Wind Turbine Tower Flange Tensioning for Ovality Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjusting the cross section of wind turbine tower sections are cumbersome, costly, and unsafe, particularly due to the need for complex tensioning systems and additional fixing points, which can compromise the structural integrity and alignment of tower sections.
Innovation Solution
A compact and easily installable device that secures a tensioning mechanism to the flange of a wind turbine tower section using an expandable securing member, allowing for the application of high tensile forces to modify the cross section and align holes for secure coupling with other tower sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If brackets are installed on the tower section to apply tension, then the ovality can be corrected, but the installation complicates and delays assembly and diminishes the strength of the tower section
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tensioning function from complex bracket assemblies and concentrates it into simple tensioning devices that apply force directly through the flange holes, eliminating the need for additional brackets and their associated installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flange holes, originally designed solely for bolt connection, are made multi-functional by incorporating tensioning devices that utilize the same holes for both alignment and ovality correction, eliminating the need for separate bracket structures
2Manufacturing precision
If a large rod with hydraulic jack is used to force opposing sides apart, then the cross section can be modified, but the rod is very large and difficult to handle requiring a crane
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cross section modification function into multiple small tensioning devices distributed around the flange, each handling a small portion of the total force, rather than using one large rod that must be manually positioned
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying force radially outward from the center (requiring a large rod), the invention applies force tangentially through the flange holes using tensioning devices, transferring the modification task to a different dimensional approach that uses the flange structure itself
3Manufacturing precision
If additional brackets are installed to apply tension, then ovality can be corrected, but the strength of the tower section is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The flange holes serve dual purposes: alignment during assembly and ovality correction during tensioning, eliminating the need for additional brackets that would create stress concentration points and weaken the tower structure
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning function is extracted from bracket structures and applied directly through the existing flange holes, removing the need for additional attachment points that would compromise structural integrity
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
Enables quicker, safer, and more cost-effective assembly of wind turbines by allowing for the correction of irregularities such as ovality in tower sections, reducing the need for additional fixings and minimizing the risk of structural compromise during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
urge the securing member into contact with an internal wall of the hole such that the securing member is braced against the internal wall and removal of the expanded securing member from the first hole is thereby inhibited by frictional resistance between the securing member and the internal wall
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100), a system (10) and a method for modifying the cross section of a tower section (1) of a wind turbine, wherein the tower section comprises a flange (4) located at an end (3) of the tower section having a plurality of through holes (5) spaced around its circumference for securing said tower section to another wind turbine section. The method comprises securing tensioning mechanism (14) to each of a pair of said plurality of through holes in the flange of the tower section, said pair of holes being generally opposed; and applying a tensile force between said pair of holes in the flange of the tower section.