Modular Wind Turbine Tower Transport Fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of large cylindrical tower sections for wind turbines is complex and costly due to size constraints, requiring multiple transportation modes and handling methods, which complicates logistics and increases costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A modular system using adjustable support members and transport devices with multiple support locations allows for secure and versatile transportation of cylindrical items, accommodating various sizes and weights without the need for welding, enabling efficient use of railcars and reducing dwell time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting fixtures are used to fix tower sections to railcars, then the tower sections can be transported, but the logistics become complicated and time-consuming due to the need for multiple transportation modes and handling methods
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting fixture is designed with multiple support members that can be positioned at various locations along the railcar, allowing a single fixture type to handle different tower section sizes and weights. The support members can be adjusted to accommodate various cylindrical load configurations, eliminating the need for different fixture types for different transportation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting fixture is divided into multiple independent support members rather than a single rigid structure. Each support member can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing flexible adaptation to different tower section configurations. This segmentation enables the same fixture system to handle various load types without requiring complete fixture replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple railcars are used to transport tower sections, then all tower sections can be accommodated, but the number of railcars and dwell time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting fixture employs dynamically adjustable support members that can be repositioned along the railcar length and height. This dynamic adjustability allows a single railcar with one mounting fixture to accommodate tower sections of varying lengths and diameters, replacing the need for multiple fixed-configuration railcars and reducing dwell time associated with switching between different railcar configurations.
3Reliability
If traditional mounting fixtures are used, then tower sections can be secured, but welding is required which increases costs and reduces reusability
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting fixture replaces welding-based mechanical attachment with a pure mechanical fastening system using bolts and support members. This substitution eliminates the need for welding operations while maintaining secure attachment of tower sections to the railcar, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and enabling complete fixture reusability across multiple transportation cycles.
4Adaptability or versatility
If tower sections are manufactured and transported in separate sections, then the tower can be assembled at the installation site, but the transportation logistics become complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting fixture serves multiple functions: it secures tower sections during transport, accommodates various section configurations, and enables efficient loading/unloading operations. This multi-functionality streamlines the entire transportation and assembly process for segmented towers, making the logistics of transporting separate tower sections more efficient and cost-effective.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are used for transporting a plurality of tower sections of a wind turbine on beds of transport devices, such as flat railcars. Supports affix at support locations on beds to accommodate at least one of the tower sections on each of the transport devices. The supports can include bed supports, such as tabs, extending from the beds, and can include cradle supports with slots that engage on the tabs. A circumferential dimension of a cradle is adjusted on each of the supports against which the tower section rests. Each of the tower sections is then supported with at least two of the supports by loading the tower sections on the transport devices. An end of each of the tower sections is then affixed to a flange on at least one of the supports on each of the transport devices.