Wind turbine tower attachment

Abstract

Apparatus, systems, and methods relate to installing an auxiliary component to a tower based at least in part on a force distribution, wherein a normal force is greater than the shear force exerted by the auxiliary component on the tower's hull, such that the auxiliary component can be held in position relative to the tower without penetrating the hull. Thus, compared to installation techniques requiring penetration of the tower's hull, this force distribution along the hull can facilitate installation of the auxiliary component to the tower with minimal impact on the cost and / or structural requirements of the tower. Furthermore, or alternatively, installing the auxiliary component based at least in part on this force distribution can reduce or eliminate the need for specialized tools compared to other installation techniques, thereby facilitating on-site installation of the auxiliary component.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 444,458, filed January 10, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The wind turbine tower elevates the wind turbine to the appropriate height. It also provides maintenance access to the wind turbine and supports auxiliary components used for maintaining and operating the wind turbine. Certain auxiliary components are housed within the tower, which serves to protect them and their users from the adverse effects of weather. Examples of these internally located components (often referred to as "internal components") include ladders, platforms, cables, cable guides, and the hardware that connects these components to the tower. Other auxiliary components, such as lights, antennas, and measurement equipment, are externally attached to the tower.

[0004] Whether attached internally or externally to the tower, auxiliary components are typically attached to the tower via fixtures (e.g., brackets, bosses, and struts) welded to the tower. However, welding to the tower structure can create areas with low permitted fatigue stresses (low fatigue detail category), which can require the tower to have thicker walls. That is, for the same load, if the permitted stress in the material is reduced, the material thickness must be increased so that the load forces act over a larger area. Therefore, by requiring thicker material, attaching auxiliary components to the tower via fixtures welded to the tower increases both the weight and cost of the tower. Therefore, there remains a need for improved techniques for attaching auxiliary components to towers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Apparatus, systems, and methods relate to installing an auxiliary component to a tower based at least in part on a force distribution, wherein a normal force is greater than the shear force exerted by the auxiliary component on the tower's hull, such that the auxiliary component can be held in position relative to the tower without damaging the hull. Thus, compared to installation techniques requiring penetration through the tower's hull, this force distribution along the hull can facilitate installation of the auxiliary component to the tower with minimal impact on the cost and / or structural requirements of the tower. Furthermore, or alternatively, installing the auxiliary component based at least in part on this force distribution can reduce or eliminate the need for specialized tools compared to other installation techniques, thereby facilitating on-site installation of the auxiliary component.

[0006] According to one aspect, a tower may include: a segment including a shell having an inner surface defining a volume; and an auxiliary component at least partially disposed in the volume, the auxiliary component may include a first coupler and a second coupler, and the first coupler and the second coupler attaching the auxiliary component to the segment. A first force exerted by the auxiliary component on the segment via the first coupler may be substantially perpendicular to a normal component of a second force exerted by the auxiliary component on the inner surface of the shell via the second coupler, and at the second coupler, the auxiliary component may preferably be flexible in a direction perpendicular to the normal component of the second force.

[0007] In certain embodiments, the normal component of the second force can be greater than the shear component of the second force exerted by the auxiliary component on the inner surface of the housing.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first coupler and the second coupler may collectively restrict movement of the auxiliary component relative to the inner surface of the housing in three dimensions.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the housing may be a tube, and the first force applied by the auxiliary component to the segment via the first coupling may be directed substantially parallel to the inner surface of the housing. For example, the tube may be a cylindrical tube. Additionally or alternatively, the tube may taper along a central axis defined by the tube.

[0010] In some embodiments, the segment may further include a flange coupled to the hull. The flange may support a first force exerted on the segment by an auxiliary component, and the flange may be attached to one or more additional components to form a tower. Alternatively or alternatively, a first coupler may be attached to the flange of the segment.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the second coupler may be attached to the inner surface of the housing. Additionally or alternatively, when the second coupler is attached to the inner surface of the housing, the inner surface of the housing may not be penetrated by the second coupler. As an example, the second coupler may include an adhesive that contacts the inner surface of the housing. As a further or alternative example, at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, and the second coupler may include a magnet (e.g., a permanent magnet) that contacts the ferromagnetic material.

[0012] In some embodiments, at the first coupling, the auxiliary component may preferably be flexible in a direction perpendicular to the first force exerted by the auxiliary component on the segment via the first coupling.

[0013] In some embodiments, the auxiliary component may also include a main body and a link arm. The link arm may have a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. For example, the first end portion of the link arm may be mechanically coupled to the main body. Additionally or alternatively, the second end portion of the link arm may be mechanically coupled to the second coupler. In some embodiments, the first end portion may include a first rotational joint, and the second end portion may include a second rotational joint. Further or conversely, the first coupler may include a third rotational joint, and the first rotational joint, the second rotational joint, and the third rotational joint may be oriented relative to each other such that the corresponding rotational axis of each corresponding rotational joint is parallel to the corresponding rotational axis of each of the other rotational joints. Still further or conversely, the first coupler and the second coupler may jointly support the main body at a fixed distance away from the inner surface of the housing, wherein the main body is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the auxiliary component may be a ladder comprising a plurality of rungs, and a longitudinal axis defined by each of the plurality of rungs extends in a direction perpendicular to each of the normal components of the first and second forces.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the auxiliary component may include a cable defining a longitudinal axis that is substantially parallel to the first force exerted by the auxiliary component on the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one of the normal components of the first force and the second force may be a tensile force exerted on the housing by the auxiliary component.

[0017] According to another aspect, a method of assembling a tower may include: fastening a first connector of an auxiliary component to a section of the tower, the section of the tower including a shell having an inner surface that is substantially parallel to a first force applied by the auxiliary component fastened to the section of the tower; and attaching a second connector of the auxiliary component to the inner surface of the shell without penetrating the inner surface of the shell, wherein the second connector is attached to the inner surface of the shell in an orientation in which a normal component of a second force is applied to the shell by the auxiliary component via the second connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first force, and in which orientation the second connector is preferably flexible in a direction perpendicular to the normal component of the second force.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the tower section may include a flange coupled to the housing, and securing the first coupler of the auxiliary component to the tower section may include securing the first coupler to the flange.

[0019] In some embodiments, attaching the second connector of the auxiliary component to the inner surface of the housing may include attaching the second connector in an orientation in which a normal component of the second force is greater than a shear component of the second force applied by the auxiliary component to the housing via the second connector.

[0020] In certain embodiments, attaching the second coupler of the auxiliary component to the inner surface of the housing may include placing an adhesive portion of the second coupler in contact with the inner surface of the housing.

[0021] Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of wind turbine components.

[0023] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective exploded schematic diagram of a tower of a wind turbine assembly.

[0024] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1B Schematic cross-section of a section of a tower of a wind turbine assembly taken along line AA in FIG. 1 and showing auxiliary components coupled to the section of the tower.

[0025] Figure 3A yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a front view of an auxiliary component in an uninstalled state.

[0026] Figure 3B yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a side view of an auxiliary component in an uninstalled state.

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the second coupling of the auxiliary component.

[0028] Figure 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of assembling a tower.

[0029] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second coupling of an auxiliary component, the second coupling including a flexible section.

[0030] Like reference numerals in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings.The foregoing may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein.

[0032] All documents mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Unless expressly stated otherwise or clear from the context, references to singular items should be understood to include the plural items, and vice versa. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive conjunctions and connective combinations of conjunctions, sentences, words, and the like, unless expressly stated otherwise or clear from the context. Thus, the term "or" should generally be understood to mean "and / or," and similarly, the term "and" should generally be understood to mean "and / or."

[0033] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the detailed description of the range of values herein is not intended to be limiting, but refers individually to any and all values falling within the range, and each individual value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually detailed herein. When attached with a numerical value, the words "approximately," "approximately," "substantially," or the like should be interpreted as including any deviation as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, to operate satisfactorily for the intended purpose. The range of values and / or numerical values is provided herein only as an example and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the described embodiments. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language ("for example," "such as," or the like) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the embodiments and does not impose limitations on the scope of the embodiments or claims. The statements in the specification should not be interpreted as indicating that any unclaimed element is essential for practicing the disclosed embodiments.

[0034] In the following description, it should be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," "top," "bottom," "above," and "below" and similar terms are words of convenience and should not be construed as limiting terms.

[0035] The devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are described with respect to auxiliary components for wind towers. However, this is by way of example and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure in any way. Thus, for example, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may further or alternatively be used in conjunction with any of a variety of useful structures that benefit from the installation of auxiliary components, with minimal impact on the structural performance of the structure. Examples of such other useful structures include, but are not limited to, piles, other structural members used by civil engineers (e.g., columns), pipes, spiral pipes, and the like.

[0036] refer to Figure 1A 、 1B2, wind turbine assembly 10 may include a wind turbine 12 supported by a tower 14. Tower 14 may include one or more sections, including section 16, wherein the number of the one or more sections is selected based on the needs or desires of a particular application. In the following description, one or more sections of tower 14 are described relative to section 16. However, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, it should be understood that any one or more sections of tower 14 may include features of section 16.

[0037] Segment 16 may include a shell 17 and a flange 18 coupled (e.g., welded) to shell 17. Shell 17 may have a tubular shape, and flange 18 may extend in a radial direction (e.g., radially inward) relative to shell 17. Flange 18 may be attached to one or more additional components, such that segment 16 may be coupled to another segment or to wind turbine 12 (or other similarly supported machinery) via flange 18 to form tower 14 and, ultimately, wind turbine assembly 10. Overall, the tubular shape of shell 17 of segment 16 acts as a weather-protected conduit, and thus, one or more segments of tower 14 may collectively form a continuous conduit for maintaining and operating wind turbine assembly 10. For example, as described in more detail below, shell 17 may support one or more auxiliary components, such as auxiliary component 20, which may be used as part of maintaining and / or operating the wind turbine. As described in greater detail below, the auxiliary components 20 can be supported by the segments 16 using force distribution that reduces or eliminates the need to structurally compromise the hull 17 (e.g., through welding or other similar techniques) for the purpose of installing the auxiliary components 20. This reduction or elimination of the need to compromise the hull 17, in turn, reduces or eliminates the need to use thicker material to offset structural compromise of the hull 17. Thus, installing the auxiliary components 20 according to any one or more of the methods described herein can reduce the material cost and weight of the tower 14 compared to installing the auxiliary components using welding or other similar techniques that can compromise the hull 17.

[0038] Now refer to Figure 2 、 3A , 3B, and 4, the shell 17 of the segment 16 may have an inner surface 21 and an outer surface 22 substantially opposite the inner surface 21. Generally, the shell 17 may be formed (e.g., spirally formed) from one or more planar sheets of a base material (e.g., steel) such that the inner surface 21 and the outer surface 22 are substantially parallel to each other along the shell 17. More specifically, in the installed state of the wind turbine assembly 10, the inner surface 21 may be protected from the environment outside the tower 14, while the outer surface 22 may be exposed to the environment outside the tower 14.

[0039] Inner surface 21 may define at least a portion of volume 23. For example, inner surface 21 may define the perimeter of volume 23. Continuing with this example, in some embodiments, housing 17 may be a tube such that volume 23 is at least partially open along the top and bottom portions of housing 17 when wind turbine assembly 10 is installed. Components and / or personnel may longitudinally traverse housing 17 (e.g., to an adjacent housing or to an adjacent housing) by moving through volume 23. Figure 1A In some embodiments, the shell 17 may be a tube that is substantially symmetrical about a central axis "C" defined by the tube, and in an installed state, the central axis "C" of the shell 17 may be aligned with the central axis "C" defined by the tower 14 ( Figure 1A ). Thus, for example, housing 17 may taper along central axis "C". Additionally or alternatively, housing 17 may be substantially cylindrical along central axis "C".

[0040] Inner surface 21 may include the surface of the base material of housing 17 and any one or more coatings applied as a thin layer to all or a portion of the surface of the base material of housing 17 without structurally compromising the surface of the base material of housing 17. Thus, inner surface 21 may include a coating of paint disposed along the base material of housing 17 and exposed to volume 23. Further or conversely, in instances where the base material of housing 17 is metal, inner surface 21 may include any one or more of a variety of corrosion-resistant coatings known in the art. Still further or conversely, inner surface 21 should be understood to include any one or more seams (e.g., weld seams) or other similar discontinuities present along housing 17 to form the shape of housing 17.

[0041] The auxiliary component 20 may be at least partially disposed within the volume 23 defined by the inner surface 21. In general, it should be understood that such positioning of the auxiliary component 20 may be used to provide a plurality of auxiliary components 20 for use in a wind turbine assembly 10 ( Figure 1A ) is protected from environmental conditions experienced by the outer surface 22 of the housing 17 in such a position. Thus, in such a position, the auxiliary component 20 may be less likely to experience degradation caused by exposure to the environment. Further or conversely, with the auxiliary component 20 at least partially disposed in the volume 23, the auxiliary component 20 may be installed by the wind turbine assembly 10 ( Figure 1A ) by personnel in various environmental conditions experienced.

[0042] The auxiliary component 20 may include a first coupler 24 and a second coupler 25. The first coupler 24 and the second coupler 25 may attach the auxiliary component 20 to the segment 16 in an orientation that provides useful force distribution (such as that described in more detail below). For example, the first coupler 24 may be attached to the segment 16 away from the inner surface 21 of the housing 17 (such as, for example, along the flange 18). Further, or conversely, the second coupler 25 may be attached to the segment 16 along the inner surface of the housing 17. For clarity and efficiency in the following description, the auxiliary component 20 is described as including the first coupler 24 and the second coupler 25. However, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, it should generally be understood that the first coupler 24 may be implemented as a plurality of couplers that collectively support a load, as described herein with respect to the first coupler 24, and the second coupler 25 may be implemented as a plurality of couplers that collectively support a load, as described herein with respect to the second coupler 25.

[0043] The auxiliary component 20 is attached to the segment 16 in a static orientation. That is, the first coupler 24 and the second coupler 25 collectively restrict movement of the auxiliary component 20 in three dimensions relative to the inner surface 21 of the housing 17. For example, through the attachment provided by the first coupler 24 and the second coupler 25, a person can climb or descend from the auxiliary component 20 without experiencing substantial movement of the auxiliary component 20 and, similarly, without damaging other components near the auxiliary component 20 and / or the segment 16 itself. That is, as the auxiliary component 20 experiences static and / or dynamic loads, the first coupler 24 and the second coupler 25 can support the auxiliary component 20 in its static orientation. Further, as described in more detail below, the first coupler 24 and the second coupler 25 can maintain the static orientation of the auxiliary component 20 through changing load conditions while also maintaining a force distribution that reduces or eliminates the need to weld or otherwise compromise the housing 17 of the segment 16.

[0044] Generally, the auxiliary component 20 can be attached to the segment 16 via the first coupler 24 and the second coupler 25 such that a load "L" associated with the auxiliary component 20 is supported by a first force "F1" exerted by the segment 16 on the first coupler 24, and a second force "F2" exerted by the housing 17 on the second coupler 25. In the absence of a separate load on the auxiliary component 20 (such as the weight of a person), the load "L" should be understood to correspond to the weight of the auxiliary component 20. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the term "force," as used herein, should be understood to refer to a vector quantity having a magnitude and a direction. Thus, when the auxiliary component 20 is supported in a static orientation, it should be understood that the vector sum of the load "L," the first force "F1," and the second force "F2" is zero.

[0045] In particular, the first coupler 24 and the second coupler 25 can be attached to the segment 16 so that the first force "F1" and the second force "F2" have a particularly useful orientation relative to each other. That is, the first force "F1" applied to the segment 16 by the auxiliary component 20 via the first coupler 24 can be substantially perpendicular to the normal component of the second force "F2" applied to the inner surface 21 of the housing 17 by the auxiliary component 20 via the second coupler 25. As used herein, the orientation of the force "F1" substantially perpendicular to the normal component of the second force "F2" should be understood to allow for certain small deviations from the geometric vertical orientation. For example, such small deviations can come from dimensional variations associated with on-site installation. Therefore, in this context, substantially perpendicular should be understood to include variations from vertical that are less than approximately ± 10 degrees, or in some cases less than approximately ± 5 degrees.

[0046] In general, the normal component of the second force "F2" may be the primary component of the second force "F2". However, it should be understood that achieving such alignment of the second force "F2" relative to the inner surface 21 may be impractical given variations that may occur during installation of the device. Thus, in some cases, the second force "F2" may have a shear component (e.g., a component extending in a direction parallel to the inner surface 21). However, the shear component of the second force "F2" should be understood to have a magnitude that is less than the magnitude of the normal component of the second force "F2". For example, the shear component of the second force "F2" may have a magnitude that is much smaller than the magnitude of the normal component of the second force "F2", such that the shear component has no meaningful effect on the relative orientation of "F1" and "F2". As a more specific example, the shear component of the second force "F2" may have a magnitude that is less than the shear strength of any one or more adhesives described herein. Further or conversely, the magnitude of the shear component of the second force "F2" may be approximately 10% or less than the magnitude of the normal component of the second force "F2". Thus, in order Figure 2 , the second force “ F2 ” is represented as a normal component to the inner surface 21 of the housing 17 .

[0047] When the first force "F1" is substantially perpendicular to the normal component of the second force "F2," and when the second force "F2" is primarily formed by the normal component, the first force "F1" may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the inner surface 21 along the longitudinal direction of the inner surface 21. In this orientation, the first force "F1" may support the majority of the load "L," which would otherwise affect the magnitude of the shear component of the second force "F2." Therefore, even slight deviations in the parallel orientation of the first force "F1" and the inner surface 21 may result in an increase in the shear component of the second force "F2." The normal components of the first force "F1" and / or the second force "F2" may be tensile or compressive, depending on the direction and magnitude of the load "L" (which may vary over time) and the relative orientation and magnitude of the first and second forces "F1" and "F2." However, generally, at least one of the normal components of the first and second forces "F1" and "F2" may be a tensile force exerted on the housing 17 by the auxiliary component 20. Thus, the fastening technique used to position the first and second couplers 24, 25 may be selected based on tensile strength, among other parameters.

[0048] First force "F1" and second force "F2" can help retain second coupler 25 in position relative to inner surface 21 by utilizing a fastening technique characterized primarily by high tensile strength. That is, by distributing the load "L" across first force "F1" and second force "F2," shear and / or peel strength of such fastening techniques for retaining second coupler 25 in position are rendered less critical. As described in greater detail below, the category of fastening techniques characterized by high tensile strength and low shear and / or peel strength includes several techniques that are particularly advantageous for retaining second coupler 25 in position without damaging housing 17 and, therefore, are particularly useful alternatives for welding second coupler 25 in position relative to inner surface 21. For example, compared to welding, second coupler 25 can be retained in position relative to inner surface 21 using fastening techniques that do not require the use of heat, which could otherwise stress the base material of housing 17. Further or conversely, the second coupler 25 can be held in place relative to the inner surface 21 using a fastening technique that causes the inner surface 21 to not be penetrated by the second coupler 25 (e.g., a coating on the inner surface 21 can remain intact), as compared to using welding, which can serve to maintain the structural integrity of the base material of the housing 17.

[0049] As an example, the second coupler 25 may include an adhesive 30 in contact with the inner surface 21 to hold the second coupler 25 in place relative to the inner surface 21. The adhesive 30 may include a single adhesive or a multi-component adhesive, and more generally, may include any one or more adhesives known in the art, and the adhesive may have a shear strength greater than the tensile strength of the normal component of the second force "F2" and greater than the shear component of the second force "F2" (if any). Further or alternatively, the adhesive 30 may be in any one or more of a variety of different forms. For example, the adhesive 30 may include a coating and / or a high-adhesion tape. As an additional or alternative example, the adhesive 30 may include an adhesive tape (e.g., single-sided or double-sided) and may optionally include a carrier or backing material. As a more specific example, the adhesive tape may include a foam (e.g., acrylic foam) as a carrier and an adhesive layer bonded to a base material and / or the coating of the inner surface 21.

[0050] Using adhesive 30 to hold second coupler 25 in position relative to inner surface 21 may have any one or more of a number of advantages over using welding to achieve the same placement. For example, applying second coupler 25 to inner surface 21 using adhesive 30 may be accomplished quickly compared to welding, thereby reducing the time required to assemble segments 16 and ultimately tower 14. Figure 1A ) required. Additionally or alternatively, adhesive 30 can be applied without the skilled labor and / or specialized tools required for welding, making installation of auxiliary component 20 less dependent on the availability of personnel and / or equipment. This can be particularly advantageous relative to the logistics associated with remote installation of wind turbine assembly 10. In some cases, adhesive 30 may have low peel strength and, therefore, can be removed with less time and / or cost than would be required to remove welded components.

[0051] As an additional or alternative example of a fastening technique characterized by high tensile strength and relatively low shear strength, the second coupler 25 may include a magnet (e.g., may be formed at least partially from a magnetic material, such as a permanent magnet material). For example, the inner surface 21 of the housing 17, or a base material of the housing 17 adjacent to the inner surface 21, may be formed from a material including one or more ferromagnetic components (e.g., steel), and the second coupler 25 may include a magnet having a strength suitable for retaining the second coupler 25 in a fixed position relative to the inner surface 21 of the housing 17. Generally, it should be understood that the use of magnets in this manner may provide many of the same advantages discussed above with respect to the use of adhesives. Thus, compared to welding, the use of magnets to retain the second coupler 25 in place relative to the inner surface 21 is less likely to damage the housing 17 and, further or alternatively, may provide significant advantages with respect to any one or more of installation cost, time, and logistics.

[0052] In general, the load "L" applied by the auxiliary component 20 to the segment 16 may vary over time. That is, as the tower 14 ( Figure 1A ) In use, the load "L" may be dynamic in response to any one or more of a variety of conditions that may vary on site. Such variations may include, but are not limited to, the swaying of the tower 14 in response to wind conditions, the force response of the tower 14 to the movement of the wind turbine 12, and the movement of personnel on the auxiliary component 20. To account for such potential dynamic variations in the load "L", the auxiliary component 20 may be mounted to the segment 16 with a degree of flexibility that serves to substantially maintain the distribution of the first force "F1" and the second force "F2", such as Figure 2 , and as described above, such that the auxiliary component 20 can be maintained in a static orientation in response to dynamic changes in load "L." Further or conversely, the auxiliary component 20 can be mounted to the segment 16 with a degree of flexibility for initial installation to achieve a target force distribution.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the auxiliary component 20 may preferably be flexible in a direction perpendicular to the normal component of the second force "F2." In this manner, shear forces applied to the auxiliary component 20 at the second coupler 25 can be substantially transferred to the first coupler 24. Thus, for example, the preferred bending of the auxiliary component 20 can help maintain the shear component of the second force "F2" below a threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold), such as may be appropriate for a particular fastening technique (e.g., adhesive 30) for attaching the second coupler 25 to the inner surface 21. Thus, in certain cases, the preferred degree of flexibility of the auxiliary component 20 in a direction perpendicular to the normal component of the second force "F2" may depend on the fastening technique used to attach the second coupler 25 to the inner surface 21 of the housing 17.

[0054] The preferred flexibility can be imparted to the auxiliary component 20 by any one or more of a variety of different techniques suitable for a particular application (e.g., based on the size, shape, and function of the auxiliary component 20). However, in general, the auxiliary component 20 can include a body 31 and can be configured to move relative to the tower 14 ( Figure 1ATo accommodate movement due to wind loads and / or bending in response to dynamic changes in load "L," the first and second couplers 24, 25 may collectively support the main body 31 at a substantially fixed distance (e.g., to allow for minimal vibration) away from the inner surface 21 of the housing 17 (e.g., parallel to the inner surface 21 of the housing 17). The main body 31 may comprise a useful portion of the auxiliary component 20 (e.g., the portion of the auxiliary component 20 manipulated by personnel during maintenance). As a specific example, the main body 31 may be a ladder comprising one or more rungs 33, and the longitudinal axis defined by each rung 33 may extend in a direction perpendicular to each of the normal components of the first and second forces "F1," "F2." For example, supporting the main body 31 away from the inner surface 21 of the housing 17 may reduce the likelihood of accidental contact between the main body 31 and the inner surface 21. For example, by supporting the main body 31 away from the inner surface 21 of the housing 17, the first and second couplers 24, 25 may reduce the likelihood that the main body 31 and the inner surface 21 may rub against each other, potentially damaging each other, as the dynamic load "L" changes.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the auxiliary component 20 may include a link arm 32 for imparting preferred flexibility to the auxiliary component 20 in a direction perpendicular to the normal component of the second force "F2" while supporting the main body 31 away from the inner surface 21 of the housing 17. That is, the link arm 32 may be substantially rigid in one or more directions relative to the second coupler 25, and may preferably bend in one or more other directions relative to the second coupler 25 in response to dynamic changes in the load "L," such that the relative distribution of the first force "F1" and the second force "F2" may remain substantially unchanged. More specifically, by bending the link arm 32, the first force "F1" may remain substantially perpendicular to the normal component of the second force "F2," and in certain circumstances, the shear component of the second force "F2" may be kept small relative to the normal component of the second force "F2."

[0056] The link arm 32 may have a first end portion 41 and a second end portion 42 opposite the first end portion 41. The first end portion 41 may be mechanically coupled to the body 31, and the second end portion 42 may be mechanically coupled to the second coupler 25. As used in this context, mechanical coupling should be understood to include any manner and form of mechanical connection that restricts movement of the link arm 32 in at least one direction relative to one or both of the body 31 and the second coupler 25. Thus, for example, the link arm 32 may bend along the mechanical coupling between the first end portion 41 and the body 31 and / or along the mechanical coupling between the second end portion 42 and the second coupler 25.

[0057] As an example of mechanical coupling bending along the link arm 32, the link arm 32 may be formed from a substantially rigid material (e.g., steel), and the first end portion 41 may include a first rotational joint 43 (e.g., also known as a pin joint or hinge joint), and further or alternatively, the second end portion 42 may include a second rotational joint 44. The first and second rotational joints 43, 44 may, for example, be any one or more of a variety of different types of joints that rotate about an axis. Thus, for example, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, the first and second rotational joints 43, 44 may be pin joints or hinge joints of any manner and form. In use, the first end portion 41 of the link arm 32 may rotate about the pin of the first rotational joint 43, and additionally or alternatively, the second end portion 42 may rotate about the pin of the second rotational joint 44. In particular, the preferred bending of the auxiliary component 20 in a direction perpendicular to the normal component of the second force "F2" may include at least the rotation of the second end portion 42 of the link arm 32 about the pin of the second rotational joint 44. More typically, however, the preferred bending of the auxiliary component 20 in a direction perpendicular to the normal component of the second force “ F2 ” may include rotation of the linkage arm 32 about the pins of the first and second rotational joints 43 , 44 .

[0058] Now refer to Figure 5 , a flow chart of an exemplary method 50 for forming a tower is shown. It should be understood that the exemplary method 50 may be performed to form any one or more of the towers described herein. Thus, for example, one or more steps of the exemplary method 50 may be performed to form a tower such as a segment 16 ( Figure 1B and 2 ) form one or more sections of the tower 14 ( Figure 1A In certain embodiments, one or more steps of exemplary method 50 may be performed on-site (e.g., at the installation site), which may be particularly useful in situations where transporting one or more of the segments is impractical (e.g., due to weight and / or size concerns).

[0059] As shown at step 52, exemplary method 50 may include securing a first coupler of the auxiliary component to a section of a tower. The section of the tower may be any one or more of the sections described herein and, therefore, may generally include a housing having an inner surface. In certain embodiments, the first coupler of the auxiliary component may be secured to the tower such that the inner surface of the housing is substantially parallel to a first force applied by the auxiliary component secured to the section of the tower.

[0060] The first coupling may be fastened along any portion or portions of the segment. For example, the segment may comprise a flange and a housing, and the first coupling may be fastened to the flange, as described above.

[0061] Fastening the first coupling of the auxiliary component to the tower section may include any of a variety of known fastening techniques, and in particular, may include any one or more known fastening techniques for withstanding significant tensile forces. As will be appreciated, the nature of the technique used to fasten the first coupling to the tower section may depend on the magnitude and direction of the forces to be exerted on the attachment between the first coupling and the section, and further, or conversely, may depend on the location along the section at which the first coupling is attached.

[0062] In the case where the first coupler of the auxiliary component is fastened to the flange, the flange can be penetrated with little to no impact on the structural integrity of the resulting tower. Thus, a hole can be drilled into the flange, and fastening the first coupler of the auxiliary component to the tower section can include securing the first coupler of the auxiliary component to the flange using bolts or other similar standard hardware. Advantageously, fastening the first coupler of the auxiliary component using standard hardware can reduce the need for specialized tools and / or specialized personnel, which can be particularly advantageous with respect to remote installations.

[0063] In some cases, securing the first coupler to the segment may include using one or more adhesives, one or more magnets, or other similar non-invasive techniques. However, it should be understood that the suitability of such non-invasive fastening techniques for the first coupler may depend on the strength (e.g., tensile strength) of the particular fastening technique compared to the expected tensile forces (including dynamic variations) that will be exerted on the first coupler as the auxiliary component is in use.

[0064] As shown in step 54, the exemplary method 50 may include attaching a second coupling of the auxiliary component to the inner surface of the housing. As an example, the second coupling may be attached to the inner surface of the housing without penetrating the inner surface of the housing. Compared to welding or other similar techniques, attaching the second coupling to the inner surface of the housing does not damage the housing to the extent that a greater material thickness is required to accommodate the degradation in structural performance associated with the damage.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the interior surface of the shell may include a coating, and attaching the second coupling of the auxiliary component to the interior surface of the shell may include taking the coating into account. For example, in cases where the interior surface of the shell is coated, the second coupling of the auxiliary component may be attached to the interior surface of the shell without disrupting the integrity of the coating. Thus, compared to welding, which typically requires removing the coating to expose the base metal, the second coupling of the auxiliary component may be less likely to impact the benefits associated with the coating on the interior surface of the shell (e.g., corrosion resistance). Additionally or alternatively, attaching the second coupling to the interior surface of the shell may include masking the tower section as the coating is applied to the section. Continuing with this example, the second coupling may be attached to portions of the interior surface of the shell that remain uncoated due to the masking, and in particular, the second coupling may cover (e.g., completely cover) both the exposed area and the adjacent coated area, such that the uncoated area is sealed and protected from the elements. Further or conversely, attaching the second coupler to the inner surface of the housing can include removing a portion of the coating to expose a bare area, and positioning the second coupler to cover (e.g., completely cover) the bare area and an adjacent coated area such that the uncoated area is sealed and protected from the elements. Such selective removal of the coating can be particularly useful, for example, in situations where attaching the second coupler requires greater tensile strength and / or shear strength than provided by the coating itself.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the second coupler can be configured to produce a useful force distribution (such as any one or more of the force distributions described herein, for example, as described above with respect to Figure 2 The second coupler is attached to the inner surface of the housing in a specific orientation (described above). In particular, the second coupler can be attached to the inner surface of the housing in an orientation in which a normal component of the second force is applied to the housing by the auxiliary component via the second coupler in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first force, and in which the second coupler is preferably flexible in a direction perpendicular to the normal component of the second force.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, attaching the auxiliary component's second coupler to the inner surface of the housing may include attaching the second coupler in an orientation in which a normal component of the second force is greater than a shear component of the second force applied by the auxiliary component to the housing via the second coupler. In some cases, the relative magnitude of the normal component of the second force (relative to the magnitude of the shear component of the second force) may facilitate the use of certain fastening techniques to attach the second coupler to the inner surface of the housing. In particular, where the shear component of the second force is sufficiently small, the auxiliary component's second coupler may be attached to the inner surface of the housing using any one or more non-invasive fastening techniques, particularly techniques characterized by high tensile strength and relatively low shear strength, such as adhesives and / or magnets. Thus, for example, the auxiliary component's second coupler may be attached to the inner surface of the housing (e.g., by placing an adhesive portion of the second coupler in contact with the inner surface of the housing) to secure the second coupler in place without using welding or other similar techniques that could compromise the structural integrity of the housing.

[0068] As shown in step 56, exemplary method 50 may optionally include coupling the segment to one or more additional segments to form a tower. Coupling the one or more segments to form a tower may be performed according to any one or more methods known in the art. Thus, for example, a given segment may be coupled to adjacent segments using welds, bolts, or other similar hardware. Generally, a first coupler may be secured to the segment and a second coupler may be attached to the segment before or after the segment is coupled to one or more additional segments to form a tower.

[0069] While certain embodiments have been described, other embodiments are additionally or alternatively possible.

[0070] For example, refer again to Figure 2 , the first coupling 24 may preferably be flexible in a direction perpendicular to the first force "F1" exerted by the segment 16 via the first coupling 24 on the auxiliary component 20. As a specific example, the first coupling 24 may include a third rotation 24a, which may be substantially similar to one or more of the first rotational joint 43 and the second rotational joint 44. Further or conversely, the axes of rotation of the first rotational joint 43, the second rotational joint 44, and the third rotational joint 24a may be parallel to each other, which may be used to facilitate coordinated bending of the first coupling 24 and the second coupling 25 to achieve a desired distribution of the first force "F1" and the second force "F2" in response to the load "L".

[0071] As another example, although the second coupling has been described in certain embodiments as including a first rotational joint and a second rotational joint, it should be understood that additional or alternative joints are possible. For example, although the link arm has been described as being rotatable about a rotational joint, other types of bending of the link arm are additionally or alternatively possible. For example, referring now to Figure 6 , the link arm 32' may include a first end portion 41' and a second end portion 42' opposite the first end portion 41'. For clarity and efficiency of description, Figure 6 Elements with a prime (') in the drawings should be understood to be similar to corresponding elements in other figures of the present disclosure that are designated with element numbers without a prime, and therefore, are not described separately from corresponding elements without a prime, except for the purpose of noting differences or for describing reference. Figure 6 Thus, for example, the link arm 32' should be understood to be the same as the link arm 32 ( Figure 4 ), except that the link arm 32' is preferably curved based on the shape of the first end portion 41' and the second end portion 42' of the link arm 32'. Therefore, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context, it should be understood that the link arm 32' can be similar to the link arm 32 ( Figure 4 ) are used interchangeably as part of auxiliary component 20.

[0072] The link arm 32' can be formed from a substantially rigid material (e.g., steel) and, in particular, can be formed as a single body. Forming the link arm 32' as a single body with a preferred curvature can advantageously reduce the costs associated with assembling the link arm 32' compared to using rotating joints. Furthermore, or conversely, as a single body, the link arm 32' can have fewer potential failure modes compared to structures formed from a greater number of parts.

[0073] Preferred bending of such a unitary structure can be achieved based on the shapes of the first and second end portions 41', 42'. For example, each of the first and second end portions 41', 42' can have a thin dimension and a thick dimension along the length of the link arm 32'. Generally speaking, the link arm 32' can be preferably flexible about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the link arm 32' and in a plane defined by the wider face of the link arm 32' at any point along the length of the link arm 32'. Therefore, to achieve the desired direction of preferred bending at the first and second couplers 24, 25, the link arm 32' can be formed (e.g., twisted or otherwise distorted) to position the thick dimension of the first and second end portions 41', 42' relative to the respective directions of preferred bending relative to the first and second couplers 24, 25. Thus, for example, the first end portion 41' of the link arm 32' can be preferably flexible along a first direction P1, and the second end portion 42' of the link arm 32' can be preferably flexible along a second direction P2. In general, the first direction P1 can be substantially equivalent to the first end portion 41 of the link arm 32 rotating around the first rotational joint 43 ( Figure 4 ), and similarly, the second direction P2 may be substantially equivalent to the second end portion 42 of the link arm 32 moving about the second rotational joint 44 ( Figure 4 ) movement.

[0074] As another example, while the auxiliary component has been described as comprising a ladder, it should be understood that other configurations are additionally or alternatively possible. That is, generally speaking, the auxiliary component may be any one or more auxiliary components known in the art and used to maintain and / or operate wind turbine components or other tower-mounted machinery. Thus, for example, the auxiliary component may comprise one or more cables, wherein the auxiliary component supports the one or more cables along the length of the tower. As a more specific example, the cables may define a longitudinal axis, and the auxiliary component may support the cables, wherein the longitudinal axis of the cables is substantially parallel to the first force applied by the auxiliary component to the housing via the first coupling.

[0075] As a further example, although the auxiliary components are described in the context as being positioned within a section of the tower, other locations of the auxiliary components are additionally or alternatively possible. For example, the auxiliary components may be supported externally on the housing.

[0076] The systems, devices, methods, processes, and the like described above can be implemented as hardware, software, or any combination thereof suitable for the control, data acquisition, and data processing described herein. This includes implementation as one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, embedded microcontrollers, programmable digital signal processors, or other programmable devices or processing circuitry, along with internal and / or external memory. This can also or alternatively include one or more application-specific integrated circuits, programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic components, or any other device or devices that can be configured to process electronic signals. It will be further understood that implementation of the processes or devices described above can include computer-executable code (which can be stored, compiled, or interpreted to run on one of the devices described above) created using a structured programming language (such as C), an object-oriented programming language (such as C++), or any other high-level or low-level programming language (including assembly language, hardware description languages, and database programming languages and techniques), as well as a heterogeneous combination of processors, processor architectures, or different hardware and software combinations. Furthermore, processing can be distributed across devices such as the various systems described above, or all functionality can be integrated into dedicated, standalone devices. All such permutations and combinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0077] The embodiments disclosed herein may include a computer program product comprising computer executable or computer usable code that, when executed on one or more computing devices, performs any and / or all of the steps of the control system described above. The code may be stored in a non-transitory manner in a computer memory, which may be a memory for program execution (such as a random access memory associated with a processor) or a storage device such as a disk drive, flash memory, or any other optical, electromagnetic, magnetic, infrared, or other device or combination of devices. In another aspect, any of the control systems described above may be implemented as any suitable transmission or propagation medium that carries the computer executable code and / or any input or output from the computer executable code.

[0078] It will be understood that the above-described devices, systems, and methods are illustrated by way of example and not limitation. Many variations, additions, omissions, and other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the order or presentation of method steps in the above description and accompanying drawings is not intended to require that the steps described be performed in that order, unless a particular order is expressly required or otherwise clear from the context.

[0079] Unless expressly provided a different meaning or otherwise clear from the context, the method steps of the embodiments described herein are intended to include any suitable method for causing such method steps to be performed, consistent with the patentability of the following claims. Thus, for example, performing step X includes any suitable method for causing another party, such as a remote user, a remote processing resource (e.g., a server or cloud computer), or a machine, to perform step X. Similarly, performing steps X, Y, and X may include any method for directing or controlling any combination of such other individuals or resources to perform steps X, Y, and X in order to obtain the benefits of such steps. Thus, unless expressly provided a different meaning or otherwise clear from the context, the method steps of the embodiments described herein are intended to include any suitable method for causing one or more other parties or entities to perform the steps, consistent with the patentability of the following claims. Such parties or entities need not be under the direction or control of any other party or entity and need not be located in a particular jurisdiction.

[0080] It will be understood that the methods and systems described above are set forth by way of example and not limitation. Many variations, additions, omissions, and other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, the order or presentation of the method steps in the description and accompanying drawings above is not intended to require that the steps described in detail be performed in this order unless a particular order is expressly required or otherwise clear from the context. Therefore, although specific embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that such changes and modifications are intended to form a part of the present invention as defined by the following claims, which should be interpreted in the broadest sense permitted by law.

Claims

1. Tower, including: a segment comprising a housing having an inner surface defining a volume; as well as an auxiliary component, at least partially disposed in the volume, the auxiliary component comprising: a first coupling fastened to the segment, flexibly fastened to the body of the segment via the first coupling, a second coupling secured to an inner surface of the housing, and A link arm, the link arm being formed of a substantially rigid material and being formed as an integral structure, the link arm having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the first end portion of the link arm being mechanically coupled to the body, the second end portion of the link arm being mechanically coupled to the inner surface of the housing via a second coupler, the first end portion and the second end portion each having a respective thin dimension and a respective thick dimension along the length of the link arm, the link arm being twisted along its length, wherein the thick dimension of the first end portion and the thick dimension of the second end portion are positioned relative to respective directions of bending of the link arm relative to respective ones of the first coupler and the second coupler, wherein a first force applied by the auxiliary component to the segment (16) via the first coupler is substantially perpendicular to a normal component of a second force applied by the auxiliary component to the inner surface of the housing via the second coupler, the link arm being able to bend in a direction perpendicular to the normal component of the second force.

2. The tower according to claim 1, wherein: The inner surface of the housing is not penetrated by the second coupler.

3. The tower according to claim 2, wherein: The second coupler is coupled to the inner surface of the housing by an adhesive disposed between the second coupler and the inner surface of the housing.

4. The tower according to claim 1, wherein: The housing is a tube that tapers along a central axis defined by the tube.

5. An auxiliary component mountable to a section of a tower, said auxiliary component comprising: a first connector; A joint that can bend around an axis, a body fastened to the first coupling via the engagement piece, the body being movable relative to the first coupling about the axis of the engagement piece, and A link arm having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the first end portion being coupled to the body and the second end portion being supported by the link arm away from the body, the first end portion and the second end portion being thinner than a portion of the link arm between the first and second end portions in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the joint, wherein the link arm is a unitary structure from the first end portion to the second end portion along the length of the link arm, and the link arm is twisted from the first end portion to the second end portion along the length of the link arm.

6. The auxiliary component according to claim 5, wherein The main body is a ladder including a plurality of rungs parallel to each other.

7. The auxiliary component of claim 5, further comprising a second coupler fixedly secured to the second end portion of the linkage arm.

8. The auxiliary component of claim 7, further comprising an adhesive disposed on the second coupler.

9. The auxiliary component according to claim 5, wherein The joint is a rotational joint.

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