Elastomeric Gasket Stabilizes Wind Turbine Transition Piece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for stabilizing transition pieces relative to pile structures in offshore wind turbines, such as monopiles, face issues with long-term durability and efficiency, particularly due to grout cracking and movement-induced instability, necessitating a more reliable and cost-effective solution for assembly and stabilization.
Innovation Solution
A load-bearing, load-absorbing gasket made from elastomeric materials, such as polyurethane, is used to formfit between transition pieces and pile structures, eliminating the need for grouting and bolting, and allowing for geometric mismatches, with manufacturing processes including casting and spraying to create a stable and flexible interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If grout is used to fix the transition piece to the monopile, then the assembly is initially stable, but the grout cracks and fails after installation due to movement-induced stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the sealing material by using elastomeric compounds with specific properties ( Shore hardness 40-90, elongation at break 100-500%, tensile strength 5-50 MPa). These parameter changes enable the material to accommodate movement-induced stresses without cracking, resolving the contradiction between initial stability and long-term durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material solutions by combining elastomeric compounds with reinforcing elements or using multi-layer constructions. This creates a material system that integrates both flexibility (to handle movements) and strength (to maintain stability), thereby achieving both long-term reliability and extended service life.
2Reliability
If conventional grouting and bolting methods are used, then the transition piece is fixed to the monopile, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the bolting step from the conventional grouting and bolting process. By using elastomeric compounds that provide both sealing and mechanical anchoring functions, the solution removes the need for separate fastening elements, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing function and the mechanical fastening function into a single elastomeric compound system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate grout seals and bolts, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable connection between the transition piece and monopile.
3Reliability
If grout is used to seal the annular space, then the transition piece is stabilized, but the grout is rigid and cannot accommodate geometric mismatches between components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the sealing material from rigid grout to elastomeric compounds with high elongation at break (100-500%). This parameter change enables the material to deform and accommodate geometric mismatches between components while maintaining seal integrity, thereby resolving the contradiction between seal reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible elastomeric compounds that can deform and conform to the actual geometry of the interface between components. This flexibility allows the seal to adapt to geometric variations in the annular space while maintaining continuous contact and sealing effectiveness.
4Stability of the object's composition
If multiple discrete bearing parts are used to reduce movement, then stability is improved, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete bearing parts into a single integrated elastomeric compound system. This unified solution provides the same movement-reducing stability function but eliminates the need for assembling multiple components, thereby significantly reducing installation time while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric compound is applied in a preliminary action that creates a continuous sealing and stabilizing layer before final assembly. This preliminary application ensures stable positioning and movement reduction from the outset, eliminating the need for subsequent installation of multiple discrete parts.
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 gasket provides a durable, cost-efficient, and stable assembly that minimizes movement-induced stresses, reduces installation complexity, and accommodates geometric variations, enhancing the longevity and reliability of wind turbine structures.
Implementation Method 1
The gasket is configured to be load bearing and load absorbing... The gasket provides a durable, cost-efficient, and stable assembly that minimizes movement-induced stresses
Implementation Method 2
DE 10 2013 019 288 discloses an offshore pile covered at least partly by a vibration-reducing coating, which may be a viscoeleastic polymer, rubber, silicone rubber, polyurethan, elastomer, thermoplastic elastomer, or bitumen. The coating is disclosed to reduce the noise during installation of the offshore pile into the seabed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gasket adapted for being placed between a transition piece and a monopile of a wind turbine. One embodiment relates to a gasket for formfitting the bottom part of a transition piece of a wind turbine, the gasket primarily manufactured in an elastomeric material and shaped as a hollow elongated body for surrounding at least a part of the monopile when mounted between the transition piece and the monopile, such that the gasket stabilizes the position of the transition piece relative to the monopile. The presently disclosed gasket can substitute the traditional grouting or bolting procedures when mounting a transition piece on a monopile.