Counter-Rotating Vibration Damper for Compact Tower Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration damping devices for structures like wind turbine towers are cumbersome and complex due to undesirable moments and parasite vibrations, which are not effectively addressed by current solutions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first inner element and a second outer element, both rotatably mounted around a common axis, with the inner element's center of mass coinciding with the outer element's center of mass in a plane orthogonal to the axis, rotating in opposed directions to minimize volume and induce balanced harmonic control forces, reducing vibrations efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If one splits one of the two rotatably mounted elements in two parts and arranges them at both sides of the other element, then parasite vibrations are avoided, but the device becomes much more cumbersome and bulky with more complicated mechanical design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the centers of mass of the inner and outer elements at different radial distances from the rotational axis. Specifically, the inner element has its center of mass at a first distance from the axis while the outer element has its center of mass at a second distance, creating an asymmetric mass distribution that generates the necessary control forces without requiring symmetric placement of multiple elements. This asymmetric configuration eliminates parasite vibrations while maintaining a simple mechanical design with only two rotatable elements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional vibration damping devices are used, then vibrations are reduced, but the device occupies large volume and generates undesirable moments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the inner element inside the outer element, both rotating around the same axis. The inner element with smaller radius is positioned within the radial space of the outer element, creating a compact nested configuration. This nesting arrangement significantly reduces the overall volume occupied by the device compared to conventional designs that require separate, larger damping elements, while the concentric rotation of both elements generates balanced control forces that reduce vibrations effectively.
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 dampens vibrations while minimizing volume and mechanical complexity, avoiding parasite vibrations and reducing the occupied space, thus enhancing the structural usability and stability of wind turbine towers.
Implementation Method 1
device for damping vibrations in a structure
Implementation Method 2
rotational inertia of the first element approximately coincides with rotational inertia of the second element
Data Source
AI summary
A device for damping vibrations in a structure including a first (or inner) element rotatably mounted around a rotational axis and a second (or outer) element rotatably mounted around said rotational axis. A radius (R1) of a circle portion delimitating the first element with respect to the rotational axis, being smaller than a radius (r2) of a circle portion delimitating the second element with respect to the rotational axis.