Wind Turbine Tower Support Structure for Main Column Load Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind power generation systems face issues where the self-weight and wind load of the generator are applied directly to the steel tower, leading to potential damage from overloading, especially due to buckling of the main column members.
Innovation Solution
A support structure is designed with a lower part fixed directly to the foundations without intervening main column members, and an upper part receiving moment loads as axial loads via diagonal members, distributing the loads to increase resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the wind power generator is housed inside the steel tower, then the structure is compact and integrated, but the main column members are subjected to excessive load including self-weight and wind load
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into two independent parts: the steel tower main column members and the support structure leg members. The leg members are fixed directly to the foundations without intervention of the main column members, segmenting the load transmission paths. This allows the self-weight and wind load of the wind power generator to be transmitted directly to the foundations through the leg members, rather than being borne by the main column members.
2Force
If the support structure is fixed directly to the foundations, then the load burden on main column members is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foundations serve multiple functions: they anchor the steel tower main column members and simultaneously support the wind power generator through the leg members. This multi-functional use of the foundations simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for additional support elements, while still achieving the load reduction objective.
3Strength
If the upper part structure uses diagonal members, then the resistance against moment load is increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Diagonal members are introduced in the upper part structure to create asymmetric load paths that effectively resist moment loads. The diagonal configuration allows the structure to handle lateral forces and moments more efficiently than vertical members alone, converting moment loads into axial loads in the diagonal members.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind power generation system including a steel tower and a wind power generator is provided. The wind power generation system may include: a plurality of foundations; a steel tower; a wind power generator; and a support structure supporting the wind power generator. The steel tower may include a plurality of main column members extending upward from base ends fixed to the foundations. At least a portion of the support structure is fixed to at least one of the plurality of foundations without intervention of the plurality of main column members.