Wind Turbine Drivetrain Positioning Tool
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for handling and positioning drivetrain components in horizontal axis wind turbines lack effective control and alignment during installation and service, particularly for large and heavy components like generators and gearboxes.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a drive unit for moving components parallel to the rotor axis and position adjustment devices for coordinated rotational control, utilizing hydraulic or electric actuators to facilitate precise alignment and attitude adjustments, allowing for translational and rotational movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If known solutions are used for handling drivetrain components, then some means of controlling position are provided, but control precision and alignment capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into multiple independent position adjustment devices (at least three) that can be individually controlled. Each device adjusts the position of drivetrain components along different axes, allowing precise control through coordinated adjustment of separate units rather than a monolithic complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The position adjustment devices serve multiple functions: they control translational position along the rotor rotational axis, control attitude (tilt angles), and enable rotational movement of the component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, optimizing the overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If heavy drivetrain components are handled with existing equipment, then basic movement is possible, but alignment control during installation and service is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the position and attitude of drivetrain components, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and adjustment, allowing operators to achieve precise alignment control during installation and service operations by continuously comparing actual positions with target positions
Solution Approach 2:
The position adjustment devices are designed to be dynamically adjustable during operation, allowing continuous modification of component position and attitude. This dynamic capability enables precise alignment to be achieved during installation and service by adjusting the devices in real-time based on measurement feedback and operational requirements
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
Enhances the control and alignment of drivetrain components during installation and service, improving the handling of heavy components by enabling precise rotational and translational movements, thus simplifying the mating of bolt holes and shaft parts.
Implementation Method 1
The position adjustment devices can be actuators, e.g. hydraulic or electric linear actuators
Implementation Method 2
The position adjustment devices can be actuators, e.g. hydraulic or electric linear actuators
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a tool for moving a drivetrain component in a nacelle of a horizontal axis wind turbine, the nacelle comprising a nacelle structure, the component being connected, in operation of the wind turbine, to a rotor of the wind turbine, the tool comprising at least drive unit for moving the component in relation to the nacelle in a direction parallel to the rotational axis of the rotor, and a plurality of position adjustment devices adapted to be located between the nacelle structure and the component, and distributed so that rotational movement of the component can be provided by coordinated control of the position adjustment devices.