Precast Wind Turbine Foundation Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind turbine foundation structures are dependent on ground conditions, requiring redesigns when conditions change, leading to increased time and cost due to the need for size modifications in ribs or post-tensioned concrete beams.

Innovation Solution

A precast foundation structure for wind turbines with a homogenized design for the transition structure, where the footing dimensions adjust based on ground quality without altering the rest of the foundation, using precast concrete ribs that extend radially from a plinth, allowing adaptability to geotechnical conditions without full redesign.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the foundation structure is designed to adapt to different ground conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the complexity of redesigning the entire foundation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to ground conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of foundation redesign
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation is divided into two independent segments: a standardized transition structure (with plinth and ribs) and a variable footing. This segmentation allows the footing to be redesigned for different ground conditions without affecting the transition structure, thereby improving adaptability while reducing overall redesign complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transition structure is designed as a universal component that can be reused across different ground conditions. By making this portion multi-functional and ground-condition-independent, the patent reduces redesign complexity while maintaining adaptability through the variable footing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the size of ribs or post-tensioned concrete beams is changed to match ground conditions, then the adaptability to ground conditions is improved, but the manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to ground conditionsVSAvoidmanufacturing and redesign time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the foundation into a standardized transition structure and a variable footing, the patent eliminates the need to redesign and remake the entire foundation when ground conditions change. Only the footing requires modification, significantly reducing manufacturing and redesign time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transition structure is pre-designed and standardized in advance, independent of ground conditions. This preliminary action allows for pre-manufacturing and reuse, eliminating repeated redesign cycles and reducing overall project time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the entire foundation is redesigned when ground conditions change, then the adaptability to ground conditions is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to ground conditionsVSAvoidmaterial and manufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The foundation is segmented into a reusable transition structure and a variable footing. This segmentation ensures that only the footing materials need to be adjusted for different ground conditions, reducing overall material consumption and manufacturing costs compared to redesigning the entire foundation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized transition structure can be recovered and reused across multiple installations with different ground conditions. Only the footing portion is discarded or modified, significantly reducing material waste and manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP3845712A1Precast foundation structure for a wind turbine, wind turbine and assembly method of a wind turbine
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 NORDEX ENERGY SPAIN SAU
  • EP3845712A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3845712A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3845712A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a precast foundation structure for a wind turbine that is independent of the type of ground since a large part of the precast foundation structure is homogenized and wherein the size of a transition structures does not change when the ground conditions do since the precast foundation structure for a wind turbine easily adaptable to the geotechnical conditions of each wind turbine position of the windfarm which allows a significant reduction in time and cost.