Wind Turbine Tower Segments with Longitudinal Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in constructing taller wind turbine towers is that the base area of lower tower segments must be large enough to provide stability, but their dimensions are limited by transportation constraints, necessitating an improvement in statics for high towers.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine tower composed of segments with upper and lower horizontal flanges and vertically aligned longitudinal flanges, where the lateral surfaces are welded to the opposite bearing surfaces of the flanges, allowing for precise manufacturing and attachment of flanges for enhanced stability, and optionally featuring a groove for screw attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the base area of lower tower segments is increased to improve stability for taller towers, then the static stability is improved, but the dimensions are limited by transport options
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into multiple tower segments that are connected through longitudinal flanges. This segmentation allows the tower to achieve greater height and stability without requiring each individual segment to have a large base area, as the cumulative effect of multiple segments with optimized connections provides the necessary structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Longitudinal flanges are introduced as intermediary elements between tower segments. These flanges provide precise manufacturing and attachment surfaces that enhance the connection between segments, improving overall tower stability without requiring larger base areas. The flanges act as mediators that transfer and distribute loads efficiently across segment boundaries.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tower segments are constructed as finished parts with large base areas, then the static stability is improved, but the manufacturing and transport complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tower structure is segmented into modular units with standardized longitudinal flanges. This allows each segment to be manufactured independently with optimized dimensions, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to producing single large finished parts. The segments can then be assembled on-site to achieve the required tower height and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the structural parameters by introducing longitudinal flanges with specific bearing surfaces for precise attachment. This parameter change allows for standardized manufacturing processes with tighter tolerances on the flange surfaces rather than requiring large, complex finished parts, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If longitudinal flanges are manufactured separately from lateral surfaces, then the manufacturing precision of flanges is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinal flanges are segmented as separate components from the lateral surfaces, allowing each to be manufactured independently with optimized precision. The flanges can be produced with high fitting accuracy using specialized machining processes, while the lateral surfaces can be manufactured separately. This segmentation enables superior manufacturing precision for the critical flange attachment surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinal flanges serve as intermediary components that are precisely manufactured and then attached to the lateral surfaces. This intermediary structure allows the critical bearing surfaces of the flanges to be manufactured with high precision independently, while the overall structural complexity is managed through standardized connection designs. The flanges mediate between the lateral surfaces and adjacent tower segments, providing the necessary precision interface.
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 configuration enables precise manufacturing and attachment of flanges, improving the static stability of the tower, allowing for taller structures while accommodating transportation limitations.
Implementation Method 1
The lateral surfaces of the tower segments are welded onto the second, opposite bearing surface of the longitudinal flanges
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a wind energy plant tower, comprising a plurality of tower segments, each of which is provided with an upper and a lower horizontal flange (120, 110). At least one of the plurality of tower segments is provided with at least two longitudinal flanges (130). Each longitudinal flange is provided with a first side (131) for abutting a first side of an additional longitudinal flange, and with a second side (132), to which the shell surface (140) is welded, wherein the second side (132) is located opposite the first side (131).