Stabilized Wind Turbine Tower with Cable Interface Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The wind turbine industry faces challenges in stabilizing wind turbine towers during energy production, particularly due to transportation and production limitations that restrict the size and bearing capacity of tower sections, and the need for cost-effective installation and maintenance solutions.
Innovation Solution
A stabilized wind turbine system is provided, featuring a tower composed of multiple sections with an interface module that includes an annular member with ears for cable attachment, allowing for the use of cables to stabilize the tower and increase its bearing capacity without increasing its diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the diameter of the tower is increased to increase bearing capacity, then the bearing capacity increases by the power of two, but transportation and production restrictions limit the maximum diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into multiple sections that can be transported and assembled separately. The interface module serves as a connection element between sections, allowing the tower to achieve its full bearing capacity through modular assembly rather than requiring a single large-diameter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface module acts as an intermediary component between tower sections and cable attachment points. It provides a standardized interface that connects the structural tower sections with the stabilization cables, enabling load transfer without requiring increased section diameter.
2Strength
If the shell thickness is increased to increase bearing capacity, then bearing capacity increases linearly, but it is an inefficient way of increasing bearing capacity and stiffness compared to increasing diameter
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than increasing the thickness of individual tower sections, the solution segments the tower into multiple sections connected by interface modules. This allows the tower to achieve required bearing capacity through the number and arrangement of sections rather than through increased wall thickness.
3Strength
If cables are used to stabilize the tower, then bearing capacity is increased and stresses are reduced, but more land is consumed for cable anchors and the installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is segmented into multiple sections with interface modules that provide standardized attachment points for cables. This segmentation allows cables to be attached at multiple levels along the tower, reducing the need for distant land anchors and minimizing land consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine (10) supported by a plurality of cables (20). The wind turbine (10) includes a tower (12). An energy generating unit (14) is disposed on the tower (12) and is configured to produce electrical energy from wind (40). The tower (12) includes an upper section and a lower section. Each of the upper and lower sections includes an inwardly directed flange (82, 90) having a plurality of through-bores (84, 92, 96). An annular member (62, 120) has one or more ears (50, 204) that extend outwardly. Each ear (50, 204) is configured to be coupled to one of the plurality of cables (20). The annular member (62) includes a plurality of bores (68, 72, 104) that align with the through-bores (84, 92, 96) in the inwardly directed flanges (82, 90). The bores (68, 72) each includes a screw thread (100, 102). Threaded fasteners (94) are used to secure the annular member (62, 120) to the tower (12). A method of installing includes tensioning cables (20) after installing the interface module (18, 120) on the tower (12) and before installing the energy generating unit (14).