Wind Turbine Nacelle Torque Arm Layout for Compact Access Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine nacelles with horizontally oriented torque arms occupy excessive space, limiting walkways, egress routes, and material handling due to their large volume, particularly width and height.
Innovation Solution
The nacelle design includes at least two torque arms positioned around the drivetrain axis, with at least one torque arm oriented substantially non-horizontally, supported by a frame attached to a yaw bearing, allowing for reduced space usage and optimized layout by deviating from the conventional horizontal orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If torque arms are positioned horizontally around the drivetrain axis, then the structural stability and torque transfer are improved, but the nacelle volume increases excessively, reducing space for walkways and material handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by reorienting torque arms from a horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement. Specifically, the first torque arm extends vertically upward from the drivetrain member, and the second torque arm extends vertically downward, transforming the spatial configuration from horizontal to vertical. This dimensional change reduces the nacelle's width and height requirements while maintaining torque transfer capability through the vertical orientation of the arms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If torque arms are positioned horizontally, then the torque distribution is balanced, but the nacelle width and height increase, limiting egress routes and walkways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning from horizontal to vertical torque arm orientation. The vertical arrangement maintains torque distribution balance through symmetrical positioning (one arm upward, one downward) while significantly reducing the horizontal space occupation. This creates adequate clearance for walkways and egress routes without compromising the balanced torque transfer function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry in the vertical arrangement where the first torque arm extends upward and the second extends downward, creating an asymmetric spatial configuration that optimizes space utilization. This asymmetric vertical positioning maintains functional balance while improving accessibility and reducing nacelle footprint.
3Device complexity
If conventional horizontal torque arm configuration is used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the nacelle requires large transport dimensions and installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by reconfiguring torque arms vertically, which reduces the nacelle's horizontal footprint and overall transport dimensions. The vertical orientation consolidates the structural elements along the height axis, making the nacelle more compact for transportation and installation while maintaining structural simplicity through the straightforward vertical attachment configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A nacelle for a wind turbine, the nacelle comprising: a drivetrain with a drivetrain axis, at least two torque arms positioned around the drivetrain axis and attached to a member of the drivetrain, and a frame attached to a yaw bearing. The torque arms of the drive train are supported by the frame and at least one of the torque arms has an orientation deviating at least substantially from being horizontal.