Tower drum self-lifting device of wind power tower

Abstract

The tower drum self-lifting device comprises at least three sets of lifting devices arranged around the central axis of the wind power tower at intervals, each set of lifting device comprises a steel cable, an upper bogie and a hydraulic cylinder, and the upper bogie is fixedly installed at the top of a tower drum on the outer side of a to-be-lifted tower drum; the hydraulic cylinder is fixedly installed on the ground outside the fixed tower drum, one end of the steel cable is fixed to a bottom flange of the tower drum to be lifted, and the other end of the steel cable upwards penetrates through a top flange of the adjacent tower drum on the outer side and then is fixed to the hydraulic cylinder after bypassing the upper bogie; and the hydraulic cylinder is used for dragging the steel cable and lifting the tower drum to be lifted. According to the invention, the hydraulic cylinder is mounted on the ground, and the path of the steel cable is steered by utilizing the upper steering frame, so that the steel cable can smoothly reach the ground, and after the hydraulic cylinder is mounted on the ground, due to the fact that the hydraulic cylinder is not limited by high-altitude operation any more, more choices are provided for the hydraulic cylinder, and the hydraulic cylinder is convenient to mount, replace and maintain.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a self-lifting device for the tower section of a wind turbine, specifically a self-lifting device for the tower section of a multi-section wind turbine. Background Technology

[0002] To reduce the weight of wind turbine towers and facilitate installation, large wind turbine towers are generally constructed in multi-sections. During installation, large-tonnage cranes are typically used for sectional hoisting. For wind turbine towers exceeding 120m in height, a single tower section requires a crane with a capacity of 800t or more. This not only makes construction cumbersome but is also limited by the crane's lifting capacity. Furthermore, it results in difficult transportation, high transportation costs, and high installation costs.

[0003] To reduce installation costs, self-lifting tower technology has emerged. This technology uses the outer tower section as a foundation to lift the inner tower section. During lifting, jacks are positioned on top of the outer tower section, and steel cables are used to lift the inner tower section. After lifting, bolts or anchor cables are used to hoist the bottom flange of the inner tower section onto the top flange of the outer tower section, connecting adjacent tower sections into one unit. Self-lifting technology eliminates the need for large-tonnage cranes, reducing tower installation costs. However, because the jacks are positioned at the top of the tower, the working space is limited, and the work is at a height, making operation inconvenient and posing certain safety hazards. Furthermore, during the lifting process, if some steel cables fail, the tower may fall directly to the ground, damaging the equipment and potentially injuring construction workers. Therefore, improving the safety of self-lifting construction methods is a strong practical need. Utility Model Content

[0004] To at least partially address the safety concerns inherent in the self-lifting method used in existing technologies for tower installation, this application proposes a self-lifting device for wind turbine towers. The wind turbine tower comprises at least two tower sections that can be sequentially nested together. After the wind turbine tower is installed, in two adjacent tower sections, the bottom flange of the inner tower section is hoisted to the underside of the top flange of the outer tower section; the outermost tower section is referred to as the fixed tower section.

[0005] The tower self-lifting device includes at least three lifting devices, which are arranged at intervals around the central axis of the wind turbine tower. Each lifting device includes a steel cable, an upper bogie, and a hydraulic cylinder. The upper bogie is fixedly installed on the top of at least one tower outside the tower to be lifted. The hydraulic cylinder is fixedly installed on the ground outside the tower. One end of the steel cable is fixed to the bottom flange of the tower to be lifted, and the other end of the steel cable passes upward through the anchor hole on the top flange of the adjacent outer tower, then passes around the upper bogie and extends downward, and is then fixed to the hydraulic cylinder. The steel cable is slidably supported on the upper bogie.

[0006] A first clamping plate group is provided in the anchoring hole. When the steel cable moves upward relative to the first clamping plate group, the clamps of the first clamping plate group can be relaxed, allowing the steel cable to move upward relative to the first clamping plate group. When the steel cable moves downward relative to the first clamping plate group, the clamps of the first clamping plate group can be tightly clamped on the steel cable, preventing the steel cable from moving downward relative to the first clamping plate group.

[0007] The hydraulic cylinder is used to pull the steel cable and lift the tower section to be lifted. In this application, the ground outside the fixed tower section includes the area where the wind turbine tower foundation is located outside the fixed tower section and the area outside the foundation.

[0008] The installation of the upper bogie can be determined based on the number of tower sections. When there are only one or two tower sections outside the tower to be lifted, the upper bogie can be installed on any one of the tower sections outside the tower to be lifted, or on all the tower sections outside the tower to be lifted. When there are three or more tower sections outside the tower to be lifted, due to the large distance between the tower to be lifted and the stationary tower, the two ends of the upper bogie can be installed on the tops of the adjacent tower sections outside the tower to be lifted and the stationary tower, respectively. Alternatively, the upper bogie can be installed only on the tower section located in the middle between the tower to be lifted and the stationary tower. Of course, the upper bogie can also be installed on the tops of all the tower sections outside the tower to be lifted simultaneously. There are no special requirements for the installation of the upper bogie, as long as it can support the steel cable and enable the steel cable to complete the deflection.

[0009] In this application, the hydraulic cylinder is installed on the ground, and the path of the steel cable is steered using an upper bogie to ensure the cable reaches the ground smoothly. With the hydraulic cylinder installed on the ground, there is no longer a constraint of working at height, providing more options for the hydraulic cylinder and facilitating its installation, replacement, and maintenance. In existing technology, because the hydraulic cylinder is located at the top of the tower, replacement and maintenance require hoisting equipment, increasing the operational risk. This application reduces the risks associated with tower lifting.

[0010] Specifically, to reduce friction of the steel cable, the upper bogie has a first fixed pulley on which the steel cable presses against.

[0011] Furthermore, each lifting device also includes a lower bogie, on which the steel cable is secured to a hydraulic cylinder after passing over it. The lower bogie is fixedly mounted on the ground or the outer wall of the tower. Using the lower bogie, the path of the steel cable can be turned so that the cable can be secured to the hydraulic cylinder in a predetermined direction.

[0012] Furthermore, to improve safety during construction, an anti-detachment frame is installed on the outer wall of the tower. This anti-detachment frame has a second clamping plate assembly. The clamping plates of the second clamping plate assembly surround the steel cable. When the steel cable moves downward relative to the second clamping plate assembly, the clamping plates of the second clamping plate assembly can loosen, allowing the steel cable to move downward relative to the second clamping plate assembly. When the steel cable moves upward relative to the second clamping plate assembly, the clamping plates of the second clamping plate assembly can tightly clamp the steel cable, preventing the steel cable from moving upward relative to the second clamping plate assembly. The first and second clamping plate assemblies together form an anti-reverse system, preventing the tower from falling or tilting directly after the steel cable detaches from the hydraulic cylinder while it is being lifted. Moreover, with the anti-detachment frame installed, the second and first clamping plate assemblies can serve as spare parts for each other, preventing the inability to replace a failed clamping plate assembly and thus avoiding a halt to tower lifting.

[0013] In existing technology, if a first clamping plate group fails, the tower lifting must be suspended, and a temporary support device needs to be erected under the tower before the failed clamping plate group can be replaced. However, with the addition of an anti-derailment frame, if one clamping plate group fails, the locking function of other clamping plate groups within the same lifting device can be used to replace the failed clamping plate group.

[0014] Specifically, to ensure the normal operation of the second clamping plate assembly of the anti-detachment frame, the anti-detachment frame includes a base plate, a second clamping plate assembly, a spring, and a compression plate. The base plate is fixed to the outer wall of the fixed tower cylinder. The base plate has a conical clamping plate hole with the small end facing upwards. The second clamping plate assembly is inserted upwards into the clamping plate hole. The compression plate is located on the lower side of the base plate. The spring is located between the second clamping plate assembly and the compression plate and is in a compressed state. The steel cable passes through the clamping plate hole from top to bottom. The clamping plates of the second clamping plate assembly surround the steel cable. Under the push of the spring, the clamping plates of the second clamping plate assembly are pressed against the outer circumference of the steel cable. When the steel cable moves downwards relative to the second clamping plate assembly, each clamping plate of the second clamping plate assembly will move downwards slightly under the action of the friction of the steel cable, compressing the spring and thus releasing the lock on the steel cable, allowing the steel cable to move downwards relative to the second clamping plate assembly. Due to the pushing force of the spring, each clip of the second clip group is always pressed against the outer circumference of the steel cable. When the steel cable moves upward relative to the second clip group, under the action of friction, the clips of the second clip group are tightly inserted into the conical hole and pressed tightly against the outer circumference of the steel cable, locking the steel cable and preventing it from moving upward.

[0015] Furthermore, several fall arrest devices are installed between two adjacent tower sections. These fall arrest devices are spaced apart around the central axis of the wind turbine tower. Each fall arrest device includes a support rod and several support protrusions. The support protrusions are spaced apart along the height direction on the inner wall of the outer tower section. The support protrusions protrude radially inward from the inner wall of the outer tower section. The support rod is rotatably mounted on the bottom flange of the inner tower section. The support rod extends downward at an inclination and can swing in an axial plane. This axial plane is a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the wind turbine tower. An elastic element is installed between the support rod and the inner tower section.

[0016] As the inner tower moves upward, when the support rod passes the support protrusion, under the pressure of the support protrusion, the support rod can swing towards the center of the inner tower and compress the elastic element. After the support rod passes the support protrusion, the elastic element can push the support rod to swing away from the inner tower. Viewed vertically, when the support rod is released from the pressure of the support protrusion, the lower end of the support rod overlaps with the support protrusion at least partially, so that when the inner tower moves downward, the support rod can press against the upper side of the support protrusion.

[0017] At least three fall arrestors should be installed, preferably evenly spaced around the central axis of the wind turbine tower. There is no specific upper limit to the number of fall arrestors; the number can be determined based on the tower diameter and the pressure each fall arrestor can withstand. The support protrusions are specifically formed by radially protruding inwards from the inner wall of the outer tower section.

[0018] The support rod and the elastic element together form a pawl structure. When a steel cable breaks, especially when the break is between the first clamping plate group and the bottom flange of the tower to be lifted, the tower to be lifted will tilt or fall directly downwards because the first clamping plate group has lost its function. If the tower to be lifted falls directly downwards, it will cause the entire wind turbine tower to fail. Even if the tower to be lifted is only tilted by the traction of other unbroken steel cables and the tower remains intact, correcting the tower is a very difficult task, and the correction work may still lead to the failure of the entire wind turbine tower.

[0019] When a steel cable breaks and causes the tower to fall, the fall can be stopped in time. If the spacing between the support protrusions is set properly, the tower will at most tilt slightly and will not affect its quality. The broken steel cable can then be replaced, the tower can be corrected, and the lifting can continue.

[0020] Specifically, when the support rod is released from the pressure of the support protrusion, the angle between the support rod and the vertical direction is 15-30°. If this angle is too large, it will occupy a large space; if the angle is too small, it will reduce the contact area between the support rod and the support protrusion when they are pressed together, which is not conducive to forming a stable support effect between them.

[0021] Furthermore, to reduce the space occupied by the support rod, a vertically extending groove is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the bottom flange of the inner tower. The support rod is hinged within this groove, and the two ends of the elastic element are respectively connected to the bottom surface of the support rod and the groove. This design allows the bottom flange to maintain its original design without requiring changes to existing design parameters due to the addition of the support rod.

[0022] To facilitate understanding of this application, the following describes a method for lifting a tower using the aforementioned self-lifting tower device, which includes the following steps:

[0023] (1) Construct each tower section, and all tower sections are coaxially fitted together;

[0024] (2) Install the upper bogie and anti-slip frame, and install hydraulic cylinders on the ground; except for the stationary tower section, at least one tower section shall be lifted in the following manner:

[0025] (2.1) Fix one end of the steel cable to the bottom flange of the tower to be lifted, and pass the other end of the steel cable upward through the anchor hole of the top flange of the adjacent outer tower, then extend downward through the upper bogie line, and after passing the anti-detachment frame, fix it to the hydraulic cylinder. The steel cable is slidably supported on the upper bogie.

[0026] (2.2) Start the hydraulic cylinder to pull the steel cable, so that the tower to be lifted is gradually lifted upward until the bottom flange of the tower to be lifted abuts against the top flange of the adjacent outer tower. Stop the hydraulic cylinder from pulling the steel cable, anchor the steel cable to the top flange of the adjacent outer tower, and cut the remaining steel cable.

[0027] (2.3) During the lifting process of the tower to be lifted, when at least one steel cable is released from the hydraulic cylinder, the clamps of the first clamping plate group and the second clamping plate group can tightly clamp around the steel cable to prevent the tower to be lifted from falling downward.

[0028] During the lifting process of the tower to be lifted, when the support rod passes the support protrusion, under the pressure of the support protrusion, the support rod can swing towards the center of the tower to be lifted and compress the elastic element. After the support rod passes the support protrusion, the elastic element can push the support rod to swing away from the tower to be lifted, so that when the tower to be lifted moves downward, the support rod can press against the upper side of the support protrusion.

[0029] In this application, since the tower is lifted using hydraulic cylinders on the ground, operators only need to work at height when installing, anchoring, and cutting the steel cables. During the remaining time, the lifting posture of the hydraulic cylinders and the tower can be monitored from the ground. Furthermore, maintenance, repair, and replacement of the hydraulic cylinders can be performed from the ground, improving both work efficiency and safety. The complementary function of the first and second clamping plate groups avoids the drawback of not being able to replace the hydraulic cylinder when only the first clamping plate group is present. Moreover, if either the first or second clamping plate group fails, the failed one can be replaced to complete the lifting of the tower.

[0030] When a steel cable breaks and causes the tower to fall, the fall can be stopped in time. If the spacing between the support protrusions is set properly, the tower will at most tilt slightly and will not affect its quality. The broken steel cable can then be replaced, the tower can be corrected, and the lifting can continue. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the state of the second section of the wind turbine tower during lifting.

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A.

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section B.

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section C.

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of section D.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the state of the third section of the wind turbine tower during lifting.

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Enlarged view of section E in the middle.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the upper bogie being installed on both the third and fixed tower sections during the lifting of the second tower section. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The following describes the self-lifting device for wind turbine towers. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1In this embodiment, the wind turbine tower includes four tower sections that can be nested together in sequence. For ease of description, the tower sections are referred to as the first tower section 11, the second tower section 12, the third tower section 13, and the fourth tower section 14 from the inside out. The first tower section, located at the innermost side, is a steel tower section, while the remaining second, third, and fourth tower sections are all reinforced concrete tower sections.

[0040] This application does not limit the material of the tower, and it can be designed according to specific needs. Therefore, in other embodiments, all towers can be made of reinforced steel or concrete, or some of the tower bodies can be made of steel and some of the towers can be made of reinforced concrete.

[0041] After all tower sections are installed, the first tower section is at the top and the fourth tower section is at the bottom. In adjacent tower sections, the bottom flange of the inner tower section is suspended below the top flange of the outer tower section. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first bottom flange 114 of the first tower section is suspended below the second top flange 122 of the second tower section via a first anchor; the second bottom flange 124 of the second tower section is suspended below the third top flange 132 of the third tower section via a second anchor; and the third bottom flange 134 of the third tower section is suspended below the fourth top flange 142 of the fourth tower section via a third anchor. The fan blades and main unit are installed on the first tower section. The fan blades and main unit are not shown in the accompanying drawings, but can be installed according to existing technology. The aforementioned top and bottom flanges are also referred to as "brackets" in the prior art, with the top flange located at the top of the corresponding tower section and the bottom flange located at the bottom of the corresponding tower section. In this embodiment, all tower sections are cylindrical; however, it is understood that in other embodiments, the tower sections may also be regular polygons.

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the process, the first tower section has been lifted and installed on the second tower section, which is currently being lifted. The third tower section remains in its original position, awaiting lifting. A second anchoring hole 123 for lifting the first tower section is provided on the second top flange 122 of the second tower section; a third anchoring hole 133 for lifting the second tower section is provided on the third top flange 132 of the third tower section; and a fourth anchoring hole 143 for lifting the third tower section is provided on the fourth top flange 142 of the fourth tower section.

[0043] During construction, the first completed tower section is placed at its designated position on foundation 22. Then, the second, third, and fourth tower sections are constructed sequentially around the first section, nesting them together. The first, second, and third tower sections are freely supported on the foundation, while the fourth section is directly cast onto the foundation, forming a unified structure. Since the first tower section is made of steel, it can be fabricated on-site or precast. All reinforced concrete tower sections are constructed using on-site casting. Because the fourth tower section is directly cast onto the foundation without being lifted, it is referred to as the "fixed tower section," meaning the outermost tower section is called the fixed tower section.

[0044] The foundation 22 is a reinforced concrete soil structure. To ensure the stability of the wind turbine tower, piles 21 are installed on the underside of the foundation 22.

[0045] In this embodiment, the tower self-lifting device includes three sets of lifting devices, which are evenly spaced around the central axis 100 of the wind turbine tower. Each set of lifting devices includes a steel cable 31, an upper bogie 40, a lower bogie 35, and a hydraulic cylinder 36. The upper bogie 40 is fixedly installed on the top of the stationary tower section. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 The upper bogie 40 specifically includes a cross-shaped support frame 42. The support frame 42 includes a vertically extending upright 421 and a radially extending crossbar 422 along the wind turbine tower. The lower end of the upright is welded to a pre-embedded steel plate 41 on the upper side of the fourth top flange 142. A first fixed pulley 43 is installed at the top of the upright and at both ends of the crossbar. The outer edge of the first fixed pulley on the crossbar facing radially outward extends beyond the outer circumference of the tower cylinder, and the inner edge of the first fixed pulley on the crossbar facing radially inward extends beyond the inner circumference of the fourth top flange 142. The first fixed pulley on the inner side of the crossbar is used to ensure that the steel cable can pass vertically through the anchoring hole on the top flange of the outer tower cylinder to be lifted. The first fixed pulley on the outer side of the crossbar is used to prevent friction between the steel cable and the outer wall of the tower cylinder, so as to avoid excessive wear of the steel cable and affect its service life.

[0046] The first fixed pulley at the top of the pole is mainly used to bear the downward pressure generated by the steel cable. It can be understood that in another embodiment, the first fixed pulley at the top of the pole can be eliminated, so that the steel cable extends directly from the first fixed pulley on the inside of the crossbar to the fixed pulley on the outside of the crossbar, and then bends downward.

[0047] Please see Figure 5The lower bogie 35 includes a fixed frame 351 and a second fixed pulley 352 rotatably mounted on the fixed frame. The fixed frame 351 is fixed on the foundation 22, that is, the lower bogie 35 is mounted on the ground. It can be understood that in another embodiment, the fixed frame 351 can also be mounted on the outer wall of the fixed tower, that is, the lower bogie 35 is mounted on the outer wall of the fixed tower.

[0048] Please continue reading. Figure 4 The hydraulic cylinder 36 is specifically a hollow hydraulic jack, horizontally arranged on the foundation. To improve the stability of the hydraulic cylinder on the foundation, a support block 23 is also cast on the foundation. The support block 23 is a reinforced concrete structure, and a steel cable hole 231 for the steel cable to pass through is provided in the support block. The hydraulic cylinder presses against the side of the support block away from the fixed tower. The hollow hydraulic jack is also called a hollow plunger hydraulic jack, which has a hollow piston rod for clamping the steel cable. The hollow piston rod is also called a hollow plunger.

[0049] The following describes the use of steel cables using the cable travel trajectory during the lifting of the second tower section 12. The second tower section is the section to be lifted. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 2 One end of the steel cable 31 passes downward through the bottom flange of the second tower section and is fixed by the anchor 311. The other end of the steel cable 31 passes upward through the third anchor hole 133 on the third top flange 132 of the third tower section 13, then extends downward around the upper bogie 40, and after passing around the lower bogie 35, passes horizontally through the cable hole 231 and is locked in the hollow piston rod of the hollow hydraulic jack. When the steel cable passes around the upper bogie, it passes through and presses against each of the first fixed pulleys 43 in sequence, so that the steel cable is slidably supported on the upper bogie. Using the first fixed pulley on the inner side of the crossbar, the steel cable passes vertically through the third anchor hole, so that the clamps in the first clamp group can surround the steel cable. Using the first fixed pulley on the outer side of the crossbar, the steel cable is separated from the outer wall of the fixed tower section, reducing wear on the steel cable. When the steel cable passes around the lower bogie 35, it presses against the second fixed pulley 352, so that the steel cable is slidably supported on the lower bogie.

[0050] Driven by a hydraulic cylinder, the second tower section is lifted upwards via a steel cable. A first clamping plate group 135 is provided in the third anchoring hole 133. When the steel cable moves upwards relative to the first clamping plate group, the clamps of the first clamping plate group can relax, allowing the steel cable to move upwards relative to the first clamping plate group; when the steel cable moves downwards relative to the first clamping plate group, the clamps of the first clamping plate group can tightly clamp the steel cable, preventing the steel cable from moving downwards relative to the first clamping plate group.

[0051] In this embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder is fixed to the foundation, and the lower bogie is used to steer the path of the steel cable.

[0052] To improve the safety of each tower during the lifting process, in this embodiment, each lifting device also includes two anti-detachment frames 50, which are fixed to the outer wall of the fixed tower along the height direction.

[0053] Each anti-detachment bracket 50 includes a base plate 51, a second clamping plate assembly 52, a spring 54, and a compression plate 55. The base plate is fixed horizontally to the outer wall of the fixed tower, and a reinforcing plate 512 is welded to the upper side of the base plate, which is also fixed to the outer wall of the fixed tower. The base plate has a conical clamping plate hole 511 with the small end facing upward. The second clamping plate assembly 52 is inserted upward into the clamping plate hole 511. The compression plate 55 is located on the lower side of the base plate. The clamping bolt 56 passes through the compression plate from bottom to top and is screwed onto the base plate, suspending the compression plate on the lower side of the base plate. A cable-passing hole 551 is provided on the compression plate for the steel cable to pass through.

[0054] Spring 54 is clamped between the second clamping plate assembly 52 and the compression plate, and spring 54 is in a compressed state. In this embodiment, the spring is specifically a cylindrical helical compression spring. It is understood that in other embodiments, the spring can also be a tubular rubber spring or a spring sheet. There are no special requirements for the spring, as long as it can push the clamping plates of the second clamping plate assembly upward and press them against the outer circumferential surface of the steel cable. The steel cable passes through the clamping plate hole from top to bottom, and the clamping plates of the second clamping plate assembly surround the steel cable. Under the push of the spring, the clamping plates are pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the steel cable.

[0055] When the steel cable moves downward relative to the second clamping plate group, the clamps of the second clamping plate group move downward and compress the spring under the action of the steel cable, so that the clamps of the second clamping plate group are relaxed, and the steel cable can move downward relative to the second clamping plate group; when the steel cable moves upward relative to the second clamping plate group, due to the self-tightening effect of the clamps, the clamps of the second clamping plate group can tightly clamp the steel cable, preventing the steel cable from moving upward relative to the second clamping plate group.

[0056] To ensure that the spring pushes the clips of the second clip group evenly, in this embodiment, a shim 53 is provided between the second clip group and the spring. The shim 53 has a shim hole 531 at its center for the steel cable to pass through. The shim is only to compensate for uneven compression that the spring may produce on the clips of the second clip group. If the spring can produce even compression on each clip in the second clip group, the shim can be omitted.

[0057] To prevent the tower from tilting or falling directly to the ground if some or all of the steel cables fail during the tower lifting process, four fall arrestors are installed between each pair of adjacent tower sections. These four fall arrestors are spaced apart around the central axis of the wind turbine tower. The following explanation uses the fall arrestor between the second and third tower sections as an example. Please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 2In this embodiment, each fall arrestor includes a support rod 62 and a plurality of support protrusions 61. The plurality of support protrusions 61 are spaced apart along the height direction on the inner wall of the third tower section. Each support protrusion 61 has a support surface 611, which extends downward in the radial direction along the inclined direction from the inner wall of the third tower section.

[0058] A vertically extending groove 125 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second bottom flange 124 of the second tower section. A support rod 62 is hinged within this groove 125, utilizing the two sidewalls of the groove to support the support rod while reducing the space occupied by the support rod. The support rod extends downwards at an angle and can swing within an axial plane, which is a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the wind turbine tower. The two ends of an elastic element 63 are respectively connected to the bottom surface 126 of the groove and the support rod. In this embodiment, the elastic element is specifically a cylindrical helical compression spring.

[0059] During the upward movement of the second tower section, when the support rod passes the support protrusion, under the pressure of the support protrusion, the support rod can swing towards the center of the inner tower section and compress the elastic element. After the support rod passes the support protrusion, the elastic element can push the support rod to swing away from the inner tower section. Viewed vertically, when the support rod is released from the pressure of the support protrusion, the lower end of the support rod overlaps with the support protrusion at least partially, so that when the inner tower section moves downward, the support rod can press against the upper side of the support protrusion.

[0060] In this embodiment, when the support rod disengages from the support protrusion, the angle α between the support rod and the vertical direction is 25°. It is understood that in other embodiments, this angle α is 15°, 20°, or 30°, and of course, it can also be any other angle between 15° and 30°. The angle α should not be too small; if it is too small, the contact area between the support rod and the support protrusion will be too small. The angle α should also not be too large; if it is too large, the radial length of the support rod on the wind turbine tower will be too long, occupying too much space.

[0061] This embodiment exemplarily illustrates a wind turbine tower structure with four tower sections. It can be understood that in other embodiments, depending on different installation conditions and the height of the wind turbine tower, the wind turbine tower may also include only two, three, five, six, or more tower sections.

[0062] Please see Figure 6 and Figure 7 When lifting the third tower section, similar to the lifting structure of the second tower section, the upper bogie is still only installed on the top of the fixed tower section. Compared to the second tower section, the third tower section is closer to the fixed tower section. Therefore, the first fixed pulley 43 on the inner side of the crossbar 422 of the support frame 42 needs to be moved radially outward to meet the lifting requirements of the third tower section.

[0063] It is understood that, in another embodiment, when lifting the second tower section, the upper bogie can also be simultaneously installed on top of the third tower section and the stationary tower section. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 8 In another embodiment, the upper bogie 40 is simultaneously mounted on the top of both the third tower section and the fixed tower section. The uprights 421 of the support frame 42 are still supported on the fourth top flange 142 of the fixed tower section, and an auxiliary rod 423 is installed below the crossbar 422. This auxiliary rod 423 is supported on the third top flange 132 of the third tower section 13, so that the upper bogie 40 is simultaneously supported on the top of both the third tower section and the fixed tower section via the uprights and auxiliary rod. It can be understood that, in yet another embodiment, when lifting the second tower section, the upper bogie can also be supported only on the third top flange of the third tower section.

[0064] The following describes the self-lifting method for wind turbine towers, which uses the aforementioned self-lifting device. This self-lifting method includes the following steps:

[0065] (1) Construct each tower section, and all tower sections are coaxially fitted together;

[0066] (2) Install bogies and anti-detachment frames on the top and outer wall of the fixed tower section respectively, and install hydraulic cylinders and lower bogies on the ground; except for the fixed tower section, the first, second, and third tower sections are all lifted in the following manner:

[0067] (2.1) Fix one end of the steel cable to the bottom flange of the tower to be lifted, and pass the other end of the steel cable upward through the anchor hole of the top flange of the adjacent tower on the outer side, then extend downward through the upper bogie, and after passing through the steel cable hole in the anti-detachment frame, lower bogie and support block, it is fixed in the hollow piston rod of the hollow hydraulic jack; the steel cable is supported on the first fixed pulley and the second fixed pulley;

[0068] (2.2) Start the hollow hydraulic jack to pull the steel cable, so that the tower to be lifted is gradually lifted upward until the bottom flange of the tower to be lifted abuts against the top flange of the adjacent outer tower. Stop the hollow hydraulic jack from pulling the steel cable, anchor the steel cable to the top flange of the adjacent outer tower, and cut the remaining steel cable.

[0069] (2.3) During the lifting process of the tower to be lifted, when some or all of the steel cables are detached from the hollow hydraulic jacks, the clamps of the first clamping plate group and the second clamping plate group can tightly clamp around the steel cables to prevent the tower to be lifted from falling downwards.

[0070] During the lifting process of the tower to be lifted, when the support rod passes the support protrusion, under the compression of the support protrusion, the support rod can swing towards the center of the tower to be lifted and compress the elastic element. After the support rod passes the support protrusion, the elastic element can push the support rod to swing away from the inner tower.

[0071] During the lifting process of the tower, if some or all of the steel cables fail, the support rod can support the top of the support protrusion to prevent the tower from falling. Steel cable failure includes situations such as the steel cable detaching from the hollow hydraulic jack, breaking, or deforming beyond the design value.

[0072] The following uses the lifting of the second tower section as an example to illustrate the detailed lifting process in step (2):

[0073] (2.1) One end of the steel cable is fixed to the second bottom flange of the second tower section, and the other end of the steel cable is passed upward through the anchoring hole of the top flange of the third tower section, then extends downward through the upper bogie, and is fixed inside the hollow piston rod of the hollow hydraulic jack after passing through the anti-detachment frame, the lower bogie, and the steel cable hole in the support block; the steel cable is supported on the first and second fixed pulleys. Before lifting the second tower section, the lifting of the first tower section has been completed, and the first tower section is connected to the top of the second tower section.

[0074] When the steel cable passes through the anti-derailment frame, it passes through the clamp hole, the center hole of the spring, and the cable hole in sequence from top to bottom. The clamps of the second clamp group surround the steel cable and press against the outer circumference of the steel cable under the push of the spring.

[0075] (2.2) Activate the hollow hydraulic jacks to pull the steel cables, gradually lifting the second tower section upwards until the second bottom flange of the second tower section abuts against the third top flange of the third tower section. Stop pulling the steel cables with the hollow hydraulic jacks, anchoring the steel cables to the top flange of the third tower section. Then, insert the anchor bolts through the second bottom flange and the third top flange to complete the connection between the second and third tower sections. Cut the remaining steel cables. The first tower section moves downwards synchronously with the lifting of the second tower section.

[0076] (2.3) During the lifting process of the second tower section, when some or all of the steel cables are detached from the hollow hydraulic jacks, the clamps of the first clamping plate group and the second clamping plate group can tightly clamp around the steel cables to prevent the tower section to be lifted from falling downwards.

[0077] During the lifting process of the second tower section, when the support rod passes the support protrusion, under the compression of the support protrusion, the support rod can swing towards the center of the tower to be lifted and compress the elastic element. After the support rod passes the support protrusion, the elastic element can push the support rod to swing away from the inner tower section.

[0078] During the lifting of the second tower section, if some or all of the steel cables fail, the support rods can be supported on top of the support protrusions to prevent the tower section to be lifted from falling downwards. Steel cable failure includes situations such as the steel cable detaching from the hollow hydraulic jack, breaking, or undergoing deformation exceeding the design value.

[0079] The lifting of the third tower section is the same as that of the second tower section. The lifting of the first tower section can be carried out using the same method as the second tower section, or it can be completed using lifting equipment such as cranes. Since the first tower section is made of steel and is relatively light, using lifting equipment such as cranes will result in higher lifting efficiency.

Claims

1. A self-lifting device for the tower section of a wind turbine, characterized in that, The wind turbine tower consists of at least two tower sections that can be nested together. After the wind turbine tower is installed, the bottom flange of the inner tower section is hoisted to the underside of the top flange of the outer tower section in the two adjacent tower sections. The outermost tower section is called the fixed tower section. The tower self-lifting device includes at least three lifting devices, which are arranged at intervals around the central axis of the wind turbine tower. Each lifting device includes a steel cable, an upper bogie, and a hydraulic cylinder. The upper bogie is fixedly installed on the top of at least one tower outside the tower to be lifted. The hydraulic cylinder is fixedly installed on the ground outside the tower. One end of the steel cable is fixed to the bottom flange of the tower to be lifted, and the other end of the steel cable passes upward through the anchor hole on the top flange of the adjacent outer tower, then passes around the upper bogie and extends downward, and is then fixed to the hydraulic cylinder. The steel cable is slidably supported on the upper bogie. A first clamping plate group is provided in the anchoring hole. When the steel cable moves upward relative to the first clamping plate group, the clamps of the first clamping plate group can be relaxed, so that the steel cable moves upward relative to the first clamping plate group. When the steel cable moves downward relative to the first clamping plate group, the clamps of the first clamping plate group can tightly clamp the steel cable, preventing the steel cable from moving downward relative to the first clamping plate group; The hydraulic cylinder is used to pull the steel cable and lift the tower to be lifted.

2. The self-lifting tower device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper bogie has a first fixed pulley, and the steel cable presses against the first fixed pulley.

3. The self-lifting tower device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each lifting device also includes a lower bogie, on which steel cables are fixed to a hydraulic cylinder after passing over the lower bogie. The lower bogie is fixedly installed on the ground or the outer wall of the tower.

4. The self-lifting tower device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An anti-detachment frame is installed on the outer wall of the fixed tower. The anti-detachment frame has a second clamping plate group. The clamping plates of the second clamping plate group are wrapped around the steel cable. When the steel cable moves downward relative to the second clamping plate group, the clamping plates of the second clamping plate group can be relaxed, allowing the steel cable to move downward relative to the second clamping plate group. When the steel cable moves upward relative to the second clamping plate group, the clamping plates of the second clamping plate group can be tightly clamped on the steel cable, preventing the steel cable from moving upward relative to the second clamping plate group.

5. The self-lifting tower device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The anti-detachment frame includes a base plate, a second clamping plate assembly, a spring, and a compression plate. The base plate is fixed to the outer wall of the fixed tower cylinder. The base plate has a conical clamping plate hole with the small end facing upward. The second clamping plate assembly is inserted upward into the clamping plate hole. The compression plate is located on the lower side of the base plate. The spring is located between the second clamping plate assembly and the compression plate and is in a compressed state. The steel cable passes through the clamping plate hole from top to bottom. The clamping plates of the second clamping plate assembly surround the steel cable. Under the push of the spring, the clamping plates of the second clamping plate assembly are pressed against the outer circumferential surface of the steel cable.

6. The self-lifting tower device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Several fall arrestors are installed between two adjacent tower sections. These fall arrestors are spaced apart around the central axis of the wind turbine tower. Each fall arrestor includes a support rod and several support protrusions. The support protrusions are spaced apart along the height direction on the inner wall of the outer tower section. The support protrusions protrude radially inward from the inner wall of the outer tower section. The support rod is rotatably mounted on the bottom flange of the inner tower section. The support rod extends downward at an inclination and can swing in an axial plane. This axial plane is a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the wind turbine tower. An elastic element is installed between the support rod and the inner tower section. As the inner tower moves upward, when the support rod passes the support protrusion, under the pressure of the support protrusion, the support rod can swing towards the center of the inner tower and compress the elastic element. After the support rod passes the support protrusion, the elastic element can push the support rod to swing away from the inner tower. Viewed vertically, when the support rod is released from the pressure of the support protrusion, the lower end of the support rod overlaps with the support protrusion at least partially, so that when the inner tower moves downward, the support rod can press against the upper side of the support protrusion.

7. The self-lifting tower device according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the support rod is released from the pressure of the support protrusion, the angle between the support rod and the vertical direction is 15-30°.

8. The self-lifting tower device according to claim 6, characterized in that, A groove extending vertically is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the bottom flange of the inner tower. The support rod is hinged in the groove, and the two ends of the elastic element are respectively connected to the bottom surface of the support rod and the groove.

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