Tower Adapter Assembly for Lower-Lift Wind Turbine Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of wind turbines, particularly offshore wind turbines, is complex and time-consuming due to the elaborate process of installing the nacelle on top of the tower, which requires lifting the attachment point higher than its final resting position, increasing the risk of damage and crane requirements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of power conditioning and switching devices within a tower adapter, allowing pre-installation onshore and simplifying the installation process by reducing the need for on-site electrical connections and enabling easier access for service personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the nacelle is installed on top of the tower using conventional methods, then the tower and nacelle can be connected, but the attachment point must be lifted much higher than its final resting position, increasing crane requirements and installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into multiple segments (first tower portion, second tower portion, third tower portion) with the adapter element integrated into the second tower portion. This segmentation allows the adapter to be positioned at an optimal height during assembly, eliminating the need to lift the nacelle attachment point excessively high while maintaining proper connection geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter element serves as an intermediary component between the tower and the nacelle. It provides the mounting surface for the nacelle at the appropriate height relative to the tower structure, acting as a mediator that resolves the height mismatch problem and simplifies the installation process.
2Productivity
If electrical devices for power conditioning and switching are installed on-site in the tower, then the wind turbine can be assembled, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter element is manufactured with electrical devices for power conditioning and switching already pre-installed and pre-tested at the factory. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site electrical installations, allowing the adapter to be simply bolted to the tower and connected to the nacelle, significantly reducing assembly time and improving productivity.
3Reliability
If the attachment point is lifted higher to meet clearance requirements, then the nacelle can be attached to the tower, but the dropping height increases in case of crane malfunction, potentially damaging the nacelle
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tower and integrating the adapter into the second tower portion, the attachment point is positioned at the optimal height relative to the tower structure. This eliminates the need to lift the nacelle excessively high, thereby reducing the potential dropping height and associated damage risk while maintaining adequate clearance for safe installation operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Wind turbine comprising a tower (2), a tower adapter (4) attached to the tower (2) and a nacelle (3) attached to the tower adapter (4), whereby the tower adapter (4) houses at least one electrical device (5, 6) of the wind turbine (1) for conditioning or switching power provided by a generator (7) of the wind turbine (1).