Monitored Component Connection for Wind Turbine Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wind power installations, particularly with rotating components or bearing components, dismantling and reinstallation for checking connection weaknesses is costly and potentially detrimental, making it difficult to monitor connection weaknesses during operation.
Innovation Solution
A monitored component connection system that includes a holding portion, a receiving portion, and a connecting portion with a pressure measuring device to detect defects by applying a testing pressure, allowing for in-situ monitoring of connection weaknesses without the need for additional sensors or complex dismantling, using existing components and connections for both application and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If component connections are dismantled for checking connection weaknesses, then connection defects can be detected, but high costs and potential damage to the installation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by integrating a pressure measuring device into the connection receiving means before the component connection is subjected to operational loads. This allows continuous monitoring of connection integrity from the outset, detecting defects early without requiring subsequent dismantling for inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The connection receiving means serves dual functions: it receives the connecting portion to form the component connection, and simultaneously houses the pressure measuring device for self-monitoring. This self-service approach enables the connection to monitor its own integrity without external intervention or dismantling
2Reliability
If additional sensors are added for monitoring component connections, then connection weaknesses can be detected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure measuring device with the connection receiving means by integrating the sensor into the receiving portion structure. This combination allows connection monitoring functionality to be achieved without adding separate, independent sensing systems, thereby maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The connection receiving means is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both the structural component that receives the connecting portion and as the housing for the pressure measuring device. This universal design enables monitoring capability without requiring dedicated separate components
3Productivity
If component connections are monitored during operation, then connection weaknesses can be detected without dismantling, but monitoring system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates on a self-service principle where the pressure measuring device continuously monitors the connection integrity automatically during operation. The system self-regulates by detecting pressure changes that indicate connection weaknesses and can trigger alerts or shutdowns without requiring external monitoring infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure measuring device provides continuous feedback about the connection status by monitoring pressure changes in the connection receiving means. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of connection weaknesses during operation, allowing for immediate corrective action before failures occur
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
Enables continuous monitoring of connection weaknesses, preventing damage and potential failure by detecting defects such as cracks or looseness in component connections, thereby ensuring the operational safety and reliability of wind power installations without the need for costly dismantling.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure measuring device (440) that is configured to monitor the testing pressure for a defect deviation indicative of a connection weakness in the component connection in the connected condition
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a monitored component connection comprising a first component forming a holding portion, a second component forming a receiving portion, and a connecting portion which holds the second component to the first component in the connected condition, wherein the connecting portion engages into a connection receiving means of the receiving portion. According to the invention it is proposed that for monitoring for an unwanted connection weakness in the component connection in the connected condition the connection receiving means can be acted upon with a testing pressure, and the testing pressure can be monitored for a defect deviation which is sufficient to indicate a connection weakness in the component connection in the connected condition.