Wind Turbine Tower Suction Holes for Tower Shadow Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind power generation apparatuses face challenges with tower shadow effects and vortex-induced vibrations, leading to fatigue, noise, and reduced wind energy utilization, particularly during installation and operation, due to unpredictable wind conditions and the limitations of existing vibration suppression methods like spiral wires.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tower with suction through holes distributed circumferentially, which can be suctioned from outside to inside, to weaken or eliminate tower shadow effects and suppress vortex-induced vibrations, allowing for adjustable suction intensity and improved flexibility without increased costs or ecological harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spiral wires are used to suppress vortex-induced vibrations, then vibration suppression effect is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core functional requirement (vortex suppression) from the complex spiral wire structure and implements it through simple through-holes in the tower wall. This removes unnecessary structural complexity while retaining the essential vibration suppression function through controlled airflow passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spiral wire structure with a passive airflow control system using through-holes. Instead of using a mechanical device to interact with vortices, the system uses the natural airflow through the holes to suppress vortex-induced vibrations, eliminating complex mechanical components.
2Productivity
If tower shadow effect is not suppressed, then wind energy utilization is reduced, but adding suppression devices increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tower shadow effect (harmful airflow disturbance) and removes it by allowing airflow to pass through the tower wall via through-holes. This converts the tower from an obstructive structure to a permeable one, eliminating the shadow effect without adding external suppression devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the porous structure concept by creating a tower wall with distributed through-holes. This porous configuration allows airflow to penetrate through the tower, reducing turbulence and shadow effects while maintaining structural integrity, thereby improving wind energy utilization.
3Reliability
If suction intensity is increased to better suppress vibrations, then vibration suppression effect is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the through-holes passively utilize the existing airflow field to suppress vibrations. The structure itself provides the suppression function without requiring external energy input or active control systems, achieving vibration suppression through the natural flow characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a distributed array of small through-holes that provide sufficient vibration suppression through their collective effect. This partial action approach is more energy-efficient than using a few large active suppression devices, as the passive holes require no energy while achieving the desired suppression effect.
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
This solution effectively prolongs the service life of components, reduces noise, and enhances wind energy utilization by directly addressing the causes of vortex-induced vibrations, while meeting ecological regulations and functioning during both installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a suction apparatus, wherein the suction apparatus is capable of performing suction to the suction through holes from outside to inside
Implementation Method 2
The implementation of a tower with suction through holes distributed circumferentially, which can be suctioned from outside to inside, to weaken or eliminate tower shadow effects and suppress vortex-induced vibrations
Data Source
Figure 1-1
Figure 1-2
Figure 2
AI summary
A wind power generation apparatus, a tower and a method for suppressing a tower shadow effect of the tower. The tower is provided with suction through holes extending through a circumferential wall thereof, and the suction through holes are distributed in a circumferential direction of the tower; the tower is further provided with a suction apparatus, and the suction apparatus can perform suction to the suction through holes from outside to inside. With the tower and the method, when the suction through holes at a windward side are suctioned, the adverse influence of the tower shadow effect can be weakened or eliminated, a service life of a pitch varying bearing can be prolonged, a noise can be reduced and a wind energy utilization coefficient can be improved. When the suction through holes at a position of a bypassing flow detachment are suctioned, vortex-induced vibrations can also be suppressed. In addition, suction intensity may be adjusted at any time during suction according to practical situations, which has higher flexibility. When the suctioned airflow is discharged to the inside of the tower, functions of cooling by heat exchange, blocking the outside rainwater, sand, dust and the like from entering a flow guiding hood or a hub can also be performed.