Wind Turbine Tower Flange Joint With Multi-Plane Bolt Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger wind turbines require a corresponding structural enhancement to support increased power generation, particularly in the tower segment, where existing connection methods are limited by tool dimensions and bolt placement, restricting the number and distribution of bolt connections.
Innovation Solution
A tower section design with upper and lower flanges connected using a combination of first and second bolt connections, where the bolts and nuts are positioned differently along the longitudinal axis, and spacers are used to optimize the connection, allowing for more efficient and secure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional single-plane bolt connections are used to connect tower flanges, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the load capacity is limited and cannot support larger turbine requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional single-plane bolt connections to a multi-plane three-dimensional bolt connection arrangement. First bolt connections are positioned in a first plane and second bolt connections are positioned in a second plane at different axial positions along the longitudinal axis of the tower section. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions increases the load capacity of the flange connections without requiring an increase in tower diameter, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength improvement and device complexity.
2Strength
If the number of bolt connections is increased to support larger turbines, then the load capacity improves, but the tool dimensions and bolt placement become restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bolt connections into multiple groups positioned at different axial locations along the longitudinal axis of the tower section. First bolt connections are positioned in a first plane and second bolt connections are positioned in a second plane. This segmentation distributes the total number of bolt connections across multiple locations, making installation and tightening more manageable with standard tools while achieving the required load capacity for larger turbines.
3Strength
If tower diameter is increased to support higher loads, then the load capacity improves, but transportation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves increased load capacity through multi-plane bolt connections distributed along the longitudinal axis rather than increasing the tower diameter. By utilizing the third dimension (axial position) for bolt connection placement, the tower section maintains its original diameter dimensions, ensuring transportation efficiency is not compromised while still supporting higher loads required for larger turbines.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tower section 12 of a wind turbine is provided, the tower section 12 including an upper segment 100 that includes a lower flange 110; a lower segment 200 that includes an upper flange 210; a plurality of first bolt connections that include first bolts 310 and first nuts 320; a plurality of second bolt connections that include second bolts 410 and second nuts 420; wherein the first bolt connections and the second bolt connections connect the lower flange 110 to the upper flange 210; and wherein the first bolt 310 and the second bolts 410 have different axial positions with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tower section 12.