A wind turbine generator vibration reduction device

Abstract

The application discloses a wind turbine vibration reduction device, comprising a base, a polymer damping energy dissipation layer arranged on the base, and a tuned mass damper arranged on the polymer damping energy dissipation layer, wherein the base is connected with a tower of the wind turbine, and a kinetic energy conversion unit is arranged on the side of the base; when the tuned mass damper collides with the kinetic energy conversion unit, the kinetic energy conversion unit can convert part of the horizontal vibration energy into vertical vibration of the tuned mass damper. The application proposes a vibration reduction structure integrating polymer damping, tuned mass damper and kinetic energy conversion unit, realizes multi-dimensional energy dissipation, and breaks through the limitation of traditional TMD and TLCD which only suppresses unidirectional vibration. The overall design of the application is compact, which avoids the adverse effects caused by excessive additional mass and complex structure, guarantees the lightweight and implementability of the vibration reduction device, can maintain good adaptability under complex coupled loads such as wind field and earthquake, significantly reduces the fatigue damage risk of the tower, and prolongs the service life of the unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wind turbine generator technology, and in particular to a vibration reduction device for wind turbine generators. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, wind power generation, as an important form of clean energy, has developed rapidly and has gradually become an important component of the energy system. With the continuous increase in the single-unit capacity and hub height of wind turbines, the loads borne by the units during operation are becoming increasingly complex, and vibration problems are becoming more prominent. Under the combined effects of wind farms, earthquakes, and other environmental loads, the nonlinear vibration coupling effect of large wind turbines is significantly enhanced. If vibration control is inadequate, it can easily lead to fatigue damage to key components of the unit, shorten equipment lifespan, affect normal operation, and in severe cases, may even cause overall instability or collapse, thus posing a significant threat to the safety and reliability of the unit. To address this, many scholars and engineers have proposed various vibration reduction schemes, such as tuned mass dampers (TMDs) and tuned liquid column dampers (TLCDs). While these can alleviate vibration to some extent, they rely on a large added mass to be effective, resulting in poor economic efficiency. Furthermore, limitations such as limited installation space and a single direction of action make it difficult to achieve ideal results in multidimensional vibration environments.

[0003] The inventors of this application have discovered that the overall shape of a wind turbine tower resembles a tall cantilever beam structure, with high vertical stiffness and relatively low horizontal stiffness. Under complex external loads, the top of the tower is more prone to significant horizontal displacement and vibration. Therefore, controlling horizontal vibration is a key issue that needs to be addressed in vibration reduction design. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a wind turbine vibration reduction device that can improve the vibration reduction effect under complex working conditions and avoid excessive additional mass and structural complexity.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A vibration reduction device for a wind turbine includes a base, a polymer damping energy dissipation layer disposed on the base, and a tuned mass block disposed on the polymer damping energy dissipation layer. The base is connected to the tower of the wind turbine. A kinetic energy conversion unit is provided on the side of the base. When the tuned mass block collides with the kinetic energy conversion unit, the kinetic energy conversion unit can convert part of the horizontal vibration energy into the vertical vibration of the tuned mass block.

[0006] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the kinetic energy conversion unit includes a limiting member disposed on the side of the base, the upper part of the limiting member is provided with a bending part that bends toward the side where the base is located, and a polymer damping buffer layer is provided on the inner side of the bending part.

[0007] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the tuned mass block is provided with a beveled surface that can collide with the polymer damping buffer layer, and the bevel of the beveled surface is the same as the bevel of the polymer damping buffer layer.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above technical solution, the outer side of the limiting member is provided with reinforcing ribs.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the polymer damping buffer layer is a rubber layer or a thermoplastic elastomer layer.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the tuned mass block has a frustum-shaped structure, and the kinetic energy conversion unit is provided in multiple units and distributed at intervals along the circumference of the tuned mass block.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the upper parts of the plurality of kinetic energy conversion units are connected by a connecting seat.

[0012] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the side surface of the polymer damping energy dissipation layer is a concave arc surface.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the polymer damping energy dissipation layer is a rubber layer or a thermoplastic elastomer layer.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above technical solution: the base is provided with multiple mounting holes, and the tower is provided with multiple support connectors. The support connectors are connected to the base through fasteners provided in the mounting holes.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: 1. This invention proposes a vibration reduction structure that integrates polymer damping, tuned mass block and kinetic energy conversion unit, which realizes multi-dimensional energy dissipation and breaks through the limitation of traditional TMD and TLCD that only suppress unidirectional vibration.

[0016] 2. The kinetic energy conversion unit, through horizontal collision and direction conversion design, combined with a polymer damping energy dissipation layer, not only weakens the wind vibration effect but also converts some of the horizontal vibration energy into vertical vibration. Combined with the structural characteristics of the wind turbine tower's high vertical stiffness, this creates a more efficient energy dissipation mechanism in the vertical direction, thereby further improving the overall vibration reduction efficiency.

[0017] 3. Compared with traditional tuned mass dampers, this invention constrains the horizontal displacement of the tuned mass block through a kinetic energy conversion unit, effectively avoiding large-amplitude free swaying. While ensuring vibration reduction performance, it also meets the layout requirements under the limited space conditions of the wind turbine tower. The overall design of the device is compact, avoiding the adverse effects of excessive added mass and complex structure, ensuring the lightweight and feasible implementation of the vibration reduction device.

[0018] This invention can maintain good adaptability under complex coupled loads such as wind farms and earthquakes, significantly reduce the risk of tower fatigue damage, and extend the service life of the unit.

[0019] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the wind turbine vibration reduction device of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the tuned mass block, polymer damping energy dissipation layer, and base in this invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the wind turbine vibration reduction device of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention installed inside the wind turbine tower.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of the installation structure of the present invention inside the wind turbine tower.

[0024] The labels in the diagram represent: 11. Connecting seat; 12. Limiting component; 13. Reinforcing rib; 14. Polymer damping buffer layer; 15. Tuning mass block; 16. Polymer damping energy dissipation layer; 17. Base; 171. Mounting hole; 21. Tower; 22. Support connector. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "assembly," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this invention provides an embodiment of a wind turbine vibration reduction device. The device mainly includes a connecting seat 11, a limiting member 12, a reinforcing rib 13, a polymer damping buffer layer 14, a tuned mass block 15, a polymer damping energy dissipation layer 16, and a base 17. Preferably, the limiting member 12 is a limiting plate; however, in other embodiments it can also be a limiting block, a limiting rod, etc. The connecting seat 11 and the base 17 are also plate components.

[0030] The limiting member 12, reinforcing rib 13, and polymer damping buffer layer 14 together constitute the kinetic energy conversion unit. The connecting seat 11 is located at the top of the entire device and is used to connect to and fix each kinetic energy conversion unit to ensure its stability during a collision. The polymer damping buffer layer 14, located inside the limiting member 12 and adjacent to the connecting seat 11, acts as a buffer. The limiting member 12 constrains the vibration displacement range of the tuned mass block 15, preventing excessive displacement under strong winds or earthquakes. The reinforcing rib 13 is located outside the limiting member 12 to enhance structural rigidity and ensure the stability of the device during long-term operation.

[0031] A tuned mass 15 is positioned in the center of the device, surrounded by a polymer damping buffer layer 14. This layer absorbs horizontal vibration energy through its excellent energy dissipation characteristics. The tuned mass 15 is designed as a frustum-shaped structure, with its truncated cone angle matching that of the polymer damping buffer layer 14. This significantly increases the contact and collision area during vibration, achieving more efficient energy transfer and dissipation. Simultaneously, the frustum-shaped structure, combined with multiple circumferentially distributed kinetic energy conversion units, enables the tuned mass 15 to achieve 360° omnidirectional vibration and collision in the horizontal direction, effectively handling random loads from different directions. A polymer damping energy dissipation layer 16 is positioned below the tuned mass 15, further dissipating energy through vertical compression deformation, thus achieving multi-dimensional energy dissipation in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Furthermore, because rubber (or thermoplastic elastomer) can withstand compressive stress but has relatively low tensile strength, under the gravity of the tuned mass 15 above, the rubber circumference bulges outward, generating localized tensile stress. The present invention designs the side of the rubber layer as a concave arc surface, which helps to prevent the rubber periphery from bulging out when under pressure, thus preventing excessive local tensile stress. The structure is reasonable and effective.

[0032] The base 17 serves as the bottom support of the device. It is reliably fixed to the inner wall of the wind turbine tower 21 through the mounting holes 171 at the four corners and the support connectors 22, and provides a stable mounting base for the overall structure.

[0033] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the mounting holes 171 on the base 17 can be used with bolts or other fasteners to reliably connect the vibration damping device to the support connector 22, enabling quick installation and disassembly of the vibration damping device inside the tower 21 and facilitating later maintenance. The support connector 22 is firmly fixed to the inner wall of the tower 21, thereby ensuring the stability of the entire device.

[0034] During operation, when the wind turbine is subjected to external loads such as wind farms and earthquakes, the top of the tower will experience significant horizontal vibration. The kinetic energy transfer path in this invention is as follows: First, the horizontal vibration of the tower 21 is transmitted to the tuned mass block 15. The tuned mass block 15 interacts with the limiting member 12 through horizontal collision, dissipating some of the energy into the polymer damping buffer layer 14. Secondly, the oblique force-bearing structure of the device allows some of the horizontal vibration energy to be converted into the vertical vibration of the tuned mass block 15, and further dissipated through the polymer damping energy dissipation layer 16. Finally, the residual energy is attenuated by the damping material and transferred to the tower 21 structure, thereby realizing a multidimensional energy dissipation mechanism.

[0035] Through the above design, the vibration reduction device of the present invention can effectively reduce the response amplitude of the tower under the coupled action of wind vibration and earthquake without significantly increasing the added mass and structural complexity, thus significantly improving the safety and reliability of wind turbine operation.

[0036] The energy dissipation mechanism of the wind turbine vibration reduction device of the present invention mainly includes the following steps during operation: 1. Horizontal Vibration Transmission. When the wind turbine experiences horizontal vibration under environmental loads such as wind farms and earthquakes, the vibration energy at the top of the tower 21 is first transmitted to the main body of the device and acts on the tuned mass block 15. The tuned mass block 15 then undergoes relative motion due to inertia.

[0037] 2. During the relative motion between the tuned mass block 15 and the base 17, the polymer damping energy dissipation layer 16 disposed therebetween undergoes shear deformation. This energy dissipation layer utilizes the viscoelastic properties of polymer materials to convert horizontal vibration energy into heat energy and gradually dissipate it, thereby effectively weakening the horizontal vibration response of the tower 21. Through this design, energy can be reduced in advance before a collision occurs, achieving initial attenuation of horizontal vibration.

[0038] 3. Energy dissipation from horizontal collisions. The tuned mass 15 interacts with the limiting member 12 under horizontal vibration. While limiting the displacement range of the tuned mass, the limiting member 12 transfers the energy generated by the collision to the polymer damping buffer layer 14. The polymer damping buffer layer 14 converts part of the energy into heat energy and dissipates it through its viscoelastic properties, further achieving attenuation of horizontal vibrations.

[0039] 4. Energy Conversion. Due to the inclined arrangement of the upper part of the tuned mass block 15 and the polymer damping buffer layer 14, some of the horizontal vibration energy is converted into a vertical component through geometric coupling effect, driving the tuned mass block 15 to generate vertical vibration. This design transforms the originally single horizontal vibration path into bidirectional vibration of both horizontal and vertical, effectively broadening the dimension of energy dissipation.

[0040] 5. Vertical damping energy dissipation. During vertical vibration, the tuned mass 15 compresses the lower polymer damping energy dissipation layer 16. The polymer damping energy dissipation layer 16 continuously dissipates energy during repeated compression and rebound, further reducing the vibration response amplitude of the tower 21.

[0041] Ultimately, through a triple mechanism of "horizontal vibration energy consumption - horizontal collision energy consumption - energy conversion - vertical damping energy consumption", this invention achieves multi-dimensional vibration energy reduction, significantly reducing the horizontal vibration of the tower, thereby improving the safety and stability of the wind turbine during operation.

[0042] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications to the technical solutions of the present invention, or modify them into equivalent embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the present invention, should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vibration damping device for wind turbine generators, characterized in that: The system includes a base (17), a polymer damping energy dissipation layer (16) disposed on the base (17), and a tuned mass block (15) disposed on the polymer damping energy dissipation layer (16). The base (17) is connected to the tower (21) of the wind turbine. A kinetic energy conversion unit is provided on the side of the base (17). When the tuned mass block (15) collides with the kinetic energy conversion unit, the kinetic energy conversion unit can convert part of the horizontal vibration energy into the vertical vibration of the tuned mass block (15). The kinetic energy conversion unit includes a base (17), a polymer damping energy dissipation layer (16) disposed on the base (17), and a tuned mass block (15) disposed on the polymer damping energy dissipation layer (16). 7) Side limiting member (12), the upper part of the limiting member (12) is provided with a bending part that bends toward the side where the base (17) is located, the inner side of the bending part is provided with a polymer damping buffer layer (14), the tuning mass block (15) is provided with a sloping part that can collide with the polymer damping buffer layer (14), the slope of the sloping part is the same as the slope of the polymer damping buffer layer (14), the tuning mass block (15) is a frustum-shaped structure, the kinetic energy conversion unit is provided with multiple units and is distributed at intervals along the circumference of the tuning mass block (15).

2. The wind turbine vibration reduction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting member (12) is provided with reinforcing ribs (13) on its outer side.

3. The wind turbine vibration reduction device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The polymer damping buffer layer (14) is a rubber layer or a thermoplastic elastomer layer.

4. The wind turbine vibration reduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The upper parts of the plurality of said kinetic energy conversion units are connected by a connecting seat (11).

5. The wind turbine vibration reduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The side of the polymer damping energy dissipation layer (16) is a concave arc surface.

6. The wind turbine vibration reduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The polymer damping energy dissipation layer (16) is a rubber layer or a thermoplastic elastomer layer.

7. The wind turbine vibration reduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The base (17) is provided with a plurality of mounting holes (171), and the tower (21) is provided with a plurality of support connectors (22). The support connectors (22) are connected to the base (17) through fasteners provided in the mounting holes (171).

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