Wind Turbine Nacelle Skeleton Segmentation for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of wind turbines poses challenges in designing nacelles that can effectively carry large loads and facilitate the service of components within the nacelle.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine nacelle structure comprising connected elongated skeleton members with a bolt connection system that allows for the parallel extension of bolts between non-parallel skeleton members, enabling easy disassembly and pre-tensioning, and a method for removing components by disconnecting these members to clear a path for maintenance, optimizing load carrying capacity while allowing for efficient service operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the nacelle structure uses rigid welded connections between skeleton members to ensure structural integrity and load carrying capacity, then the strength and stability are improved, but the ease of disassembly and serviceability of components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The skeleton members are divided into separate segments that can be disconnected from each other. Instead of a continuous welded structure, the skeleton comprises multiple members that can be separated to enable component removal and service operations, while maintaining structural integrity when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between skeleton members is made dynamic rather than static. The members can transition between connected and disconnected states, allowing the structure to adapt between operational mode (connected for strength) and maintenance mode (disconnected for serviceability).
2Weight of stationary object
If the nacelle is designed with a compact structure to reduce size and weight, then the use of energy and material is improved, but the ease of removing and servicing components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compact nacelle structure incorporates segmented skeleton members that can be easily disconnected. This segmentation allows components to be accessed and removed through a compact design without requiring the skeleton members to be permanently fixed, maintaining both compactness and serviceability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the skeleton members are designed with non-parallel configurations to optimize load distribution and structural efficiency, then the strength and stability are improved, but the complexity of connection details increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal connection system is implemented that can accommodate non-parallel skeleton members while maintaining simple disconnection procedures. The connection details are designed to be multi-functional, handling both the structural load distribution requirements of non-parallel members and the ease of assembly/disassembly requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine includes a nacelle which houses components including a generator connected to a rotor. The nacelle includes a cover and a skeleton, the skeleton including a plurality of connected elongated skeleton members. The skeleton members include a first skeleton member, a second skeleton member non-parallel to the first skeleton member, and a bolt extending in parallel with the second skeleton member for connecting the second skeleton member and the first skeleton member. Also, a method is presented for removing a component housed in a nacelle of a wind turbine, including disconnecting a second skeleton member from first skeleton members, removing the second skeleton member from a path of removal of the component, and removing the component along the path.