Segmented Toroidal Damper for Wind Turbine Transport and Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine dampers are difficult to transport, install, and maintain due to their monolithic design, making them costly and complex to adapt for different wind turbine types, and current solutions like using multiple small dampers or accepting leakage do not effectively address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A segmented toroidal damper design with a container comprising multiple toroidal segments that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for standard element usage and adaptation, with features like an aperture for elevators and mixed liquid with clay/silt for enhanced damping properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a monolithic damper design is used, then the damping performance is sufficient, but the transportation and installation complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is divided into multiple modular segments that can be transported separately and assembled on-site. Each segment is a standardized component that connects to form the complete damper structure, enabling easier transportation and installation while maintaining the required damping performance through proper segmentation of the liquid-filled chambers.
2Strength
If a monolithic damper is used, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the adaptability to different wind turbine types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is segmented into standardized modular units that can be configured in different arrangements to suit various wind turbine types. The segmentation allows for flexible adaptation to different tower diameters and heights while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection mechanisms between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized segments are designed to be universal components that can be used across different wind turbine configurations. The same segment design can adapt to various applications through different numbers and arrangements of segments, eliminating the need for custom-designed dampers for each wind turbine type.
3Reliability
If a monolithic damper is used, then the damping function is complete, but the ease of repair and replacement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is divided into replaceable segments that can be individually removed and replaced if damaged. This segmentation enables targeted repair of specific segments without replacing the entire damper assembly, significantly improving maintenance efficiency and reducing downtime.
4Ease of operation
If multiple small dampers are used instead of one large damper, then the transportation and installation ease improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is segmented into modular segments that provide the benefits of smaller, easier-to-transport components while maintaining the functionality of a single integrated damper. The segmentation is designed to simplify assembly through standardized connections, reducing the complexity associated with using multiple separate dampers.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates easier transportation, installation, and maintenance of wind turbine dampers, while enabling design flexibility and improved damping performance by utilizing a segmented toroidal shape and mixed liquid composition.
Implementation Method 1
The flat circular disc may have a liquid inside which damps linear motion of the wind turbine tower by providing the liquid sloshing from side to side
Implementation Method 2
The damping of a circular or elliptical movement of the wind turbine tower is provided by a liquid wave moving along the rim of the damper
Implementation Method 3
mixed liquid with clay/silt for enhanced damping properties
Data Source
AI summary
A damper of a wind turbine, wherein the damper is suited for damping a movement of the wind turbine is provided. The damper includes a container and a liquid, wherein the liquid is located inside the container. The damper can be substantially the shape of a toroid. The container further includes a first toroidal segment and at least a second toroidal segment. Both toroidal segments are attached together such that a closed toroid is generated and the liquid is retained inside the container.