Adaptive Vibration Damper Adjusting Rod Length for Wind Turbines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration dampers are ineffective in systems with changing rotating speeds, leading to increased structure-borne noise, particularly in wind turbines, as they require significant effort to couple the absorber mass and do not achieve optimal damping during frequency changes.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive vibration damper with a rod-shaped functional element and a roller device that adjusts the effective length by moving in the axial direction, allowing for variable frequency adjustment without moving the absorber mass, using a displacement device with rollers and optionally a prestressing element to ensure optimal coupling and damping in all directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a spindle or similar displacement device is used to move the absorber mass, then the frequency can be adjusted, but the coupling effort increases significantly and optimal coupling is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency adjustmentVSAvoidcoupling effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the absorber mass from the coupling mechanism by allowing it to remain stationary while only moving the roller device that couples it to the functional element. This removes the complexity of coupling a heavy mass while maintaining frequency adjustment capability through the lighter roller device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into three independent components: the stationary absorber mass, the movable roller device, and the rod-shaped functional element. This segmentation allows the roller device to be adjusted independently without moving the mass, reducing coupling complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the absorber mass is moved to adjust frequency, then the frequency can be changed, but significant effort is required and the system becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency adjustmentVSAvoidmass displacement effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If traditional vibration dampers are used, then they provide damping over a wide frequency range, but they are ineffective in systems with changing rotating speeds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamping effectivenessVSAvoidperformance with varying speeds

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes the vibration damper dynamic by enabling continuous adjustment of the rod-shaped functional element's length and the roller device's position. This allows the system to adapt to changing operating conditions and maintain optimal damping effectiveness across varying speeds, unlike static traditional dampers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the roller device is moved to adjust effective length, then frequency is changed without moving mass, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency adjustment easeVSAvoidroller device mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The roller device acts as an intermediary between the stationary absorber mass and the rod-shaped functional element. It provides the necessary coupling and length adjustment capability without requiring direct movement of the heavy mass, simplifying operation while managing mechanical complexity through a dedicated intermediary component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 adaptive vibration damper effectively reduces structure-borne noise and maintains optimal damping across varying frequencies by adjusting the vibration-technically effective length of the rod-shaped functional element, ensuring efficient operation in systems with changing speeds without the need for significant effort or mass displacement.

Implementation Method 1

at least one roller device (2) (20.4) which can be moved back and forth in the axial direction along said rod-shaped spring element (1) (20.8)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

an oscillating, essentially rod-shaped functional spring element (1) (20.8)... which is capable of reversibly deflecting about its longitudinal axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

at least one prestressing element (20.7) (20.9), which can be moved with the rollers and can be fixed along the rod-shaped spring element (1) (20.8) in an individually adjustable manner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3292319B1Undamped adaptive vibration damper

Publication Date: 2019.06.12 FM ENERGIE GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4(a)~4(b)

AI summary

The invention relates to a vibration damper, which can be variably adapted, over a certain range, to the disturbance sequences of the component to be damped or of the machine or system to be damped. The invention relates in particular to a vibration damper that is largely undamped itself such that larger amplitudes and therefore larger forces can be achieved here. The damping device according to the invention is suitable in particular for systems and machines that are subjected to frequent changes in rotational speed, such as wind turbines.