Wind Turbine Nacelle Foundation Connection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection between the main foundation and the rear frame in wind turbines is often less stable, leading to unintended loads and instability in the transfer of loads, torques, and forces, which complicates the mounting process and reduces the structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The main foundation features a foundation connection area with displaced faces to provide a solid connection for load transfer, and the rear frame is designed with longitudinal frame elements and U- or C-profiles for increased strength and stiffness, allowing for a larger supporting area and easier assembly using bolt connections or similar methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bolt connections are used to connect the main foundation and the rear frame, then the connection can be assembled, but the connection stability is insufficient leading to unintended loads
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-plane connection to a multi-dimensional connection by providing at least two connection faces (first and second connection faces) on the main foundation that are displaced relative to each other in longitudinal, height, and/or width directions. This spatial displacement creates a three-dimensional connection geometry that significantly enhances connection stability and load transfer capability while maintaining assembly feasibility through the structured arrangement of connection points.
2Device complexity
If a single connection face is used between the main foundation and the rear frame, then the structure is simple, but the connection area is limited and mounting is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the connection interface into multiple discrete connection faces (first and second connection faces) that are spatially separated. This segmentation allows each face to be independently positioned and connected, facilitating easier mounting operations while collectively providing a larger total connection area that enhances overall connection strength and stability.
3Volume of moving object
If the connection area between main foundation and rear frame is small, then the structure is compact, but the transfer of loads, torques and forces is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the conflict between compactness and load transfer capability by utilizing three-dimensional spatial displacement of connection faces. The first and second connection faces are positioned at different locations in longitudinal, height, and/or width directions, creating a distributed connection geometry that maximizes the effective connection area and moment arms for load transfer while maintaining overall structural compactness.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a nacelle, the nacelle having a substantially longitudinal extension, a height extension and a width extension, comprising a front end, a rear end, a bottom part, a top part and side parts, and being adapted to house a number of wind turbine components, which wind turbine components are supported by an internal support structure, the support structure comprising at least a main foundation which is positioned at the front end of the nacelle, and a rear frame which is connected to the main foundation at one end and extends from the main foundation towards the rear end of the nacelle. The main foundation comprises at least one foundation connection area, the foundation connection area being positioned where the rear frame is connected to the main foundation, the foundation connection area comprising at least a first face and a second face, the second face being displaced in a longitudinal direction, a height direction and/or a width direction of the nacelle in relation to a position of the first face on the main foundation, and the rear frame being connected to the main foundation via connections at least via the first face and the second face, respectively, of the foundation connection area.