Wind Turbine Nacelle Frame Support Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine frames are prone to fatigue cracking and failure due to high stresses at the joint between the bedplate and the generator support frame, particularly in horizontal-axis wind turbines.
Innovation Solution
A frame support system for wind turbines that includes two stands extending from each side of the bedplate, with tension members connecting to the rear frame and bedplate, and a brace member connecting the stands, providing additional structural support and distributing loads to reduce stress concentrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional frame structure with bedplate and generator support frame is used, then the wind turbine can operate, but the frame is subject to high stresses that cause fatigue cracking and failure at the joint between bedplate and generator support frame
Solution Approach 1:
The frame support structure is divided into separate components: a bedplate, a generator support frame, and a support structure with multiple legs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and distributes the structural loads more effectively, reducing stress concentrations at critical joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure extends vertically with multiple legs positioned at different heights, transitioning from a planar support configuration to a three-dimensional structure. This dimensional change distributes loads across multiple vertical levels and attachment points, reducing stress on any single joint.
2Device complexity
If the frame structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then manufacturing and installation are easier, but stress concentrations increase at critical joints leading to fatigue cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into modular components that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site. The support structure with its multiple legs and cross-bracing is designed as a distinct module from the bedplate and generator support frame, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity through proper load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed and pre-assembled with specific geometric configurations and bracing patterns that preemptively address stress distribution requirements. This preliminary design ensures that load paths are optimized before installation, preventing stress concentrations without requiring complex现场 adjustments.
3Reliability
If additional support structures are added to reduce stress concentrations, then frame reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent legs that can be positioned at optimal locations around the generator support frame. This segmentation allows each leg to carry a portion of the load independently, improving reliability without requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
By extending the support structure vertically with legs at different heights and adding cross-bracing elements, the design utilizes three-dimensional space to distribute loads. This vertical and spatial distribution improves reliability while the modular nature of the legs keeps the overall complexity manageable.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A support (200) for a wind turbine (2) having rear frame (205) extending from a bedplate (203), where the support includes at least one tension member (204) extending between the rear frame (205) and the bedplate (203).