Elastic Cable Twisting Fixture for Wind Turbine Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable twisting systems in wind turbines face issues with rotational movement of lowermost spacer elements, leading to oscillation and increased loads on spacer elements and fixtures, which can result in cable damage and reduced operational time.
Innovation Solution
A cable twisting system where the lowermost spacer element is connected to the inner sidewall via fixtures that apply counteracting forces to stabilize it during yaw movements, allowing it to rotate and move radially, while interconnected wires and guiding elements minimize radial oscillation and distribute loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the lowermost spacer element is fixed rigidly to prevent rotation, then rotational stability is improved, but the cables will be forced into contact with the convex-shaped edges of the holes and rub against this surface during axial movement, causing cable failure or short circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The lowermost spacer element is designed to rotate freely about the central axis within a predetermined angular range rather than being rigidly fixed. This dynamic capability allows the spacer element to accommodate cable twisting movements without forcing cables against convex edges, thereby maintaining both rotational stability and cable reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture is designed with an elastic deformable element that changes its force application parameters based on the spacer element's position. The element applies counteracting forces that increase with rotational displacement, providing stable equilibrium positions while allowing controlled rotation, thus preventing cable damage during axial movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lowermost spacer element is allowed to rotate freely, then cable movement flexibility is improved, but the spacer element will oscillate radially during operation, increasing the risk of damages to cables or components
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic deformable element in the fixture applies preliminary counteracting forces to the lowermost spacer element in the radial direction before significant oscillation occurs. These forces act as a restoring mechanism that dampens radial oscillations and prevents the spacer element from hitting guide rings or other components, thereby maintaining both rotation freedom and system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deformable element serves as an intermediary between the fixture and the lowermost spacer element. It mediates the interaction by providing controlled counteracting forces that allow free rotation while simultaneously damping radial oscillations, thus protecting the system from damage
3Stability of the object's composition
If guide rings are used to prevent radial movement, then radial stability is improved, but the spacer plate and cables will hit the guide rings, resulting in damages to cables or spacer plates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fixed guide rings that create hard constraints, the system employs an elastic deformable element that provides dynamic, compliant support. This allows the lowermost spacer element to move radially within elastic limits without hard impacts, eliminating the damage caused by rigid guide rings while maintaining radial stability
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture with elastic deformable element changes the nature of radial constraint from rigid (guide rings) to compliant. The elastic element's force-displacement characteristics provide soft限位 that prevents excessive radial movement without creating impact forces that would damage cables or spacer plates
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
This configuration reduces the stress on connecting joints and fixtures, minimizes cable damage, and extends the operational life of the system by stabilizing the lowermost spacer element and reducing radial oscillation.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one first fixture comprises an elastic deformable element configured to deform and generate forces
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a wind turbine (1) comprising a nacelle (3), a wind turbine tower (2) and a cable twisting system (6) arranged inside the wind turbine tower. Cables (16) extending into the wind turbine tower are fixed to a plurality of spacer elements (7) of the cable twisting system. A lowermost spacer element (7b) is connected to the inner sidewall (27) of the wind turbine tower by first fixtures (9) while one or more guiding elements (13) arranged relative to the cable twisting system are connected to this inner surface by second fixtures (14). The first and second fixtures each comprise an elastic deformable element (17) configured to generate a counteracting force that dampens the relative movement of the spacer elements. An uppermost spacer element (7a) is connected to the nacelle by another guiding element (13a) so that it follows the yaw movement of the nacelle.