Wind Turbine Platform Insertion via Pivotable Stay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine platforms require a larger diameter than the flange or bracket distance, necessitating segmented manufacturing or inclining during installation, which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine design featuring a platform with a smaller diameter than the tower's inner diameter at the flange, suspended by a pivotably connected stay that can be folded for insertion and adjusted for different platform diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the platform diameter is made larger to match the flange or bracket distance, then the platform can be directly supported by the flange or bracket, but the platform cannot be inserted into the tower in one piece without segmentation or inclining
Solution Approach 1:
The stay is designed as a pivotable connection that can change its angle dynamically. During insertion, the stay is folded to an angle of approximately 90 degrees or less to reduce the required insertion diameter. After insertion, the stay is pivoted outward to an angle greater than 90 degrees to provide proper structural support. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between platform size and insertability.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform with stay configuration allows the stay to be nested within the tower interior during insertion by folding it inward. The stay is positioned inside the tower cross-section during the insertion process, similar to nested dolls, and then deployed outward after insertion to perform its support function. This enables a larger platform to be inserted through a smaller opening.
2Ease of operation
If the platform is manufactured in segments to fit through the tower, then the platform can be inserted, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable stay allows the entire platform to be inserted as one piece by dynamically adjusting the stay angle during insertion. This eliminates the need for segmented manufacturing and subsequent assembly operations, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the platform is inclined for insertion into the tower, then the platform can be inserted in one piece, but the installation process becomes more complex and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of inclining the entire platform for insertion, the invention dynamically adjusts only the stay angle during insertion. The platform remains horizontal, and the stay is simply folded to reduce its projected diameter. This eliminates the need for complex inclination equipment while achieving the same insertion goal.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine, including: a tower including a wall portion and a flange, a platform, and a stay suspending the platform from the wall portion, wherein the stay is pivotably connected to the platform and/or the wall portion, and wherein a diameter of the platform is smaller than an inner diameter of the tower at the flange, is provided. The platform can be mounted inside a tower of the wind turbine even when the platform has a diameter that is significantly smaller than an inner tower diameter.