Wind Turbine Tower Dampening With Controlled String Tension
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dampening wind turbine tower movements during installation, such as anchoring and mass damper systems, are costly, complex, or impractical for offshore applications, leading to increased installation time and expense.
Innovation Solution
A dampening system comprising a string attached to the tower with a hydraulic pulling device and controlling device to provide defined pulling forces, using a sensing device to adjust the pulling force based on tower movements, thereby reducing tower oscillations efficiently and inexpensively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If anchoring systems are used to reduce tower movement, then tower stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of tower stabilization by using only a single vertical string attached to the tower top, removing the need for complex anchoring systems with multiple anchors and strings. This simplified configuration achieves the same stabilizing effect with much lower system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive vertical string configuration that can be quickly installed and removed, replacing expensive and complex anchoring systems. The string serves its purpose during installation and can be easily discarded or reused, aligning with the principle of using simple, low-cost solutions for temporary stabilization needs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mass damper systems are used to dampen tower movement, then tower movement is reduced, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tower stabilization function into a separate, independent vertical string system that operates independently from the main turbine structure. This segmentation allows for quick installation without requiring complex mass damper systems, reducing installation time while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical mass damper systems with a simpler string-based mechanical system. The vertical string configuration provides sufficient damping and stabilization effects without requiring heavy masses or complex mechanical arrangements, thereby reducing installation time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If active mass damper systems are used, then tower movement is controlled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core stabilization function from complex active mass damper systems, implementing it through a simple vertical string configuration. This extraction maintains the essential tower movement control capability while eliminating unnecessary system complexity and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple, inexpensive vertical string instead of expensive active mass damper systems. The string provides adequate tower movement control for installation purposes and can be easily installed and removed, avoiding the need for complex and costly active control systems.
4Manufacturing precision
If alignment strings and lifting strings are used for rotor blade alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the vertical string serve multiple functions: it acts as both a stabilization element during installation and an alignment reference for components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate alignment strings and lifting strings, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of stabilization and alignment into a single vertical string configuration. By combining these functions, the system reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while preserving the precision required for rotor blade alignment.
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
Reduces installation time and costs by effectively dampening tower movements, allowing for quicker alignment of components and reducing the need for expensive auxiliary vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pulling device and a controlling device for controlling the hydraulic pulling device, wherein the hydraulic pulling device is configured for providing a defined pulling force onto the string
Implementation Method 2
using a sensing device to adjust the pulling force based on tower movements
Implementation Method 3
a string that is attached to the tower for applying a pulling force to the tower
Data Source
AI summary
A Dampening system for dampening a movement of a tower of a wind turbine is provided including a string for being attached to the tower for applying a pulling force to the tower. The dampening system further includes a pulling device for providing a defined pulling force onto the string and a controlling device for controlling the pulling device. A method for dampening a movement of a tower of a wind turbine is also provided.