A platform for a tower of a wind turbine and a wind turbine

Abstract

A platform for a tower (2) of a wind turbine (1), wherein the platform (6) is adapted for a suspension arrangement inside the tower (2) and comprises at least one support device (9) for supporting the platform (6) against a tower wall (7) in horizontal direction, wherein the support device (9) comprises a foot section (10) for contacting the tower wall (7), an abutment section (11) attached to the platform (6) and a pretensioning device (12) which preloads the foot section (10) against the abutment section (11) with a pretensioning force (F p ) directed to the tower wall (7), wherein the foot section (10) is movable at least partially towards the platform (6) when a force (F l ) directed to the platform (6) and acting on the foot section (10) exceeds the pretensioning force (F p ).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a platform for a wind turbine tower, wherein the platform is adapted for a suspended arrangement within the tower and includes at least one support device for supporting the platform against a tower wall in a horizontal direction. Furthermore, this invention relates to a wind turbine. Background Technology

[0002] Inside a wind turbine tower, one or more platforms can be provided to allow for the arrangement of wind turbine components at one or more horizontal positions within the tower. The platforms can be attached to the tower walls, for example, in a suspended arrangement where the platforms are suspended from the tower walls. This suspended arrangement may require limiting the horizontal movement of the platforms within the tower. In this context, it is known to use machine outriggers mounted on the platforms, which are pushed horizontally against the tower walls.

[0003] KR 10-1676202 B1 describes a suspended platform for a wind turbine tower. The platform includes multiple support structures that horizontally support the platform against the inner wall of the tower. Each support structure includes a pressing member that is pressed against the tower wall using a spring arranged between the edge of the platform and the pressing member. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a platform for wind turbines that allows for improved support on the tower wall.

[0005] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by the platform described at the beginning, wherein the support device includes a leg section for contacting the tower wall, an adjacent section attached to the platform, and a pretensioning device, wherein the pretensioning device preloads the leg section against the adjacent section with a pretensioning force pointing toward the tower wall, wherein the leg section can move at least partially toward the platform when the force pointing toward the platform and acting on the leg section exceeds the pretensioning force.

[0006] The pretensioning device abuts against the adjacent pretensioning leg section. The pretensioning device may be compressible and is arranged to be at least partially compressed in the unloaded state of the support. In particular, the pretensioning device may be further compressed to absorb loads exceeding the pretension force.

[0007] The adjacent section is attached to the platform such that the pretensioning device presses against the adjacent section against the leg section, for example, with a pretensioning force pointing towards the adjacent inner wall of the tower. The leg section may at least partially protrude from the edge of the platform. In particular, the protruding portion of the leg section may move toward the adjacent edge of the platform, or the entire leg section may move toward the center or central portion of the platform, respectively. Thus, the support device is compliant and / or at least partially retractable, wherein the leg section retracts when the force acting on the leg section from the tower wall exceeds the pretensioning force.

[0008] Pressing the foot section against the adjacent section results in a pretension force. Before movement of the foot section and / or compression of the pretensioning device, etc., become possible, the force acting on the foot section from the tower wall must exceed the pretension force. This has the advantage that when the load acting on the foot section is below the pretension force, the support structure, or the platform supported by one or more of the support structures, exhibits rigid behavior.

[0009] Advantageously, the inherent stiffness of the support structure against forces or loads below the pre-tension prevents the platform from moving during normal operation, where no load peaks occur. The flexibility present during normal operation, even when only small forces act on the support structure from the tower walls, would allow the platform to oscillate, making walking or working on the platform unsafe. Furthermore, such permanent oscillation or movement of the platform could lead to fatigue problems between the platform and adjacent structures, such as ladders, support struts, and other structures installed between one or more platforms and / or other sections of the wind turbine.

[0010] Therefore, the support structure adapts only to forces or loads exceeding the pre-tension, ensuring that the support protects the platform from damage when higher loads or load peaks act on the support's foot sections from the tower wall. This compliance of the support structure positioned between the platform and the tower wall helps reduce extreme loads that cause large horizontal accelerations on the platform. Due to the platform's inertia and its suspended nature, such accelerations can lead to high loads being transmitted through the support structure. In the case of a permanently rigid support structure, these loads would be transmitted within the platform itself, causing strain in structures mounted on the platform (such as electrical cabinets, cable trays, and guides).

[0011] Providing pretension has the following advantages: it protects the platform from high load peaks. This reduces the amount of material required to manufacture the platform, as it can be constructed for the lower maximum load the platform must withstand. Advantageously, the platform according to the invention can be manufactured with fewer materials and components and / or with fewer support structures, which reduces manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the weight of the platform can also be reduced, thus facilitating the transport and installation of the platform.

[0012] The pretensioning device abuts against the preloaded support section of the adjacent section, ensuring the support system functions rigidly during normal operation but compliantly under extreme loads, thus guaranteeing complete stability of the platform during normal wind turbine operation. Simultaneously, it prevents extreme loads from being transferred to the platform, thereby reducing the requirements for the support system, the platform, and other structures mounted on it.

[0013] Preferably, the platform includes a plurality of support devices arranged around the circumference of the platform. In particular, the platform may be circular, such that it includes a circular outer circumference. However, other shapes of the platform (such as rectangular, square, etc.) are also possible, depending on the cross-sectional geometry of the tower of the wind turbine on which the platform is to be mounted.

[0014] By providing multiple support devices, the platform can be supported everywhere around its outer circumference to withstand horizontal loads in any direction. In particular, the support devices can be equidistantly distributed around the circumference of the platform. For example, on a circular platform including three support devices, the support devices can be spaced apart in 120° increments around the outer circumference of the circle.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the adjacent section includes a U-shaped bracket that at least partially surrounds a portion of the pretensioning device and a leg section, wherein the pretensioning device presses against the plate section of the leg section against the U-shaped bracket. Specifically, the leg section is arranged between the legs of the U-shaped bracket. The leg section can be considered as either an inner bracket of the U-shaped bracket or an inner bracket of the adjacent section.

[0016] The pretensioning device, in particular, presses against the plate section of the foot section of the intermediate section of the U-shaped bracket, wherein the portions of the foot sections protruding from the intermediate section of the U-shaped bracket along the tower wall direction are respectively connected to or in direct contact with a portion of the inner tower wall. On the opposite side, the legs of the U-shaped bracket may be attached to the platform directly or through one or more other portions of the adjacent section. The plate section may be a flat plate, or it may be part of a section with a more complex geometry.

[0017] Preferably, the leg section includes a rod extending at least between the base of the plate section and the leg section to contact the tower wall. The plate section may be located away from the base, wherein both the base and the plate section may be securely connected to the rod, or may be cast as a single piece with the rod.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rod extends through a hole in the plate section, wherein the length of the portion of the support section protruding from the adjacent section toward the tower wall is adjustable.

[0019] Preferably, the rod includes a threaded section extending through the hole. The threaded section can be attached to the plate section by at least two nuts engaging the threaded section. This allows adjustment of the length of the leg section protruding from the adjacent section, particularly from the middle section of the U-shaped bracket of the adjacent section. By adjusting the length of the leg section protruding from the adjacent section, small gaps between the platform and the inner wall of the tower can be bridged. In particular, it is possible to adjust the rod section to protrude between 1 cm and 20 cm from the side of the adjacent section, respectively pointing towards the adjacent portion of the inner tower wall.

[0020] Preferably, the pretensioning device includes a spring, particularly a disc spring, leaf spring, vane spring, or gas spring, and / or a compression elastic member. Preferably, the pretensioning device may include a helical disc spring arranged at least partially around a rod section of the foot section. The pretensioning device, including the compression spring and / or compression elastic member, can press against an adjacent section to the foot section to induce a pretension force. Furthermore, when the load acting on the foot section exceeds the pretension force, further compression of the pretensioning device is possible, such that load peaks can be attenuated and / or at least partially absorbed by the support device or its pretensioning device.

[0021] Preferably, the pretensioning device is adjustable, wherein the pretensioning force depends on the adjustment of the pretensioning device. For example, the spring of the pretensioning device can be adjusted by providing adjustable compression of the spring in the pretensioned state of the pretensioning device or in the unloaded state of the support device. The gas spring of the pretensioning device can be adjusted, for example, by changing the gas pressure of the gas spring. Similarly, the elastic member can be provided with different compressions in the pretensioned state of the pretensioning device.

[0022] In one embodiment, the support device includes at least one guide device for guiding the movement of the leg section toward the platform. The guide device allows the leg section to be guided when the pretensioning device is compressed by a load acting on the leg section exceeding the pretension force. The leg section can be guided linearly, such that its movement is restricted to lateral movement, particularly toward the edge and / or center of the platform.

[0023] Preferably, the guiding device is a groove in an adjacent section, wherein the protrusion of the leg section engages in the groove. Specifically, the guiding device can be a groove in the leg of a U-shaped bracket in an adjacent section. The protrusion of the leg section (e.g., the protrusion of the plate section of the leg section) can engage in the groove. It is possible that both legs of the U-shaped bracket include grooves as guiding devices.

[0024] Preferably, the platform includes a plurality of attachment devices arranged around the circumference of the platform. The attachment devices may be, for example, attachment struts, with the end of each strut opposite the platform attachable to a tower wall. This allows the platform to be arranged in a suspended configuration within the tower.

[0025] The wind turbine according to the invention includes at least one platform according to the invention. In particular, the wind turbine may include multiple platforms arranged inside the hollow tower of the wind turbine. For example, the wind turbine may include between one and ten (e.g., six) platforms inside the tower.

[0026] All the details and advantages described regarding the platform according to the invention apply accordingly to the wind turbine according to the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the following specific embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are merely schematic diagrams designed for illustrative purposes and do not limit the invention. The drawings show:

[0028] Figure 1 This is an embodiment of the wind turbine according to the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is an embodiment of the platform according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a platform support device according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a top view of a first embodiment of a platform support device according to the present invention, and

[0032] Figure 5 This is a top view of a second embodiment of the platform support device according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] exist Figure 1 The image shows an embodiment of a wind turbine 1. The wind turbine 1 includes a tower 2 that supports a nacelle 3. The nacelle 3 carries a hub 4 to which multiple rotor blades 5 of the wind turbine 1 are attached. Multiple platforms 6 are arranged inside the tower 2. The platforms 6 are suspended inside the tower 2, wherein the platforms 6 are attached to an inner tower wall 7 by multiple attachment devices 8. The attachment between the attachment devices 8 and the inner wall 7 of the tower 2 occurs at the ends of the attachment devices 8 away from the surface of the platform 6, such that each platform 6 is arranged in a suspended manner inside the tower 2.

[0034] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates an embodiment of platform 6. Platform 6 includes a plurality of attachment devices 8 arranged around the outer circumference of circular platform 6. The attachment devices 8 are provided as attachment pillars, which are arranged in pairs at equal intervals around the outer circumference of circular platform 6. It is possible that platform 6 includes attachment devices 8 of different shapes, different numbers, and / or different arrangements of attachment devices 8 on platform 6.

[0035] To allow the platform 6 to be supported horizontally against the inner tower wall 7, the platform 6 includes a plurality of support devices 9. Each of the support devices 9 includes a foot section 10 that contacts the tower wall 7 in a portion directly adjacent to the support device 9. The support devices 9 provide horizontal support for the platform 6 within the tower.

[0036] The support devices 9 are arranged around the outer circumference of the platform 6. The support devices 9 can be arranged equidistantly around the circumference. Another distribution of the support devices 9 around the circumference is also possible. In this embodiment, the platform 6 includes three support devices, each of which is arranged to be offset by 120° around the circular circumference of the platform 6.

[0037] exist Figure 3 The first embodiment of the support device 9 is shown in perspective view. The support device 9 includes a foot section 10 for contacting the tower wall 7, an adjacent section 11 attached to the platform 6, and a pretensioning device 12 that preloads the foot section 10 against the adjacent section 11. In this embodiment, the pretensioning device is provided as a helical coil spring. The pretensioning device 12 applies a pretensioning force F pointing towards the tower wall 7 or towards the base 13 of the foot section 10, respectively. p Preload the support leg section 10 of the adjacent section 11.

[0038] The adjacent section 11 includes a U-shaped bracket 14 that surrounds the pretensioning device 12 and a portion of the foot section 10. The U-shaped bracket 14 includes two legs 15, 16, with the pretensioning device 12 and a portion of the foot section 10 arranged between the legs 15, 16. The pretensioning device 12 presses against the plate section 17 of the foot section 10 against the middle portion 18 of the U-shaped bracket 14. The plate section 17 is attached to a rod 19 of the foot section 10, wherein the rod 19 extends through a hole 20 in the adjacent section 14, particularly in the middle section 18 of the U-shaped bracket 14. In this embodiment, the adjacent section 14 is attached to the platform 6 by a plurality of screws 21. The foot section 10 forms the inner bracket of the U-shaped bracket 14.

[0039] Pretension F p The middle portion 18 of the U-shaped bracket 14 or the adjacent section 11 presses against the plate section 17 of the support leg section 10. When the load force F from the tower wall 2... l When acting on the outrigger section 10, it must first exceed the pretension force F. pThen, further compression of the pretensioning device 12 occurs, and thus movement of the support leg section 10 occurs. This is for situations below the pretension force F. p Force F l Provides rigid support for platform 6 on the inner wall 7 of tower 2.

[0040] For exceeding the pretension force F p load F l This allows for compatibility support from platform 6. Higher load F l Exceeding the pretension force F p The portion can be absorbed at least partially by further compression of the pretensioning device 12 and corresponding movement of the foot section 10. Compression of the pretensioning device 12 causes the movable foot section 10 to retract toward the edge of the platform 6 or toward the center of the platform 6, respectively.

[0041] To guide this retraction movement, the support device 9 includes two guide devices 22. Each guide device 22 includes a groove 23, 24 disposed in one of the legs 15, 16 of the U-shaped bracket 14. The plate section 17 of the foot section 10 includes two protrusions 25, 26, each engaging in one of the grooves 23, 24.

[0042] exist Figure 4 The image shows a top view of the support device 9. The rod section 19 of the foot section 12 includes a threaded section 27 extending through a hole 28 in the plate section 17. Two nuts 29, 30 are attached to the threaded section 27 to allow adjustment of the length of the foot section 10. Specifically, the length of the portion of the foot section 10 protruding from the edge of the platform 6 toward the inner tower wall 7 can be adjusted. This allows for bridging gaps of varying sizes between the tower wall 7 and the platform 6. The foot section 10 can be adjusted, for example, to protrude between 1 cm and 20 cm from the middle section 18 of the U-shaped bracket 14 toward the inner tower wall 7.

[0043] The U-shaped bracket 14 of the attachment portion 11 can be directly attached to the platform 6. Alternatively, an attachment structure may be provided on the top and / or bottom surface of the platform 6, to which the attachment portion 11 or the U-shaped bracket 14 is respectively attached.

[0044] exist Figure 5 The image shows a second embodiment of the support device 9. In this embodiment, the attachment portion 11 includes a base plate 31, which is attached to the platform 6. The base plate 31 is connected to the U-shaped bracket 14 by screws 21.

[0045] The base plate 31 includes a hole 32 with internal threads, through which the adjusting device 33 of the support device 9 extends. The adjusting device 33 includes a plate section 34 that directly contacts the pretensioning device 12. Furthermore, the adjusting device 33 includes a threaded portion 35 that protrudes through the hole 32 and engages in the internal threads of the hole 32. The adjusting device 33 allows adjustment of the pretension force F of the pretensioning device 12 by moving the base plate 31 closer to the middle section 18 of the U-shaped bracket 14. p This increases the initial compression of the pretensioning device 12, and therefore increases the force F of the support device 9 in the unloaded state. p To further secure the position of the adjusting device 33, one or more nuts 36 can be attached to the threaded portion 35.

[0046] Other types of pretensioning devices 12 can be used as a supplement to or alternative to the disc spring. Pretensioning devices may also be used, including leaf springs, disc springs, gas springs, or combinations of these types of springs. Alternatively, a compressible elastic member may also be used as the pretensioning device 12. As discussed with respect to the second embodiment, the pretensioning force F... p Adjustment can also be achieved through other types of pretensioning devices 12. When using a gas spring, adjustment can also be made by adjusting the gas pressure in the gas spring.

[0047] The pretensioning device 12 applies a pretensioning force, for example, 10 kN, between 1 kN and 100 kN, particularly between 5 kN and 25 kN. This allows the platform 6 to be rigidly arranged inside the tower 2 under normal load conditions of the wind turbine 1.

[0048] When a higher load occurs, for example due to increased movement caused by wind on tower 2, exceeding the pretension F p This causes the pretensioning device 12 to be partially compressed, and the support leg section 10 to move at least partially toward the platform 6. Advantageously, the absorption of high load peaks by the support device 9 allows for a reduction in the amount of material and / or support structure of the platform 6, thereby reducing the weight and material required for the platform 6 in the wind turbine 1.

[0049] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and those skilled in the art can derive other modifications based on the disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A platform for a tower (2) of a wind turbine (1), wherein, The platform (6) is adapted for suspension within the tower (2) and includes at least one support device (9) for supporting the platform (6) against the tower wall (7) in a horizontal direction. The support device (9) includes a leg section (10) for contacting the tower wall (7), an adjacent section (11) attached to the platform (6), and a pre-tensioning device (12), wherein the pre-tensioning device applies a pre-tensioning force (F) directed towards the tower wall (7). p The support leg section (10) is preloaded by abutting against the adjacent section (11), wherein the force (F) pointing towards the platform (6) and acting on the support leg section (10) is... l ) exceeding the pretension force (F) p When the platform (6) is in motion, the support leg section (10) can move at least partially toward the platform (6). The adjacent section (11) includes a U-shaped bracket (14) that at least partially surrounds the pretensioning device (12) and a portion of the foot section (10), wherein the pretensioning device (12) presses against the U-shaped bracket (14) against the plate section (17) of the foot section (10). The support section (10) includes a rod (19) extending at least between the plate section (17) and the base (13) of the support section (10) to contact the tower wall (7). The rod (19) extends through the hole (28) in the plate section (17), and the length of the portion of the support section (10) protruding from the adjacent section (11) toward the tower wall (7) is adjustable. The rod (19) includes a threaded section (27) to which two nuts (29, 30) are attached to the threaded section (27) to allow adjustment of the length of the support section (10) without changing the pretension (F). p ).

2. The platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The platform (6) includes a plurality of support devices (9), wherein the support devices (9) are arranged around the circumference of the platform (6).

3. The platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pretensioning device (12) includes a spring.

4. The platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pretensioning device is adjustable, wherein the pretensioning force (F) is... p It depends on the adjustment of the pre-tensioning device (12).

5. The platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support device (9) includes at least one guide device (22) for guiding the leg section (10) toward the platform (6).

6. The platform according to claim 5, characterized in that, The guide device (22) is a groove (23, 24) in the adjacent section (11), wherein the protrusion (25, 26) of the support section engages in the groove (23).

7. The platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The platform includes a plurality of attachment devices (8), wherein the attachment devices (8) are arranged around the circumference of the platform (6).

8. The platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pretensioning device (12) includes a disc spring.

9. The platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pretensioning device (12) includes a leaf spring.

10. The platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pretensioning device (12) includes a disc spring.

11. The platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pretensioning device (12) includes a gas spring.

12. The platform according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pretensioning device (12) includes a compression elastic member.

13. A wind turbine comprising at least one platform according to any one of the preceding claims (6).

Images