Stacked Wind Turbine Masts with Cross Bracing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing large-scale wind farms face economic inefficiencies due to the high cost and complexity of support structures, particularly in multi-megawatt generation plants, which are plagued by extreme forces leading to uneconomical dimensions and structural issues.
Innovation Solution
A compact, stacked construction design with interlocking tower structures and tendons that eliminate the need for extensive anchoring foundations, using diagonal and horizontal bracing to distribute loads efficiently and prevent 'domino effects', along with a global controller system to optimize energy harvesting and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbines are arranged in stacked configurations with multiple rotors on a single mast, then energy harvest per unit area increases, but structural costs and complexity increase due to extreme bending moments requiring larger tower dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal wind farm layouts to a vertical stacked configuration with multiple rotors positioned at different heights on a single mast. This dimensional change allows energy harvesting in the vertical dimension, significantly increasing energy yield per unit area while reducing the horizontal footprint of the wind farm.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower structure is divided into multiple segments or levels, each supporting individual rotors. This segmentation allows the structure to be optimized at each level, with bracing elements positioned strategically to handle loads from different heights, reducing overall structural complexity compared to a monolithic tower design.
2Power
If tower structures are increased in height to accommodate multiple rotors, then energy harvesting capacity increases, but structural stability deteriorates due to extreme bending moments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric bracing configurations where diagonal bracing elements are positioned at specific angles and locations rather than uniformly distributed. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the structural response to bending moments at different heights, providing enhanced stability where needed while minimizing material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower structure incorporates curved or tapered geometries rather than straight cylindrical forms. The curvature and varying cross-sectional dimensions along the height of the tower help distribute bending moments more effectively, improving structural stability while accommodating the vertical stacking of multiple rotors.
3Strength
If conventional anchoring foundations are used for tall tower structures, then structural support is provided, but construction costs and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or eliminates the need for extensive conventional anchoring foundations by using a self-supporting tower design with integrated bracing. The structure derives its stability from its own geometry and internal bracing system rather than relying on large external foundation systems, significantly reducing construction costs and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower structure is designed to support itself through its own geometric configuration and internal bracing elements. The diagonal bracing and tapered geometry provide inherent structural stability without requiring additional anchoring systems, making the structure self-sufficient and reducing dependence on expensive foundation infrastructure.
4Reliability
If diagonal bracing is added to prevent domino effects, then structural reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural support function with the bracing system by integrating diagonal bracing elements directly into the tower geometry. The bracing serves dual purposes of providing structural reliability to prevent domino effects while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and relatively simple overall form, avoiding the need for separate complex bracing systems.
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
This design significantly enhances energy yield per unit area, reduces structural costs, and ensures safer operation by minimizing load peaks and resonances, allowing for more efficient and economical construction and maintenance of large-scale wind farms.
Implementation Method 1
A wind farm with tension members is known from US 2014103665
Implementation Method 2
Wind turbines, also known as wind generators, driven by wind blades
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The invention describes wind farms, space wind farms, comprising wind generators in several planes one above the other. The wind generators are mounted one above the other on tower structures for this purpose. The tower structures are braced by clamping elements. The clamping elements run crosswise between the tower structures. Additional securing clamping elements protect the space wind farm against structural failure. A method for controlling the wind generators improves the yield. The method for controlling the wind generators also reduces load peaks and the propagation of oscillations within the connected carrying structure. Other different damping methods are also used for this purpose.