Wind Turbine Tower Cable Guide With Horizontal Torsion Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable guiding systems in wind turbines suffer from increased wear, large space requirements, and complex arrangements due to cable torsion and length differences, leading to potential damage and inefficient use of tower space.

Innovation Solution

A cable guiding structure with a horizontal movement element that allows cables to move horizontally within the tower, compensating for torsion and length differences, reducing wear, and optimizing space usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cable loop is used to compensate cable torsion and length differences, then cable damage is reduced, but space requirements increase and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable damage preventionVSAvoidtower space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a horizontal movement element that can move horizontally within the tower to compensate for cable torsion and length differences. This dynamic adjustment mechanism replaces the static cable loop arrangement, allowing the cable guiding structure to adapt to cable movements without requiring large fixed spaces for loops, thereby reducing both space requirements and device complexity while maintaining cable protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dimensionality change by enabling the cable guiding structure to move in the horizontal dimension rather than relying on vertical cable loops. The horizontal movement element translates cable compensation from a vertical space-consuming loop configuration to a horizontal movement mechanism, effectively reducing the space occupied in the tower while maintaining the same protective function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a cable loop arrangement is used, then cable torsion is compensated, but device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable torsion compensationVSAvoidcable guiding structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal movement element provides dynamic torsion compensation through controlled horizontal movement, replacing the complex static loop geometry. This simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the essential function of torsion compensation, reducing both device complexity and installation requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential function of torsion compensation from the complex cable loop arrangement and implements it through a simplified horizontal movement mechanism. By separating the compensation function from the bulky loop structure, the invention reduces device complexity while preserving the core protective function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If traditional cable guiding structures are used, then cables are guided from nacelle to tower base, but cable abrasion increases due to fixed positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable guidanceVSAvoidcable abrasion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The horizontal movement element enables dynamic cable positioning that adapts to cable movement and tension changes. This dynamic adjustment prevents fixed-point abrasion by allowing the cable guiding structure to move with the cable, thereby reducing wear while maintaining effective cable guidance throughout the tower

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4119793B1Cable guiding structure for a tower for a wind turbine, method for mounting a cable guiding structure, and wind turbine
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 GENERAL ELECTRIC RENOVABLES ESPANA SL
  • EP4119793B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4119793B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4119793B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7

AI summary

A cable guiding structure (200) for a tower (100) of a wind turbine (10) is described. The tower has a height in substantially vertical direction (110) and a width in substantially horizontal direction (112). The cable guiding structure (200) is adapted for guiding a cable (160) within the tower of the wind turbine. The cable guiding structure includes a horizontal movement element (300) at least partially movable in the width direction (112) of the tower (100). The horizontal movement element (300) includes a receiving part (301) for receiving the at least one cable (160) of the wind turbine and wherein the horizontal movement element allows a movement of the at least one cable (160) in the width direction (112) of the tower (100). Further, a method for mounting a cable guiding structure is described.