Gyroscopic Stabilization for Wind Turbine Component Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

During the installation of wind turbine components, existing methods struggle to effectively stabilize components against vibrations and rotations induced by external forces, such as wind, which can lead to uncontrolled movement and require significant manual effort from workers.

Innovation Solution

A gyroscopic stabilization device is integrated into the lifting arrangement, utilizing a rotating flywheel and tilting mechanism to create counterforces that counteract external forces, thereby stabilizing components against vibrations and rotations, and can be remotely controlled or automated for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If workers use hand-held cables or ropes to stabilize components during lifting, then some stabilization control is achieved, but the method is very effortful and provides only limited control especially under strong wind forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent stabilityVSAvoidworker effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical stabilization system (workers holding cables/ropes) with an automated mechanical stabilization system (gyroscopic stabilization device). The gyroscopic device uses rotational momentum and gyroscopic effects to automatically counteract external forces such as wind, providing effective stabilization without requiring manual worker intervention. This substitution maintains component stability while dramatically reducing worker effort and operational difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual stabilization by workers is used, then some control over component movement is achieved, but the control extent is limited especially when strong winds impact the component

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol effectivenessVSAvoidwind impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The automated gyroscopic stabilization device replaces manual worker control with an automated system that can effectively counteract strong wind forces. The gyroscopic mechanism generates counteracting moments and forces that are much more powerful and reliable than manual cable tensioning, providing dependable control even under severe environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gyroscopic stabilization device applies preliminary counteracting forces and moments to prevent excessive component movement before it occurs. By continuously monitoring component orientation and applying stabilizing moments through the gyroscopic effect, the system proactively counteracts external disturbances such as wind forces, maintaining control effectiveness under varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a gyroscopic stabilization device is used to automatically stabilize components, then component stability against vibrations and rotations is significantly improved, but the device complexity of the lifting arrangement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent stabilityVSAvoidlifting arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gyroscopic stabilization device acts as an intermediary stabilization mechanism between the lifting device and the component. It couples to the component through stabilization elements (such as fork-shaped structures or attachment points) and provides stabilizing moments without requiring integration into the core lifting mechanism. This intermediary approach adds stabilization functionality while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall lifting arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The gyroscopic stabilization device controls component stability by changing rotational parameters (spin speed of the flywheel, tilt angle of the rotation axis) rather than requiring complex structural modifications to the lifting arrangement. By adjusting these parameters, the system can adapt to different component weights, sizes, and environmental conditions, providing versatile stabilization with relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Manufacturing precision

If workers manually stabilize components during positioning, then some stabilization is provided, but the positioning precision and efficiency are reduced due to the effort required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidinstallation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated gyroscopic stabilization device replaces manual worker stabilization, enabling more precise positioning control and improving installation efficiency. The automated system can maintain precise component orientation and position without the physical limitations and fatigue associated with manual cable handling, thereby enhancing both positioning precision and overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gyroscopic stabilization device provides self-service stabilization, automatically adjusting and maintaining component position without continuous manual intervention. The system monitors component orientation and autonomously applies stabilizing moments, freeing workers to focus on precise positioning tasks and improving overall installation efficiency and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 gyroscopic stabilization device significantly reduces unwanted movement, allowing for stable and precise placement of components without the need for manual stabilization by workers, even in strong winds, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the installation process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one stabilization device is stabilizing the components against movements induced by external forces by means of a gyroscopic effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscopic effect: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 2

The stabilization device, which can also be called a control moment gyroscope, comprises the rotating flywheel which is enclosed in a rigid casing. The flywheel spins at speeds up several hundred kilometres per hour around its centre axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular momentum: Angular Momentum

Implementation Method 3

A tilting device which tilts the casing around at least one axis perpendicular to the central rotation axis of the flywheel tilts the casing and the flywheel for changing the momentum created by the flywheel, which tilting action results in the counterforce

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrecession: Precession

Data Source

PatentUS11738975B2Method for installing components of a wind turbine

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS

AI summary

Provided is a method for installing components of a wind turbine, with a lifting device for lifting the respective component hanging at the lifting device via at least one cable, whereby at least one stabilization device is stabilizing the component against vibrations induced by external forces by a gyroscopic effect.