Adjustable Support Arrangement for Wind Turbine Tower Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine tower segments deform during horizontal transportation due to gravity, leading to ovalization and potential damage to connection means during assembly, as they are stored and transported in a slightly elastically deformed shape.
Innovation Solution
A support arrangement with adjustable connection means that can be fixed to counteract deformation, using a linear actuator to adjust the distance between fixed and adjustable connection points on the tower segments, maintaining the original shape and preventing further deformation during transportation and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tower segment is attached to the rigid transportation frame in its deformed shape, then the tower segment can be transported, but the connection means might be damaged due to varying elastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement employs adjustable connection means that can adapt their position and configuration. The adjustable connection means include adjustable support elements that can be positioned at different locations along the transportation frame, allowing the support arrangement to dynamically adapt to the tower segment's dimensions and deformation characteristics during transportation
Solution Approach 2:
The support arrangement changes the physical parameters of the connection between the tower segment and transportation frame by introducing adjustable connection means with variable geometry. These connection means can modify their structural parameters (position, orientation, support distance) to accommodate the tower segment's elastic deformation while maintaining reliable connections
2Ease of operation
If the tower segment is stored and transported horizontally, then transportation and storage are simplified, but the tower segment deforms due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement applies preliminary counteracting forces through adjustable support elements that are positioned to oppose the gravitational deformation of the tower segment before transportation begins. These support elements pre-load the tower segment in a way that compensates for the expected gravitational sag, maintaining the circular crosscut shape during horizontal storage and transport
Solution Approach 2:
The support arrangement introduces an intermediary structural system between the tower segment and the transportation frame. This intermediary system consists of adjustable connection means that mediate the interaction between the rigid transportation frame and the flexible tower segment, allowing the segment to maintain its shape while being supported horizontally
3Shape
If adjustable connection means are used to counteract deformation, then the original shape is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arrangement divides the connection system into multiple independent adjustable connection means, each capable of operating independently to support different sections of the tower segment. This segmentation allows the complex function of shape maintenance to be distributed across simpler, modular components that can be adjusted individually
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable connection means are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as structural support elements and as adjustment mechanisms. Each connection means can perform multiple functions: providing structural support, accommodating dimensional variations, maintaining circular shape, and adapting to different tower segment configurations, thereby reducing the need for additional specialized components
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 support arrangement effectively maintains the original shape of wind turbine tower segments, preventing deformation and potential damage during transportation and storage, ensuring a stable and secure assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The tower segment is then connected to the transportation frame. Thus the tower segment is stored and transported in a slightly elastically deformed shape.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support arrangement of a wind turbine tower and a method to support the tower. A support arrangement 1 for a wind turbine tower 4 is disclosed, whereby the support arrangement 1 comprises a first connection means 2 to connect to a first part of the tower 4. The support arrangement 1 comprises a second connection means 3 to connect to a second part of the tower 4. The first connection means 2 are fixed in their position in respect to the support arrangement 1, and the second connection means 3 are adjustable connected to the support arrangement 1, so that the distance between the first connection means 2 and the second connection means 3 is adjustable to counteract a deformation of the tower 4 due to gravity. The support arrangement 1 comprises a third connection means to detachably fix the position of the second connection means 3 in respect to the support arrangement 1 to support the counteracted shape of the tower 4.