Wind Turbine Spinner Support System Shear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing support systems for wind turbine spinner hubs lack sufficient shear resistance, leading to increased stress on the spinner components, and current assembly methods are complex and require flat reflections or threaded bushings, complicating production and transport.
Innovation Solution
A support system for the spinner, comprising front and rear support elements, where two non-adjacent spinner components are connected via a third component, with front support elements consisting of a rod element and isosceles trapezoid-shaped sheet metal parts, and rear support struts made of elongated sheet metal, reducing the need for large bending moments and simplifying assembly by eliminating the need for flat reflections or threaded bushings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional support systems are used for the spinner, then the spinner can be supported, but the shear resistance is insufficient leading to increased stress on the spinner components
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple discrete support elements (front support elements and rear support struts) that are strategically positioned around the rotor hub. Each support element independently contributes to the overall shear resistance, distributing the loads more effectively across the spinner structure and reducing stress concentration on individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration around the rotor hub, with front support elements positioned on the upwind side and rear support struts on the downwind side. This spatial distribution creates a more effective load-bearing structure that resists shear forces from multiple directions, enhancing overall shear resistance while reducing stress on any single spinner component.
2Ease of manufacture
If complex assembly methods with flat reflections or threaded bushings are used, then the spinner can be assembled, but the production and transport become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention eliminates the need for complex flat reflections and threaded bushings from the support element design. By simplifying the support elements to basic rod elements and sheet metal parts, the manufacturing process becomes less complex and the components easier to produce, while still achieving the required structural function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex fastening mechanisms (flat reflections, threaded bushings) to achieve simplicity, the invention inverts the approach by designing support elements that inherently require no such complex components. The simplified rod elements and sheet metal parts with basic mounting brackets achieve easier manufacture and assembly by eliminating the need for precision-machined flat surfaces and threaded fasteners.
3Strength
If the spinner components have larger dimensions to ensure structural integrity, then the shear resistance improves, but the transport and stackability become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spinner is divided into multiple smaller spinner components (first, second, and third spinner components) that can be manufactured and transported separately. The support elements connect these components in a modular fashion, maintaining structural integrity through the distributed support system while allowing each component to have reduced individual dimensions for easier handling and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are positioned at specific locations around the rotor hub (front and rear positions), creating a three-dimensional support structure. This spatial arrangement allows the spinner components to be smaller in individual dimensions while maintaining overall structural integrity through the distributed geometric configuration of the support system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a support system for a spinner of a rotor hub for a wind turbine, in particular the connection of a spinner to the rotor hub. The invention is based on the objective of providing the spinner of a wind turbine with a suitable support system. The support system should be inherently shear-rigid and thereby reduce the stress on the spinner. A rotor hub of a wind turbine comprises a spinner, the rotor hub being mechanically connected to the spinner. The spinner consists of at least three spinner components. According to the invention, a support system is provided by which two non-adjacent spinner components are supported by the rotor hub. A third spinner component is arranged between and connected to the two spinner components.