Wind Turbine Tower Climbing Device with Swivel Joint and Telescopic Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for mounting high-rise wind turbines are limited by the reach of cranes and are complex, unsafe, and costly, with existing climbing robot solutions unable to handle heavy loads or avoid tower projections, leading to instability and reduced profitability.
Innovation Solution
A device with a telescopic assembly and swivel joint, incorporating movable collars for stability and a hoist for lifting, allows for autonomous climbing and mounting from variable heights on the wind turbine tower, using a programmable control for secure fastening and minimizing stress on the tower, enabling the construction of wind turbines of any height without ground crane limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional ground-based cranes are used to mount wind turbine components, then mounting can be performed with simple equipment, but the crane reach limits the maximum height of constructable turbines
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is divided into multiple collars that can be positioned at different heights along the tower. Each collar can independently clamp onto the tower segment, allowing the system to ascend in discrete steps rather than requiring a single continuous support structure like a crane
Solution Approach 2:
The collars are designed with movable clamping mechanisms that can dynamically adjust their position along the tower and securely attach to each tower segment. This dynamic positioning capability enables the device to climb to any height without being limited by fixed crane reach
2Length of stationary object
If climbing devices operate from variable height positions on the tower, then ground crane limitations are eliminated, but the device becomes excessively complex and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
Each collar is equipped with localized clamping and positioning mechanisms specifically designed for secure attachment to the tower at its current position. This distributed local security system ensures stability at each climbing stage without requiring complex centralized control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates redundant clamping mechanisms and safety features in each collar that provide backup security before and during the climbing process. These pre-built safety measures ensure that if one mechanism fails, others can maintain secure attachment, preventing catastrophic failures
3Device complexity
If climbing devices are used to avoid ground cranes, then cost is reduced, but the devices cannot avoid tower projections such as signalling beacons or tension cables
Solution Approach 1:
The collars are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities that allow them to be pre-positioned or dynamically adjusted to climb over or around tower projections such as signalling beacons and tension cables. This preliminary positioning ensures the climbing path can be planned to avoid obstacles before they become problems
4Device complexity
If fixed collars are used on the telescopic assembly, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot maintain stability during climbing manoeuvres
Solution Approach 1:
The collars are designed with movable clamping mechanisms that can dynamically adjust their position along the telescopic assembly and securely attach to the tower at optimal positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain stability during climbing by continuously optimizing the distribution of forces across the collars
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
The device provides stable and precise mounting of wind turbine components with reduced risk of accidents, eliminating the need for ground cranes and enabling the construction of taller turbines by distributing weight and stress effectively, thus enhancing structural profitability.
Implementation Method 1
a lower portion (3) and an upper portion (4), which are coupled to each other by means of a swivel joint (5)
Implementation Method 2
the lower portion (3) being associated with a telescopic assembly (6) formed by two segments (7) and (8), which can be extended and retracted
Implementation Method 3
the upper portion (4) incorporates a hoist (9) or a hydraulic cylinder at the upper end that supports a lift (10) capable of moving along the entire device
Implementation Method 4
two pairs of collars are incorporated, two of which are fixed at the ends of the lower segment (7) of the telescopic assembly (6), while the other two collars, alternately interspersed with the previous ones, are fixed at the ends of the mobile upper segment (8)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for mounting wind turbine components and mounting method using said device, utilising the device to lift the components, such as the segments (1) forming the tower and the nacelle (2) of a wind turbine, to the positions where these components are mounted to the structure of the wind turbine, the device comprising a lower portion (3) and an upper portion (4) coupled by means of a swivel joint (5), the lower portion (3) being associated with a telescopic assembly (6) provided with fastening means for securing to the segments (1) of the already-mounted tower portion of the wind turbine, while a lift (10) is movable along the whole of both portions (3) and (4) provided with other fastening means for securing the components (1, 2) of the wind turbine to be mounted, in order to lift these components (1, 2) of the wind turbine to be mounted to the mounting positions thereof, in movements from the lower portion of the tower.