Wind Turbine Tower Airflow Manipulators for Vortex Shedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines experience undesired loads and vibrations due to wind dynamics, particularly from vortex shedding effects, which can lead to structural excitation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an airflow manipulation arrangement and a support arrangement is mounted to the tower segment. The airflow manipulation arrangement, typically a flexible sheet or fabric, extends radially and longitudinally from the tower segment, redirecting and blocking airflow to reduce vortex shedding effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the tower segment is exposed to wind flow, then the wind turbine can generate power, but vortex shedding effects cause undesired loads and vibrations on the tower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an airflow manipulation arrangement as an intermediary element between the wind flow and the tower segment. This arrangement includes airflow manipulators (such as strakes or fins) that actively interact with the incoming wind to modify its flow characteristics before it reaches the tower, thereby preventing vortex shedding while allowing power generation to continue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the flow parameters of the wind by using airflow manipulators that change the flow direction, velocity distribution, and turbulence characteristics. By adjusting these flow parameters through the manipulators, the system prevents the formation of harmful vortices while maintaining sufficient wind flow for power generation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional rigid airflow manipulation devices are used, then vortex shedding is reduced, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible airflow manipulation elements such as thin film strakes or deformable fins that can adapt their shape and orientation in response to wind conditions. These flexible structures achieve vortex shedding control through their aerodynamic geometry alone, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuation systems, sensors, or control electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The airflow manipulators are designed to function autonomously without external control systems. The flexible structures automatically adjust their configuration based on the incoming wind flow, using the wind force itself to maintain the optimal anti-vortex position, thereby eliminating the need for external power sources, sensors, or control mechanisms
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
The system effectively reduces vortex shedding effects by altering the airflow pattern around the tower segment, thereby minimizing periodic lateral forces and preventing unwanted excitation of the tower, even near its eigenfrequencies.
Implementation Method 1
vortex shedding effects caused by an airflow facing the tower segment and affecting the tower segment
Implementation Method 2
the airflow manipulator is configured for affecting an airflow around the tower segment
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for a tower segment of a tower is presented, wherein the tower segment is configured for forming at least partially a part of a tower for carrying a structure, in particular for supporting a nacelle of a horizontal-axis wind turbine or a machine house of a vertical-axis wind turbine. The system is configured to be attached, arranged, and/or mounted to the tower segment and comprises at least an airflow manipulation arrangement and a support arrangement. The airflow manipulation arrangement includes an airflow manipulator which is configured for affecting an airflow around the tower segment. The support arrangement is configured for supporting the airflow manipulation arrangement and for mounting the airflow manipulation arrangement to the tower segment. The airflow manipulation arrangement and the support arrangement are configured such, when mounted to the tower segment, that the airflow manipulator projects a tower diameter in radial direction by at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, preferred at least 15%, in particular not more than 30%, further in particular not more than 20%, of the tower diameter, or that the airflow manipulator is essentially parallel to the tower segment. By this, an effective measure against vortex shedding effects is put in place.