Wind Turbine Nacelle Decoupling for Noise and Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine nacelles generate noise and are costly to transport and assemble due to their large size, which complicates the erection process and may result in damage during transport, affecting functionality and certification.
Innovation Solution
A nacelle design featuring a support module with decoupling means that elastically dampens the connection to the machine support, preventing the transmission of structure-borne noise and allowing for modular, standardized components that can be easily transported and assembled, reducing noise emissions and transportation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the nacelle is designed as a large integrated structure to provide adequate protection from the elements, then protection performance is improved, but transport complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The nacelle is divided into multiple modular components including the machine carrier, support module, and nacelle cladding that can be transported separately and assembled on-site. This segmentation reduces transport complexity while maintaining the protective function through proper assembly of the modular parts.
2Reliability
If the nacelle components are precisely manufactured to ensure functionality, then reliability is improved, but susceptibility to transport damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling means incorporate damping elements that cushion and absorb shocks during transport and assembly. This beforehand cushioning protects the precisely manufactured components from damage while maintaining their functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the nacelle into transportable modules with robust connection interfaces, the design allows precise manufacturing of each component while protecting them during transport through controlled handling and assembly procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the nacelle fairing is rigidly connected to the machine carrier for structural stability, then structural stability is improved, but noise transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling means act as an intermediary element between the nacelle cladding and machine carrier. These intermediaries provide structural connection while incorporating damping elements that reduce noise transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and noise emission.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection characteristics are changed by introducing decoupling means with specific damping properties. This parameter change allows the connection to maintain structural stability while altering the noise transmission characteristics to reduce emissions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the nacelle is assembled on-site from individual parts, then adaptability to site conditions is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nacelle is segmented into standardized modular components with simplified connection interfaces. This segmentation enables on-site assembly while reducing assembly complexity through standardization, and improves adaptability by allowing flexible arrangement and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are designed with universal connection features that simplify assembly procedures. The standardized interfaces and decoupling means enable the same components to be assembled in different configurations to adapt to various site conditions while maintaining consistent assembly processes.
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
Significantly reduces noise emissions by preventing the transmission of structure-borne noise and simplifies the erection process by allowing for cost-effective, modular, and standardized component assembly, minimizing the risk of damage during transport and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
decoupling means (1234) which establish an elastically damped connection with the machine support (10), in particular which prevent the transmission of structure-borne noise
Implementation Method 2
decoupling means (1234) which establish an elastically damped connection with the machine support (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a nacelle (1) of a wind turbine (100), said wind turbine (100) including a generator for generating electricity from wind. The disclosed nacelle (1) comprises a machine support (10) for supporting the generator on a tower, a support module (640) for accommodating electrical control devices, and nacelle cladding (1270) for protecting the support module (640) and the machine support (10) against adverse weather conditions. The support module (640) and/or the nacelle cladding (1270) is/are connected to the machine support (10) via decoupling means (634) which establish an elastically damped connection to the machine support (10).