Wind Turbine Tower Positioning via Remote Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of wind turbine towers poses safety risks due to the need for workers to be present near or under the tower during positioning, as the tower can shift due to wind or technical issues, potentially injuring personnel.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement comprising sensors attached to the tower to detect its position, transmitting data wirelessly for evaluation at a safe distance, and using guiding wires to adjust the tower's position, allowing for remote control of the installation process without requiring workers to be physically close to the tower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If workers are present near or under the tower during positioning to guide and survey the tower into the desired position, then the positioning accuracy and control are improved, but the safety of workers is compromised due to the risk of injury from tower shifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system consisting of sensors, transmitters, receivers, and actuators that mediate between the tower and workers. Workers remotely control the tower positioning through this intermediary system, eliminating the need to be physically present near the tower while maintaining positioning accuracy. The system acts as a safe mediator that transfers control functions without direct human exposure to hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct human intervention (workers physically guiding the tower) with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect tower position, transmitters send data wirelessly, receivers process information, and actuators adjust positioning remotely. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical interaction between workers and the moving tower while preserving positioning control.
2Ease of operation
If workers are required to be physically close to the tower for surveying and correcting position, then the installation process can be controlled in real-time, but the complexity and risk management requirements increase due to safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the tower positioning system to serve itself through automated feedback control. Sensors continuously monitor tower position and automatically transmit data to the control system, which processes the information and activates actuators to correct positioning deviations without requiring constant human intervention. This self-service capability maintains real-time control while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where sensors continuously measure tower position, transmitters send this data to receivers, and the control system uses this feedback to automatically adjust positioning through actuators. This automated feedback mechanism provides real-time control capability while eliminating the need for complex safety management procedures associated with having workers physically present.
3Device complexity
If traditional manual positioning methods are used with workers present, then the system requires minimal additional equipment, but the installation time and productivity are reduced due to safety precautions and manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-positioning sensors on the tower and pre-establishing the wireless communication links before the positioning operation begins. The system is prepared in advance with all necessary components in place, allowing the actual positioning to proceed rapidly without setup delays. This preliminary preparation enables faster installation while maintaining minimal equipment additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action through uninterrupted wireless communication between sensors and receivers, and continuous operation of actuators during the positioning process. The automated system operates without the interruptions that occur in manual methods due to safety briefings, position checks, and coordinated worker movements. This continuous operation significantly accelerates the installation process while requiring only minimal additional equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement to position a part of the tower of a wind turbine to be used during the installation of the tower, and a method to position the part of the tower. An arrangement to position at least a part of a wind turbine tower in respect to a counterpart during installation is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a sensor 1 to sense a position of a part of the tower, and means 2 to transmit sensor information to a place in a certain distance from the sensor. The system further comprises means 3 to evaluate the sensor data, and means 4 to influence the position of the part of the tower according to the evaluation of the sensor data.