Wind Turbine Repair Platform Cable Suspension via Hub and Blade Roots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching a repair platform to a wind turbine are complex and require specialized connection devices and anchorage points, making them time-consuming and difficult to implement.
Innovation Solution
The method involves positioning cable sections over the hub, supported between the root regions of wind turbine blades, allowing direct connection to existing structures without the need for specialized devices, and using a ring with wires for stable suspension, which can be adjusted for optimal stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated connection devices are fastened to the hub tip and anchorage points are provided at the nacelle bottom, then the repair platform can be suspended, but the attachment process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes existing multi-functional structures on the wind turbine (hub peripheral surface, blade root regions, nacelle structure) to serve both their primary functions and as support points for the repair platform. The cable sections can be attached to multiple possible locations including the hub peripheral surface and blade root regions, making the system versatile and eliminating the need for dedicated single-purpose connection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The repair platform suspension system uses the wind turbine's own existing structures (hub, blades, nacelle) to support the platform. The cable sections leverage the structural integrity of the wind turbine components themselves, allowing the wind turbine to 'serve itself' by providing attachment points without requiring additional specialized hardware.
2Reliability
If specialized connection devices and anchorage points are used, then the repair platform can be securely attached, but the installation time and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assumes that the wind turbine's hub, blades, and nacelle are already constructed with inherent structural features (peripheral surfaces, root regions, mounting connections) that can serve as attachment points. This preliminary preparation of the wind turbine structure eliminates the need for time-consuming installation of specialized connection devices during the repair platform attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and utilizes the load-bearing capacity of existing wind turbine structures (hub peripheral surface, blade root regions) for the additional function of supporting the repair platform. By taking out the structural integrity already present in these components, the patent eliminates the need for separate specialized connection devices, thereby reducing installation time and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If cable sections are positioned without special support structures, then the attachment process is simplified, but the cable sections may swing sideward reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning cable sections at specific locations on the wind turbine structure (hub peripheral surface, blade root regions) where they can be easily attached while also benefiting from the local structural features that prevent sideward swinging. The blade root regions specifically provide a geometric constraint that stabilizes the cable sections in the vertical plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable sections themselves act as intermediaries that connect the hub/nacelle structure to the repair platform. By positioning these cable sections to extend over the hub and be supported between blade root regions, they naturally stabilize themselves through their routing path, using the wind turbine's own structure as a mediator to prevent sideward movement without requiring additional support structures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
The method comprises positioning a first blade (10A) in substantially vertical position, connecting first ends of a first and a second cable section (24, 26), respectively, with a structure included by the nacelle, (6), connecting second ends (30) of the first and the second cable section (24, 26), respectively, with the repair platform (18) and lifting the repair platform along said blade (10A) by means of the first and second cable sections (24, 26). The first and second cable sections (24, 26) are positioned so that they extend over the hub (8) and are supported at a distance from each other between root regions (16) of a second and a third blade (10B,10C), respectively.