Active Winch Stabilization for Wind Turbine Tower Oscillations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of wind turbines is challenged by significant oscillations due to wind and wave conditions, leading to delays and increased costs, particularly with floating installation vessels, as existing systems like tagline and damper systems are costly, complex, and ineffective in stabilizing the tower and nacelle during installation.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine installation system using bi-directional winches with controlled spools and straps, equipped with tension and rotation sensors, to induce counter movements and stabilize the tower or fundament by actively damping oscillations, allowing for precise and secure installation under adverse conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If tagline and damper systems are used to stabilize the tower and nacelle during installation, then installation stability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses active dynamic stabilization through controlled oscillation induction. The winch system dynamically adjusts strap tension to counteract tower oscillations in real-time, transforming the static tagline system into an active control system that adapts to changing wave and wind conditions during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the stabilization system by using bi-directional winches that can actively adjust strap tension and length. This allows dynamic modification of the stabilization force parameters to match the varying oscillation characteristics of the tower under different sea states.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tagline and damper systems are used to stabilize the tower and nacelle during installation, then installation stability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-regulating control where the monitoring device continuously tracks tower oscillations and the control system automatically adjusts winch operation accordingly. This closed-loop self-service approach eliminates the need for manual intervention and optimizes stabilization efficiency while minimizing resource consumption and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback control mechanism where the monitoring device provides real-time data on tower oscillations to the control system, which then adjusts the winch operation to counteract the detected movements. This feedback loop ensures optimal stabilization performance while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and system activation.
3Power
If the tower is designed to be larger to support bigger wind turbines, then wind turbine capacity is improved, but oscillation stability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies counteracting forces through the winch-strap arrangement to neutralize the harmful oscillations induced by larger tower dimensions. The winches generate opposing forces that balance the oscillatory movements, effectively stabilizing the taller, more powerful turbine structures during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses controlled mechanical vibration principles by inducing counter-oscillations through the winch system. The control system generates vibrations at frequencies and amplitudes that counteract the natural oscillations of the larger tower, reducing overall movement and stabilizing the structure during the installation process.
4Productivity
If installation proceeds under adverse wind and wave conditions, then installation window is expanded, but oscillation amplitude increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to adverse conditions by continuously monitoring tower oscillations and adjusting winch operation in real-time. This dynamic response allows installation to proceed safely under wind and wave conditions that would traditionally be considered too severe, effectively expanding the operational installation window.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system takes preliminary anti-action by detecting the onset of harmful oscillations and immediately applying counteracting forces through the winch system. This preemptive stabilization prevents oscillation amplitude from reaching dangerous levels, enabling safe installation under otherwise adverse environmental conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces oscillations, expanding the installation window and minimizing risks to crew and equipment, enabling installation in conditions previously deemed impossible, with efficient attenuation of tower oscillations within minutes.
Implementation Method 1
the control system is controllably connected to said winch motor for controlling spool rotation in order to induce counter movements to the oscillations in the tower and thereby stabilize the tower
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a wind turbine installation system and a method for installation of an offshore or onshore wind turbine comprising a tower. Said system comprises at least one winch and a winch control system, said winch has a winch motor and a bi-directional rotational spool with a strap, wherein the winch preferably is placed on an installation vessel or on the ground, wherein said strap is provided with attachment means for attachment preferably to a tower, a nacelle or a fundament of the wind turbine and for applying a controlled pull on the tower, nacelle or fundament. A control system is controllably connected to said winch motor for controlling spool rotation in order to induce counter movements to the registered oscillations occurring in the tower and thereby stabilize the tower.