>. A protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> extending in a radially inward direction <NUM> may separate two consecutive recesses, both in the outer part and in the central part. Protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> and recesses <NUM>, <NUM> may have complementary shapes and may form a wavy radial inner surface <NUM>, <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the outer part <NUM> and the central part <NUM> have a rectangular shape. The recesses <NUM>, <NUM> extend partially towards a laterally outer surface <NUM>, e.g. perpendicularly to a laterally outer surface <NUM>, of a corresponding part <NUM>, <NUM>, and extend through the thickness of the parts. Recesses <NUM>, <NUM> may thus be seen as blind holes extending towards a laterally outer surface <NUM> and as a through holes extending along an axial direction <NUM>.

The recesses <NUM>, <NUM> are separated along a circumferential direction <NUM> (in the same part <NUM> or <NUM>). Herein, a lateral direction <NUM> may refer to a direction which is substantially parallel to a laterally outer wall <NUM> of the central part <NUM>, and possibly also to an outer wall <NUM> of the outer part <NUM>. A direction substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction <NUM> and the axial direction <NUM> may be called transverse lateral <NUM>' direction. The lateral <NUM> transverse and lateral <NUM>' directions are shown in <FIG> with respect to portions <NUM> and <NUM> of the parts <NUM> and <NUM>. These directions <NUM>, <NUM>' are also shown with respect to portions <NUM> and <NUM> of parts <NUM> and <NUM>.

A protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> extending towards a lateral inner surface <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g. perpendicularly to a lateral inner surface <NUM>, <NUM>, may separate two consecutive recesses of a part. Protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> and recesses <NUM>, <NUM> may have complementary shapes and may form a wavy lateral inner surface <NUM>, <NUM>.

Independently of the shape of the parts <NUM>, <NUM>, an outward end <NUM>, <NUM> of a recess <NUM>, <NUM> may be rounded. A rounded recess <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g. having a semi-circular or semi-oval shape, when looking a part <NUM>, <NUM> from the top or the bottom may reduce or avoid damage to a power cable when the cable passes through the recess.

An inward end <NUM>, <NUM> of a protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> may be rounded, as in <FIG>, or straight, as in <FIG>. Other shapes are possible. An inward end <NUM>, <NUM> of a protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> may be truncated.

A protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> may have an axial receptacle or hole <NUM>, <NUM> for receiving a fastener for attaching the outer part <NUM> to the central part <NUM>, and the central part <NUM> to an inner part <NUM> respectively.

An outer part <NUM> may have a laterally outer surface <NUM> of any suitable shape, independently of the closed shape that a wavy laterally inner surface <NUM> or the protrusions <NUM> may form. In <FIG>, a laterally outer surface <NUM> is circular and the protrusions <NUM> form a circular shape, but the laterally outer surface <NUM> could also be squared or have other shapes. The same applies to the outer part <NUM> of <FIG>.

In general, a laterally outer surface <NUM> of a central part <NUM> may have a shape corresponding to a shape formed when joining the tips <NUM> of the outer part <NUM>. Such a shape is a circle in <FIG> and a rectangle in <FIG>. Other shapes are possible.

The recesses <NUM> in the central part <NUM> may be offset <NUM> from the recesses <NUM> in the outer part <NUM> along a lateral direction <NUM>, as illustrated for example in <FIG>.

An offset <NUM> between recesses in the central <NUM> and outer <NUM> parts may enable to arrange power cables in trefoils. In particular, power cables could easily pass from a flat arrangement to a trefoil arrangement. A trefoil of cables may include cables carrying a same electrical phase.

In <FIG> all the recesses <NUM> in the central part <NUM> are offset <NUM> from a corresponding consecutive recess <NUM> in the outer part <NUM> in a circumferential direction <NUM>. In other words, no recess <NUM> in the central part <NUM> is aligned with a recess <NUM> in the outer part <NUM> in a radial direction <NUM>.

In other examples, some recesses <NUM> in the central part <NUM> may be aligned in a radial direction <NUM> with some recesses <NUM> in the outer part <NUM> whereas some of the recesses <NUM> in the central part <NUM> may be offset <NUM> from a consecutive corresponding recess <NUM> in the outer part <NUM>. Still in some other examples, all the recesses <NUM> in the central part <NUM> may be aligned in a radial direction <NUM> with all the corresponding recesses <NUM> in the outer part <NUM>.

The same applies for other geometries of the parts <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, in <FIG> some recesses in part <NUM> are aligned with some recesses in part <NUM> in a transverse lateral direction <NUM>' whereas some recesses in part <NUM> are offset <NUM> with consecutive recesses in part <NUM> in a lateral direction <NUM>.

A number of recesses <NUM> in the outer part <NUM> may be twice the number of recesses <NUM> in the central part <NUM>. This can be seen in <FIG>, where there are nine recesses <NUM> in the central part <NUM> and eighteen recesses <NUM> in the outer part <NUM>.

In this way, a number of obtainable trefoil arrangements may be maximized while keeping a suitable distance among the cables for avoiding excessive heating. The number of trefoil arrangements would match the number of recesses <NUM> in the central part <NUM>.

The cable guiding assembly <NUM> comprises an inner part <NUM> configured to be attached to an inner portion <NUM> of the central part <NUM>. The inner part <NUM> may be attached to one or more protrusions <NUM>, and in particular to one or more protrusion tips <NUM>. Holes <NUM> may be provided to this end.

An inner part <NUM> delimit the central openings and may secure the power cables placed in the recesses <NUM> of the central part <NUM>. A dislodging power cable may therefore be avoided.

The inner part <NUM>, like the outer <NUM> and central <NUM> parts, may have a top, a bottom, a lateral inner surface and a laterally outer surface. Its laterally outer surface may have a shape which results from joining the protrusions <NUM>, e.g. the tips <NUM> of the protrusions, of the central part <NUM>. The inner part <NUM> may have a laterally outer portion <NUM>, e.g. a radially outer portion, by which it may be joined to the central part <NUM>. Receptacles or holes <NUM> for fastening may be provided e.g. on the laterally outer portion <NUM>.

The inner part <NUM> has an annular shape in <FIG>, and may have a rectangular shape in <FIG>. Other shapes are also possible. An inner part <NUM> may be hollow in an axial direction <NUM>, as in <FIG>. This may not be the case in other examples and the part may have a solid inside.

The central part <NUM> may further comprise one or more through-holes <NUM> extending in an axial direction <NUM>. These holes <NUM> may have a T-shape, a V-shape or a similar shape in some examples, as in <FIG>. Cooling of the power cables may be enhanced and weight of the central part <NUM> may be reduced. The one or more through holes <NUM> for cooling are different from the recesses <NUM> for routing the cables. The first ones <NUM> have a closed cross-section in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction <NUM> whereas the second ones <NUM> have an open cross-section in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction <NUM>.

If the through holes <NUM> have a shape that substantially conforms or adapts to the shape of the recesses <NUM> and a laterally outer surface <NUM> of the central part <NUM>, cooling of the power cables and weight reduction of the part may be further maximized.

The shape of the holes <NUM> may take into account other features of the central part <NUM>. For example, if receptacles or holes for fasteners <NUM> are provided in the part <NUM>, the shape of the cooling holes <NUM> may adapt to them <NUM>, as in <FIG>.

The outer part <NUM> and/or the inner part <NUM> may likewise include one or more cooling through holes extending in an axial direction <NUM>.

At least one of the outer <NUM> and the central <NUM> parts may comprise more than one sub-parts or segments <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> schematically illustrate a possible segment <NUM> of the outer part <NUM> and a segment of the central part <NUM> of <FIG>. An outer annular part <NUM> may for example include two segments <NUM> and a central annular part <NUM> may for example include three segments <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the outer <NUM> and central <NUM> parts may each be provided in four segments or sub-parts, for example.

Providing a part <NUM>, <NUM> in two or more segments or sub-parts may facilitate the assembly of the cable guiding assembly <NUM>. Risk of breaking or damaging the parts <NUM>, <NUM> during transportation to an installation site may be reduced. Segments may be attached to other segments of the same or different parts <NUM>, <NUM> by mechanical fasteners and/or adhesives.

The inner part <NUM> could also be provided in two or more segments in some examples. In <FIG>, this part <NUM> is integrally formed.

A length <NUM> in cross section of the outer part <NUM> may in some examples be about <NUM>, <NUM> or more centimeters. A length <NUM>' of the central part <NUM> may be about <NUM>, <NUM> or more centimeters. A length <NUM>" of an inner part <NUM> may be about <NUM>, <NUM> or more centimeters.

A width <NUM> of the outer part <NUM> and/or a width <NUM>' of the central part <NUM> may be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or more centimeters. A width <NUM>" of the inner part <NUM> may be <NUM>, <NUM> or more centimeters.

A length <NUM> of a part <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in an axial direction <NUM> may be <NUM>, <NUM> or more centimeters.

Two consecutive recesses in a same part <NUM>, <NUM> may be separated between <NUM> and <NUM> in a circumferential direction <NUM>. Separation may also be higher than <NUM>.

One or more of the outer <NUM>, central <NUM> and internal <NUM> parts may be made of plastic, for example of one or more thermoplastics. One or more of the parts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be made of POM-C.

In some examples, as in <FIG>, the outer <NUM>, central <NUM> and internal <NUM> parts may be annular parts.

The cable guiding assembly <NUM> may comprise a cable guiding frame <NUM> configured to guide cables from a first direction towards the recesses <NUM>, <NUM> of the outer <NUM> and central <NUM> parts. <FIG> shows a perspective view of an example of such a cable guiding assembly <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may have a top <NUM> and a bottom <NUM>. The frame <NUM> may be attached, e.g. bolted, to a laterally outer portion <NUM> of the outer part <NUM> by a bottom <NUM> of the frame <NUM> in some examples.

The frame may comprise a plurality of cable support elements <NUM> such as bars, wherein the cable support elements which are laterally inside <NUM> are at a different height than the cable support elements which are laterally outside <NUM>. In this example, the frame comprises a first plurality of bars forming a first support level (<NUM>'), and a second plurality of bars forming second higher support level (<NUM>).

A top <NUM> of the cable guiding frame <NUM> may vary in height (measured with respect to a same reference point). A top 705A of the cable guiding frame <NUM> configured to be placed farther to the outer part <NUM> may be higher than a top 705B of the cable guiding frame <NUM> configured to be placed closer to the outer part <NUM>. A top <NUM> of the guiding frame <NUM> may taper in a radially inward direction <NUM> or in an inward transverse lateral direction <NUM>'.

A change in height of a top <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may help to safely route power cables towards the outer <NUM> and central <NUM> parts. Excessive bending of the power cables may be avoided. A transition of a cable from a first direction, e.g. a horizontal or close to horizontal direction, to a second different direction, e.g. a vertical direction, may not damage the power cables.

The top <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may be convex in some examples, as in <FIG>. A convex top <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may make a change in direction of cables smoother than a concave top <NUM>.

The cable guiding frame <NUM> may have one or more levels <NUM> for supporting power cables. In <FIG>, frame <NUM> only has one level of support <NUM> for power cables. The cable guiding frame <NUM> may comprise two levels of support <NUM>, <NUM>' for power cables, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. If there is more than one level of support <NUM>, each level of support <NUM>, <NUM>' may be at a different height, e.g. with respect to the parts <NUM> and <NUM>, optionally also <NUM>.

Each level of support <NUM>, <NUM>' for power cables may reduce its height as explained above in a radial inwards direction <NUM>. Each level of support <NUM>, <NUM>' may taper in a radially inward direction <NUM> or in an inward transverse lateral direction <NUM>'.

A cable guiding frame <NUM> may have a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first <NUM> and second <NUM> ends may hold cable support elements <NUM>. An end <NUM>, <NUM> of a guiding frame <NUM> may comprise one or more plates, for example one or more flat plates. An end <NUM>, <NUM> of a frame <NUM> includes one flat plate in <FIG> and <FIG>, whereas an end <NUM>, <NUM> of a frame <NUM> includes two flat plates in <FIG>, one above the other. The one or more plates may extend in an axial direction <NUM>. The axial direction may be vertical direction. They may also extend in a radial <NUM> or transverse lateral direction <NUM>'. A plate may include zero, one or more through holes <NUM>.

At least a cable support element <NUM> may extend between the first <NUM> and second <NUM> ends in a lateral direction <NUM>. The one or more cable support elements <NUM> may extend in a lateral direction <NUM>. The one or more cable support elements (bars in this example) <NUM> may curved, as for example in <FIG>. They <NUM> may also be straight, as in <FIG>.

A cable support element <NUM> may be a bar or rod, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In other examples, a cable support element may be a plate. A flat or curved plate may extend between the first <NUM> and second <NUM> ends of the frame <NUM>. Using bars or rods may decrease the weight of the cable guiding frame <NUM> and may facilitate the assembly of the frame <NUM>. Opposite edges of a plate or opposite ends of rods may be welded to the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM>.

The cable support elements <NUM> may further be held between the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. For example, one or more middle plates <NUM> may be used to this end. Other supports <NUM> which are not plates are possible.

A maximum height of the guiding frame <NUM>, e.g. in a portion 705A which is configured to be placed farthest from the outer part <NUM>, may be <NUM> or more.

One or more than one cable guiding frames <NUM> may be used. For example, two guiding frames may be placed surround the outer <NUM> and central <NUM> parts and may be placed in front of each other, as in <FIG>. "In front" may mean along a radial <NUM> or transverse lateral <NUM>' direction. If a guiding frame <NUM> extends in a lateral circumferential direction <NUM> (see e.g. <FIG>), it may extend partially around (e.g. <NUM> ° or more but less than <NUM> °) an outer <NUM> or central <NUM> part or it may extend totally around (i.e. <NUM>°) a part <NUM>. If a guiding frame <NUM> extends in a lateral straight direction <NUM> (see <FIG>), it may extend partially or totally along a laterally outer portion <NUM> of the outer part <NUM>.

A cable guiding frame <NUM> may be made of steel in some examples. Stainless steel may be used.

It should be noted that it is not necessary that a cable guiding frame <NUM> overlaps or is attached to the outer part <NUM> for providing the abovementioned advantages. Improved and safer routing of cables towards the recesses <NUM>, <NUM> of the parts outer <NUM> and central <NUM> parts may be obtained even if the guiding frame <NUM> is placed on or attached to a surface different from parts <NUM>, <NUM>.

In a further aspect of the invention, a method <NUM> for guiding power cables <NUM> through an opening of a wind turbine is provided. An opening in a wind turbine may be understood as an opening in any component or part of or inside a wind turbine. The component may be permanently or temporally installed. The method <NUM> may use a cable guiding assembly <NUM> as described above.

The method comprises, at block <NUM>, attaching an outer part <NUM> having a top surface <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM>, a laterally inner surface <NUM> and a laterally outer surface <NUM>, the laterally inner surface <NUM> having a plurality of outer recesses <NUM> forming outer openings, to a structure surrounding the opening of the wind turbine.

An outer potion <NUM> of the outer part <NUM> may be directly or indirectly attached to a structure, e.g. a surface, surrounding the opening. If attachment is indirect, one or more intermediate parts may be placed between the outer part <NUM> and the surface surrounding the opening. A connector having a shape of the outer portion <NUM> of the outer part <NUM> may be attached to the surface surrounding the opening and then the outer part <NUM> may be attached to the connector.

For example, the opening may be circular, the connector may be a ring with a diameter slightly bigger than the diameter of the opening, and the outer part <NUM> may be annular and have a diameter substantially equal to that of the connector. Adhesive and/or mechanical fasteners may be used.

The method further comprises, at block <NUM>, passing one or more power cables through the outer openings. For example, a first power cable may be passed through a recess <NUM> in the outer part <NUM>.

If the outer part <NUM> includes two or more segments, some or all of the segments may be attached to a structure surrounding the opening before a power cable is passed through an opening <NUM> in the outer part <NUM>.

The method further comprises, at block <NUM>, attaching an outer portion <NUM> of a central part <NUM> having a top surface <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM>, a laterally inner surface <NUM> and a laterally outer surface <NUM>, the laterally inner surface <NUM> having a plurality of central recesses <NUM> forming central openings, to an inner portion <NUM> of the outer part <NUM>. Power cables may be therefore retained in the outer openings.

The central part <NUM> may be attached to one or more protrusions <NUM>, in particular to one or more protrusion tips <NUM>, of the outer part <NUM>. Nuts and bolts may be used. Attachment may take place along an axial direction <NUM>, e.g. a bottom surface <NUM> of the central part <NUM> may contact a top surface <NUM> of the outer part <NUM>, as in <FIG>. In this regard, a top surface of a part may be oriented towards a direction from which cables come from. A bottom surface of a part may be oriented towards a direction in which cables leave after passing through the recesses of the part. Alternatively, attachment may take place along a radial <NUM> or transverse lateral <NUM>' direction.

The central part <NUM> may be attached before or after one or more power cables are passed through the recesses <NUM> of the outer part <NUM>.

The method further comprises, at block <NUM>, passing one or more power cables through the central openings. For example, a second power cable may be passed through a recess <NUM> in the central part <NUM>. The second power cable is different from the first power cable.

If the central part <NUM> is provided in two or more segments, a power cable may be passed when some or all of the segment of the central part <NUM> are attached to the outer part <NUM>. It is also possible that cables, e.g. both the first and second power cables, are passed after the central part <NUM> is attached to the outer part <NUM>.

By using this method <NUM>, power cables may be guided in a controlled way. Separation between the cables may be guaranteed by the distances between recesses in a same part, and also by the distances between recesses in different parts. An increase of temperature due to heat dissipation when passing power cables through a tight space may be avoided or at least reduced.

The power cables passing through the recesses <NUM> in the outer part <NUM> may be easily and quickly secured by attaching an outer portion <NUM> of the central part <NUM> to an inner portion <NUM> of the outer part <NUM>. An inner part <NUM> is attached to an inner portion <NUM> of the central part <NUM> to secure the power cables in the recesses <NUM> of the central part <NUM>. Attachment may be performed in an axial direction <NUM> or in a radial <NUM> or transverse lateral <NUM>' direction.

In some examples, one or more power cables may be passed through a hollow inner part <NUM>, such as the inner part <NUM> in <FIG>.

The method may further comprise attaching an inner part <NUM> to an inner portion <NUM> of the central part <NUM> to retain the power cables <NUM> in the central openings <NUM>.

The method may further comprise arranging a cable guiding frame <NUM> with the outer part <NUM> and the central part <NUM>, and passing a power cable <NUM> above the cable guiding frame <NUM>. For example, a cable guiding frame <NUM> having a top <NUM> with tapering height may be attached to a surface surrounding the opening and/or to the top surface <NUM> of the outer annular part <NUM> such that a height of the top <NUM> of the guiding frame <NUM> decreases towards the opening. A power cable may then be passed above the cable guiding frame <NUM>.

The use of a guiding frame <NUM> may avoid an excessive bending of power cables when being directed towards the recesses <NUM>, <NUM> of the outer <NUM> and central <NUM> parts. For example, a guiding frame <NUM> may help to safely direct power cables from a horizontal or close to horizontal direction to a vertical direction. The curvature of the power cables may be controlled by adjusting a maximum height of a top <NUM> of a guiding frame <NUM> and how the height of the top <NUM> varies along a radial <NUM> or transverse lateral <NUM>' direction.

When the cable guiding frame <NUM> comprises two or more levels of support <NUM>, a power cable may be supported by a first level <NUM>' of the guiding frame <NUM> and another power cable may be supported by a second level <NUM> of the guiding frame, the first and second levels being at different heights. The inclination (tapering) of a level of support may be different from the inclination of other level of support.

Installing one or more frames <NUM> for guiding cables may be done before or after installing the outer <NUM>, central <NUM> and internal <NUM> parts. In some examples, one or more frames <NUM> and the outer part <NUM> are installed before routing one or more cables through the opening.

If there are two levels of support <NUM>, <NUM>' in the guiding frame <NUM>, the power cables <NUM> supported by the first level <NUM>' may be passed through the outer openings <NUM>, and the power cables <NUM> supported by the second level <NUM> may be passed through the central openings <NUM>. For example, the cables to be passed through recesses <NUM> in the outer part <NUM> may be supported by the top support <NUM> and the cables to be passed through recesses <NUM> in the central part <NUM> may be supported by the bottom support <NUM>', as for example in <FIG> and <FIG>. Cables may be more organized and easier to track in this way.

In a further aspect of the invention, a cable harness mount <NUM> for wind turbine power cables <NUM> is provided. The cable harness mount <NUM> comprises an outer ring <NUM>, a central ring <NUM> and an inner ring <NUM>. The outer ring <NUM> comprises a radial inner surface <NUM> having an undulated shape which delimits protrusions <NUM> that extend radially inwards <NUM> and cut-outs <NUM> that extend radially outwards <NUM>, the protrusions <NUM> being separated by the cut-outs <NUM> along a circumferential direction <NUM>. The central ring <NUM> comprises a radial inner surface <NUM> having an undulated shape which delimits protrusions <NUM> that extend radially inwards <NUM> and cut-outs <NUM> that extend radially outwards <NUM>, the protrusions <NUM> being separated by the cut-outs <NUM> along a circumferential direction <NUM>.

Power cables may be routed in an organized and safe way. The cables in the cable harness may be sufficiently separated among them so that power losses do not cause an increase of temperature over a certain temperature threshold.

The inner ring <NUM> is configured to be attached to an inner portion <NUM> of the central ring <NUM>, e.g. to some or all the protrusions <NUM> of the central ring <NUM>. An outer portion <NUM> of the central ring <NUM> is configured to be attached to an inner portion <NUM> of the outer ring <NUM>, e.g. to some or all the protrusions <NUM> of the central ring <NUM>.

The cut-outs or recesses <NUM> of the central ring <NUM> may be offset <NUM> from the cut-outs <NUM> of the outer ring <NUM> in a circumferential direction <NUM>. The explanation above regarding whether all, some or none recesses may be aligned in a radial direction <NUM> applies. Cables may be easily changed from a flat arrangement to a trefoil arrangement with this cut-out configuration.

The cut-outs <NUM> of the outer ring <NUM> may double in number the cut-outs <NUM> of the central ring <NUM>. The number of obtainable trefoil arrangements may be maximized in such a situation.

The central ring <NUM> may further comprise through holes <NUM> across the central ring <NUM> in an axial direction <NUM>. The cable harness may be cooled while the weight of the central ring <NUM> may be decreased. The one or more through holes <NUM> for cooling are different from the cut-outs <NUM> for routing the cables. The first ones <NUM> have a closed cross-section in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction <NUM> whereas the second ones <NUM> have an open cross-section in a plane perpendicular to an axial direction <NUM>.

The cable harness mount <NUM> may further comprise a frame <NUM> with a top <NUM> having a varying height configured to direct power cables towards a more vertical direction. The vertical direction may be an axial direction <NUM>. A top <NUM> of the frame <NUM> may decrease its height in a radial inwards direction <NUM>.

The frame <NUM> may have one or more levels of support <NUM> as explained above.

The explanations provided above with respect to <FIG> may also be applied to the cable harness mount <NUM>. Similarly, such a cable harness mount <NUM> may also be used in a method <NUM> as described above.

In an example, the cable harness mount may be arranged in an opening in the nacelle, specifically an opening in a crane assembly. The cable harness mount may serve to redirect the power cables from a substantially horizontal direction towards a substantially vertical direction. The power cables may further extend downwards through the wind turbine tower.

In a plurality of locations along the wind turbine tower, and/or in a plurality of locations along a substantially horizontal direction (upstream from the cable harness mount), cable organizers, or cable assemblies may be arranged in which the power cables are arranged substantially parallel to one another.

Throughout the present disclosure, reference has been made to power cables. Dimensions and materials of the power cables may vary. For example, a cable (MVhigh-cable, <NUM>-<NUM> kV) for the higher middle voltage power transmission made of copper may have a cross section of at least <NUM><NUM>, specifically at least <NUM><NUM>, more specifically at least <NUM><NUM>, and/or of around <NUM><NUM>, and/or may have a cross section not larger than <NUM><NUM>, more specifically not larger than <NUM><NUM>.

A cable (MVhigh-cable, <NUM>-<NUM> kV) for the higher middle voltage power transmission made of aluminum may have a cross section of at least <NUM><NUM>, specifically at least <NUM><NUM>, and/or of around <NUM><NUM>, and/or may have a cross section not larger than <NUM><NUM>, in particular not larger than <NUM><NUM>, more specifically not larger than <NUM><NUM>.

A cable (MVlow-cable, ca. <NUM> kV) for the lower middle voltage power transmission made of copper may have a cross section of at least <NUM><NUM>, in particular at least <NUM><NUM>, preferably at least <NUM><NUM>, and/or of around <NUM><NUM>, and/or may have a cross section not larger than <NUM><NUM>, preferably not larger than <NUM><NUM>, further preferred not larger than <NUM><NUM>.

A cable (MVlow-cable, ca. <NUM> kV) for the lower middle voltage power transmission made of aluminum may have a cross section of at least <NUM><NUM>, in particular at least <NUM><NUM>, preferably at least <NUM><NUM>, and/or of around <NUM><NUM>, and/or may have a cross section not larger than <NUM><NUM>, specifically not larger than <NUM><NUM>, more specifically not larger than <NUM><NUM>.

According to an additional or alternative embodiment, electrical energy as generated by the generator having a voltage of <NUM> V to <NUM> V is guided through the tower to an electrical power component, switches and/or to a transformer for being transformed to medium voltage (<NUM> - <NUM> KV) by said components located at a lower position than the nacelle.

Claim 1:
A cable guiding assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a central part (<NUM>) having a top surface (<NUM>), a bottom surface (<NUM>), a laterally inner surface (<NUM>) and a laterally outer surface (<NUM>), the laterally inner surface (<NUM>) having a plurality of central recesses (<NUM>) forming central openings suitable for receiving a wind turbine power cable (<NUM>);
an outer part (<NUM>) surrounding the central part (<NUM>) and having a top surface (<NUM>), a bottom surface (<NUM>), a laterally inner surface (<NUM>) and a laterally outer surface (<NUM>), the laterally inner surface (<NUM>) having a plurality of outer recesses (<NUM>) forming outer openings suitable for receiving a wind turbine power cable (<NUM>),
wherein an outer portion (<NUM>) of the central part (<NUM>) is configured to be attached to an inner portion (<NUM>) of the outer part (<NUM>), such that the central part (<NUM>) delimits the outer openings (<NUM>)
characterized in that the cable guiding assembly further comprises an inner part (<NUM>) configured to be attached to an inner portion of the central part (<NUM>) such that the inner part (<NUM>) delimits the central openings (<NUM>).