Wind Turbine Tower Guiding Device with Geometric Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current guiding devices for assembling wind turbine towers and foundations lack the capacity to support high loads while adapting to geometric variations and imperfections, particularly in concrete sections, which are common in wind energy infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A guiding device with geometric pre-adjustment and adaptation means, including neoprene or elastomer materials, springs, hydraulic, and pneumatic elements, and mortise-shaped reaction stops, that facilitate sliding and load transmission, reducing friction and accommodating geometric imperfections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional guiding devices are used for hoisting wind turbine towers, then the assembly process can be carried out, but the devices cannot support very high loads and lack capacity to adapt to geometric variations in concrete sections
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding device is divided into multiple independent guiding elements distributed around the tower section. Each element can independently adapt to geometric variations while collectively supporting high loads through distributed contact points, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding elements incorporate adjustable geometric parameters that can be modified to match the actual dimensions and tolerances of concrete tower sections. This allows the device to adapt to geometric variations while maintaining structural integrity for high load support.
2Strength
If rigid guiding structures are used, then high load support is achieved, but the device cannot accommodate geometric imperfections in concrete sections
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding device transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic system where guiding elements can adjust their position and orientation. This allows the device to maintain high load support capability while adapting to geometric imperfections through controlled flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible intermediary elements are introduced between the rigid support structure and the concrete tower section. These intermediaries absorb geometric imperfections while transmitting loads effectively, resolving the contradiction between rigidity for load support and flexibility for adaptation.
3Ease of operation
If traditional guide means with wheels or plates are used, then the assembly process can proceed, but friction is high and geometric adaptation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical wheel-and-rail system is replaced with a distributed guiding element system that uses surface contact and geometric conformity instead of rolling elements. This reduces friction while maintaining simplicity through direct contact guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible guiding surfaces or thin film elements are used to create low-friction contact interfaces between the guiding device and tower section. These flexible surfaces conform to geometric variations while maintaining low friction coefficients for smooth sliding.
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 device efficiently supports high loads and adapts to geometric variations, enhancing the assembly process of wind turbine towers by reducing friction and allowing for precise load distribution, thus improving the hoisting and anchoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the means for geometric adaptation can be formed by one or several elements for geometric adaptation, preferably neoprene, either fitted or not, or a similar, rubber type, elastomer material with suitable deformability characteristics
Implementation Method 2
The sliding means of the guiding device according to the present invention can comprise a bearing surface and/or system that is in contact with a section of the wind turbine tower, preferably the mobile element, intended to reduce fiction with the sliding element
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a guiding device for assembling towers and/or foundations for wind turbines, intended to enable and/or facilitate relative movement between a mobile element and a support element, at least one of said elements being a section and/or part of the shaft of a wind turbine tower or foundation. The guiding device comprises: sliding means that are in contact with the mobile element and allow the relative movement thereof with respect to the guiding device; securing means that connect the guiding device to the support element; and means for geometric adaptation disposed between the sliding means and the securing means, which allow load transmission between the sliding means and the securing means while at the same time also allowing relative movement between the two.