Refurbishing Wind Turbine Foundations with Nested Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine foundations often lack the load capability to support newer, more efficient components, and complete removal of these foundations is costly and time-consuming, making refurbishment challenging.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the installation of a new tower support mount with a larger diameter than the existing one, anchored into both the existing foundation and a new foundation pad, allowing for the connection of a new tower section without requiring complete removal of the existing foundation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a new tower support mount with larger diameter is installed on the existing foundation, then the load capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for anchors and new foundation pad
Solution Approach 1:
The new tower support mount is positioned on top of the existing foundation, with anchors extending through the new mount and into the existing foundation. This nested arrangement allows the new larger-diameter mount to utilize the existing foundation structure, achieving increased load capacity without complete foundation replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The method involves inserting anchors through the new tower support mount before finalizing the connection to the existing foundation. This preliminary positioning of anchors ensures proper alignment and facilitates the subsequent connection process, reducing overall installation complexity.
2Strength
If the existing foundation is completely removed to install new components, then the load capability is improved, but the loss of time and capital expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely removing the existing foundation, the invention retains and utilizes the existing foundation pad and embedded tower support mount as part of the refurbished structure. The new tower support mount is anchored to the existing foundation, recovering the value of the original foundation while achieving the required load capability for new components.
Solution Approach 2:
The new tower support mount is positioned on the existing foundation with anchors inserted through it before the final connection is made. This preliminary positioning allows for efficient installation without requiring complete foundation removal, significantly reducing refurbishment time and associated costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the existing foundation is completely removed, then the adaptability to new components is improved, but the loss of time and additional removal requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The new tower support mount with larger diameter is nested on the existing foundation, with anchors extending through the new mount into the existing foundation. This nested configuration provides adaptability to new components requiring greater load capacity while avoiding the time-consuming process of complete foundation removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing foundation is recovered and retained as part of the refurbished structure, with the new tower support mount anchored to it. This approach achieves compatibility with new components while eliminating the need for complete foundation removal and associated removal of cabling infrastructure and other apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for refurbishing a wind turbine includes positioning a new tower support mount on an existing foundation of the wind turbine, the existing foundation including an existing foundation pad and an existing tower support mount at least partially embedded in the existing foundation pad. The method further includes inserting a plurality of anchors through the new tower support mount.