Aerodynamic Configuration Adjuster for Wind Turbine Tower Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of wind power generation equipment is restricted by regional wind conditions, leading to stability and safety issues due to wind-induced structural vibrations and resonance, particularly during the hoisting and assembly processes of wind turbines.
Innovation Solution
An aerodynamic configuration adjuster with a grid-like structure is arranged on the outer surface of the enclosure structure, featuring oblique sides that change the attack angle of incoming airflow, reducing the resistance coefficient and amplitude of vortex-induced resonance, thereby stabilizing the load-bearing structure and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the tower is assembled in sections and hoisted during construction, then the assembly process can be completed, but wind-induced structural vibrations and resonance occur during hoisting, threatening safety and stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces aerodynamic configuration adjusters that actively utilize the wind flow itself to generate beneficial aerodynamic forces. By adjusting the aerodynamic configuration of the tower surface, the wind flow is transformed from a harmful source of vibration into a source of stabilizing forces that reduce vibration amplitude and enhance structural stability during hoisting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the aerodynamic parameters of the tower by introducing adjustable configuration elements that modify the surface geometry. These adjusters can change the local flow characteristics, pressure distribution, and aerodynamic forces acting on the tower, thereby controlling vibration behavior during different stages of assembly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the aerodynamic configuration is adjusted to reduce resistance coefficient, then downwind resistance and vortex-induced resonance are reduced, but the structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic configuration adjusters are applied locally at specific positions on the tower surface rather than modifying the entire structure. This localized approach allows optimization of aerodynamic performance at critical locations where vortex shedding and resistance are most problematic, while maintaining the overall structural integrity and strength of the tower.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic configuration adjusters are designed to be adaptable and responsive to changing flow conditions. By dynamically adjusting the aerodynamic configuration based on operational conditions, the system can optimize resistance reduction while maintaining structural strength requirements, rather than using a fixed configuration that would compromise either aerodynamic performance or structural integrity.
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 solution effectively reduces downwind resistance and transverse vortex-induced resonance, allowing for safer and more efficient assembly of wind turbines under various wind conditions, including high-speed winds, by altering the aerodynamic configuration to an elliptical shape, which decreases the pressure difference and vibration amplitude.
Implementation Method 1
an aerodynamic configuration adjuster with a grid-like structure is arranged on the outer surface of the enclosure structure, featuring oblique sides that change the attack angle of incoming airflow, reducing the resistance coefficient and amplitude of vortex-induced resonance
Implementation Method 2
reducing the resistance coefficient and amplitude of vortex-induced resonance, thereby stabilizing the load-bearing structure
Data Source
Figure 1-1
Figure 1-2~2-2
Figure 2-3~2-6
AI summary
Disclosed are an enclosure structure, and an aerodynamic configuration adjuster (50) arranged on an outer surface of same. The aerodynamic configuration adjuster is of a grid structure capable of surrounding the enclosure structure, and the grid structure comprises a plurality of grid cells, wherein at least some of grid cells have bevel edges, and the attack angle of a fluid is changed when the fluid passes over the bevel edges. The aerodynamic configuration adjuster changes the aerodynamic configuration of the fluid, and thus the resistance coefficient becomes smaller such that a pressure differential between the pressures at a incident flow surface and a back surface of the enclosure structure is reduced, thereby reducing a forward resistance; and in addition, due to a smaller resistance coefficient, the amplitude of a transverse vortex-induced resonance can also be reduced, thereby reducing vibration.