Multifunctional Wind Turbine Nacelle Structure for Simpler Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Offshore wind turbine nacelles face challenges in assembly, transport, erection, and maintenance due to complex designs and harsh environmental conditions, with existing solutions lacking in cost-effectiveness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional nacelle design featuring a composite cover with planar flange connections, a self-supported roof, and an integrated helicopter hoisting platform, utilizing metal bars for reinforcement and lightning protection, and a simplified manufacturing process to reduce weight and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional nacelle designs are used with separate components for structural support, lightning protection, and panel connections, then each function can be independently optimized, but the overall device complexity and assembly difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the flange connections: structural support, panel joining, lightning protection, and sealing are all integrated into a single flange connection system. The flanges serve as both structural supports and connection elements, eliminating the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange connections are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, connect panels, protect against lightning strikes, and ensure weather sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall nacelle structure.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used for nacelle cover, support frame, and helicopter platform, then each component can be optimized independently, but the weight and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the helicopter platform with the nacelle cover structure, combining what would traditionally be separate components. The cover panels and support elements serve dual purposes as both protective housing and platform support structures, reducing total weight while maintaining functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional connection methods with clearances and separate sealing elements are used, then assembly tolerance is easier to manage, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged into the flange connection design itself. The flanges incorporate integrated sealing elements that create weather-tight joints without requiring separate sealing components, thereby reducing the total part count while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
4Reliability
If traditional nacelle designs with separate anti-lightning structures are used, then lightning protection can be independently optimized, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lightning protection function is merged into the flange connection structure. The metal flanges themselves serve as lightning conductors, eliminating the need for separate anti-lightning structures while maintaining effective lightning protection capability.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, efficient, and maintainable nacelle design that reduces weight, assembly complexity, and environmental exposure, while ensuring reliable lightning protection and improved accessibility for maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The panels comprise flanges, and the flanges can be connected via flange connections. At least one metal bar is provided that extends along substantially the full length of the flange connection.
Implementation Method 2
The metal bars can be configured to i) reinforce the flange connection, and ii) provide a Faraday cage surrounding internal components of the nacelle, such that the internal components are protected from lightning.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a nacelle (2) for a wind driven power plant. The nacelle (2) comprises at least one out of a multifunctional nacelle cover (6), a multifunctional support frame (15), and a multifunctional helicopter hoisting platform (8). The multifunctional nacelle cover (6) can comprise at least one out of a multifunctional flange concept, a multifunctional nacelle roof (7), and a multifunctional nacelle bottom cover (13).