Suspended Tower Supply Structure for Crane-Light Wind Turbine Erection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for constructing utility infrastructure within wind turbine towers are costly, complex, and require large cranes, necessitating high operational expenses and complicating the manufacturing and alignment of tower segments.
Innovation Solution
A supply structure for wind turbine towers that is suspended from an elevated installation element, eliminating the need for a massive base support and using a winch to lift longitudinal sections, allowing easy installation through existing doors and reducing crane dependency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the supply structure is constructed as a massive base support extending upwards, then the structural stability and load-bearing capacity are improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supply structure is divided into multiple longitudinal sections that can be installed separately. Each section is connected to the next via hinge connections, allowing modular assembly. This segmentation enables the structure to be installed in manageable portions rather than as a single massive component, reducing installation complexity while maintaining structural stability through the connected section assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connections between longitudinal sections provide dynamic flexibility during installation, allowing each section to be positioned and connected sequentially. The hinge mechanism enables the structure to adapt during assembly while maintaining structural integrity when connected, resolving the contradiction between stability and installation complexity.
2Productivity
If a crane is used to lift and install the supply structure, then the installation speed is improved, but the operational cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supply structure is designed to be self-lifting through the hinge connection mechanism. The weight of the structure itself, combined with the hinge connections, enables the sections to be raised into position without requiring external crane lifting for each section. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for continuous crane operation while maintaining installation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic hinge connections allow the structure to utilize its own weight and the mechanical advantage of the hinge mechanism to lift sections into position. This dynamic system converts the installation process from requiring external mechanical lifting (crane) to internal mechanical lifting through the hinge design, reducing crane dependency.
3Manufacturing precision
If the tower segments are pre-assembled with the supply structure, then the alignment precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supply structure is segmented into separate longitudinal sections that are installed independently of the tower segments. This segmentation allows the supply structure to be installed after the tower segments are in place, eliminating the need for complex pre-assembly operations. Each section can be aligned and connected sequentially, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining alignment precision through the hinge connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connections are pre-designed and pre-fabricated as part of the supply structure assembly, but the actual installation is performed after the tower segments are in place. This preliminary preparation of connection mechanisms, combined with post-installation assembly, resolves the contradiction by enabling precise alignment without requiring complex pre-assembly operations on the tower segments themselves.
4Strength
If the supply structure rests on the tower base, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the device complexity and structural mass increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supply structure uses segmented longitudinal sections connected by hinges, eliminating the need for a continuous massive base support. Each section bears its own load and transfers it through the hinge connections, distributing the load-bearing function across the segmented structure rather than requiring a complex continuous base. This segmentation reduces structural complexity while maintaining adequate load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The massive base support function is extracted and redistributed throughout the segmented structure. Instead of concentrating load-bearing capacity in a massive base, each longitudinal section and hinge connection contributes to the overall load-bearing function. This extraction and distribution reduces structural complexity and mass while maintaining the necessary strength.
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
Saves on crane time and costs, simplifies installation, and allows for easy handling and alignment of longitudinal sections, reducing the complexity and logistical challenges of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A winch (40) is used to lift the longitudinal sections
Implementation Method 2
A pull cable (50) is coupled to a cable pulley system (18) provided on the installation structure (10)
Implementation Method 3
A cable pulley system (18) provided on the installation structure (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A supply structure (1) installed inside the tower (T) of a wind turbine comprises a mounting structure (10) which has a support structure, in particular a ring-shaped or partially ring-shaped, for support against or on a vertically elevated section of the tower wall. The mounting structure (10) includes an anchor structure (3). The supply structure (1) further comprises a support structure (2) which is load-bearingly suspended from the anchor structure (3) and extends substantially vertically downwards from the mounting structure (10). The supply structure (1) also includes attachment elements (4) fixed to the support structure (2). A method for scaffolding a wind turbine tower with such a supply structure (1) extending upwards inside the tower is also disclosed.