Wind Turbine Tower Platform Pretension Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind turbine tower platforms in a hanging arrangement face challenges in stabilizing against horizontal loads, leading to potential oscillation and fatigue issues when subjected to normal and extreme loads, which can cause safety hazards and structural strain.

Innovation Solution

The platform incorporates a supporting means with a foot section, an abutment section, and a pretension means that preloads the foot section against the abutment section, allowing the foot section to move only when loads exceed the pretension force, providing stiffness under normal loads and compliance under extreme loads, thereby reducing material requirements and structural stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the supporting means uses a stiff connection between the foot section and the platform, then the platform is stable under normal loads, but it cannot absorb extreme loads and may cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform stabilityVSAvoiddamage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting means transitions from a static stiff connection to a dynamic system where the foot section can move relative to the platform. The pretension means maintains normal stability while allowing movement under extreme loads, transforming the supporting means from purely stiff to adaptively stiff-compliant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting characteristics of the supporting means change based on load conditions. Under normal loads, the pretension force maintains a stiff connection. Under extreme loads exceeding the pretension force, the connection becomes compliant as the foot section moves towards the platform, changing the mechanical parameters of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the supporting means allows movement under normal loads, then it can absorb extreme loads, but the platform becomes unstable and oscillates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload absorptionVSAvoidplatform stability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The pretension means applies a preliminary force in the opposite direction to potential movement, pre-compressing the foot section against the platform. This preliminary anti-action prevents unwanted movement under normal loads while allowing controlled movement when extreme loads exceed the pretension force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Stability of the object's composition

If heavier supporting structures are used to prevent oscillation, then platform stability improves, but material requirements and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform stabilityVSAvoidmaterial requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using heavier static structures, the invention uses a dynamic pretension means that actively maintains stability. The pretension force provides the necessary stabilizing effect without requiring increased structural mass, allowing the supporting means to remain lightweight while preventing oscillation under normal loads.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If the foot section is fixed to the platform, then structural integrity is maintained, but compliance under extreme loads is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcompliance capability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting means is segmented into separable components: the foot section, the pretension means, and the platform connection. This segmentation allows the foot section to be firmly connected under normal conditions while enabling controlled separation or movement when extreme loads occur, providing both integrity and compliance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 stabilizes the platform under normal conditions while absorbing extreme loads, reducing material needs, costs, and weight, and preventing damage from high load peaks, thus ensuring safety and efficient operation of wind turbines.

Implementation Method 1

The pretension means may be compressible and arranged at least partly compressed in an unloaded state of the supporting means. In particular, the pretension means may be further compressible to absorb loads exceeding the pretension force.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11873792B2Platform for a tower of a wind turbine and wind turbine

Publication Date: 2024.01.16 SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS

AI summary

A platform for a tower of a wind turbine is provided, wherein the platform is adapted for a hanging arrangement inside the tower and includes at least one support for supporting the platform in a horizontal direction against a tower wall, wherein the support includes a foot section for contacting the tower wall, an abutment section attached to the platform, and a pretensioner, wherein the pretensioner preloads the foot section against the abutment section with a pretension force directed towards the tower wall, wherein the foot section is moveable at least sectionally towards the platform when a force directed towards the platform and acting on the foot section exceeds the pretension force.