Wind Turbine Frame Flexible Coupling for Nacelle Load Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern wind turbines face challenges due to increased aerodynamic loads on larger rotor blades, leading to stresses, deformations, and vibrations that can result in premature failure of nacelle frames, despite the use of heavier and more resistant materials.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of flexible couplings between the primary frame and the secondary structure of wind turbines reduces the transmission of deformations from the primary frame to the secondary structure, allowing for the use of lighter and simpler secondary structures while mitigating stress and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bigger, heavier and more resistant components are used to compensate for structural failure risk, then strength and reliability are improved, but weight and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible coupling element is introduced as an intermediary component between the primary frame and secondary structure. This coupling absorbs asymmetric deformations and dynamic loads, protecting the secondary structure from stress while allowing the use of lighter materials. The flexible coupling acts as a buffer that decouples the stress transmission path.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between primary frame and secondary structure is changed from rigid to flexible by modifying the mechanical properties of the coupling element. This parameter change allows the system to accommodate deformations without transferring full stress to the secondary structure, enabling weight reduction while maintaining reliability.
2Strength
If bigger frames are used to withstand nacelle and loads, then structural capacity is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupling serves as a mediator that simplifies the secondary structure design by absorbing complex asymmetric loads and deformations. Instead of designing a complex heavy frame to handle all load cases, the flexible coupling filters out the problematic asymmetric components, allowing a simpler secondary structure design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connections are used between primary frame and secondary structure, then structural stability is improved, but stress transmission and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection parameter is changed from rigid to flexible, allowing the secondary structure to remain stable while the flexible coupling absorbs asymmetric deformations and reduces stress transmission. The flexibility parameter is tuned to filter harmful vibrations and stresses while maintaining overall structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible coupling element is used instead of a rigid connection. This flexible element can be made from elastomeric materials or flexible metal components that provide the necessary compliance to reduce stress transmission while maintaining structural integrity and stability.
4Reliability
If secondary structure is designed for full load envelope, then reliability is improved, but weight and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupling acts as a protective intermediary that filters asymmetric deformations before they reach the secondary structure. This allows the secondary structure to be designed for a narrower, more manageable load envelope while maintaining reliability, as the flexible coupling has already absorbed the most severe stress components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and attenuating asymmetric deformations and dynamic loads before they can damage the secondary structure. This pre-protection mechanism allows the secondary structure to be lighter while still achieving the required reliability level.
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 use of flexible couplings effectively reduces stress and deformation transmission, enabling the manufacture of lighter secondary structures with simpler designs, thereby extending the service life of nacelle frame assemblies and reducing material costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more flexible couplings between the primary frame and the secondary structure configured to reduce transmission of deformations from the primary frame to the secondary structure
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a wind turbine (10) comprising a wind turbine tower (15), a nacelle including a primary frame (110), wherein the primary frame is connected to the tower (15). The wind turbine further comprises a secondary structure (120) connected to the primary frame (110) and one or more flexible couplings (130) between the primary frame (110) and the secondary structure (120) configured to reduce transmission of deformations from the primary frame (110) to the secondary structure (120). The present disclosure also relates to secondary structures (120) configured to be connected to primary frames (110) and to methods (500) for refurbishing a secondary structure (120) of a wind turbine (10).