Freestanding Internal Tower Structure Assembly for Wind Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine tower assemblies require complex and labor-intensive mechanical connections, creating stress concentrations and lengthy assembly processes due to the need for welded bosses and joints to secure internal components to the tower wall.
Innovation Solution
A freestanding internal tower structure assembly using stackable support structures with alignment pins and bumper components that do not require mechanical connections to the tower wall, allowing for the support of internal components such as ladders, platforms, and electrical components within the tower interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical connections with welded bosses and complex joints are used to secure internal tower components to the tower wall, then the components are firmly secured, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The internal tower structure is divided into multiple separate components (tower cap, cross beams, support structures, platforms, ladders) that can be manufactured independently and assembled in a simplified sequence, eliminating the need for complex integrated mechanical connections to the tower wall
Solution Approach 2:
A freestanding internal tower structure acts as an intermediary system that supports internal components without directly connecting to the tower wall, using alignment pins and bumpers as simple mediating elements instead of complex welded joints
2Reliability
If mechanical connections with welded bosses are used to secure internal tower components, then the components are firmly attached, but multiple areas of stress concentration are created on the tower wall
Solution Approach 1:
The internal tower structure is extracted from the tower wall, creating a freestanding system that supports internal components independently without attaching to or stressing the tower wall structure
Solution Approach 2:
Bumper components serve as intermediaries that contact the tower wall gently to reduce oscillations without creating stress concentrations, allowing the internal structure to remain freestanding while still achieving stability
3Reliability
If complex mechanical joints are used to secure internal components, then the components are securely fixed, but the assembly process becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into modular components that can be assembled in a simple sequential manner using basic alignment pins and bumpers, dramatically reducing assembly complexity while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Simple, inexpensive alignment pins and bumper components are used instead of complex mechanical joints, making the assembly process easier and more efficient while providing sufficient functionality
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tower assembly (32) for a wind turbine (10) includes a tower (12) and a freestanding internal tower structure assembly (34). The tower (12) has a tower wall (25) defining an inner surface (26) and an outer surface (27) separated by a tower wall thickness (28), with the inner surface (26) defining a tower interior (29). The internal tower structure assembly (34) is positioned within the tower interior (29). The tower structure assembly (34) includes a plurality of stackable support structures (36) configured to support one or more internal tower components. Further, the tower structure assembly (34) is freestanding within the tower interior (29).