Adjustable Tower Section Storage Device for Wind Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of wind turbine towers faces challenges in handling and storing tower sections due to their large size and the need for expensive cranes, leading to resource wastage and risk of injury during storage, as existing methods require immediate installation or temporary ground storage that can damage the sections.
Innovation Solution
A tower section storage device with a central body frame and movable feet and receiving areas that can adjust to accommodate various sizes and orientations of tower sections, allowing for flexible placement and minimizing the risk of damage during storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tower sections are temporarily stored on the ground, then storage capacity is improved, but the risk of injury and damage to tower sections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized storage device as an intermediary between the ground and tower sections. This device features a rigid frame structure with multiple support points and adjustable positioning mechanisms that safely bear the weight of tower sections while protecting their painted surfaces and structural integrity, eliminating the harmful effects of direct ground storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage device is divided into multiple independent support elements including feet, beams, and positioning mechanisms that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - some elements provide structural support while others provide protective contact points, collectively solving the contradiction between storage capacity and damage prevention.
2Ease of operation
If expensive cranes are used throughout complete construction time, then installation capability is improved, but resource wastage and expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device enables preliminary preparation of tower sections at ground level before actual installation. Multiple sections can be pre-positioned, pre-assembled, or pre-inspected on the storage device, reducing the frequency and duration of crane operations. This preliminary action at ground level minimizes the need for continuous expensive crane availability while maintaining installation capability when needed.
3Productivity
If tower sections are immediately lifted and installed, then productivity is improved, but the need for continuous crane availability increases leading to resource wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device enables preparatory work to be performed in advance - tower sections can be positioned, oriented, and pre-assembled on the device before actual tower assembly begins. This eliminates idle crane waiting time while maintaining rapid assembly capability, as sections are ready for immediate installation when the crane arrives, resolving the contradiction between productivity and crane utilization efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A tower section storage device for storing a tower section of a wind turbine tower is provided. The device comprises a central body frame defining a center point, at least three feet, and at least three tower section receiving areas (9, 9a, 9b, 9c) connected to the central body frame. All of the feet are connected to the central body frame such that they are moved away from and/or towards the center point. A method for storing a tower section, in particular of a wind turbine tower by means of such device is also provided.