Wind Turbine Load Guiding Cable System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for raising or lowering loads parallel to wind turbine towers risk damaging the load and tower due to collisions, especially in high wind conditions, as they fail to effectively manage swinging movements.

Innovation Solution

The use of guiding means supported by the tower, which exert a force to keep the load aligned with the tower, comprising a cable system with adjustable guiding elements like spacers, rolling elements, and weights to counteract wind forces, ensuring the load moves parallel to the tower without swinging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the load is raised using a cable without guiding means, then the raising operation is simple, but the load may collide with the tower causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveraising operation simplicityVSAvoidcollision damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces guiding means as an intermediary element between the load and the tower. This guiding means includes a guide element that contacts the tower and a guiding cable that contacts the load, mediating the interaction to prevent direct collision while maintaining raising simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical guiding structures with a cable-based guiding system. The guiding cable, under tension, provides directional guidance and collision prevention through tensile forces rather than rigid mechanical constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If spacers are placed between the load and tower, then collision damage is avoided, but the load may still swing in high wind conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision damage preventionVSAvoidload stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding means creates a feedback mechanism where the guide element contacts the tower and the guiding cable transmits forces back to the load. This continuous force transmission provides real-time stabilization by counteracting wind-induced movements through tensile feedback forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the guiding system by using a tensioned cable with specific stiffness and damping characteristics. The cable's mechanical properties are selected to provide adequate stiffness for stability while maintaining flexibility for wind adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If guiding means are used to prevent swinging, then load stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload stabilityVSAvoidguiding system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding means acts as a simple intermediary consisting of a guide element and a guiding cable, avoiding complex mechanical guidance systems while achieving stability through cable tension and geometric constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible cable instead of rigid guiding structures. The cable's flexibility allows it to adapt to wind conditions while maintaining guidance function, reducing complexity compared to rigid mechanical guides

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

This solution prevents damage to the load and tower by stabilizing the load's movement during raising or lowering, even in high wind conditions, by effectively balancing wind forces and reducing swinging movements.

Implementation Method 1

The cable provides a vertical force on the load for raising or lowering the load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

guiding means supported by the tower for exerting a force acting on the load towards the tower

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

the force of the wind on the load pushes the load away from the tower

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWind force: Wind

Data Source

PatentEP3565969B1Method and apparatus for raising or lowering a load parallel to a wind turbine tower
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS
  • EP3565969B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3565969B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3565969B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method for raising or lowering a load (7) parallel to a wind turbine tower (4), comprising: raising or lowering (S1) the load (7) using a cable (8), and exerting (S2) a force (F) acting on the load (7) towards the tower (4) using guiding means (9) supported at the tower (4). In the present method, a raising or lowering operation is assisted and the undesired movements of the load during raising or lowering are reduced.