Wind Turbine Nacelle Load Transmission via Functional Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind energy installations face challenges with heavy and bulky support structures that increase material consumption and maintenance efforts due to the need for robust support plates and frames to handle high static and dynamic loads.
Innovation Solution
A continuous-flow power installation design where functional components, such as bearings and transmissions, serve as operationally fixed links to transmit static and dynamic loads directly to the tower, eliminating the need for conventional support plates and reducing material usage by integrating these components with the nacelle's housing structure, allowing for a lighter and more robust design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional support plates and frames are used to accommodate drive train components, then the structural strength and stability are ensured, but the weight and material consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support function with the housing of functional components. The transmission housing and generator housing serve dual purposes: protecting internal components and supporting drive train loads. This merging eliminates the need for separate support plates and frames, reducing nacelle weight while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structures of functional components are designed to perform multiple functions: they protect internal components from environmental factors and simultaneously serve as load-bearing elements for static and dynamic loads. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of structural components needed in the nacelle.
2Volume of moving object
If functional components are integrated into a common housing, then the nacelle structure becomes more compact, but the maintenance effort increases due to reduced accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the housing structure into modular sections, each accommodating specific functional components. The transmission housing and generator housing are separate but connected modules that can be independently accessed. This segmentation allows for compact integration while maintaining ease of maintenance through modular accessibility.
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
This design reduces the weight and material requirements of the nacelle, enabling a more efficient conversion of mechanical energy from wind to electrical energy while minimizing maintenance efforts by using the housing structures of functional components to support loads and eliminate the need for additional protective housings.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor which is driven by the fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
converts the energy introduced at the rotor from the fluid flow to electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine power plant is disclosed for generating electrical energy from a fluid flow, comprising a gondola rotatably mounted on a pedestal, particularly a tower, comprising a drivetrain, designed for converting the energy applied to the rotor into electrical energy by a rotor driven by the fluid flow and by means of functional components designed for supporting the rotor and/or for supporting the gearbox and/or for converting energy. At least one of the functional components listed above has an operationally fixed connection for transmitting static and dynamic loads from the drivetrain to the tower.