System of tower segments for a tower, corresponding tower segment and wind turbine

Abstract

A system for tower segments is proposed, wherein the tower segments are configured to at least partially form part of a tower for supporting structures, particularly for supporting the nacelle of a horizontal-axis wind turbine or the machine room of a vertical-axis wind turbine. The system is configured to attach, arrange, and / or install to the tower segments and includes at least an airflow control arrangement and a support arrangement. The airflow control arrangement includes an airflow manipulator configured to influence airflow around the tower segment. The support arrangement is configured to support the airflow control arrangement and to install the airflow control arrangement to the tower segment. The airflow control arrangement and the support arrangement are configured such that, when installed to the tower segment, the airflow manipulator extends radially from the tower diameter by at least 5%, particularly at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, particularly not exceeding 30%, further particularly not exceeding 20%, or the airflow manipulator is substantially parallel to the tower segment. This provides effective measures to overcome vortex shedding effects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This subject matter generally relates to towers and wind turbine towers, and more specifically to tower segments of wind turbine towers. Furthermore, a wind turbine having a tower constructed from such tower segments is disclosed. Background Technology

[0002] Wind power is considered one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly energy sources available today, and for this reason, wind turbines have received increasing attention. A modern wind turbine typically consists of a tower, generator, gearbox, nacelle, and one or more rotor blades. The rotor blades capture kinetic energy from the wind using the known airfoil principle and transfer this kinetic energy through rotation to rotate a shaft. The shaft connects the rotor blades to the gearbox, or, if no gearbox is used, directly to the generator. The generator then converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy that can be deployed to the public power grid.

[0003] Wind turbines, and other devices or arrangements operating in elevated positions above the corresponding ground surface, are typically mounted on top of towers supporting these devices or arrangements. Consequently, the towers are subject to aerodynamic influences, which can lead to undesirable loads and tower conditions.

[0004] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a system for tower segments, an improved tower segment having said system, an improved tower including said tower segment, and a wind turbine having a tower mounting mechanism, in order to mitigate the disadvantages associated with known technologies. In particular, the erection process of the corresponding tower will also be more efficient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical Solution 1. A system for a tower segment of a wind turbine tower, the tower segment having a longitudinal direction and a radial direction, the system comprising:

[0006] - An airflow control arrangement having an airflow manipulator having a flow rate of at least 500 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m]]. 2 The relative penetration rate of )] and

[0007] - A support arrangement configured to support an airflow control arrangement and for mounting the airflow control arrangement to the tower segment.

[0008] - wherein the airflow manipulator arrangement and the support arrangement are configured such that, when installed onto the tower segment, the airflow manipulator extends radially beyond the tower diameter by at least 5%, particularly at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, particularly no more than 30%, further particularly no more than 20%, and the vortex shedding effect on the tower segment caused by the airflow facing the tower segment is reduced by the airflow manipulator, and / or

[0009] - wherein the airflow manipulator extends substantially longitudinally along the tower segment when installed to the tower segment, such that the vortex shedding effect on the tower caused by the airflow facing the tower is reduced by the airflow manipulator.

[0010] Technical Solution 2. The system according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the airflow manipulator extends at least 20%, particularly at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, and more preferably at least 80% along the relevant length of the tower segment in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] Technical Solution 3. The system according to one of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the airflow manipulator forms an effectively flat surface.

[0012] Technical Solution 4. The system according to Technical Solution 3, wherein the support arrangement is configured such that the effective flat surface deviates from the plane formed by the longitudinal direction and the radial direction by no more than 45°, particularly no more than 30°, preferably no more than 15°, and / or the effective flat surface extends substantially in the plane formed by the longitudinal direction and the radial direction.

[0013] Technical Solution 5. The system according to any one of the foregoing technical solutions,

[0014] -The airflow manipulator has a drag coefficient of not more than 1, particularly not more than 0.6, preferably not more than 0.4, more preferably not more than 0.3, and / or

[0015] -The airflow manipulator described herein has a relative permeability of at least 1000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m]]. 2 Preferred flow rate is at least 2000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 Furthermore, especially not exceeding 25,000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 Furthermore, especially not exceeding 20,000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 The preferred flow rate is no more than 15,000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m]]. 2 )).

[0016] Technical Solution 6. The system according to Technical Solution 4, wherein the airflow manipulator comprises a fabric, and in particular, the airflow manipulator is substantially made of the fabric.

[0017] Technical Solution 7. A system according to one of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the support arrangement includes a support beam configured to be mounted to the tower wall and a support fixing device configured to fix the support beam to the tower wall, particularly wherein, when installed, the support beam extends substantially in a radial direction.

[0018] Technical Solution 8. A system according to one of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the support arrangement includes an upper support portion configured to receive an upper actuator portion of the airflow manipulator, and a lower support portion configured to receive a lower actuator portion of the airflow manipulator, such that the airflow manipulator extends longitudinally between the upper support portion and the lower support portion.

[0019] Technical Solution 9. The system according to Technical Solution 8, the system includes an installation arrangement having mounting devices for mounting the airflow manipulation arrangement to the support arrangement, the installation arrangement including a longitudinal retaining device disposed longitudinally between the upper support portion and the lower support portion.

[0020] Technical Solution 10. The system according to Technical Solution 8, wherein the retaining device includes at least a radial inner cable and a radial outer cable, and wherein the support arrangement is configured such that the inner cable can be arranged closer to the tower wall than the outer cable.

[0021] Technical Solution 11. A system according to one of the foregoing technical solutions, the system comprising at least three, particularly four, preferably five, support arrangements, corresponding airflow manipulation arrangements, and corresponding installation arrangements.

[0022] Technical Solution 12. A system according to one of the foregoing technical solutions, the system comprising an assembly device configured to at least partially lower the support arrangement, particularly the support beam, when the tower segment is erected and the system is to be dismantled, and particularly wherein the assembly device comprises at least one assembly cable.

[0023] Technical Solution 13. The system according to Technical Solution 12, wherein the support arrangement includes a protective device configured to prevent damage or negative impact on the tower by the support arrangement when the support arrangement is lowered from its installation position.

[0024] Technical Solution 14. A segment for a wind turbine tower, the segment having a longitudinal direction and a radial direction, and comprising a system having:

[0025] - An airflow control arrangement having an airflow manipulator having a flow rate of at least 500 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m]].2 The relative penetration rate of )] and

[0026] - A support arrangement configured to support the airflow control arrangement and for mounting the airflow control arrangement to the tower segment.

[0027] -The airflow manipulator arrangement and the support arrangement are configured such that, when installed onto the tower segment, the airflow manipulator extends radially beyond the tower diameter by at least 5%, particularly at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, particularly no more than 30%, and further particularly no more than 20%, and the vortex shedding effect on the tower segment caused by the airflow facing the tower segment is reduced by the airflow manipulator, and / or

[0028] - wherein the airflow manipulator extends substantially longitudinally along the tower segment when installed to the tower segment, such that the vortex shedding effect on the tower caused by the airflow facing the tower is reduced by the airflow manipulator.

[0029] Technical Solution 15. A wind turbine, comprising a tower having a nacelle rotatably mounted to the tower, and segments of the tower for the wind turbine, the segments having longitudinal and radial directions and including a system having:

[0030] - An airflow control arrangement having an airflow manipulator having a flow rate of at least 500 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m]]. 2 The relative penetration rate of )] and

[0031] - A support arrangement configured to support the airflow control arrangement and for mounting the airflow control arrangement to the tower segment.

[0032] -The airflow manipulator arrangement and the support arrangement are configured such that, when installed onto the tower segment, the airflow manipulator extends radially beyond the tower diameter by at least 5%, particularly at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, particularly no more than 30%, and further particularly no more than 20%, and the vortex shedding effect on the tower segment caused by the airflow facing the tower segment is reduced by the airflow manipulator, and / or

[0033] - wherein the airflow manipulator extends substantially longitudinally along the tower segment when installed to the tower segment, such that the vortex shedding effect on the tower caused by the airflow facing the tower is reduced by the airflow manipulator.

[0034] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be appreciated by practice of the invention.

[0035] On one hand, this disclosure relates to a system for a tower segment for a tower, wherein the tower segment is configured to at least partially form part of a tower for supporting structures, particularly for supporting the nacelle of a horizontal-axis wind turbine or the machine room of a vertical-axis wind turbine.

[0036] Tower segments and / or corresponding towers have a longitudinal direction defined by a longitudinal axis and a radial direction defined by a radius, wherein the corresponding radius extends in a (horizontal) plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, a circumferential direction located in the radial (horizontal) plane can be determined. Unless otherwise stated, all references, specifications, orientations, and directions provided in this disclosure are associated with the longitudinal, radial, or circumferential directions of tower segments and / or corresponding towers.

[0037] It should be noted that all directional references provided in this disclosure are provided relative to tower segments or towers in an operational state, and in particular relative to erected towers. The term "operational state" does not require that the technical structure supported by the tower (e.g., the nacelle of a wind turbine) be in operation or even being installed.

[0038] The system is configured to be attached, arranged, and / or installed to tower segments, and includes at least an airflow manipulation arrangement and a support arrangement. The airflow manipulation arrangement includes an airflow manipulator that, when installed to the tower segment, is configured to influence airflow around the tower segment. For example, the airflow manipulator may be a flexible sheet installed to the tower segment and extending radially, wherein airflow through the tower and / or around the tower segment is redirected and / or partially blocked by the airflow manipulator.

[0039] The support arrangement is configured to support the airflow control arrangement and to install the airflow control arrangement to the tower segment.

[0040] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the airflow manipulator arrangement and support arrangement are configured such that, when installed on a tower segment, the airflow manipulator extends radially from the tower diameter by at least 5%, particularly at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, particularly not exceeding 30%, and further particularly not exceeding 20%. Therefore, the airflow manipulator extends beyond the radial diameter of the tower and / or tower segment by at least the provided value, such that the vortex shedding effect caused by the airflow facing and affecting the tower segment is reduced by the airflow manipulator.

[0041] Alternatively, or in addition to the foregoing aspects, a further aspect is introduced: when the airflow control arrangement, including the airflow manipulator, is installed on the tower segment by means of a support arrangement, the airflow manipulator extends radially out of the tower segment and substantially longitudinally along the tower segment, such that the vortex shedding effect on the tower caused by the airflow facing the tower is reduced by the airflow manipulator. By arranging the airflow manipulator substantially parallel to the tower segment, an effective measure to overcome the vortex shedding effect is in place.

[0042] In fact, these two aspects (individually and also (partially) in combination) can, for the first time, provide beneficial effects for tower segments and / or towers formed from at least one of these tower segments: the system can be installed on towers or tower segments that are being oriented or even before oriented, where the negative effects of the Karman vortex street can be greatly reduced or even prevented. The use of airflow manipulation arrangements affects the airflow around the tower segments in such a way that the formation of asymmetric flow patterns and associated pressure distribution changes around the body is prevented. This means that the alternating shedding of vortices will not generate periodic lateral forces on the tower segments. Thus, unwanted excitations (potentially close to any natural frequency) on the tower are avoided.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the system is configured such that the airflow manipulation arrangement and the support arrangement can be temporarily attached to the tower segment by installation and subsequent disassembly.

[0044] The term "tower segment" refers to a tower component subjected to vibrations that may be caused by vortex shedding effects. According to a preferred embodiment, the tower may be formed longitudinally from multiple tower segments mounted to each other at flanges. However, the tower may also be formed from a single tower segment, and / or from tower portions different from tower segments and formed from tower segments.

[0045] According to an embodiment, when the airflow manipulator is installed onto a tower segment, it extends longitudinally approximately the relevant effective length of the tower segment. Specifically, at least 20% of the longitudinal length of the tower segment includes the airflow manipulator, which is arranged longitudinally substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tower segment and extends radially out of the tower segment.

[0046] Preferably, the airflow manipulator extends more than 30% of the tower segment in the longitudinal direction, more preferably more than 50% of the longitudinal length of the tower segment, and even more preferably more than 80%.

[0047] However, according to another embodiment (partially additional or alternative embodiments), the airflow manipulator extends the longitudinal length of the tower by no more than 90%, particularly no more than 80%, and even more particularly no more than 60%.

[0048] According to embodiments, the terms "airflow manipulator extends beyond the tower diameter" or "airflow manipulator extends along the tower segment" reflect the following: the airflow manipulator causes a reference area / projected surface located on or near the outer surface of the tower segment to exist extending along the radial and / or longitudinal direction of the tower segment. Specifically, the airflow manipulator forms a projected surface or reference area extending perpendicular to the radial plane and / or parallel to the radial direction of the segment. For example, the airflow manipulator may be a three-dimensional object having a projected surface or reference area perpendicular to the wind direction; in specific instances, a sphere has a circular shape as a projected surface or reference area, and a column extending in the longitudinal direction of the tower segment has a rectangular projected surface.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the airflow manipulator forms an effectively flat surface extending perpendicular to the radial plane and / or parallel to the radial direction of the segment. The term "effectively flat" refers to an airflow manipulator, when installed on a tower segment, where the shape of the effectively flat surface mitigates and / or reduces vortex shedding effects affecting the tower segment. For example, if the airflow manipulator is subjected to wind pressure and therefore bulges into a convex shape along the airflow direction, by definition, such a convex airflow manipulator still includes a substantially flat surface.

[0050] The support arrangement is configured such that the effective flat surface deviates from the plane formed by the longitudinal and radial directions (which may be defined as the radial plane) by no more than 45°, especially no more than 30°, and preferably no more than 15°.

[0051] Additionally or in alternatives, the support arrangement and / or airflow maneuvering arrangement are embodied such that the airflow maneuver extends substantially in one of the radial planes while still having an effectively flat surface.

[0052] According to an advantageous aspect of this disclosure, the airflow manipulator is configured such that its drag coefficient does not exceed 1, particularly not more than 0.6, preferably not more than 0.4, or more preferably not more than 0.3. Additionally, or in an alternative embodiment, the airflow manipulator has a drag coefficient of at least 500 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m]. 2 Especially at least 1000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m 2 Preferred flow rate is at least 2000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 Furthermore, especially not exceeding 25,000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 Furthermore, especially not exceeding 20,000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 The preferred flow rate is no more than 15,000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m]]. 2 The relative penetration rate of ).

[0053] In particular, or in alternatives, the airflow manipulator is configured such that its surface is not airtight and / or the forces induced by wind pressure are not fully anticipated. For example, currently used measures to overcome vortex shedding effects primarily involve airflow manipulators that are completely airtight and impermeable relative to the airflow, such as strakes. For instance, tall metal chimneys or other tubular structures (such as antenna masts or mooring ropes) can be fitted with external airtight helical fins to introduce turbulence, thus allowing for less load variation and a negligible amplitude at the resonant load frequency. It should be noted that, as a beneficial effect of this disclosure, the complex and expensive solutions currently used can be avoided.

[0054] By configuring the airflow manipulator so that a certain amount of airflow can flow through it, the positive effects on mitigating vortex shedding are maximized, while minimizing the disadvantages of airflow-related forces applied to the tower segments. Thus, the airflow manipulator arrangement can extend radially for approximately a predetermined length to prevent the formation of a Karman vortex street that causes vibrations, while the (static) forces resulting from the influence of tower pressure on bending moments remain acceptable.

[0055] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the airflow manipulator comprises fabric, and in particular, the airflow manipulator is substantially made of fabric. The term "substantially made of fabric" reflects that at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, of the airflow manipulator is made of fabric. Thus, the airflow manipulator can have a sail-like appearance, wherein such a sail is arranged perpendicularly to the tower segment. In particular, the fabric can be a coarse-mesh fabric.

[0056] The airflow manipulator may have a mesh size of at least 0.02 mm, preferably at least 0.5 mm, and especially at least 1 mm.

[0057] Alternatively, the airflow manipulator may include multiple effective openings, particularly wherein the airflow manipulator itself is made of a relatively airtight material. This embodiment differs from embodiments with mesh in that the openings are relatively large relative to the overall size of the airflow manipulator; for example, the openings according to the described embodiment may have a diameter of at least 5% of the radial width of the airflow manipulator.

[0058] According to embodiments, the effective opening may be circular, elliptical, or formed by longitudinal slits, or by a combination thereof.

[0059] The above embodiments of the airflow manipulator include embodiments of airflow manipulators that are at least partially composed of mesh or fabric, and embodiments of airflow manipulators that have an airflow manipulator surface with an opening.

[0060] According to a particular embodiment, the support arrangement includes a support beam configured to be mounted to a tower wall and a support fixing device configured to secure the support beam to the tower wall. In particular, the support beam extends substantially radially when installed. The support beam is configured to—directly or indirectly—carry an airflow manipulator arrangement such that the airflow manipulator extends radially along the tower segment as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0061] In one particular embodiment, the support arrangement includes an upper support portion configured to receive an upper actuator portion of an airflow manipulator, and a lower support portion configured to receive a lower actuator portion of an airflow manipulator, such that the airflow manipulator extends longitudinally between the upper support portion and the lower support portion.

[0062] In this way, the effectiveness of the airflow control arrangement is improved, especially because the upper and lower control portions ensure that the airflow controller maintains its effective flat surface and / or keeps the protrusion of the airflow controller within acceptable limits.

[0063] Both the upper and lower control sections may include corresponding support beams, which can be mounted to the tower wall of the tower segment by means of corresponding support fixing devices. For example, the support beams and support fixing devices may be configured to hold the support beams in a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tower segment.

[0064] The upper actuator portion can be installed at the upper part of the tower segment, and the lower actuator portion can be installed at the lower part of the tower segment, wherein the distance in the longitudinal direction between the corresponding actuator portion and the relevant end (tower flange) of the tower segment is less than 20% of the total length of the tower segment in the longitudinal direction, preferably less than 10%.

[0065] In another embodiment, the system includes a mounting arrangement having mounting devices for mounting the airflow manipulation arrangement to the support arrangement. For this purpose, the mounting arrangement includes a longitudinal retaining device arranged longitudinally between the upper and lower support portions.

[0066] The retaining device may include radial inner cables and radial outer cables, wherein the support arrangement is configured such that the inner cables can be positioned closer to the tower wall than the outer cables. Thus, the retaining device forms a frame-like support structure, wherein upper and lower support beams constrain the support frame in the longitudinal direction, and the outer and inner cables act as radial restraints.

[0067] The installation arrangement and mounting devices can be constructed and positioned such that the gap between the tower wall and the airflow manipulator does not exceed 5% of the diameter of the tower segment, particularly not more than 3%, and preferably not more than 2%. For example, the internal cables can be arranged radially relative to the tower wall, with a distance not exceeding 5% of the diameter of the tower segment, particularly not more than 3%, and preferably not more than 2%.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the system may include at least three, particularly four, and preferably five support arrangements, corresponding airflow manipulation arrangements, and corresponding mounting arrangements. For example, the support arrangements may be equidistantly distributed around tower segments.

[0069] Optionally, the system may include an assembly device configured to allow the support arrangement to be lowered at least partially from the erected tower segment or from the erected tower. In particular, the system may include assembly cables for supporting at least a portion of the support arrangement during the dismantling process.

[0070] In one embodiment, the support arrangement includes a protective device configured to prevent damage or negative impact on the tower from a portion of the support arrangement when the support arrangement is lowered from its installation position.

[0071] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the system, or at least embodiments of the system as described above, is configured to be mounted on tower segments, particularly wind turbine tower segments, in order to mitigate vortex shedding effects that could affect the tower segments. Typically, tower segments used for large technical structures (like the nacelles of wind turbines) have significant dimensions. Tower segments (e.g., those of a typical wind turbine tower) have a diameter of at least 2.5 m, preferably at least 3.5 m, more preferably at least 4 m, and / or a length in the longitudinal direction of at least 10 m, preferably at least 15 m, more preferably at least 18 m.

[0072] From this point onward, it can be determined, for example, whether the system is suitable for use at the tower segment of a wind turbine, based on the dimensions, length, and width of the airflow manipulation arrangement and / or support arrangement.

[0073] For example, if the airflow maneuvering arrangement includes an airflow maneuver with an increased length and a relatively small width, and / or if the support arrangement and / or the airflow maneuvering arrangement are configured (and equipped with relevant instructions) for attachment / removal to the tower wall of the tower segment, then the system including the airflow maneuvering arrangement and the support arrangement is indeed configured and adapted to be attached to the tower segment according to the present disclosure.

[0074] For example, a system having an airflow manipulator arrangement including an airflow manipulator, wherein the length of the manipulator is, for example, greater than 5 m, preferably greater than 10 m, possibly greater than 12 m, while the width is at least 0.4 m, preferably greater than 0.8 m, or particularly greater than 1 m, and wherein the system further includes a support arrangement (e.g., providing retaining openings, rings, or screws for mounting the airflow manipulator to the support arrangement) that appears to be configured for use with tower segments of towers of large technical installations (such as wind turbines).

[0075] According to another aspect, a tower segment, preferably a wind turbine tower segment, is proposed, having a system attached to the tower segment according to one of the foregoing embodiments. The focus in this regard is on the system installed to the tower segment, and thus includes two objects. The tower segment is part of the tower, preferably part of the wind turbine tower, and has the exemplary dimensions discussed above.

[0076] In the context of a specific embodiment, a tower structure having tower segments according to one of the foregoing embodiments is described for supporting a heavy technical structure. This heavy technical structure may be a nacelle of a wind turbine. The weight of this technical structure and the tower segment construction causes the tower segments and / or the tower including the tower segments to have at least one specific natural frequency (the whole system natural frequency) when the technical structure is installed on the tower, and at least another natural frequency (the temporary system natural frequency) when no technical structure is installed on the tower or if the tower is in the process of being installed.

[0077] According to an embodiment, if a heavy technical structure is installed on a tower or tower segment, the tower segment and / or tower structure are configured such that the tower / tower segment cannot be excited by the vortex shedding effect (or at least cannot be effectively excited by the vortex shedding effect). This configuration includes: the system-wide natural frequency of the tower including the heavy technical structure is different from any excitation frequency caused by the vortex shedding effect.

[0078] In contrast, if the overall structure (e.g., a wind turbine) is being erected, there is a period in time when only the tower is being erected without supporting the heavy technical structure mounted on top of the tower. Specifically, during this period, the tower and / or tower segments can be severely and negatively affected by vortex shedding effects because the excitation frequency of the vortex shedding effect is within the effective range of the temporary system's natural frequency.

[0079] Therefore, one aspect of this disclosure is that tower segments and / or towers including such tower segments are configured to have a system-wide natural frequency when a heavy technical structure (e.g., a wind turbine nacelle) is installed onto the tower segment, and that the tower segments and / or towers including such tower segments have at least a temporary system-wide natural frequency when no heavy technical structure is installed onto the top of the tower segments and / or the tower. The tower segments are configured such that the system-wide natural frequency differs from the excitation frequency caused by the vortex shedding effect. Furthermore, the tower segments are configured such that the temporary system-wide natural frequency is within the range of the excitation frequency caused by the vortex shedding effect. The term "different from the excitation frequency" reflects that the basic excitation is not affected, while the term "within the range of excitation frequencies" means that a significant and potentially destructive resonance event, or even a catastrophic resonance event, may occur due to effective periodic excitation. The term "excitation frequency caused by the vortex shedding effect" refers to various frequencies caused by the variable wind flowing around the tower at typical velocity faces. When the dimensions and purpose of the tower segments are known, those skilled in the art can determine the excitation frequency caused by the vortex shedding effect.

[0080] On the other hand, this disclosure relates to a wind turbine having a nacelle mounted on top of a tower, the tower having tower segments having the system described above. The nacelle assembly includes a nacelle defining at least a plurality of sidewalls and a top wall. The nacelle rotatably supports a rotor including rotor blades.

[0081] On the other hand, this disclosure relates to a method for installing a tower, particularly a wind turbine tower. The method includes the following steps:

[0082] Install the support arrangement as described above onto the tower segment of the tower as described above;

[0083] Before or after the previous step, install / erect tower segments to form a tower;

[0084] To install additional components, functional technical structures, and / or nacelles of the wind turbine onto the top of the tower; and

[0085] The system can be dismantled from the tower, for example by lowering the airflow manipulation arrangement from the support arrangement, and further, for example, by lowering the support arrangement from the tower segment. Alternatively, the system can be dismantled as a whole.

[0086] The assembly process can be described as follows: while the tower segments are still on the ground, the support arrangement can be installed onto the tower. For example, corresponding support beams can protrude from the tower, wherein (external) and (internal) fixing devices are provided for mounting the support beams in their vertical positions relative to the tower walls.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the tower can be erected by placing tower segments on top of each other by connecting corresponding tower flanges. Subsequently, an airflow control arrangement can be raised to the corresponding tower segment. Alternatively, the airflow control arrangement can be installed on the tower segments before they are erected.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the system can be fully pre-assembled and installed onto the tower segment before the tower is erected or before the tower segment is erected.

[0089] Alternatively, the system may be partially installed to a tower segment, for example, only the support arrangement and / or mounting arrangement may be attached to the tower segment, wherein the airflow manipulation arrangement is installed to the support arrangement and / or mounting arrangement after the tower segment is oriented.

[0090] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will be further supported and described with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0091] The complete and feasible disclosure of the invention, including its best mode, is set forth in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0092] Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of the upper and lower tower segments that together form a wind turbine tower;

[0093] Figure 2 It shows the results based on Figure 1 A simplified interior view of the nacelle of an embodiment of a wind turbine supported by an upper tower segment;

[0094] Figure 3 It shows the radial direction through according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the tower, wherein the system according to this disclosure is installed into a tower segment;

[0095] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view along the longitudinal direction, showing the system and according to Figure 3 The upper tower segment;

[0096] Figure 5 It is based on Figure 3 A detailed cross-sectional view of the upper tower segment in the radial direction, showing the airflow manipulation arrangement according to the first embodiment; and

[0097] Figure 6 This is a partial side view of an airflow manipulation arrangement according to another embodiment.

[0098] Individual features depicted in the figures are shown relative to each other and therefore not necessarily to scale. Similar or identical elements in the figures, even if shown in different embodiments, are indicated by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0099] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustrative purposes and not limitation of the invention. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope or spirit. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used in combination with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0100] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary wind turbine 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine 10 is a horizontal axis wind turbine. Alternatively, the wind turbine 10 may be a vertical axis wind turbine. In an exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine 10 includes a tower 100 extending from a support system 14, a nacelle 16 mounted on the tower 100, and a rotor 18 coupled to the nacelle 16. The rotor 18 includes a rotatable hub 20 and at least one rotor blade 22 coupled to and extending outward from the hub 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotor 18 has three rotor blades 22.

[0101] The tower 100 is formed by an upper tower segment 105 and a lower tower segment 106, both having tower walls 107, which are connected to each other by adjacent tower flanges 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the tower 100 is made of tubular steel to define a cavity between the support system 14 and the nacelle 16. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). In an alternative embodiment, tower 100 is any suitable type of tower with any suitable height.

[0102] Rotor blades 22 are spaced apart around hub 20 to facilitate rotation of rotor 18, enabling kinetic energy to be converted from wind into usable mechanical energy, and subsequently into electrical energy. Rotor blades 22 are matched to hub 20 by connecting blade root portions 24 to hub 20 at multiple load transfer regions 26. Load transfer regions 26 may have hub load transfer regions and blade load transfer regions (neither of which are located in the hub 20 hub 2 ... Figure 1 (As shown in the figure). The load sensed by the rotor blades 22 is transmitted to the hub 20 via the load transfer area 26.

[0103] In one embodiment, the rotor blade 22 has a length ranging from approximately 15 meters (m) to approximately 91 meters (m). Alternatively, the rotor blade 22 may have any suitable length that enables the wind turbine 10 to function as described herein. Other non-limiting examples of blade lengths include 20 meters or less, 37 meters, 48.7 meters, 50.2 meters, 52.2 meters, or greater than 91 meters. As wind impacts the rotor blade 22 from the wind direction 28, the rotor 18 rotates about the axis of rotation 30. As the rotor blade 22 rotates and is subjected to centrifugal force, it is also subjected to various forces and torques. Consequently, the rotor blade 22 can deflect and / or rotate from a neutral or non-deflected position to a deflected position.

[0104] Furthermore, the pitch angle of the rotor blade 22 (i.e., the angle that determines the view of the rotor blade 22 relative to the wind direction) can be changed by the pitch system 32 to control the load and the power generated by the wind turbine 10 by adjusting the angular position of at least one rotor blade 22 relative to the wind vector. The pitch axis 34 of the rotor blade 22 is shown. During operation of the wind turbine 10, the pitch system 32 can change the pitch angle of the rotor blade 22 such that the rotor blade 22 moves to a feathered position, such that the view of at least one rotor blade 22 relative to the wind vector provides a minimum surface area for the rotor blade 22 to be oriented toward the wind vector, which promotes a reduction in rotational speed and / or promotes stall of the rotor 18.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the blade pitch of each rotor blade 22 is individually controlled by the wind turbine controller 36 or by the pitch control system 80. Alternatively, the blade pitch for all rotor blades 22 can be simultaneously controlled by the control system.

[0106] Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, as the wind direction 28 changes, the yaw direction of the nacelle 16 can be rotated about the yaw axis 38 to position the rotor blades 22 relative to the wind direction 28. For this purpose, the nacelle 16 is rotatably supported by the tower 100, more specifically by the top flange 109 of the upper tower segment 105. According to some embodiments, the yaw axis 38 is aligned with the longitudinal axis 101 of the tower 100.

[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine controller 36 is shown as centralized within the nacelle 16; however, the wind turbine controller 36 may be a distributed system throughout the wind turbine 10, on the support system 14, within the wind farm, and / or at a remote control center. The wind turbine controller 36 includes a processor 40 configured to perform the methods and / or steps described herein. Furthermore, many other components described herein include processors. As used herein, the term "processor" is not limited to an integrated circuit referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a controller, microcontroller, microcomputer, programmable logic controller (PLC), application-specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. It should be understood that the processor and / or control system may also include memory, input channels, and / or output channels.

[0108] Figure 2 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a wind turbine 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine 10 includes a nacelle 16 and a rotor 18 rotatably coupled to the nacelle 16. More specifically, the hub 20 of the rotor 18 is rotatably coupled to an electric generator 42 located within the nacelle 16 via a main shaft 44, a gearbox 46, a high-speed shaft 48, and a coupling 50. In an exemplary embodiment, the main shaft 44 is configured to be at least partially coaxial with the longitudinal axis (not shown) of the nacelle 16. Rotation of the main shaft 44 drives the gearbox 46, which in turn drives the high-speed shaft 48 by converting the relatively slow rotational movement of the rotor 18 and the main shaft 44 into relatively fast rotational movement of the high-speed shaft 48. The high-speed shaft is connected to the generator 42 by means of the coupling 50 to generate electrical energy.

[0109] The gearbox 46 and generator 42 may be supported by a main support structure frame of the nacelle 16, which may optionally be embodied as a main frame 52. The gearbox 46 may include a gearbox housing connected to the main frame 52 by one or more torque arms. In an exemplary embodiment, the nacelle 16 also includes a main front support bearing 60 and a main rear support bearing 62. Furthermore, the generator 42 may be mounted to the main frame 52 via a separate support device 54, particularly to prevent vibrations of the generator 42 from being introduced into the main frame 52 and thus causing noise emission sources.

[0110] Preferably, the main frame 52 is configured to bear the weight of the rotor 18 and nacelle 16 components, as well as all loads caused by wind and rotational loads, and further directs these loads to the top flange 109 of the upper tower segment 105 of the tower 100 of the wind turbine 10.

[0111] The nacelle 16 may also include a yaw drive mechanism 56, which can be used to rotate the nacelle 16 and thus the rotor 18 about the yaw axis 38 to control the angle of the rotor blades 22 relative to the wind direction 28.

[0112] The rotor shaft, generator 42, gearbox 46, high-speed shaft 48, coupling 50, and any associated fasteners, supports, and / or fixtures (including, but not limited to, supports and front support bearings 60 and rear support bearings 62) are sometimes referred to as the drivetrain 64. However, this disclosure is not limited to wind turbines including gearboxes, but also includes wind turbines without gearboxes, thus potentially involving so-called direct drive.

[0113] To properly position the cabin relative to wind direction 28, cabin 16 may also include at least one meteorological mast 58, which may include a wind vane and an anemometer. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image). The mast 58 provides the wind turbine controller 36 with information that may include wind direction and / or wind speed.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, the pitch system 32 is at least partially arranged as a pitch assembly 66 in the hub 20. The pitch assembly 66 includes one or more pitch drive systems 68 and at least one sensor 70. Each pitch drive system 68 is connected to a corresponding rotor blade 22 (in Figure 1 (as shown in the figure) to adjust the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22 along the pitch axis 34. Figure 2 Only one of the three pitch drive systems 68 is shown in the image.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the pitch assembly 66 includes at least one pitch bearing 72, which is coupled to the hub 20 and the corresponding rotor blades 22 (in Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram) to rotate the corresponding rotor blades 22 about the pitch axis 34. The pitch drive system 68 includes a pitch drive motor 74, a pitch drive gearbox 76, and a pitch drive pinion 78. The pitch drive motor 74 is coupled to the pitch drive gearbox 76 such that the pitch drive motor 74 applies mechanical force to the pitch drive gearbox 76. The pitch drive gearbox 76 is coupled to the pitch drive pinion 78 such that the pitch drive pinion 78 is rotated by the pitch drive gearbox 76. The pitch bearing 72 is coupled to the pitch drive pinion 78 such that rotation of the pitch drive pinion 78 causes rotation of the pitch bearing 72.

[0116] The pitch drive system 68 is coupled to the wind turbine controller 36 for adjusting the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22 upon receiving one or more signals from the wind turbine controller 36. In an exemplary embodiment, the pitch drive motor 74 is any suitable motor driven by electrical power and / or a hydraulic system that enables the pitch assembly 66 to function as described herein. Alternatively, the pitch assembly 66 may include any suitable structure, configuration, arrangement, and / or components, such as, but not limited to, hydraulic cylinders, springs, and / or servo mechanisms. In some embodiments, the pitch drive motor 74 is driven by energy extracted from the rotational inertia of the hub 20 and / or from stored energy (not shown) that supplies energy to the components of the wind turbine 10.

[0117] The pitch assembly 66 also includes one or more pitch control systems 80 for controlling the pitch drive system 68 according to control signals from the wind turbine controller 36 in certain priority situations and / or during rotor 18 overspeed. In an exemplary embodiment, the pitch assembly 66 includes at least one pitch control system 80 communicatively coupled to a corresponding pitch drive system 68 for controlling the pitch drive system 68 independently of the wind turbine controller 36. In an exemplary embodiment, the pitch control system 80 is coupled to the pitch drive system 68 and the sensor 70. During normal operation of the wind turbine 10, the wind turbine controller 36 controls the pitch drive system 68 to adjust the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22.

[0118] In one embodiment, in particular, when the rotor 18 operates at overspeed, the pitch control system 80 overrides the wind turbine controller 36, causing the wind turbine controller 36 to cease controlling the pitch control system 80 and the pitch drive system 68. Therefore, the pitch control system 80 enables the pitch drive system 68 to move the rotor blades 22 to a feathering position to reduce the rotational speed of the rotor 18.

[0119] According to embodiments, a power generator 84, including, for example, a battery and / or capacitor, is arranged at or within the hub 20 and coupled to the sensor 70, the pitch control system 80, and the pitch drive system 68 to provide a power source for these components. In an exemplary embodiment, the power generator 84 provides a continuous power source to the pitch assembly 66 during operation of the wind turbine 10. In an alternative embodiment, the power generator 84 provides power to the pitch assembly 66 only during power loss events of the wind turbine 10. Power loss events may include grid loss or decline, electrical system failure of the wind turbine 10, and / or failure of the wind turbine controller 36. During power loss events, the power generator 84 operates to provide electrical power to the pitch assembly 66, enabling the pitch assembly 66 to operate during the power loss events.

[0120] In an exemplary embodiment, the pitch drive system 68, sensor 70, pitch control system 80, cables, and power generator 84 are each positioned within a cavity 86 defined by the inner surface 88 of the hub 20. In an alternative embodiment, the components are positioned relative to the outer surface 90 of the hub 20 and may be directly or indirectly coupled to the outer surface 90.

[0121] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view along the radial direction, while Figure 4 It is through according to Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of tower 100, wherein the system according to the present disclosure is assembled to tower segments 105, 106. The system includes an airflow control arrangement 130 and a support arrangement 124 for supporting the airflow control arrangement 130 and for mounting the airflow control arrangement 130 to tower walls 107 of tower segments 105, 106.

[0122] Tower segments 105, 106 and / or the corresponding tower 100 have a longitudinal direction 102 defined by a longitudinal axis 101 and a radial direction 104 defined by the radii of tower segments 105, 106, wherein the respective radii extend in a (horizontal) plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 101. Thus, a circumferential direction located in the radial (horizontal) plane can be determined. Unless otherwise stated, all references, specifications, orientations, and directions provided in this disclosure are associated with the longitudinal direction 102, radial direction 104, or circumferential direction of tower segments 105, 106 and / or the corresponding tower 100.

[0123] According to this embodiment, in Figure 4 The system shown includes five airflow manipulation arrangements 130 mounted to the tower wall 107 of the upper tower segment 105 by means of five corresponding support arrangements 120.

[0124] Tower 100 and / or corresponding tower segments 105, 106 have a tower diameter 103, wherein the tower diameter 103 varies along the longitudinal direction 102.

[0125] Figure 5 An embodiment of the system installed on the upper tower segment 105 is described in detail. The support arrangement 120 may include an upper support portion 123 and a lower support portion 124, both of which include a support beam 121 mounted to the tower wall 107 by means of a corresponding support fixing device 122. Specifically, the support fixing device 122 and the support beam 121 may be configured such that the support beam extends radially 104 on the outer surface of the tower wall 107, particularly horizontally or perpendicularly to the tower wall 107.

[0126] The airflow manipulation arrangement 130 includes an airflow manipulator 131 extending longitudinally 102 between an upper support portion 123 and a lower support portion 124. The upper support portion 123 supports the upper manipulator portion 133 of the airflow manipulator 131, while the lower support portion 124 holds the lower manipulator portion 134 of the airflow manipulator 131. For this purpose, the system may include a mounting arrangement 140 that is at least partially and effectively disposed between the upper manipulator portion 133 and the upper support portion 123, and at least partially and effectively disposed between the lower manipulator portion 134 and the lower support portion 124.

[0127] The airflow manipulator 131 extends radially 140 from the tower diameter 130 by 5% to 20% of the tower diameter 130. Therefore, the airflow manipulator 131 extends beyond the tower diameter 103 of the tower 100 and / or tower segments 105, 106, such that the vortex shedding effect caused by the airflow facing the tower segments 105, 106 is reduced by the airflow manipulator 131.

[0128] For example, the mounting arrangement 140 may include mounting devices 141, such as ropes, cables 142 and 143, and associated fastening devices, such as screws. Furthermore, the mounting arrangement 140 may include an inner cable 142, an outer cable 143, a support device 144, and a tensioning device 145. The inner cable 142 and the outer cable 143 are attached to corresponding support beams 121 of the upper support portion 123 and the lower support portion 124, providing a frame-like support structure, wherein the upper support beam 121 and the lower support beam 121 constrain the support frame along the longitudinal direction 102, and the outer cable 143 and the inner cable 142 act along the radial direction 104.

[0129] The airflow manipulator 131 is at least partially made of fabric 135 and extends within a frame formed by a support beam 121 and outer cables 143 and inner cables 142.

[0130] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, multiple systems are provided to cover most of the length of tower 100. When wind flows around tower 100 (which has a system including an airflow manipulation arrangement mounted to tower wall 107), airflow cannot be established near the surface of tower wall 107 because the airflow is disturbed by airflow manipulator 131. As a result, the Karman vortex street affecting the tower cannot form, which effectively suppresses the negative effects of vortex shedding.

[0131] like Figure 3 and Figure 5As reflected in the diagram, the fabric 135 of the airflow manipulator 131 is not airtight overall, but has increased permeability due to its predetermined mesh structure. Therefore, the wind pressure collected by the airflow manipulator arrangement 130 and transmitted as wind load to the tower segments 105, 106 via the support arrangement 120 is reduced. A portion of the airflow can still pass through the airflow manipulator 131.

[0132] Figure 6 Alternative configurations of the airflow manipulator 131 are described, wherein the material and / or fabric 135 of the airflow manipulator 131 includes openings 136 to reduce the associated wind load. The size and number of the provided openings 136 are selected such that the formation of Karman vortex streets is still prevented by the flat surface of the airflow manipulator 131, wherein the wind load is reduced due to the presence of the openings 136.

[0133] In addition, the details of the installation arrangement 140 are as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the inner cable 142 in the outer cable 143 forms a guiding system for the airflow manipulator 131. In fact, the airflow manipulator 131 includes a receiving device embodied as a support device 144 (hole), through which the inner cable 142 or the outer cable 143 is guided.

[0134] The inner cable 142 and the outer cable 143 are mounted to the support beam 121 of the upper support portion 123 by means of a support device 144. In order to tension the cables 142 and 143, a tensioning device 145 is provided at the lower support portion 124.

[0135] The assembly process can be described as follows: while the tower segments 105, 106 are still on the ground, the support arrangement 120 is installed onto the tower wall 107. For example, corresponding support beams 121 may protrude from the tower wall 107, wherein (outer and) inner support fixing devices 122 are provided for mounting the support beams in their vertical positions relative to the tower wall 107.

[0136] Subsequently, the tower segments 106 and 105 can be placed on top of each other by connecting the corresponding tower flanges 108 to erect the tower 100. Then, the airflow control arrangement 130 can be raised to the corresponding tower segments 105 and 106. Alternatively, the airflow control arrangement 130 can be installed on the tower segments 106 and 105 before erecting these tower segments.

[0137] After the nacelle 16 is installed onto the top flange 109 of the upper tower segment 105, the system including the airflow control arrangement 130 is disassembled. For this purpose, the assembly cable 110 can be connected to the internal portion of the support beam 121. When the corresponding support fixing device 122 is removed, the support beam 121 can be lowered from the tower 100 by releasing the assembly cable 110.

[0138] In particular, the support arrangement 120 includes a protective device configured to prevent damage or negative impact on the tower 100 when the support arrangement is lowered from its installation position.

[0139] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, but may include other examples that may occur to those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include elements that are not different from the written language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the written language of the claims.

[0140] This invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and may be embodied in various forms within its spirit. For example, the technical features of the embodiments and the modifications corresponding to the technical features of the aspects described according to the summary of the invention may be suitably replaced or combined to solve some or all of the above problems or to obtain some or all of the above effects. Technical features may also be suitably omitted unless they are described as essential in this specification.

[0141] This disclosure may be further summarized by the following provisions.

[0142] Clause 1. A system for tower segments (105, 106) of a tower (100) for a wind turbine (10), the tower segments (105, 106) having a longitudinal direction (102) and a radial direction (104), the system comprising:

[0143] - An airflow control arrangement (130) with an airflow manipulator (131), and

[0144] - A support arrangement (120) configured to support the airflow control arrangement (130) and for mounting the airflow control arrangement (130) to tower segments (105, 106).

[0145] -The airflow manipulator arrangement (130) and the support arrangement (120) are configured such that, when installed on tower segments (105, 106), the airflow manipulator (131) extends radially (104) beyond the tower diameter (103) by at least 5%, particularly at least 10%, preferably at least 15%, particularly not exceeding 30%, and further particularly not exceeding 20%, and the vortex shedding effect on the tower segments (105, 106) caused by the airflow facing the tower segments (105, 106) is reduced by the airflow manipulator (131), and / or

[0146] -The airflow manipulator (131) extends substantially in the longitudinal direction (102) along the tower segment (105, 106) when installed on the tower segment (105, 106), such that the vortex shedding effect on the tower (100) caused by the airflow facing the tower (100) is reduced by the airflow manipulator (131).

[0147] Clause 2. The system described in Clause 1, wherein the airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 20%, particularly at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, and more preferably at least 80% of the relevant length of the tower segment (105, 106) in the longitudinal direction (102).

[0148] Clause 3. The system described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the airflow manipulator (131) forms an effective flat surface (132).

[0149] Clause 4. The system described in Clause 3, wherein the support arrangement (120) is configured such that the effective flat surface (132) deviates from the plane formed by the longitudinal direction (102) and the radial direction (104) by no more than 45°, especially no more than 30°, preferably no more than 15°, and / or the effective flat surface (132) extends substantially in the plane formed by the longitudinal direction (102) and the radial direction (104).

[0150] Clause 5. The system described in any of the preceding clauses,

[0151] -The airflow manipulator (131) has a drag coefficient of not more than 1, especially not more than 0.6, preferably not more than 0.4, more preferably not more than 0.3, and / or

[0152] -The airflow manipulator (131) has a relative permeability of at least 500 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 Especially at least 1000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m 2 Preferred flow rate is at least 2000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 Furthermore, especially not exceeding 25,000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 Furthermore, especially not exceeding 20,000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 The preferred flow rate is no more than 15,000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m]]. 2 )).

[0153] The system described in Clause 6.4, wherein the airflow manipulator (131) comprises fabric (135), wherein, in particular, the airflow manipulator (131) is made substantially of fabric (135).

[0154] Clause 7. The system described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the support arrangement (120) includes a support beam (121) configured to be mounted to the tower wall (107) and a support fixing device (122) configured to fix the support beam (121) to the tower wall (107), in particular, wherein when mounted, the support beam (121) extends substantially in the radial direction (104).

[0155] Clause 8. The system described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein the support arrangement (120) includes an upper support portion (123) configured to receive an upper manipulator portion (133) of an airflow manipulator (131) and a lower support portion (124) configured to receive a lower manipulator portion (134) of an airflow manipulator (131), such that the airflow manipulator (131) extends in a longitudinal direction (102) between the upper support portion (123) and the lower support portion (124).

[0156] Clause 9. The system described in Clause 7 includes a mounting arrangement (140) having mounting devices (141) for mounting the airflow manipulation arrangement (130) to the support arrangement (120), the mounting arrangement (140) including a longitudinal retaining device arranged in the longitudinal direction (102) between the upper support portion (123) and the lower support portion (124).

[0157] The system described in Clause 10. Clause 8, wherein the retaining device comprises at least a radial inner cable (142) and a radial outer cable (143), and wherein the support arrangement (120) is configured such that the inner cable (142) can be arranged closer to the tower wall (107) than the outer cable (143).

[0158] Clause 11. The system of any one of the preceding clauses includes at least three, particularly four, preferably five support arrangements (120), corresponding airflow manipulation arrangements (130) and corresponding mounting arrangements (140).

[0159] Clause 12. The system described in any of the preceding clauses includes an assembly device configured to at least partially lower the support arrangement (120), particularly the support beam (121), when the tower segments (105, 106) are erected and the system is to be dismantled, and particularly wherein the assembly device includes at least one assembly cable (110).

[0160] Clause 13. The system described in Clause 12, wherein the support arrangement (120) includes a protective device configured to prevent damage or negative impact on the tower from the support arrangement (120) when the support arrangement is lowered from its mounting position.

[0161] Clause 14. A tower segment (105, 106) for a tower (100) of a wind turbine (10), comprising the system described in any of the preceding clauses.

[0162] Clause 15. A wind turbine (10) comprising a tower (100) having at least one tower segment (105, 106) as described in Clause 14, with a nacelle (16) mounted relative to the tower (10).

[0163] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0164] Diagram

[0165] 10 wind turbines

[0166] 14 Support System

[0167] Cabin 16

[0168] 18 rotors

[0169] 20 Rotatable Hubs

[0170] 22 rotor blades

[0171] 24 leaf base

[0172] 26 Load Transfer Area

[0173] 28 wind direction

[0174] 30 Rotation axis

[0175] 32 pitch system

[0176] 34 Pitch Shaft

[0177] 36 Wind Turbine Controller

[0178] 38 yaw axis

[0179] 40 processors

[0180] 42 Electric Generator

[0181] 44 spindle

[0182] 46 gearbox

[0183] 48 high-speed shaft

[0184] 50 connectors

[0185] 52 main frame

[0186] 54 Separate support device

[0187] 56 Yaw Drive Mechanism

[0188] 58 Weather Masts

[0189] 60 front support bearing

[0190] 62 rear support bearing

[0191] 64 Transmission System

[0192] 66 Pitch Assembly

[0193] 68 pitch drive system

[0194] 70 sensors

[0195] 72 pitch bearing

[0196] 74 pitch drive motor

[0197] 76 Pitch Drive Gearbox

[0198] 78 pitch drive pinion

[0199] 80 pitch control system

[0200] 100 towers

[0201] 101 Tower Axis

[0202] 102 Longitudinal axis

[0203] 103 tower diameter

[0204] 104 radial direction

[0205] 105 Upper Tower Segment

[0206] 106 Lower Tower Segment

[0207] 107 Tower Wall

[0208] 108 tower flange

[0209] 109 Top Flange

[0210] 110 Assembly Cable

[0211] 120 support arrangement

[0212] 121 Support Beam

[0213] 122 Support and Fixing Device

[0214] 123 Upper support section

[0215] 124 Lower Support Section

[0216] 130 airflow control arrangement

[0217] 131 airflow manipulator

[0218] 132 Effective flat surface

[0219] 133 Upper Control Unit

[0220] 134 Lower Control Unit

[0221] 135 fabric

[0222] 136 opening

[0223] 140 Installation and Layout

[0224] 141 Mounting Devices

[0225] 142 internal cable

[0226] 143 external cable

[0227] 144 support device

[0228] 145 tensioning device.

Claims

1. A system for tower segments (105, 106) of a tower (100) for a wind turbine (10), said tower segments (105, 106) having a longitudinal direction (102) and a radial direction (104), said system comprising: - An airflow control arrangement (130) having an airflow manipulator (131) having a flow rate of at least 500 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 The relative penetration rate of )] and - A support arrangement (120) configured to support an airflow control arrangement (130) and for mounting the airflow control arrangement (130) to the tower segments (105, 106). - wherein the airflow manipulator arrangement (130) and the support arrangement (120) are configured such that, when installed onto the tower segments (105, 106), the airflow manipulator (131) extends radially (104) beyond the tower diameter (103) by at least 5%, and the vortex shedding effect on the tower segments (105, 106) caused by airflow facing the tower segments (105, 106) is reduced by the airflow manipulator (131), and / or - wherein the airflow manipulator (131) extends substantially longitudinally (102) along the tower segment (105, 106) when installed to the tower segment (105, 106), such that the vortex shedding effect on the tower (100) caused by the airflow facing the tower (100) is reduced by the airflow manipulator (131).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 10% of the tower diameter (103) in the radial direction (104).

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 15% of the tower diameter (103) in the radial direction (104).

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends radially (104) beyond the tower diameter (103) by no more than 30%.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends radially (104) beyond the tower diameter (103) by no more than 20%.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 20% in the longitudinal direction (102) along the relevant length of the tower segment (105, 106).

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 30% in the longitudinal direction (102) along the relevant length of the tower segment (105, 106).

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 40% in the longitudinal direction (102) along the relevant length of the tower segment (105, 106).

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 80% of the relevant length of the tower segment (105, 106) in the longitudinal direction (102).

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) forms an effective flat surface (132).

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein, The support arrangement (120) is configured such that the effective flat surface (132) deviates from the plane formed by the longitudinal direction (102) and the radial direction (104) by no more than 45º, and / or the effective flat surface (132) extends substantially in the plane formed by the longitudinal direction (102) and the radial direction (104).

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The support arrangement (120) is configured such that the effective flat surface (132) deviates from the plane formed by the longitudinal direction (102) and the radial direction (104) by no more than 30º.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The support arrangement (120) is configured such that the effective flat surface (132) deviates from the plane formed by the longitudinal direction (102) and the radial direction (104) by no more than 15º.

14. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, -The airflow manipulator (131) has a drag coefficient of no more than 1, and / or -The airflow manipulator (131) described therein has a relative permeability of at least 1000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 )).

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) has a drag coefficient of no more than 0.

6.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) has a drag coefficient of no more than 0.

4.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) has a drag coefficient of no more than 0.

3.

18. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) has a relative permeability of at least 2000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m]]. 2 )).

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) has a relative permeability of no more than 25,000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m]]. 2 )).

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) has a relative permeability of no more than 20,000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m]]. 2 )).

21. The system according to claim 20, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) has a relative permeability of no more than 15,000 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m]]. 2 )).

22. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) includes a fabric (135).

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) is essentially made of the fabric (135).

24. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The support arrangement (120) includes a support beam (121) configured to be mounted to the tower wall (107) and a support fixing device (122) configured to fix the support beam (121) to the tower wall (107).

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein, When installed, the support beam (121) extends substantially in the radial direction (104).

26. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The support arrangement (120) includes an upper support portion (123) configured to receive an upper manipulator portion (133) of the airflow manipulator (131) and a lower support portion (124) configured to receive a lower manipulator portion (134) of the airflow manipulator (131), such that the airflow manipulator (131) extends in the longitudinal direction (102) between the upper support portion (123) and the lower support portion (124).

27. The system of claim 26, the system comprising a mounting arrangement (140) having a mounting device (141) for mounting the airflow manipulation arrangement (130) to the support arrangement (120), the mounting arrangement (140) including a longitudinal retaining device disposed in a longitudinal direction (102) between the upper support portion (123) and the lower support portion (124).

28. The system according to claim 27, wherein, The retaining device includes at least an inner radial cable (142) and an outer radial cable (143), wherein the support arrangement (120) is configured such that the inner cable (142) can be arranged closer to the tower wall (107) than the outer cable (143).

29. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the system comprising at least three support arrangements (120), corresponding airflow manipulation arrangements (130) and corresponding mounting arrangements (140).

30. The system according to claim 29, wherein, The system includes four support arrangements (120), corresponding airflow manipulation arrangements (130), and corresponding mounting arrangements (140).

31. The system according to claim 29, wherein, The system includes five support arrangements (120), corresponding airflow manipulation arrangements (130), and corresponding mounting arrangements (140).

32. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the system comprising an assembly device configured to at least partially lower the support arrangement (120) when the tower segments (105, 106) are erected and the system is to be dismantled.

33. The system according to claim 24, wherein, The support arrangement (120) is the support beam (121).

34. The system according to claim 32, wherein, The assembly device includes at least one assembly cable (110).

35. The system according to claim 32, wherein, The support arrangement (120) includes a protective device configured to prevent damage or negative impact on the tower by the support arrangement (120) when the support arrangement is lowered from its installation position.

36. A tower segment (105, 106) for a tower (100) of a wind turbine (10), the tower segment (105, 106) having a longitudinal direction (102) and a radial direction (104), and comprising a system having: - An airflow control arrangement (130) having an airflow manipulator (131) having a flow rate of at least 500 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 The relative penetration rate of )] and - A support arrangement (120) configured to support the airflow control arrangement (130) and for mounting the airflow control arrangement (130) to the tower segments (105, 106). - wherein the airflow manipulator arrangement (130) and the support arrangement (120) are configured such that, when installed on the tower segments (105, 106), the airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 5% of the tower diameter (103) in the radial direction (104), and the vortex shedding effect on the tower segments (105, 106) caused by the airflow facing the tower segments (105, 106) is reduced by the airflow manipulator (131), and / or - wherein the airflow manipulator (131) extends substantially longitudinally (102) along the tower segment (105, 106) when installed to the tower segment (105, 106), such that the vortex shedding effect on the tower (100) caused by the airflow facing the tower (100) is reduced by the airflow manipulator (131).

37. The tower segment according to claim 36, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 10% of the tower diameter (103) in the radial direction (104).

38. The tower segment according to claim 37, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 15% of the tower diameter (103) in the radial direction (104).

39. The tower segment according to claim 38, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends out of the tower diameter (103) by no more than 30% in the radial direction (104).

40. The tower segment according to claim 39, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends out of the tower diameter (103) by no more than 20% in the radial direction (104).

41. A wind turbine (10) comprising a tower (100) having a nacelle (16) rotatably mounted to the tower (100), and tower segments (105, 106) for the tower (100) of the wind turbine (10), the tower segments (105, 106) having a longitudinal direction (102) and a radial direction (104) and comprising a system having: - An airflow control arrangement (130) having an airflow manipulator (131) having a flow rate of at least 500 liters / minute / square meter [l / (min*m] 2 The relative penetration rate of )] and - A support arrangement (120) configured to support the airflow control arrangement (130) and for mounting the airflow control arrangement (130) to the tower segments (105, 106). - wherein the airflow manipulator arrangement (130) and the support arrangement (120) are configured such that, when installed on the tower segments (105, 106), the airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 5% of the tower diameter (103) in the radial direction (104), and the vortex shedding effect on the tower segments (105, 106) caused by the airflow facing the tower segments (105, 106) is reduced by the airflow manipulator (131), and / or - wherein the airflow manipulator (131) extends substantially longitudinally (102) along the tower segment (105, 106) when installed to the tower segment (105, 106), such that the vortex shedding effect on the tower (100) caused by the airflow facing the tower (100) is reduced by the airflow manipulator (131).

42. The wind turbine according to claim 41, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 10% of the tower diameter (103) in the radial direction (104).

43. The wind turbine according to claim 42, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends at least 15% of the tower diameter (103) in the radial direction (104).

44. The wind turbine according to claim 43, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends out of the tower diameter (103) by no more than 30% in the radial direction (104).

45. The wind turbine according to claim 44, wherein, The airflow manipulator (131) extends out of the tower diameter (103) by no more than 20% in the radial direction (104).

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