Wind Turbine Tower Damping Elements Reduce Audible Tonality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines generate undesirable vibrations that contribute to audible tonality, with existing solutions like structural reinforcement being expensive and damping elements requiring maintenance and tuning.
Innovation Solution
A system of tuned-mass damping elements mounted on the inner surface of the wind turbine tower at locations with high vibration levels, using cylindrical mass elements and elastomeric components to dampen vibrations across a wide frequency range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If structural reinforcement is used to minimize vibrations in the wind turbine tower, then vibration reduction is achieved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration damping function from the tower structure itself and implements it through separate, removable damping elements that can be attached to the existing tower. This allows vibration reduction without reinforcing the entire tower structure, significantly reducing cost while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from modifying structural parameters (stiffness, mass) to changing damping parameters by adding dedicated damping elements. This allows achieving vibration reduction through parameter optimization rather than expensive structural reinforcement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If damping elements are used to reduce vibrations, then vibration reduction is achieved, but maintenance and tuning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs damping elements that are designed to be simple, standardized components with sufficient service life covering the typical operational period. These elements can be easily replaced if needed, reducing long-term maintenance burden compared to complex adjustable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping elements are designed to function autonomously without requiring active control or frequent tuning. The passive damping mechanism self-regulates based on the tower's vibration characteristics, eliminating the need for continuous maintenance and adjustment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple damping elements are mounted on the tower, then vibration reduction effectiveness increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vibration control function into multiple independent damping elements distributed at different locations on the tower. Each element addresses local vibration modes, and their combined effect provides comprehensive vibration reduction without requiring a complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized, homogeneous damping element designs that can be manufactured and installed uniformly across multiple locations. This simplifies the overall system complexity by using repeated simple components rather than complex unique designs for each location.
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 damping system effectively reduces noise by minimizing tower vibrations, is cost-effective, and requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for retrofitting existing turbines.
Implementation Method 1
A system of tuned-mass damping elements mounted on the inner surface of the wind turbine tower at locations with high vibration levels
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of damping elements are configured to damp vibrations of the tower
Implementation Method 3
using cylindrical mass elements and elastomeric components to dampen vibrations
Implementation Method 4
using cylindrical mass elements and elastomeric components to dampen vibrations
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a system 100 and method 200 for reducing audible tonality of a wind turbine 10 caused by vibrations generated by the drivetrain assembly thereof. The system 100 includes a plurality of damping elements 102 mounted at a plurality of locations on an inner surface of a tower of the wind turbine 10, the plurality of locations having vibration levels above a predetermined threshold. Thus, during operation of the wind turbine 10, the plurality of damping elements 102 are configured to damp vibrations of the tower so noise generated thereby.