A recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for a wind turbine tower

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wind power tower structure engineering, and particularly relates to a recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connecting node for a wind power tower. The node comprises a tower section, a friction energy dissipation component and a self-recovery component. The friction energy dissipation component comprises a plurality of friction groups, each of which comprises a variable cross-section stiffened plate component and a pair of friction clamps. The friction clamps are connected to the variable cross-section stiffened plate component by a first bolt pair. The self-recovery component comprises a plurality of recovery groups, each of which comprises an elastic member and a second bolt pair. The recovery groups and the energy dissipation groups are uniformly and circumferentially spaced apart, and are used to connect an upper tower section and a lower tower section. The friction energy dissipation component and the self-recovery component are used in cooperation to achieve the effects of hybrid energy dissipation and self-recovery, thereby improving the energy dissipation capacity and seismic performance of the connecting node of the wind power tower, and enhancing the stability and durability of the structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wind turbine tower structure engineering technology, and specifically to a recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, wind turbine towers mostly use flange connections, with upper and lower flanges bolted together to splice tower sections. This method offers advantages such as simple structure and convenient construction. However, during operation, wind turbine structures are subjected to significant vibration loads, wave loads, and seismic forces. Under long-term alternating loads, the tower connection points are prone to fatigue fracture failure of the flange bolts and loosening due to vibration, potentially leading to a series of engineering accidents. Traditional flange connections are insufficient to meet the requirements of structural deformation capacity and energy dissipation capacity, potentially causing structural failure and significant economic losses.

[0003] Therefore, this invention proposes a recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers to solve the problem of structural damage caused by insufficient energy dissipation and deformation capacity of the connection nodes of wind turbine towers in the prior art.

[0005] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers, comprising a tower section, a friction energy dissipation component, and a self-recovering component, wherein... The tower section is formed by splicing an upper tower section and a lower tower section, and the upper tower section and the lower tower section form a connecting surface at the joint; an upper connecting flange perpendicular to the axial direction of the tower section is provided on the side wall of the upper tower section, and a lower connecting flange perpendicular to the axial direction of the tower section is provided on the side wall of the lower tower section. The friction energy dissipation assembly includes several friction groups arranged circumferentially at the connecting surface. Each friction group includes a variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly arranged along the axial direction and a pair of friction clamps, wherein: The variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly is composed of an upper variable cross-section stiffening plate and a lower variable cross-section stiffening plate. The upper variable cross-section stiffening plate is fixed to the side wall of the upper tower section and its lower end face is flush with the connecting surface. The lower variable cross-section stiffening plate is fixed to the side wall of the lower tower section and its upper end face is flush with the connecting surface. The clamping surface shape of the friction clamping block matches the clamped surface of the variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly, and a vertical elongated hole is provided at the variable cross-section. Both friction clamping blocks have mounting holes corresponding to the elongated holes. The friction clamping blocks cooperate with the mounting holes and the elongated holes through a first bolt pair to clamp the variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly. The self-recovering assembly includes several recovery groups arranged circumferentially at the connection surface. Each recovery group includes a second bolt pair and an elastic element. The upper connecting flange and the lower connecting flange are provided with connection holes corresponding to the recovery groups. The elastic element is sleeved on the threaded rod of the second bolt pair and abuts against the fastener of the first bolt pair and between the upper connecting flange and / or the lower connecting flange. The recovery group and the friction group are spaced apart along the circumferential direction.

[0006] Preferably, the recovery group and the friction group are evenly spaced along the circumference of the tower section at the connection surface, and together connect the upper tower section and the lower tower section.

[0007] Preferably, the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate have rectangular filling grooves at the mating surfaces for filling with viscoelastic material.

[0008] Preferably, the thickness of the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate gradually increases at the connecting surface; the friction clamp is a wedge-shaped friction block, and the shape of its clamping surface is V-shaped in cross-section near the connecting surface.

[0009] Preferably, the elongated hole is formed at the cross-section of the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic element is a disc spring assembly, which consists of several shape memory alloy disc springs arranged in series.

[0011] Preferably, the upper end of the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate is fixedly connected to the upper connecting flange, and the lower end of the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate is fixedly connected to the lower connecting flange, and the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate are arranged to meet each other.

[0012] Preferably, the elongated holes are horizontally and symmetrically distributed on the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate.

[0013] Preferably, each of the variable cross-section stiffening plate assemblies has four elongated holes, which are horizontally distributed in pairs on the upper and lower variable cross-section stiffening plates.

[0014] Preferably, one end of the disc spring assembly abuts against the fastener of the second bolt pair, and the other end abuts against the upper connecting flange.

[0015] (III) Beneficial Effects The present invention provides a recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers, which has a hybrid energy dissipation effect. The shape memory alloy disc spring in the self-recovering component can absorb and dissipate energy through its own elastic deformation, and the friction energy dissipation component can dissipate energy through frictional energy dissipation by the relative sliding of the friction clamp and the variable cross-section stiffening plate component.

[0016] The present invention also has a self-recovery effect. When the shape memory alloy disc spring absorbs energy, it can deform to dissipate energy. After the external force is removed, it can quickly recover to the initial state by relying on the material properties, thereby effectively reducing the residual deformation of the structure. The present invention also has anti-fatigue effect. The viscoelastic material filler can absorb vibration energy and significantly reduce the impact of vibration transmitted to other parts of the tower. The vibration reduction characteristics of the viscoelastic material filler can reduce fatigue damage of the connection node. Elastic components such as shape memory alloy disc springs can also effectively alleviate fatigue damage caused by long-term alternating load on the bolts at the connection.

[0017] In summary, the present invention effectively solves the problem of structural damage caused by insufficient energy dissipation and deformation capacity of tower connection nodes in the prior art, and significantly improves the safety and durability of the structure. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for a wind turbine tower according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A front view of a recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers; Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along the middle AA; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the tower section of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the recovery assembly of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the friction assembly of the present invention; Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the friction assembly of the present invention.

[0019] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image] 1: Tower section; 11: Upper tower section; 1101: Upper connecting flange; 12: Lower tower section; 1201: Lower connecting flange; 13: Connecting hole; 2: Friction assembly; 21: Variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly; 2101: Upper variable cross-section stiffening plate; 2102: Lower variable cross-section stiffening plate; 2103: Oblong hole; 2104: Viscoelastic material; 22: Friction clamp; 2201: Mounting hole; 23: First bolt pair; 3: Recovery group; 31: Second bolt pair; 32: Elastic element. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To better explain and facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0021] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0022] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0023] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; "connection" can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] See Figures 1 to 7 The present invention provides a recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers, comprising: a tower section 1, a friction energy dissipation component, and a self-recovering component, wherein: The tower section 1 is formed by splicing an upper tower section 11 and a lower tower section 12, with the upper tower section 11 and the lower tower section 12 forming a connecting surface at the joint; an upper connecting flange 1101 perpendicular to the axial direction of the tower section 1 is provided on the side wall of the upper tower section 11, and a lower connecting flange 1201 perpendicular to the axial direction of the tower section 1 is provided on the side wall of the lower tower section 12. The friction energy dissipation assembly includes several friction groups 2 arranged circumferentially at the connection surface. Each friction group 2 includes a variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly 21 arranged along the axial direction and a pair of friction clamps 22, wherein: The variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly 21 is assembled from an upper variable cross-section stiffening plate 2101 and a lower variable cross-section stiffening plate 2102. The upper variable cross-section stiffening plate 2101 is fixed to the side wall of the upper tower section 11 and its lower end face is flush with the connecting surface. The lower variable cross-section stiffening plate 2102 is fixed to the side wall of the lower tower section 12 and its upper end face is flush with the connecting surface. The clamping surface shape of the friction clamp 22 matches the clamped surface of the variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly 21, and a vertical elongated hole 2103 is provided at the variable cross-section. Both friction clamps 22 are provided with mounting holes 2201 corresponding to the elongated holes 2103. The friction clamp 22 cooperates with the mounting holes 2201 and the elongated holes 2103 through a first bolt pair 23 to clamp the variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly 21. The self-recovering assembly includes several recovery groups 3 arranged circumferentially at the connection surface. Each recovery group 3 includes a second bolt pair 31 and an elastic element 32. The upper connecting flange 1101 and the lower connecting flange 1201 are provided with connection holes 13 corresponding to the recovery group 3. The elastic element 32 is sleeved on the thread of the second bolt pair 31 and abuts against the fastener of the first bolt pair 23 and between the upper connecting flange 1101 and / or the lower connecting flange 1201.

[0025] The recovery group 3 and the friction group 2 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction.

[0026] The recovery group 3 and the friction group 2 are arranged circumferentially along the connecting surface and connect the upper tower section 11 and the lower tower section 12 together; the friction energy dissipation component adopts a geometric self-locking friction pair composed of a variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly 21 and a friction clamp 22 to realize the friction energy dissipation function.

[0027] When the force on tower section 1 exceeds the starting friction force between the variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly 21 and the friction clamp 22, the relative slip between them is activated, absorbing and dissipating energy through friction. The elastic element 32 can absorb and dissipate external energy through its own elastic deformation, enhancing the overall energy dissipation capacity of the structure. The friction energy dissipation component and the deformation energy dissipation component together achieve hybrid energy dissipation.

[0028] The oblong hole 2103 is a common type of hole in mechanical structures, typically referring to a long, narrow hole (similar to a "racetrack shape") with semi-circular ends and two parallel straight lines connecting the middle. In moving mechanisms, the oblong hole 2103 provides displacement space for moving parts, preventing jamming or excessive wear.

[0029] Preferably, the recovery group 3 and the friction group 2 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the tower section 1 at the connection surface, jointly connecting the upper tower section 11 and the lower tower section 12; the self-recovering component provides restoring force through the elastic element 32 to achieve deformation energy dissipation and self-recovery functions, and preferably connects the upper connecting flange 1101 and the lower connecting flange 1201. In a specific embodiment, the number of recovery groups 3 and friction groups 2 can be set according to actual engineering needs.

[0030] The staggered arrangement allows the two mechanisms to be activated independently at different circumferential positions, avoiding the overlap of energy absorption paths and achieving uniform stress distribution through energy dissipation superposition in the spatial dimension. Furthermore, the way in which the recovery group 3 and the friction group 2 are spaced apart along the circumferential direction can reduce stress concentration and disperse the internal force of the connection node to different functional components through multi-path load transfer.

[0031] Preferably, the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate 2101 and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate 2102 have rectangular filling grooves (not labeled in the figure) at the mating surfaces for filling viscoelastic material 2104.

[0032] Viscoelastic material 2104 can absorb vibration energy and significantly reduce the impact of vibration transmitted to other parts of the tower. The vibration reduction characteristics of viscoelastic material 2104 can reduce fatigue damage at connection nodes, thereby significantly improving the fatigue resistance of the tower.

[0033] Preferably, the thickness of the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate 2101 and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate 2102 gradually increases at the connecting surface; the friction clamp 22 is a wedge-shaped friction block, and the shape of its clamping surface is V-shaped in cross-section near the connecting surface. In a more preferred embodiment, the starting threshold of the friction force can be controlled by adjusting the slope angle of the friction clamp 22, thereby flexibly adapting to the energy dissipation requirements under different working conditions; or, in a more preferred embodiment, the friction clamp 22, the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate 2101, and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate 2102 are curved surfaces with corresponding shapes. This arrangement can increase the effective contact area. The curved surface contact expands the contact area of ​​the friction pair from line contact to strip-shaped surface contact. Under the same preload, the contact area is increased, which can significantly improve the friction energy dissipation of a single slip. The curved surface geometry realizes a progressive pressure gradient distribution through Hertzian contact theory, avoiding stress concentration at both ends of the planar contact, making the force distribution uniform and meeting the energy dissipation requirements under different working conditions.

[0034] Preferably, the elongated hole 2103 is formed at the cross-section of the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate 2101 and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate 2102. When there is relative sliding between the variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly 21 and the friction clamp 22, the relative sliding occurs along the direction of the elongated hole 2103.

[0035] Furthermore, the elastic element 32 is a disc spring assembly, which consists of several shape memory alloy disc springs connected in series. Compared to ordinary springs, shape memory alloy disc springs can deform and dissipate energy under stress, and automatically return to their initial shape after unloading due to their own material characteristics, reducing residual deformation and ensuring that the tower connection nodes automatically reset after deformation. Shape memory alloy disc springs can effectively alleviate fatigue damage to bolts at the connection points caused by long-term alternating loads. The elastic element 32 can be other high-elasticity springs or other components that can generate elastic force, which can be selected by those skilled in the art as needed.

[0036] Preferably, the upper end of the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate 2101 is fixedly connected to the upper connecting flange 1101, and the lower end of the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate 2102 is fixedly connected to the lower connecting flange 1201, and the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate 2101 and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate 2102 are arranged to meet each other.

[0037] In this embodiment, each of the variable cross-section stiffening plate components 21 has four elongated holes 2103. The elongated holes 2103 are horizontally distributed in pairs on the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate 2101 and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate 2102. In specific implementation, the number of elongated holes 2103 can be determined according to actual engineering requirements.

[0038] Preferably, the elongated holes 2103 are horizontally and symmetrically distributed on the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate 2101 and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate 2102.

[0039] Furthermore, each of the variable cross-section stiffening plate assemblies 21 has four elongated holes 2103, which are horizontally distributed in pairs on the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate 2101 and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate 2102.

[0040] The variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly 21, as described above, can withstand a greater load. In a more preferred embodiment, the variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly 21 has eight elongated holes 2103, and the number of corresponding first bolt pairs 23 and mounting holes 2201 on the friction clamp 22 also increases accordingly. With the same tightening torque of the first bolt pairs 23, more first bolt pairs 23 can provide more locking force, thereby improving the load-bearing capacity.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the preload can be increased by increasing the tightening torque of the first bolt pair 23 during installation, thereby increasing the normal pressure between the friction clamp 22 and the variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly 21, which in turn increases the energy consumption of the frictional resistance between the components. At the same time, the connection strength of the joint can be increased.

[0042] Preferably, one end of the disc spring assembly abuts against the fastener of the second bolt pair 31, and the other end abuts against the upper connecting flange 1101. The shape memory alloy disc spring configured as described above can withstand higher loads compared to independently configured shape memory alloy disc springs; the shape memory alloy disc spring assembly configured as described above facilitates installation and also reduces the possibility of corrosion of the shape memory alloy disc spring assembly in harsh conditions.

[0043] A recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers solves the problem of structural damage caused by insufficient energy dissipation and deformation capacity of existing tower connection nodes, significantly improving the safety and durability of the structure.

[0044] It should be understood that the above description of specific embodiments of the present invention is only for illustrating the technical approach and features of the present invention, and is intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. All changes or modifications made within the scope of the claims of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers, characterized in that, This includes tower sections, friction energy dissipation components, and self-healing components, among which... The tower section is formed by splicing an upper tower section and a lower tower section, and the upper tower section and the lower tower section form a connecting surface at the joint; an upper connecting flange perpendicular to the axial direction of the tower section is provided on the side wall of the upper tower section, and a lower connecting flange perpendicular to the axial direction of the tower section is provided on the side wall of the lower tower section. The friction energy dissipation assembly includes several friction groups arranged circumferentially at the connecting surface. Each friction group includes a variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly arranged along the axial direction and a pair of friction clamps, wherein: The variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly is composed of an upper variable cross-section stiffening plate and a lower variable cross-section stiffening plate. The upper variable cross-section stiffening plate is fixed to the side wall of the upper tower section, and its lower end face is flush with the connecting surface. The lower variable cross-section stiffening plate is fixed to the side wall of the lower tower section, and its upper end face is flush with the connecting surface. The clamping surface shape of the friction clamping block matches the clamped surface of the variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly, and a vertical elongated hole is provided at the variable cross-section. Both friction clamping blocks have a corresponding shape. The oblong hole corresponds to the mounting hole; the friction clamping block mates with the mounting hole and the oblong hole via a first bolt pair to clamp the variable cross-section stiffening plate assembly; the thickness of the upper and lower variable cross-section stiffening plates gradually increases at the connecting surface; the friction clamping block is a wedge-shaped friction block, and the shape of its clamping surface is V-shaped in cross-section near the connecting surface; the upper and lower variable cross-section stiffening plates have rectangular filling grooves at the joint for filling viscoelastic material; The self-recovering assembly includes several recovery groups arranged circumferentially at the connection surface. Each recovery group includes a second bolt pair and an elastic element. The upper connecting flange and the lower connecting flange have connection holes corresponding to the recovery groups. The elastic element is sleeved on the threaded rod of the second bolt pair and abuts against the fastener of the first bolt pair and between the upper connecting flange and / or the lower connecting flange. The elastic element is a disc spring assembly, which consists of several shape memory alloy disc springs arranged in series. The recovery group and the friction group are spaced apart along the circumferential direction.

2. A recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The recovery group and the friction group are evenly spaced along the circumference of the tower section at the connection surface, and together connect the upper tower section and the lower tower section.

3. A recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elongated hole is formed at the cross-section of the upper and lower variable cross-section stiffening plates.

4. A recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the upper variable cross-section stiffening plate is fixedly connected to the upper connecting flange, and the lower end of the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate is fixedly connected to the lower connecting flange. The upper variable cross-section stiffening plate and the lower variable cross-section stiffening plate are arranged to meet each other.

5. A recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The elongated holes are horizontally and symmetrically distributed on the upper and lower cross-section stiffening plates.

6. A recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the variable cross-section stiffening plate assemblies has four elongated holes, which are horizontally distributed in pairs on the upper and lower variable cross-section stiffening plates.

7. A recoverable hybrid energy dissipation connection node for wind turbine towers as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the disc spring assembly abuts against the fastener of the second bolt pair, and the other end abuts against the upper connecting flange.

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