Tuned mass damper assembly for tall, slim structures

Abstract

The invention relates to a new tuned mass damper assembly for tall, slim structures and wind turbines, in particular towers of wind turbines, for damping undesired oscillations which can occur during operation or during the erection of the turbine or the structure as a result of different force effects. The new tuned mass damper is based on the physical principle of a rolling pendulum and is particularly suitable for damping parasitic oscillations below 1 Hz.

Description

[0001] ESM-RollP-PCT25

[0002] Vibration damper arrangement for tall, slender structures

[0003] Subject matter of the invention:

[0004] The invention relates to a novel vibration damper arrangement for tall, slim structures

[0005] 5 Structures and wind turbines, in particular towers of wind turbines, for damping unwanted vibrations which may occur during operation or during the construction of the plant or structure due to various force effects.

[0006] The novel vibration damper is based on the physical principle of a rolling pendulum and is particularly suitable for damping disturbance vibrations below 1 Hz.

[0007] State of the art and object of the invention:

[0008] Tall and slender buildings and structures are subject to special vibration conditions, which must be taken into account through technical measures to prevent damage or premature fatigue processes.

[0009] 15 This applies in particular to wind turbines, which, due to their rapid technological development in recent years, are increasingly being used in more extreme areas (e.g. offshore) and at higher altitudes, and which also have ever taller towers to take advantage of the better wind conditions there. Such wind turbines must withstand the forces acting upon them from wind, waves, weather and operation, which the

[0010] 20 systems at different locations are subjected to varying degrees of stress.

[0011] The tower of a wind turbine is also subjected to vibrations of less than 1 Hz, typically between 0.1 and 0.5 Hz, as it rises in height due to these forces. These vibrations can occur even during the tower's construction phase and can compromise the further construction and safety of the turbine.

[0012] It is therefore necessary to dampen the vibrations occurring in these systems in a targeted and effective manner using technical measures. This is achieved with vibration absorbers or dampers of various designs, depending on the different application areas. Pendulum dampers of various designs have proven suitable for this purpose.

[0013] 30 pendulum dampers for wind turbines are described, for example, in EP 1008747 (B1) or in WO 2009 / 068599. These use classic pendulums, which, however, due to the limited space available in the tower, only have small oscillation ranges (ESM-RollP-PCT25).

[0014] 2 can travel, which means that the required damping masses must be quite large in order to influence the corresponding natural frequency.

[0015] From JP 08-200438 (A) a vibration damper is known which comprises a damper mass equipped with rollers and mounted on these on a concave inwards

[0016] 5 curved circular rail arrangement can roll back and forth, with the mass in fact moving like the mass of a virtual pendulum with a pendulum rod or pendulum rope corresponding to the radius of the circle.

[0017] EP 2746483 (A1) describes a rolling tiger for a wind turbine, also based on a pendulum motion, in which a damping mass on a curved wheel-rail arrangement can be displaced from a central position by restoring forces, in particular spring forces. The damping mass-rail arrangement is located within a surrounding frame, and the provided height adjustment in this frame can be used for frequency adjustments.

[0018] In WO 2017 / 036581, a [regulation / standard] developed specifically for wind turbines is described.

[0019] 15. A vibration damper is proposed, comprising a running or chassis with rollers for a main damper mass and a curved running device, wherein the main damper mass is attached to the chassis. The running or chassis, or the main damper mass, has a disc-shaped, rotationally symmetrical, optionally variably adjustable flywheel, which constitutes only a fraction of the main mass of the vibration damper.

[0020] The damper mass, which measures 20 mm, moves along with the main mass on wheels or rollers on the running device. The basic idea behind this damper is to enable small masses to be displaced by large oscillation paths.

[0021] WO 2019 / 154557 describes a similarly constructed vibration damper, in which, however, a disc-shaped rotational flywheel is driven by a belt drive device without effective participation of the running wheels of the running gear, wherein the belt drive device is mounted below the running gear and the center of gravity of the rotational flywheel connected to the belt drive device is located below the running gear.

[0022] The vibration dampers mentioned in the state of the art described above often have the

[0023] 30. A disadvantage is that they are relatively heavy for the intended installations and purposes and require a large amount of construction space. The construction space is particularly limited in the upper part of a wind turbine tower. This also applies especially to individual tower segments from which the tower is erected section by section. Furthermore, ESM-RollP-PCT25

[0024] 3. Additionally, it is required that the vibration damper used can be easily installed and removed from the respective tower segment, and can be adapted to the respective excitation simply, quickly and cost-effectively.

[0025] The task was therefore to provide a vibration damper which would offer advantages

[0026] 5 compared to the known vibration dampers described for the purposes mentioned, especially with regard to size, weight, transport and ease of maintenance.

[0027] Summary of the invention:

[0028] It has been found that roller pendulums are ideally suited for use as vibration dampers for wind turbines and other tall, slender structures such as towers, chimneys, masts and the like.

[0029] A rolling pendulum is usually a cylinder or a sphere or a body with any convexly curved outer surface, whose center and center of mass move only in one plane, with the center of mass being at a distance from the center and in

[0030] 15. The direction of gravity is below this point. Such a body, after being deflected by a certain angle, returns itself to its stable starting position and thus behaves like a pendulum (Fig. 1).

[0031] The invention therefore relates to a vibration damper arrangement for damping vibrations in a wind turbine or parts thereof, such as nacelle, tower or

[0032] 20 tower segments, or other tall, slender structures such as chimneys, which include:

[0033] - a supporting structure (1) that is fixedly or flexibly connected to a structural element of the plant (A) or the building,

[0034] - at least one, preferably two or more running surfaces (2)(2') which are permanently or mountably connected to the supporting structure or to a structural element of the system, as well as

[0035] - a rolling element (3), preferably in the form of a cylinder or a sphere, which has or consists of or is composed of a damping mass (4) or various damping mass units (4'), and which has a substantially convex curved

[0036] 30 rolling surface (5)(5') with which it can be used on at least one

[0037] Running surface (2)(2') of the support structure / 1) or the structural element of the system (A) rests on it and can roll back and forth on it.

[0038] The damping mass (4)(4') is attached to a rolling element (3) such that the ESM-RollP-PCT25

[0039] 4

[0040] The center of gravity (S) of the total mass of the rolling element (3)-damper mass unit (4)(4') composed of the mass of the rolling element and the damper mass has a defined or determinable distance (a) to the center of gravity (M) of the convexly curved rolling surface (5)(5') of the rolling element, wherein this rests on the running surface (2)(2') by means of

[0041] 5 of its convexly curved rolling surface (5)(5'), and the rolling element with the damping mass (4)(4') assumes a stable central position in the rest state, in which the center of gravity (S) is located vertically below the center point (M), and is deflected from this central position by an angle (a) when excitation occurs, generating a restoring torque. The resulting pendulum motion of the rolling element thus determines the natural frequency of the rolling element acting as a rolling pendulum for a defined and preset mass distribution on the rolling element. If the natural frequency of the rolling element described in this way corresponds to the excitation frequency of the structure of the system or building, vibration damping of the system or building occurs.

[0042] As already mentioned, the rolling element (3) of the inventive

[0043] 15 Vibration damper arrangement preferably a cylindrical or spherical basic shape, which is functionally designed to support and transport the damper mass (4)(4'), which itself can be variably adjusted by adding or removing individual damper mass units (4').

[0044] However, according to the invention, it is also conceivable and possible that the rolling element, or its

[0045] The active rolling surface (5)(5') has a different shape and curvature. This results in additional and sometimes complex possibilities for influencing the damper frequency. For example, the active rolling surface (5)(5') of the rolling element (3) can be elliptically or otherwise convexly curved.

[0046] An elliptical shape of the rolling surfaces (5)(5') has, as has been shown, the advantage that at

[0047] With 25 large amplitudes or deflections, the frequency remains essentially constant, whereas with a circular rolling surface, significant frequency changes can be observed (Fig. 2).

[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, the rolling element does not roll directly on its outer surface or parts thereof as an active rolling surface (5)(5') on the running surface (5)(5') of the support structure (1), but rather via one or more curved roller brackets (5') which are attached to the rolling element, or its outer rolling surface, in such a way that they rest on the at least one running surface (2)(2') and thus enable the rolling element (3) with the damping mass (4)(4') to perform an oscillating rolling motion. In this case, the roller brackets (5') are also circular or elliptical or otherwise convexly curved.

[0049] 35 Separate, curved roller brackets (5') have the advantage that the damping mass (4)(4') in relation to ESM-RollP-PCT25

[0050] 5 can be adjusted in size, placement and shape independently of the rolling element shape and the roller bracket attachment below the pivot point of the rolling element by means of a sliding device (6).

[0051] The at least one running surface (2)(2') of the supporting structure (1) or of the structural element

[0052] 5 of the system (A) can be flat or curved. Preferably, it is flat and arranged horizontally to the structure. However, it can also be curved itself, whereby not only concave but also convex curves are conceivable, which in turn gives rise to interesting possibilities for frequency adaptation or frequency adjustment. In one embodiment of the invention, the at least one running surface (2)(2') of the support structure (1) is a running rail (2') on which the rolling element (3) or its convexly curved roller brackets (5') attached to it perform a linearly oscillating rolling motion when excited by an external force.

[0053] In the simplest case, the rolling element consists of a base body with its own mass. In the simplest case, this can function as a damping mass (4). Usually, this mass is insufficient.

[0054] 15 as a damping mass. Furthermore, its size and position cannot be easily changed. Therefore, in a further embodiment of the invention, the damping mass (4)(4') is shaped according to the rolling element (3) and arranged around it, for example in correspondingly shaped mass disks or mass sub-discs, and is interchangeable on the base body of the rolling element, preferably with respect to size and position.

[0055] 20. The total rolling mass thus consists of the mass of the actual rolling element (3) and the damping mass (4)(4') attached to it. According to the invention, the damping mass (4)(4') or a part thereof can be (a) rigidly connected to the rolling element (3) or (b) rotatably mounted, whereby an additional influence on the damping frequency can be exerted due to an occurring, changing or absent moment of inertia.

[0056] The vibration damper arrangement according to the invention offers a particular advantage in that, in a further embodiment of the invention (3), the rolling element (3) is equipped with a device (6) which enables the above-mentioned damping mass elements (4)(4') to be moved or repositioned in a targeted, variable and simple manner.

[0057] 30 that a change in the distance (a) between the center (M) of the convexly curved rolling surface (5)(5') and the center of gravity (S) of the rolling element occurs, thus enabling a targeted change in the damper frequency with an unchanged damper mass. ESM-RollP-PCT25

[0058] 6

[0059] In a further embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided by correspondingly simple means (e.g. screw connections) to selectively add or remove damping mass units (4') at specific positions while achieving the same effect described above.

[0060] 5 The rolling or pendulum motion of the rolling element (3) or the rolling pendulum on the running surface (2) and the running rail (2') can cause the rolling pendulum to slip on its base due to the large horizontally acting mass forces and the metallic nature.

[0061] This can be prevented or reduced by corresponding embodiments of the invention by attaching retaining elements (7) to the rolling element (3) and / or the support structure (1), which prevent the rolling element from slipping on the at least one running surface (2), for example the guide rails (2'), during the pendulum movement. This can be achieved, for example, by guide rails (7a) or retaining or guide cables (7b) for the rolling element and the damping masses (4)(4').

[0062] 15 will be.

[0063] In a particular embodiment, these retaining elements (7) comprise appropriately designed toothed elements (7c), for example in the form of toothed belts, toothed bands or toothed rods, which may be straight-toothed or helical-toothed, and with which the curved rolling surfaces (5)(5') of the rolling element (3) and / or the running surfaces

[0064] 20 (2, in particular running rails (2') of the support structure (1) are equipped.

[0065] Instead of or in addition to the described retaining elements, appropriately designed friction elements or friction surfaces can also be provided at the corresponding positions on the rolling element and / or the supporting structure.

[0066] In a further embodiment, slippage according to the eddy current principle, as an integral component of the roller pendulum according to the invention, can also be prevented by an arrangement of magnetic poles on the running surface (2)(2') and a corresponding counter-runner. Simultaneously, this special arrangement can be used to generate eddy currents and to actively control the damper.

[0067] If one wishes to prevent unwanted movements in a rotationally symmetric tower of a

[0068] 30. To dampen wind turbines or other tall and slender structures in both horizontal directions, a rotationally symmetrical, spherical roller pendulum designed according to the invention, or two uniaxial rollers, for example ESM-RollP-PCT25, can be used.

[0069] Seven cylindrical roller pendulums, arranged at 90° to each other around the vertical axis, are used.

[0070] In a special embodiment of the invention, the rolling element (3) is designed as a correspondingly rollable rotationally symmetrical container (48), which is equipped with

[0071] 5. The container is filled with a liquid or solid, preferably granular, material (47), and can be mounted on a damping material (44), for example an elastomer mat, with springy, frictional, or damping properties, and its movement is limited by stops (43). The container itself can, in turn, be placed within a protective cage structure (42). This design variant of the invention is thus a spherical rolling pendulum that can dampen vibrations in the structure, for example a wind turbine tower, in two directions.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the invention, it can be provided that the rolling movement of the rolling element with the damping mass on the running surfaces (2)(2') is restricted or reduced.

[0073] 15. Stop. This can be done by means of braking devices (9), e.g. hydraulic or electric friction brakes, or by means of end stops (10).

[0074] Due to specific requirements and / or conditions, it may be necessary to provide additional vibration damping for a tall, slender structure, for example, for a wind turbine. Suitable vibration dampers (8) are, for example, made of

[0075] 20 friction dampers, dampers based on elastomer elements, spring elements, hydraulic dampers, other fluid dampers or, in particular, eddy current dampers known to the state of the art.

[0076] Furthermore, it is possible to carry out additional damping directly on the roller pendulum of the vibration damper arrangement according to the invention as follows:

[0077] • the rolling pendulum (single- or 2-axis), or the damping mass (4)(4') immerses in a viscous fluid and, through its movement, creates a viscous heavy flow or turbulence in the fluid.

[0078] • Inside the damping mass (4)(4') there is another mass body, with a viscous fluid located between this and the damping mass, so that when

[0079] 30 degrees of movement generate additional damping. It is therefore a type of sliding bearing. ESM-RollP-PCT25

[0080] 8

[0081] • Both of the above-mentioned viscous fluids may be magnetorheological fluids whose viscosity can be changed by applying an electric current.

[0082] • Between the inner damping mass (4)(4') and the actual rolling element are

[0083] Five magnets and a conductive material (e.g., aluminum, copper, or similar) are used to generate an eddy current. For this purpose, it is advantageous to prevent the rotation of the damping mass (4)(4') by installing a torque support. This torque support can, for example, be mounted on the tower or the tall, slender structure by rolling.

[0084] The rolling pendulum of the vibration damper arrangement according to the invention can be further extended by using a rotary or translational electrical machine (e.g. synchronous machine, asynchronous machine, reluctance machine).

[0085] The electric machine is used in motor and / or generator operation in combination with the rolling pendulum to influence the system behavior of the

[0086] To influence 15 vibration dampers.

[0087] The electric machine allows the damping and stiffness (and thus the frequency) of the vibration damper to be adjusted.

[0088] Possible options include:

[0089] • higher / lower linear stiffness and / or damping

[0090] 20 • progressive or degressive stiffness characteristics and / or damping characteristics (position-dependent characteristics)

[0091] • Speed-dependent characteristics for stiffness and damping

[0092] • Any mathematical functions depending on, for example, position, speed or acceleration, or also on temperature or time (polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, etc.)

[0093] • Adjustment of damping and stiffness using “machine learning” algorithms / artificial intelligence to optimize system behavior

[0094] Generally, a distinction can be made between active and passive operation. For active operation of the system (damper with an additional electric motor), there are two operating modes.

[0095] 30 conceivable:

[0096] • Without main system coupling (control): The active system is parameterized externally. The target values ​​for stiffness and damping are specified. ESM-RollP-PCT25

[0097] 9. Only an indirect reaction to the main system occurs (the damper acts like a passive damper with a suitable frequency and damping). The movement of the main system does not influence the control of the active damper system (no sensor coupling).

[0098] 5 • With main system coupling or sensor coupling (controlled operation): The active system receives real-time information from the main system to be damped and continuously adjusts parameters such as stiffness and damping of the active damper system for optimal performance (main system reduction). This makes it possible, for example, to always operate the damper with maximum amplitude and thus maximum performance. The damping can be adjusted for this purpose depending on the energy input.

[0099] Furthermore, an optimized active operation is also conceivable. For this, the phase between the damper mass and the main system is adjusted from 90° (operating principle of a passive damper) to 180° (operating principle of an active damper). Through oscillation, the mass of the damper and the

[0100] The 15 main systems are in opposition to each other. The vibration damper can either calm or even excite the main system. Besides deterministic signals, such as harmonic excitation, it can also react to stochastic signals (such as wind gusts or waves).

[0101] For passive operation, or to simulate a viscous damper, the electric

[0102] The machine is used in generator mode. The energy generated or extracted from the system is then consumed, for example, in a resistive, inductive, or capacitive load. Additional diodes, transistors, and other switching and control elements are also possible. By appropriately dimensioning the load network, various damping characteristics (e.g., nonlinear, exponential) dependent on displacement, acceleration, or velocity can be achieved.

[0103] The energy generated during damper or generator operation can also be temporarily stored and used to adjust the stiffness. For this purpose, the electric machine can be operated alternately in generator and motor mode.

[0104] 30 will be reached. The switch between different operating modes can occur several times per vibration cycle. ESM-RollP-PCT25

[0105] 10

[0106] As has already been emphasized several times, the vibration damper arrangement according to the invention has been designed in particular for use in wind turbines, although other tall, slender structures can also be equipped with it in principle.

[0107] In a wind turbine, the roller pendulum damper according to the invention can be used to dampen

[0108] 5. Vibrations can, in principle, be incorporated into all areas of the structure, for example:

[0109] • On or in the tower, or a corresponding tower section, in connection with the tower's construction, a roller pendulum system can be used to cover the frequency ranges during the construction phase and once the wind turbine is fully erected. For this purpose, only the center of gravity of the roller pendulum needs to be shifted. For tower construction, the roller pendulum must be installed in or on the tower or parts thereof.

[0110] • On or in the nacelle of the wind turbine, especially for the fully erected wind turbine and the state without blades or during the replacement of

[0111] 15 large components in the gondola.

[0112] • In the area or within the hub of the rotor, especially for the bladeless state or the replacement of large components when the blades have been removed.

[0113] • In the area of ​​the rotor blades, especially when the rotor blades are in the feathered position and edge-wise vibrations of the rotor blades occur

[0114] 20 are expected.

[0115] The invention therefore also relates to a wind turbine comprising a vibration damper arrangement according to the invention, as set out above and in the claims, wherein such an arrangement can be installed in or on the nacelle, in or on the tower of the turbine, or in or on the hub or the rotor blades. Since the vibration damper arrangement is intended for vibrations with a frequency of less than one hertz, installation in the upper third of the tower is preferred.

[0116] The vibration damper arrangement according to the invention is also ideally suited, particularly because of its relatively small size, compact space-saving design and simple assembly, to be used during the construction of the wind turbine.

[0117] 30, in particular, of the tower, to be used.

[0118] Due to its considerable height and the associated logistical challenges, a wind turbine tower typically consists of individual tower segments or sections that are assembled step by step at the site. (See ESM-RollP-PCT25.)

[0119] 11. As the height of the stacked and connected tower segments increases, the problem of vibrations occurring in the structure under construction intensifies, with these vibrations typically being caused by different excitation frequencies depending on the progress of construction. Therefore, measures can be taken to mitigate these vibrations.

[0120] To avoid unwanted vibrations during the construction phase, the uppermost tower segment is temporarily equipped with a vibration damper arrangement according to the invention and its frequency is adjusted to the prevailing conditions, for example, by shifting the center of gravity of the rolling element. This adjustment can be performed manually beforehand or automatically on a permanent basis using appropriately installed sensors, as known in the prior art. The vibration damper arrangement according to the invention can be installed inside a tower segment, on top of the tower segment, or on the outside of the tower wall using suitable support and fastening structures. After completion of the tower, the vibration damper arrangement according to the invention can remain in the uppermost tower section.

[0121] 15 The object of the invention is therefore the use of the described vibration damper arrangement according to the invention in the construction of a wind turbine, in particular the tower.

[0122] Details of the invention are shown in the illustrations.

[0123] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the physical function of a rolling pendulum in the form

[0124] Figure 20 represents the self-righting function of a rolling element. This function becomes apparent when the center of gravity of a rolling element is located below the pivot point (M) of the rolling radius in its neutral position. When the rolling element is deflected from its neutral position by an angle α, a restoring torque is generated, which tends to return the rolling element to its neutral position, resulting in a specific frequency. This frequency can be used to act as a damper in a wind turbine tower and reduce tower vibrations.

[0125] Key influencing parameters on the resulting frequency are the mass and inertia of the rolling element, the radius of the rolling or raceway, and the distance to the center of gravity.

[0126] 30 If the raceway for the rolling element has a circular shape with radius R and the center of gravity is at a distance a from the pivot point, then the frequency can be determined for small angles as follows: ESM-RollP-PCT25

[0127] 12

[0128] Fig. 2 shows the dependence of the frequency of a rolling pendulum on the displacement / amplitude for a rolling element / roller of circular and elliptical shape. As can be seen, the frequency decreases for larger displacement angles.

[0129] By choosing a suitable shape for the track, deviating from the circular shape, it is possible to

[0130] 5. Generally, avoid the amplitude dependence of the frequency and set a constant frequency independent of the deflection amplitude. x-axis: Amplitude of the rolling pendulum in terms of the rotation angle of the rolling pendulum [degrees] y-axis: normalized frequency of the rolling pendulum Line with crosses: elliptical rolling pendulum Line with diamonds: circular rolling pendulum

[0131] Fig. 3 shows a rolling pendulum according to the invention.

[0132] The horizontal running surface (2)(2') for the rolling element (3) is mounted on the structural element (A) of the system. The rolling element rolls on this surface over its rolling surfaces (5)(5'). In the illustrated embodiment, the rolling surface (5) is defined by the circular outer contour of the

[0133] 15 rolling elements (3) are formed. A support structure (1) for the rolling element is attached to the structural element (A). The rolling pendulum also has an additional damping unit (8), in this case an eddy current damper, whereby the damping transmission to the entire rolling mass of the rolling element, including the damping mass, is effected via a belt arrangement (8a). To limit the movement of the rolling pendulum, a friction brake (9) and

[0134] 20 end stops (9a) are provided.

[0135] Fig. 4 shows the roller pendulum according to the invention as shown in Fig. 3 in a perspective view. Additional retaining elements (7) in the form of belts for steering / aligning and preventing the rolling element (3) with the damping mass (4) from slipping can be seen here.

[0136] Fig. 5 shows a section through the roller pendulum according to the invention as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. A left and right guide rail (2') can be seen, which are attached to a structural element (A) of the system. The rolling element (3) rolls on the guide rails (2') over the surface of its two circular outer disks (5). The rolling element itself rotates about the bearings (12) and (13) and has a fixed and

[0137] 30 constant mass (4). At the lower end, between the rolling surfaces (5), several damping mass units (4') in the form of disks are arranged centrally so that they are easily accessible and thus easily changeable or replaceable, for example via a suitable device (7) (not shown).

[0138] Furthermore, an additional damping device (8) in the form of ESM-RollP-PCT25 is provided on each side.

[0139] 13

[0140] Eddy current dampers are recognizable. These each comprise a stationary and a moving disc, one disc being made of aluminum (17) and the other disc having magnets (18).

[0141] Figs. 6 and 7 show different sections of the invention.

[0142] 5 Vibration damper arrangement according to Figs. 3 and 4.

[0143] Fig. 6 shows a section in the direction of the axis of rotation of the rolling element (3), but only the functional parts of it, which rolls on a horizontal running surface (2) / guide rail (2'). The damping mass units (4') protruding from the rolling element are shown schematically. Fig. 7 shows a corresponding section perpendicular to this. In this embodiment, guide wheels (20) for the rolling element and bearings (19) can also be seen.

[0144] Fig. 8 shows in principle the embodiment of Fig. 3. As an additional, now active damping device, an electric motor (22) is provided which is connected to a belt system (not shown) and thus exerts a force on the damping mass (4)(4'),

[0145] 15 or exerts on the total mass of the roller pendulum. The motor is controlled by appropriate electronics in a control cabinet (21).

[0146] Fig. 9 shows another section through the arrangement of Fig. 8.

[0147] Fig. 10 shows a sketch of an embodiment of the rolling pendulum according to the invention, in which the rolling element (3) is connected to the damping mass (4) by means of double-sided

[0148] 20 roller brackets (5'), which here have an elliptical rolling surface instead of a circular one, can move between two horizontally aligned guide rails (2'). Additional damping elements in the form of eddy current dampers (8) are shown schematically on the left and right.

[0149] Fig. 11 shows a further sketch of a roller pendulum according to the invention, in which the rolling element and the guide rail are each equipped with gear-like running surfaces to prevent the rolling element from slipping while simultaneously providing guidance. The following abbreviations apply:

[0150] (30): Rack and pinion with straight or helical teeth, and

[0151] (31): elliptical gear with straight or helical teeth.

[0152] FIG 12: shows a top view of a further embodiment of the invention

[0153] 30 roller pendulums with a herringbone gear (3T, 30') on one side and a spur gear (31", 30") on the other. The end stops (32) reduce the stop of mass 3 / 4 when the deflection of mass (3 / 4) becomes too large. The ESM-RollP-PCT25

[0154] 14

[0155] Eddy current damping is generated between the magnets (8) and the aluminum rails (33). The magnets (8) are attached directly to the mass (3 / 4). The magnets (8) and aluminum rail (33) are located on both sides of the mass (3 / 4). With this design, no belt or roller bearing is necessary for the function of the roller pendulum. The herringbone gearing and the

[0156] The five straight teeth prevent the damper from slipping and from shifting laterally. Furthermore, the magnets for eddy current damping are mounted directly on the roller pendulum and move past stationary aluminum elements, thus eliminating the need for a separate damper unit.

[0157] FIG. 13 shows a section BB from FIG. 12. The adjusting mass (4') can be moved around the circumference to adjust the frequency on the wind turbine. (34) shows the attachment, for example, to the tower of a wind turbine.

[0158] FIG. 14 shows another section DD from Fig. 13.

[0159] FIG. 15 shows a rotationally symmetric rolling pendulum (41) according to the invention, which can move freely in a cage (42) in the horizontal plane. The connection (40) to the

[0160] The 15-meter tower, which can also be equipped with rubber elements (46), allows the cage (42) to be fixed in place. Due to its rotationally symmetrical nature, the roller pendulum can also reduce the tower's vibrations in the horizontal plane.

[0161] FIG 16: shows a section DD from FIG. 15. The roller pendulum (41) consists of a

[0162] container (48), a granular, liquid or solid filling material (47) and a stop

[0163] 20 (45). The rolling pendulum rests on a damping material (44), such as an elastomer mat, which has springy, frictional, and damping properties. When the rolling pendulum strikes, it is slowed by a stop material (43) and by elastomer elements in the connections (46). Simultaneously, the friction between the container (48) and an elastomer mat (44) is used as a holding element. Should the rolling pendulum nevertheless slip relative to the cage (42), it can be pushed back into place by the stop (43) between the rolling pendulum and the cage. The stop surface of the container (48) is oriented in such a way that the rolling pendulum mass always centers itself, i.e., it is in the center of the cage when at rest. The granular material (47) in the container (48) has several functions. Firstly, it serves as a mass; it can be used to...

[0164] 30. Adjust the frequency of the rolling pendulum (change dimension a via the fill level), and thirdly, the material slides upon impact, thus dissipating kinetic energy. The granular material (47) is therefore also part of the impact concept. The impact concept can also be part of the damping function in this rolling pendulum. ESM-RollP-PCT25

[0165] 15

[0166] The function of this rolling pendulum thus consists of a damping effect and an impulse damping effect. The damping frequency of the rolling pendulum is determined by the fill level of the filling material (47). The damping is also achieved via the filling material (47) and via the damping properties of the material (44).

[0167] Five impulse damping properties are determined by the free path between the roller pendulum (41) and the stop material (43). The properties of the stop material (43) and the elastomer elements in the stop (46) also have an influence. When the roller pendulum strikes the stop, the filler material (47) slides and dissipates the kinetic energy.

[0168] To design the rolling pendulum as an impulse damper, the free path, i.e. the distance between container (48) and stop material (43), the frequency of the rolling pendulum, the stiffness of the bearing (46), the stiffness of the stop material (43) and the mass and behavior of the granular material must be taken into account.

[0169] FIG 17 shows a top view of a roller pendulum according to the invention, which does not require gears. Instead, the slippage of the roller pendulum is prevented by three

[0170] 15 belts (50) prevent slippage. Lateral slippage of the roller pendulum is prevented by two mushroom-shaped supports (51) that bear against the lateral aluminum rails (33). Rotation about the vertical axis is prevented by friction discs (52) that also engage the lateral aluminum rails (33) when the roller pendulum rotates about the vertical axis. With these three countermeasures, the roller pendulum's rolling motion in the desired direction is prevented.

[0171] 20 (right-left) possible.

[0172] FIG 18 shows a section AA from the embodiment of FIG 17. The magnets (8) are shown, which generate eddy currents as they move past the aluminum rails (33). The roller pendulum runs on a simple support (2'). The frequency of the roller pendulum can be adjusted on site using the additional masses (4').

[0173] FIG 19 shows another section BB from FIG. 18. The running surface (54) of the roller pendulum (3 / 4) runs on the support (2'). The mushrooms (51) prevent horizontal movement of the roller pendulum (3 / 4) by bearing against the aluminum rails (33). The friction discs (52) prevent the roller pendulum from rotating about its vertical axis, as they also bear against the aluminum rails (33) when the pendulum mass rotates about its vertical axis.

[0174] 30 will. The mushrooms (51) can also be designed as ball bearings or ball rollers.

Claims

ESM-RollP-PCT25 16 1. Vibration damper arrangement for damping vibrations in a wind turbine or parts thereof, or in a tall, slender structure, comprising - a structure of the plant (A) that is fixed or flexibly connected 5 Support structure (1), - at least one running surface (2)(2') which is connected to the supporting structure or the structure of the plant, as well as - a rolling element (3) with a damping mass (4) or damping mass units (4') which is mounted on a convexly curved rolling surface (5)(5') on the at least one The running surface (2)(2') is movable, characterized in that the damping mass (4)(4') is attached to the rolling element (3) such that the center of gravity (S) of the total mass of the rolling element and the damping mass has a distance (a) from the center point (M) of the convexly curved rolling surface (5)(5') of the rolling element which rolls on the running surface (2)(2'), and the 15 Rolling element with the damping mass (4)(4') assumes a stable central position in the rest state, in which the center of gravity (S) is located vertically below the center of gravity (M) under the influence of the acceleration due to gravity, and when excitation occurs from this central position by an angle (a) with the occurrence of a restoring moment and thus acts as a rolling pendulum on the at least one running surface (2)(2'), 20 where the distance (a) between the center (M) and the center of mass (S) determines the natural frequency of the rolling pendulum for a given mass distribution.

2. Vibration damper arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the rolling element (3) has a cylindrical or spherical shape.

3. Vibration damper arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the active rolling surface (5)(5') of the rolling element (3) is hemispherical, elliptical or otherwise convexly curved.

4. Vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the curved rolling surface (5)(5') of the rolling element (3) is provided by curved roller brackets (5') which are attached to the rolling element such that they rest on the 30 at least one running surface (2)(2') of the supporting structure (1) rests on and thus enables the rolling element (3) with the damping mass (4)(4') to have an oscillating rolling motion. ESM-RollP-PCT25 17 5. Vibration damper arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the roller brackets (5') are circular or elliptical or otherwise convexly curved.

6. Vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1-5, wherein 5 characterized that at least one running surface (2)(2') of the supporting structure (1) is flat or curved.

7. Vibration damper arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one running surface (2)(2') of the support structure (1) is a running rail (2'), and the rolling element (3) thus performs a linear rolling movement when excited.

8. Vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 7, characterized in that the damper mass (4)(4') is shaped according to the rolling element (3) and arranged around it.

9. Vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 8, characterized in that the damper mass (4)(4') or a part thereof (a) is fixedly connected to the rolling element (3) 15 connected or (b) rotatably mounted, which allows additional influence on the damper frequency due to a changing moment of inertia.

10. Vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1-9, characterized in that it has a device which makes it possible to position the damper mass (4)(4') on the 20 rolling elements (3) to be moved or repositioned so that a change in the distance (a) between the center (M) and the center of gravity (S) occurs and a targeted change in the damper frequency is made possible with unchanged damper mass.

11. Vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 10, characterized in that damper mass units (4') are removed or added at certain positions such that the distance (a) between the center point (M) and the respective center of gravity (S) is additionally reduced or increased, and thus the damper frequency is selectively changed.

12. Vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1-11, characterized in that it has retaining elements (7) which prevent the sliding of the 30 rolling element on the at least one running surface (3) during the pendulum movement due to the horizontal forces occurring prevented. ESM-RollP-PCT25 18 13. Vibration damper arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the retaining elements (7) comprise guide rails (7a) or guide / retaining cables (7b) for the rolling element (3) with the damper masses (4)(4').

14. Vibration damper arrangement according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that 5 the retaining elements (7) comprise toothing elements (7c) in the form of belts, strips or rods with which the curved rolling surfaces (5)(5') of the rolling element (3) and / or the running surfaces (2) of the support structure (1) are equipped.

15. Vibration damper arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the retaining elements (7) comprise friction surfaces or friction elements which are attached to the rolling element and / or the support structure.

16. Vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1-15, characterized in that the rolling element (3) comprises a rotationally symmetric container (48) filled with a granular, liquid or solid material (47), wherein the container is mounted on a damping material (44) with spring-like, frictional or 15 damping properties are placed 6 17. Vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 15, characterized in that it is used as an impulse damper or serves as a functional component of an impulse damper.

18. Vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 17, wherein 20 characterized in that it has additional vibration dampers (8) selected from the group consisting of eddy current dampers, friction dampers, spring dampers, elastomer dampers or hydraulic dampers.

19. Vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 18, characterized in that it is operated actively or passively.

20. Wind power plant comprising a tower, a nacelle and rotor blades, characterized in that it has a vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 19.

21. Wind turbine according to claim 20, characterized in that the vibration damper arrangement is located inside or outside the tower, in particular in the upper third, 30 is appropriate. ESM-RollP-PCT25 - 19 - 22. Wind turbine according to claim 20, characterized in that the vibration damper arrangement is attached in or outside the nacelle, or in the area of ​​the hub, or in the hub, or in the rotor blades.

23. Wind turbine according to one of claims 20 - 22, characterized in that it 5 has two vibration damper arrangements which are arranged in a plane offset from each other by 90°.

24. Use of a vibration damper arrangement according to one of claims 1-19 in the course of the section-by-section construction of the tower of a wind turbine or a tall, slender structure made of individual segments or sections, wherein 10 characterized in that the vibration damper arrangement is adapted for each individual tower segment or building segment and for each erected tower section or building section with respect to the frequencies occurring by appropriate mass distribution and is arranged on or in the individual segment or section or on the outside of the same. 15

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