Wind Turbine Nacelle Torque Arm Orientation for Reduced Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine nacelles with horizontally oriented torque arms occupy excessive space, limiting walkways, egress routes, and material handling due to their large volume, particularly width and height.
Innovation Solution
The nacelle design includes at least two torque arms positioned around the drivetrain axis, with at least one torque arm oriented substantially non-horizontally, supported by a frame attached to a yaw bearing, allowing for reduced space usage and optimized space distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If torque arms are horizontally oriented and attached to the drivetrain, then the torque transfer function is achieved, but the nacelle volume increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by reorienting the torque arms from a horizontal configuration to a substantially vertical configuration. This spatial rearrangement maintains the torque transfer function while significantly reducing the horizontal space occupation, thereby decreasing nacelle volume and improving space availability for walkways and material handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by positioning the torque arms at different orientations relative to each other, with at least one torque arm having an orientation deviating substantially from horizontal. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes space utilization within the nacelle while maintaining structural integrity and torque transfer capability.
2Strength
If torque arms are horizontally oriented, then torque transfer is maintained, but nacelle width and height increase
Solution Approach 1:
The torque arms are reoriented from horizontal to substantially vertical positioning, transferring the primary spatial requirement from the horizontal plane to the vertical plane. This dimensional shift maintains torque transfer capability while reducing the nacelle's width and height dimensions, achieving a more compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by configuring each torque arm with specific orientations deviating from horizontal, allowing optimized load distribution and structural efficiency at local positions while achieving global compactness. The different orientations of torque arms relative to each other optimize both strength and space utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A nacelle for a wind turbine, the nacelle comprising: a drivetrain with a drivetrain axis, at least two torque arms positioned around the drivetrain axis and attached to a member of the drivetrain, and a frame attached to a yaw bearing. The torque arms of the drive train are supported by the frame and at least one of the torque arms has an orientation deviating at least substantially from being horizontal.