Vibration damping devices suitable for wind turbine towers and wind turbine generator sets

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of wind power generation technology, and discloses a vibration damping device and a wind turbine generator set applicable to wind turbine towers. The device includes: a support mechanism adapted to connect to the tower; a functional platform disposed above the support mechanism; a damping structure connected between the support mechanism and the functional platform; and an elastic structure connected between the outer peripheral wall of the functional platform and the inner wall of the tower. The vibration damping device of this invention forms a tuned mass damping system, with the functional platform providing system mass, the elastic structure providing system stiffness, and the damping structure providing system damping. By adjusting the mass of the functional platform and the stiffness of the elastic structure, the natural frequency of the vibration damping device is made close to the natural frequency of the tower. Energy is dissipated through the damping structure, thus suppressing tower vibration. Using the functional platform of the tower as a structural vibration control measure eliminates the need for additional platforms to install various vibration damping devices and avoids altering the original overall layout of the tower, improving the applicability and economy of the vibration damping device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wind power generation technology, specifically to vibration damping devices applicable to wind turbine towers and wind turbine generator sets. Background Technology

[0002] Wind power generation refers to converting the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy, typically using wind turbine generators. The wind turbine tower is the support structure of the wind turbine generator, primarily serving a supporting role while also absorbing vibrations. Vibration has numerous impacts on the wind turbine's mechanical fatigue, safe operation, operating efficiency, and maintenance costs. Therefore, existing technologies typically incorporate vibration damping devices to reduce vibration. However, the installation of these devices can affect the original structural layout of the tower, impacting the overall tower design. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a vibration damping device and a wind turbine generator set suitable for wind turbine towers, in order to solve the problem that the installation of existing vibration damping devices will affect the original structural layout of the tower.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a vibration damping device suitable for wind turbine towers, comprising:

[0005] Support mechanism, suitable for connection with tower;

[0006] The functional platform is located above the supporting mechanism;

[0007] A damping structure is connected between the support mechanism and the functional platform;

[0008] An elastic structure is connected between the outer peripheral wall of the functional platform and the inner wall of the tower.

[0009] Beneficial effects: The vibration suppression device forms a tuned mass damping system, with the functional platform providing the system mass, the elastic structure providing the system stiffness, and the damping structure providing the system damping. By adjusting the mass of the functional platform and the stiffness of the elastic structure, the natural frequency of the vibration suppression device is made close to that of the tower. Energy is dissipated through the damping structure, thereby suppressing the tower's vibration. In addition, using the tower's functional platform as a structural vibration control measure eliminates the need for additional platforms to install various vibration suppression devices, thus avoiding changes to the original overall layout of the tower and improving the applicability and economy of the vibration suppression device.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the functional platform includes several platform blocks, which are sequentially spliced ​​together along the circumferential direction.

[0011] Beneficial effects: The entire functional platform is formed by splicing together several platform blocks, which facilitates the installation and replacement of functional platforms.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, the platform block includes a block and an extension, the extension being connected to opposite sides of the block along the circumferential direction, and the extensions of adjacent platform blocks are overlapped and connected by fasteners.

[0013] Beneficial effect: By overlapping and splicing the extensions of adjacent platform blocks and then using fasteners to connect and fix them, the integrity and reliability of the assembled functional platform are ensured.

[0014] In one alternative embodiment, the vibration damping device further includes a locking structure connected to the functional platform, the locking structure being adapted to connect to the tower.

[0015] Beneficial effects: When performing maintenance and other operations on the tower, the functional platform can be fixedly connected to the tower through the locking structure, which can prevent the functional platform from shaking and causing interference to the maintenance work of the staff and posing safety risks.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, the locking structure includes a fixing rod and a first fixing seat, one end of the fixing rod being connected to the outer peripheral wall of the functional platform, and the first fixing seat being connected to the other end of the fixing rod, the first fixing seat being adapted to connect to the inner wall of the tower.

[0017] In one optional embodiment, the support mechanism includes platform beams and connectors, wherein a plurality of platform beams are arranged at intersections, the connectors are connected to the ends of the platform beams, and the damping structure is disposed at the intersections of the plurality of platform beams.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, the vibration damping device further includes a steel strand clamp connected to the platform beam and disposed near the end of the platform beam.

[0019] Beneficial effects: Using steel strand clamps to restrict the steel strands can reduce the swaying of the steel strands and prevent them from contacting or colliding with nearby structures such as towers.

[0020] In one optional embodiment, the damping structure includes a first steel plate, a second steel plate, and a rubber component, the rubber component being connected between the first steel plate and the second steel plate, the first steel plate being connected to the support mechanism, and the second steel plate being connected to the functional platform.

[0021] In one optional embodiment, the damping structure is spaced in a plurality of intervals; and / or,

[0022] The elastic structure is provided in several circumferentially spaced units.

[0023] Secondly, the present invention also provides a wind turbine generator set, comprising:

[0024] Tower;

[0025] The aforementioned vibration damping device is installed inside the tower. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the support mechanism, functional platform, and damping structure in a vibration damping device suitable for wind turbine towers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the functional platform, damping structure, elastic structure and locking structure in a vibration damping device for wind turbine towers according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support mechanism, damping structure, and steel strand clamp in a vibration damping device applicable to wind turbine towers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0031] 1. Supporting mechanism; 11. Platform beam; 111. First beam; 112. Second beam; 12. Connecting component; 2. Functional platform; 21. Platform block; 211. Block; 212. Extension; 2121. Connecting hole; 3. Damping structure; 31. First steel plate; 32. Second steel plate; 33. Rubber component; 4. Elastic structure; 41. Spring; 42. Second fixing seat; 5. Locking structure; 51. Fixing rod; 52. First fixing seat; 6. Steel strand clamp. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 3 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in one aspect, a vibration damping device suitable for wind turbine towers is provided, comprising: a support mechanism 1 adapted to be connected to the tower; a functional platform 2 disposed above the support mechanism 1; a damping structure 3 connected between the support mechanism 1 and the functional platform 2; and an elastic structure 4 connected between the outer peripheral wall of the functional platform 2 and the inner wall of the tower.

[0035] The vibration damping device of this embodiment forms a tuned mass damping system. The functional platform 2 provides the system mass, the elastic structure 4 provides the system stiffness, and the damping structure 3 provides the system damping. By adjusting the mass of the functional platform 2 and the stiffness of the elastic structure 4, the natural frequency of the vibration damping device is made close to that of the tower. Energy is dissipated through the damping structure 3, thereby suppressing the tower vibration. In addition, using the functional platform 2 of the tower as a structural vibration control measure eliminates the need for additional platforms to install various vibration damping devices, thus avoiding changes to the original overall layout of the tower and improving the applicability and economy of the vibration damping device.

[0036] It should be noted that, currently, in the field of vibration control for tall structures, tuned mass schemes are commonly used, such as connecting to the main structure via a weighted pendulum or spring oscillator; a smaller number use inertial capacitive dampers or liquid dampers. These methods have the following problems:

[0037] (a) Weighted pendulum type: Since the frequency of the weighted pendulum type is directly related to the length of the pendulum, in order to meet the requirement that the frequency of the vibration reduction system is close to the natural frequency of the structure, the length of the pendulum needs to exceed 10m, which seriously affects the structural layout and has great limitations.

[0038] (ii) Spring oscillator type: The spring oscillator type solution generally uses existing products. Due to the small mass of the vibration reduction system, the vibration reduction effect is not ideal. At the same time, there are problems such as the need to set up a special platform, which limits its applicability.

[0039] (iii) Inertial-capacitive damper: Based on the tuned mass damper, the apparent quality is improved by utilizing the rotational kinetic energy of the oscillator. It has a complex structure and high manufacturing cost. In addition, it also requires a dedicated platform to be set up inside the tower, which affects the overall design of the tower and limits its applicability.

[0040] (iv) Liquid damper: The frequency of liquid sloshing is close to the natural frequency of the main structure through a specially designed container, which is costly; in order to ensure the vibration reduction effect, the amount of liquid used in the damper is large, and if leakage occurs, it may damage the electrical equipment inside the tower.

[0041] In addition, in related technologies, there is a vibration reduction design scheme in which a tuned mass damper or a tuned inertial capacitance vibration reduction device can be installed on the functional platform 2 inside the tower.

[0042] It is worth noting that the tuned mass damper (TMD) consists of a mass, a spring, and a damping system. By adjusting the vibration frequency of the tuned mass damper to near the frequency of the main structure (in this embodiment, the tower), the structural resonance characteristics are altered to achieve vibration reduction.

[0043] Therefore, the tuned mass vibration reduction scheme in the relevant technology requires additional structures such as mass blocks, springs and dampers to be set on the functional platform 2, which makes the overall structure complex and will occupy space on the original functional platform 2, affecting the layout and use of the original functional platform 2.

[0044] However, the vibration damping device in this embodiment uses the original functional platform 2 as a mass block. It only needs to set springs, damping and support structures on the outer periphery and below of the functional platform 2. While ensuring the normal use function of the tower, it can achieve effective vibration control and improve economy as much as possible.

[0045] It is understandable that some platform structures already exist inside the tower, for example, for workers to stand on during routine maintenance. In related vibration reduction designs, a separate platform is usually built specifically for installing vibration damping devices, or the entire damping device (including the mass block) is placed on the existing platform structure. The design concept of this solution is to use the existing platform structure inside the tower as part of the vibration damping device (as a mass block), transforming it into a vibration-damping platform without affecting its original function.

[0046] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the functional platform 2 includes several platform blocks 21, which are sequentially assembled along the circumference. The entire functional platform 2 is formed by assembling several platform blocks 21, which facilitates the installation and replacement of the functional platform 2.

[0047] It is worth noting that the shape of the functional platform 2 is consistent with the cross-sectional shape of the tower. The cross-section of the tower is usually circular, while the functional platform 2 is circular plate-shaped. In this embodiment, the functional platform 2 is formed by splicing several platform blocks 21 along the circumference.

[0048] In addition, the diameter of the functional platform 2 is appropriately reduced compared to the inner diameter of the tower, so that a certain gap is left between the functional platform 2 and the tower, and is used for the installation of components such as the elastic structure 4.

[0049] Specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, platform block 21 includes a block 211 and an extension 212. The extension 212 is connected to the opposite sides of the block 211 along the circumferential direction. The extensions 212 of adjacent platform blocks 21 overlap and are connected by fasteners. By overlapping the extensions 212 of adjacent platform blocks 21 and then connecting and fixing them with fasteners, the integrity and reliability of the assembled functional platform 2 are ensured.

[0050] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 2 As shown, a connecting hole 2121 is provided through the extension 212. When the extensions 212 of adjacent platform blocks 21 overlap, the connecting holes 2121 can be connected accordingly, and fasteners (such as bolts) are inserted into the connecting holes 2121.

[0051] It should be noted that, as Figure 2 As shown, the thickness of the extension 212 is reduced compared to the thickness of the block 211. When two adjacent extensions 212 overlap, they can be equivalent to the thickness of the block 211 to form a functional platform 2 with uniform thickness.

[0052] Of course, in other alternative implementations, each platform block 21 can be set as a near-standard fan-shaped plate, so that the adjacent edges of adjacent platform blocks 21 are fitted together. In this case, a structure such as a pin can be used to connect adjacent platform blocks 21.

[0053] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the functional platform 2 is made of concrete. By using a concrete platform slab, the platform's weight is effectively increased compared to existing steel platform solutions, resulting in better vibration reduction. In addition, the modular design of multiple platform sections 21 effectively improves installation efficiency.

[0054] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the vibration damping device also includes a locking structure 5, which is connected to the functional platform 2 and is adapted to connect to the tower. During tower maintenance and other operations, the locking structure 5 can be used to securely connect the functional platform 2 to the tower, preventing the functional platform 2 from shaking and interfering with the maintenance work of personnel, as well as posing safety risks.

[0055] It is worth noting that the tower requires regular maintenance. During maintenance, workers need to stand on functional platform 2. If functional platform 2 shakes, it may affect the workers' operation and maintenance work, and may even affect the stability of the workers standing on functional platform 2, posing a safety hazard such as falls. Therefore, when the tower is in normal use, it is not necessary to connect the locking structure 5 to the tower to meet vibration reduction requirements; when the tower needs to be maintained, the locking structure 5 should be connected and fixed to the tower to ensure the smooth operation and personal safety of the workers.

[0056] Furthermore, in one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, several locking structures 5 are spaced apart along the circumference. This arrangement ensures the stability of the functional platform 2 during operation and maintenance.

[0057] Specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the locking structure 5 includes a fixing rod 51 and a first fixing seat 52. One end of the fixing rod 51 is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the functional platform 2, and the first fixing seat 52 is connected to the other end of the fixing rod 51. The first fixing seat 52 is adapted to connect to the inner wall of the tower.

[0058] It is worth noting that the locking structure 5 can be connected to the tower by bolting through the first fixing seat 52 and then fastening it to the inner wall of the tower.

[0059] Of course, in other alternative implementations, the locking structure 5 can also be other fixing structures, such as a plug (one end inserted into the functional platform 2 and the other end inserted into the inner wall of the tower), as long as the locking structure 5 can be fixed and separated from the tower.

[0060] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the support mechanism 1 includes platform beams 11 and connectors 12. Several platform beams 11 are arranged at intersections. Connectors 12 are connected to the ends of platform beams 11. Damping structure 3 is arranged at the intersections of several platform beams 11.

[0061] Specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the platform beam 11 adopts a prefabricated steel structure beam group. In the same horizontal plane, the steel structure beam group includes a number of first beams 111 arranged at intervals along a first direction and a number of second beams 112 arranged at intervals along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction are arranged at a predetermined angle (e.g., perpendicular). Therefore, the number of first beams 111 and the number of second beams 112 are combined to form a grid structure. Furthermore, at the ends of the first beams 111 and the second beams 112 (which can be all ends or part ends, depending on the needs), connectors 12 for connecting to the tower are provided. At the connection nodes of the first beams 111 and the second beams 112, damping structures 3 are provided (the number and arrangement of damping structures 3 can be set according to actual needs).

[0062] It is worth noting that bolts can be used to fasten the connector 12 to the tower.

[0063] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, the vibration damping device also includes a steel strand clamp 6, which is connected to the platform beam 11 and is installed near the end of the platform beam 11. By using the steel strand clamp 6 to restrict the steel strand, the swaying of the steel strand can be reduced, and contact or collision between the steel strand and adjacent structures such as the tower can be avoided.

[0064] It is worth noting that steel strands are typically installed inside the tower as a load-bearing component, extending along the entire height of the tower. During wind turbine tower operation, the steel strands may sway, potentially striking the tower wall. Therefore, in this embodiment, by installing steel strand clamps 6, the swaying amplitude of the steel strands can be restricted, further improving the vibration damping effect.

[0065] It should be noted that the number and position of the steel strand clamps 6 can be set according to the specific number and position of the steel strands inside the tower.

[0066] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the damping structure 3 includes a first steel plate 31, a second steel plate 32, and a rubber component 33. The rubber component 33 is connected between the first steel plate 31 and the second steel plate 32. The first steel plate 31 is connected to the support mechanism 1, and the second steel plate 32 is connected to the functional platform 2.

[0067] It is understandable that the top of the support mechanism 1 is fitted and connected to the first steel plate 31, and the bottom of the functional platform 2 is fitted and connected to the second steel plate 32.

[0068] Specifically, in this embodiment, bolts can be used to connect the first steel plate 31 to the platform beam 11, and bolts can be used to connect the second steel plate 32 to the block 211.

[0069] In one embodiment, the damping structure 3 is provided with a plurality of intervals.

[0070] It is worth noting that each block 211 can be connected to a damping structure 3, or only some blocks 211 can be connected to a damping structure 3. The setting can be made according to actual needs.

[0071] It should be noted that a rubber component 33 is provided between the functional platform 2 and the support mechanism 1. Compared with traditional viscous dampers that can only provide one-dimensional linear damping, the rubber component 33 can provide two-dimensional planar damping in the horizontal direction, so as to keep the horizontal damping consistent.

[0072] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, several elastic structures 4 are arranged at intervals along the circumference. That is, the outer periphery of the functional platform 2 is connected to the inner wall of the tower by a ring of elastic structures 4.

[0073] Specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the elastic structure 4 includes a spring 41 and a second fixing seat 42. One end of the spring 41 is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the functional platform 2, and the second fixing seat 42 is connected to the second end of the spring 41. The second fixing seat 42 can be connected to the inner wall of the tower by bolts. Furthermore, the spring 41 can be arranged in a direction perpendicular to the outer peripheral wall of the functional platform 2 in the horizontal plane.

[0074] It is worth noting that the elastic structure 4 set along the entire circumference of the functional platform 2 can ensure that the stiffness in the horizontal direction is basically consistent, thereby controlling the natural frequency of the functional platform 2 to be close to the frequency of the tower, and achieving effective vibration suppression in all directions.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in another aspect, a wind turbine generator set is also provided, comprising:

[0076] Tower;

[0077] The aforementioned vibration damping device is installed inside the tower.

[0078] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vibration damping device suitable for wind turbine towers, characterized in that, include: Support mechanism (1), suitable for connection with tower; The functional platform (2) is set above the support mechanism (1) for the regular maintenance of the tower, so that the staff can stand on it; A damping structure (3) is connected between the support mechanism (1) and the functional platform (2); An elastic structure (4) is connected between the outer peripheral wall of the functional platform (2) and the inner wall of the tower. The functional platform (2) includes several platform blocks (21), which are sequentially spliced ​​together along the circumferential direction; The platform block (21) includes a block (211) and an extension (212). The extension (212) is connected to the opposite sides of the block (211) along the circumferential direction. The extensions (212) of adjacent platform blocks (21) are overlapped and connected by fasteners. The support mechanism (1) includes a platform beam (11) and a connector (12). Several platform beams (11) are arranged in a cross pattern. The connector (12) is connected to the end of the platform beam (11). The vibration damping device also includes a steel strand clamp (6). The steel strand clamp (6) is connected to the platform beam (11) and is located near the end of the platform beam (11).

2. The vibration damping device for wind turbine towers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vibration damping device also includes a locking structure (5), which is connected to the functional platform (2) and is adapted to connect to the tower.

3. The vibration damping device for wind turbine towers according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking structure (5) includes a fixing rod (51) and a first fixing seat (52). One end of the fixing rod (51) is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the functional platform (2), and the first fixing seat (52) is connected to the other end of the fixing rod (51). The first fixing seat (52) is adapted to connect to the inner wall of the tower.

4. The vibration damping device for wind turbine towers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping structure (3) is located at the intersection of several of the platform beams (11).

5. The vibration damping device for wind turbine towers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping structure (3) includes a first steel plate (31), a second steel plate (32) and a rubber component (33). The rubber component (33) is connected between the first steel plate (31) and the second steel plate (32). The first steel plate (31) is connected to the support mechanism (1), and the second steel plate (32) is connected to the functional platform (2).

6. The vibration damping device for wind turbine towers according to claim 1, characterized in that, The damping structure (3) is provided with several intervals; and / or, The elastic structure (4) is provided with several of them at intervals along the circumference.

7. A wind turbine generator set, characterized in that, include: Tower; The vibration damping device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is disposed inside the tower.

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