Angled Tuned Mass Dampers for Wind Tower Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tuned mass dampers in wind turbine towers require significant space and are ineffective in damping vibrations with varying directions, leading to potential fatigue damage and structural issues due to resonance, especially in taller structures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing two unidirectional tuned mass dampers within the wind turbine tower, arranged at an angle to each other, allowing for perpendicular reciprocating movements to decompose and attenuate vibrations in multiple directions, with each damper tuned to specific resonant frequencies, and positioned to avoid interference with structural elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pendulum-type tuned mass dampers are used to reduce vibrations, then vibration attenuation is improved, but space requirements within the structure increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the damping function into multiple unidirectional dampers (typically three dampers arranged at 120 degrees to each other) rather than using a single omnidirectional pendulum damper. Each unidirectional damper is constrained to move along a specific linear path, reducing the space each individual damper occupies while collectively providing omnidirectional vibration attenuation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the omnidirectional rotational movement of pendulum dampers to constrained linear movement along specific directional axes. By arranging multiple unidirectional dampers at specific angles (e.g., 120 degrees apart), the system achieves omnidirectional damping coverage through coordinated linear movements in multiple dimensions, reducing the spatial envelope required
2Volume of moving object
If unidirectional dampers are used to constrain movement, then space within structure is reduced, but effectiveness against varying oscillation directions decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple unidirectional dampers (typically three) arranged at specific angular intervals (e.g., 120 degrees) to create a collective omnidirectional damping system. Each unidirectional damper handles vibrations along its specific axis, and the combined effect of all dampers provides comprehensive vibration attenuation in all directions, merging individual directional capabilities into omnidirectional protection
Solution Approach 2:
The unidirectional damper system achieves universal damping capability across all oscillation directions by strategically positioning multiple dampers. Each damper is specialized for its directional axis, but the ensemble of dampers provides universal coverage for any oscillation direction through vector decomposition and superposition of the individual damper responses
3Power
If tower height increases to accommodate larger wind turbines, then power generation capacity is improved, but vibration effects become more critical
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the vibration control function into multiple independent unidirectional dampers distributed at different heights and orientations within the tower. This segmentation allows each damper to be optimized for specific vibration modes and frequencies, providing comprehensive control over the complex vibration patterns that occur in taller, more flexible turbine towers
Solution Approach 2:
The unidirectional dampers are designed with adjustable mass and spring constant parameters, allowing dynamic tuning of the damping system to match the changing vibration characteristics of taller towers. The system can be adapted to different tower heights and natural frequencies, maintaining effectiveness as tower dimensions and vibration modes evolve with increased height
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
Enhances vibration reduction capacity by decomposing oscillations into defined directions, providing versatile damping across varying wind and wave conditions, reducing fatigue damage and structural risks, and allowing for efficient retrofitting of existing structures.
Implementation Method 1
Tuned mass dampers may be made as pendulum structures comprising a mass supported by ropes or arms restrained to the structure (e.g. a tower). The mass moves in accordance with the law of motion of a pendulum, storing and releasing potential energy similarly to a mass restrained by a spring
Implementation Method 2
the damping action is accomplished by damping elements arranged at an effective position to counteract the structure's vibration
Data Source
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AI summary
Damping arrangements for counteracting oscillations of a structure are disclosed. The damping arrangement (100) comprises a first tuned mass damper (110) having a first mass (111) configured to perform a first reciprocating movement along a first displacement axis in response to oscillations of the structure (1), and a second tuned mass damper (120) having a second mass (121) configured to perform a second reciprocating movement along a second displacement axis in response to oscillations of the structure (1). The second mass (121) is arranged vertically separated from the first mass (111), and the first and second displacement axes are arranged at an angle with respect to each other. Methods for damping oscillations in a structure are also disclosed.