Wind Turbine Hub Platform Assembly With Stowable Access Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of wind turbine components, particularly the mounting of blades on the hub, is difficult due to limited accessibility, and existing maintenance platforms either require frequent disassembly or decrease turbine efficiency by adding rotating mass.
Innovation Solution
A platform assembly is integrated within the hub, comprising a stationary hub access structure and a stationary platform that extends in both axial and perpendicular directions, with a movable or telescopic second platform that can be stowed during operation, allowing maintenance without disassembly and minimizing rotational interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable platform is used to provide working surface inside the hub, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the platform must be repeatedly assembled and disassembled during blade installation, increasing installation time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple separable components that can be independently positioned and assembled. This allows the platform to be configured in different states (retracted or extended) without complete disassembly, resolving the contradiction by enabling maintenance accessibility while reducing assembly frequency during blade installation
Solution Approach 2:
The platform incorporates movable elements that can transition between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic capability allows the platform to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing working surface during maintenance while minimizing interference during blade installation operations
2Ease of operation
If a removable platform is used, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but platform components must be hoisted from ground to hub, increasing installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The platform components are integrated with the hub structure itself, eliminating the need for separate hoisting operations. The platform utilizes existing hub geometry and attachment points, combining maintenance functionality with the structural design to reduce installation costs
3Ease of operation
If three circumferentially distributed support platforms are arranged in the hub, then accessibility to blades from interior is improved, but the platforms add rotating mass that decreases turbine efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is extracted from the rotating mass and positioned on the stationary hub structure instead. This separates the maintenance function from the rotating components, improving accessibility without adding to the rotating mass that would decrease turbine efficiency
4Ease of operation
If three circumferentially distributed support platforms are arranged, then blade maintenance accessibility is improved, but material costs and assembly costs increase due to multiple platforms
Solution Approach 1:
A single platform design is created that can serve multiple functions and positions. The platform is configured to provide access to different blade locations through movement and repositioning capabilities, eliminating the need for multiple separate platforms and reducing both material and assembly costs
Data Source
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AI summary
A platform assembly (20) for a hub (4) of a wind turbine (1) configured to provide a working surface inside the hub (4). The platform assembly (20) comprises a first platform (21) coupled to a hub access structure (14), wherein the hub access structure (14) extends in an axial direction (6) between a nacelle (3) of the wind turbine (1) and the hub (4) and provides access from the nacelle (3) to the hub (4).