Segmented Connecting Element for Wind Turbine Tower Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacture and transport of annular connecting flanges for wind turbine tower sections are complex and expensive, especially for large diameters, and existing connections lack reliability and load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with a fastening surface shaped as a segment of a circumferential surface of the tower, arranged on a tower section, and a connecting surface at an angle with receptacles for fastening elements, allowing for a non-annular, segmented connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If annular connecting flanges are used to connect tower sections, then the connection provides structural integrity, but the manufacture and transport become complex and expensive for large diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The annular connecting flange is divided into multiple separate connecting elements that can be manufactured and transported independently. Each connecting element covers only a portion of the circumferential surface, making them easier to manufacture and transport while still providing adequate connection when multiple elements are assembled together around the tower section.
2Reliability
If annular connecting flanges are used to connect tower sections, then the connection provides structural integrity, but the transport becomes complex and expensive for large diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The large-diameter annular flange is segmented into smaller connecting elements that fit within standard transport dimensions. These modular elements can be transported using conventional equipment and assembled on-site, eliminating the need for specialized transport infrastructure required for large annular flanges.
3Productivity
If traditional connecting flanges are used, then tower sections can be connected, but the load-bearing capacity and reliability of the connection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting elements extend in the axial direction of the tower section, creating a three-dimensional connection structure rather than a simple planar flange connection. This axial extension provides additional surface area for fastening elements and creates a more robust connection that better resists shear and tensile loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting elements are pre-assembled around the tower section with fastening elements positioned in receptacles before final tower assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment and allows for pre-tensioning of fasteners, improving the overall load-bearing capacity and connection reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connecting element for connecting tower portions of a wind turbine, to a tower portion, to a tower and to a wind turbine, and to a method for producing a tower portion and to a method for connecting tower portions. The connecting element comprises a fastening surface, which is in the form of a segment of a circumferential surface of the tower, and is designed to be arranged on a circumferential surface of a tower portion, and also comprises a connecting surface which is arranged at an angle to the fastening surface and has mounts for accommodating fastening elements.