Wind Turbine Mast Assembly with Hinged Raising Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction and maintenance of wind turbines are challenging due to their large size and the need for strong, expensive structures that are difficult to assemble and maintain, especially in remote locations like offshore sites, where traditional cranes and lifting equipment are impractical.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine assembly featuring a floatable support structure with anchors and lateral thrusters that allows the turbine to be initially constructed horizontally and raised or lowered without heavy cranes, including sail wings made of flexible materials for stability and a dual-anchor system to resist tipping forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wind turbine is constructed with a strong tower structure to resist tipping forces, then the stability and reliability are improved, but the weight and cost of the structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by using a buoyant force-generating device (balloon or air bag) that provides an upward force to counteract the longitudinal tipping force generated by wind on the turbine blades. This counteracting force is applied at a distance from the tower base, creating a counter-moment that balances the tipping moment, thereby reducing the required tower strength and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (the buoyant force-generating device connected by a cable and pulley system) that mediates between the wind force and the tower structure. This intermediary system transfers and balances the longitudinal force before it reaches the tower, reducing the structural load on the tower and allowing for a lighter, less expensive design.
2Power
If the wind turbine is mounted on a tall tower to generate electricity, then the power generation capability is improved, but the difficulty of construction and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the support structure movable rather than fixed. The tower can be rotated horizontally to a transportation position for easy assembly and maintenance, and then rotated vertically to an operational position for power generation. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the turbine to be constructed and maintained at ground level while still achieving tall tower height for electricity generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes dimensionality change by introducing horizontal rotation as an additional degree of freedom. Instead of only vertical movement, the tower can rotate horizontally to align with wind directions and facilitate access for maintenance personnel and equipment, while maintaining vertical height for power generation. This adds a constructive dimension to the traditional vertical tower design.
3Power
If the wind turbine is mounted on a tall tower, then the power generation capability is improved, but the difficulty of maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the tower to be rotated horizontally to a transportation position, which brings maintenance equipment and personnel to ground level for easy access to the turbine components. This dynamic repositioning eliminates the need for heavy cranes and complex lifting equipment, significantly simplifying maintenance operations while preserving the tall tower configuration for electricity generation.
4Strength
If the wind turbine uses rigid blades to withstand centrifugal and bending forces, then the strength is improved, but the cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the flexible shell principle by replacing rigid blades with flexible sail wings made of cloth or similar flexible material. These flexible wings are supported by a tensioning system that maintains them in an optimal shape during operation. The flexible material reduces weight significantly compared to rigid blades while the tensioning system ensures structural integrity against wind loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the blade material from rigid to flexible, transitioning from a structure that relies on high stiffness to one that relies on tension and flexible form. This parameter change allows the use of lighter materials while maintaining strength through proper tensioning and aerodynamic design, reducing overall blade weight and cost.
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
Enables efficient construction and maintenance of wind turbines in challenging locations by reducing the need for heavy lifting equipment and stabilizing the turbine against strong winds, making the structure lighter and less expensive while maintaining efficiency in energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
a wind turbine assembly for generating electricity that includes a support, a turbine wheel rotatably mounted on the support about a longitudinally extending central axis
Implementation Method 2
a lateral thruster for moving the floatable support laterally
Implementation Method 3
an anchor tied to the bow of the floatable support and arranged to resist longitudinal forces applied to the wind turbine assembly
Implementation Method 4
a turbine wheel rotatably mounted on the support about a longitudinally extending central axis
Implementation Method 5
an electrical generator in a driven relationship with the turbine wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine including a mast assembly having an upper support structure hingably attached to a lower support structure wherein the mast assembly has an installation position and an operational position. A wind turbine wheel is mounted to the mast assembly having a circular rim disposed at its perimeter and having an axle structure. An electrical generator is supported by the mast assembly and configured to engage with the turbine wheel for generating electricity in response to the rotation of the turbine wheel. A plurality of hydraulic lifts are provided in contact with the upper support structure when the mast assembly is in the installation position and configured to transition the upper support from the installation position to the operational position and wherein at least one hydraulic lift loses contact with the upper support structure during the transition.