Spring-Mounted Gearbox Housing Assembly for Wind Turbine Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine gearbox housings in nacelles are not effectively secured, leading to inefficiencies in force distribution and vibration management.
Innovation Solution
A resilient fixing arrangement using housing-fixed and nacelle-fixed spring devices, oriented orthogonally to the gearbox's rotational axis, to support the gearbox housing in opposite directions, with mirror-symmetric spring assemblies for optimized force adaptation and vibration management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cylindrical elastomers are used to support the gearbox housing, then the housing is resiliently fixed in the nacelle, but the force distribution is inefficient and vibration management is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The single cylindrical elastomer support is segmented into multiple spring devices (first and second spring devices) arranged in opposite directions along the support axis. This segmentation allows independent optimization of force distribution in different directions, improving both reliability and force distribution efficiency simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different spring devices are designed with different local properties - one spring device is optimized for compression loads while the other is optimized for tension loads. This local quality differentiation allows each spring device to specialize in handling specific force directions, resolving the contradiction between fixation stability and force distribution efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If spring devices are arranged to support the housing in opposite directions, then vibration resistance is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring devices are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the rotational axis of the input shaft, positioned on opposite sides of a plane containing the rotational axis. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes vibration resistance by strategically placing damping elements where they are most effective, while the mirror symmetry between the first and second spring devices maintains manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second spring devices are merged into a symmetric pair that functions as an integrated vibration damping system. By combining these devices in a mirror-symmetric arrangement, the system achieves enhanced vibration resistance through coordinated action while maintaining assembly simplicity through the symmetry relationship.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mirror-symmetric spring assemblies are used, then force adaptation is optimized and component count is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror-symmetric spring devices are designed as universal components that can handle both compression and tension loads depending on their orientation. Each spring device serves multiple functions: supporting the housing, damping vibrations, and adapting to varying force conditions. This multi-functionality optimizes force adaptation while the symmetry reduces the number of unique component designs needed.
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 the stability and vibration resistance of the gearbox housing by evenly distributing forces and reducing assembly complexity while minimizing component count.
Implementation Method 1
A spring device is a device consisting of one or more spring elements. Examples of spring elements used include elastomers
Implementation Method 2
The behavior of the arrangement can be optimized with regard to vibration loads
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (101, 301, 401) for fixing a housing (103) of a wind turbine gearbox in a nacelle, comprising a housing-fixed element (109, 110), a nacelle-fixed element (105, 107, 403) and at least two spring devices (111, 113, 201, 203); wherein the spring devices (111, 113, 201, 203) support the housing-fixed element (109, 110) against the nacelle-fixed element (105, 107, 403) in opposite directions along a support axis. The spring devices (111, 113, 201, 203) are disposed on different sides of a plane extending in parallel with an axis of rotation of an input shaft of the wind turbine gearbox.