Wind Turbine Mainframe Ring Mounting for Lower Drivetrain Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine drivetrain mounting methods result in structural deformations due to introduced forces and moments, often requiring heavy and stiff support structures to mitigate these deformations, which increase weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A mainframe with two spaced bearing points, each featuring a partial flange with a circular ring segment fastening region, distributes loads over a large area, reducing deformation and allowing for a lighter, smaller support structure design, and incorporating ring elements that radially encompass the drivetrain for effective load distribution and stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting methods (three-point, four-point, moment mounting) are used, then the drivetrain can be mounted and torque transmitted, but the support structure experiences deformations requiring increased weight and stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from point-based load introduction to area-based load distribution by using a circular ring segment fastening region that extends in the radial direction. This dimensional change from 0D point contact to 2D area contact distributes forces over a larger surface, reducing local stress concentrations and eliminating the need for heavy stiffening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into a modular mainframe with integrated bearing points that have dedicated circular ring segment fastening regions. This segmentation allows each bearing point to independently distribute loads optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling weight reduction without compromising mounting stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stiffening mechanisms are added to counteract deformations, then structural deformation is reduced, but the weight and complexity of the support structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate stiffening mechanisms by integrating the load distribution function directly into the bearing points through circular ring segment fastening regions. This extraction removes unnecessary structural elements while maintaining deformation control, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a direct-drive wind turbine design is used to avoid separate torque transmission shaft, then structural complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle high torque efficiently is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The circular ring segment fastening region serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes radial loads, accommodates axial forces, and provides a stable mounting interface for the drivetrain. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate torque transmission shafts while maintaining efficient power transfer, allowing the system to achieve both reduced complexity and preserved power transmission capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A mainframe mounts the drivetrain of a wind turbine, and to an arrangement comprising such a mainframe, and to a wind turbine having a corresponding arrangement. For the purpose of mounting the drivetrain of a wind turbine, the mainframe is realized with two bearing points that are spaced apart from each other, a partial flange, having a fastening region shaped as a circular ring segment, being provided at at least one bearing point. The arrangement comprises, besides the mainframe, at least one ring element configured to radially encompass the drivetrain. At least one ring element is fastened to the fastening region, shaped as a circular ring segment, of a bearing point of the mainframe. In the case of the wind turbine, the drivetrain is mounted by means of the described arrangement.