Wind Turbine Foundation Segments with Tension Cords
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine foundations face challenges in achieving improved statics and longevity due to climatic conditions and conventional on-site concrete casting methods, which can affect their durability and service life.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine foundation composed of prefabricated concrete segments with first and second enveloping tubes for bracing tension cords, and segment anchors for prestressing strands, allowing for enhanced structural integrity and assembly through tensioning of strands between segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If in-situ concrete casting is used for wind turbine foundations, then the foundation can be produced on site, but the quality depends on climatic conditions and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation is divided into multiple precast concrete segments that are manufactured separately in controlled factory conditions and then assembled on site. This segmentation allows each segment to be produced with consistent quality regardless of on-site climatic conditions, while the segments are connected using tension cords and anchoring systems to form a complete foundation structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If precast concrete segments are used for wind turbine foundations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation is divided into multiple precast concrete segments that are manufactured separately in controlled factory conditions and then assembled on site. This segmentation allows each segment to be produced with consistent quality regardless of on-site climatic conditions, while the segments are connected using tension cords and anchoring systems to form a complete foundation structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Tension cords are inserted through ducts that are embedded within the precast concrete segments themselves. The tension cords pass through the segments and are anchored in a nested configuration, with the anchoring system integrated into the segment structure. This nesting reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall assembly process.
3Strength
If traditional foundation casting is used, then assembly is simpler, but structural integrity and statics are insufficient for long-term durability
Solution Approach 1:
Ducts for tension cord insertion are pre-embedded in the precast concrete segments during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that the ducts are properly positioned and integrated into the segment structure before assembly, facilitating the subsequent insertion and tensioning of cords that provide structural bracing and integrity to the foundation.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation structure utilizes prestressing through tension cords that apply controlled tensile forces to compress the concrete segments together. This parameter change from simple gravitational loading to active prestressing enhances the structural integrity and load-bearing capacity of the foundation, allowing it to withstand dynamic wind turbine operations over extended service life.
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 solution provides improved statics and extended service life by allowing for precise bracing and assembly of prefabricated concrete segments, enhancing the structural integrity and durability of wind turbine foundations, thereby ensuring a longer operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The foundation segments have a plurality of first and second enveloping tubes, which are used to hold tension cords for bracing the foundation segments... the foundation has a plurality of segment anchors on the outer section in the area of the ends of the second enveloping tubes for receiving one end of a prestressing strand for bracing the foundation segment... The foundation segments are braced by tension strands in the first and/or second cladding tubes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
AI summary
A wind turbine foundation having a plurality of precast concrete foundation segments (210) is provided. The foundation segments have a plurality of first and second cable sheaths (216, 217) which hold tensioning cables for tensioning the foundation segments (210).