Portable Support Structure for Wind Turbine Power Pack Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine generator systems face challenges in efficiently removing and servicing power packs and refilling fuel tanks, especially for offshore installations, where traditional methods require separate support structures and permanent fuel pipelines, which are impractical and costly.
Innovation Solution
A portable support structure with a winch system and pulley arrangement allows for the removal of equipment like power packs from wind turbine generators, and a crane-based method for refilling fuel tanks from sea vessels, eliminating the need for permanent pipelines and reducing logistical complexities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a portable support structure with winch system is used to remove equipment from the platform, then the ease of operation and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a portable, multi-functional unit that can be used across multiple wind turbine generators for various maintenance tasks including equipment removal and fuel tank refilling. The structure integrates a winch system, pulley arrangements, and positioning mechanisms into a single versatile platform that serves multiple purposes rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates movable and adjustable components including the winch system with variable speed control, adjustable pulley positions, and movable platform sections. These dynamic elements allow the structure to adapt to different equipment sizes, weights, and removal scenarios, providing operational flexibility while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized mechanical designs.
2Loss of time
If a single portable support structure is used to service multiple wind turbine generators, then the loss of time for transporting equipment is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a universal platform that can be deployed across multiple wind turbine generators for various maintenance operations. By consolidating equipment removal, fuel tank refilling, and positioning functions into a single portable unit, the system eliminates the need to transport separate specialized equipment for each task, significantly reducing overall time loss despite the increased complexity of the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into modular segments including the platform, winch system, pulley arrangements, and support legs that can be independently assembled or adjusted. This segmentation allows for efficient deployment and configuration at different sites while maintaining a manageable level of complexity through standardized connection interfaces and modular components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the housing configuration prevents simple lifting of equipment, then a more complex removal system is needed, but this increases the device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure acts as an intermediary system between the housing and the removal objective. Rather than requiring direct lifting or complex disassembly, the winch system with pulley arrangements provides a mediating mechanism that can accommodate various housing configurations including vertical doors and restricted access points. The intermediary nature of the support structure allows it to adapt to different spatial constraints without requiring the housing itself to be modified.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal system utilizes dimensional advantages by employing vertical winch movement combined with horizontal pulley arrangements. This multi-dimensional approach allows equipment to be extracted from housings with restricted access by changing the removal trajectory from simple vertical lifting to a combination of vertical and horizontal movements, accommodating various housing door configurations and internal layouts.
4Adaptability or versatility
If permanent fuel pipelines are eliminated in favor of portable refilling methods, then the ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure integrates fuel tank refilling capability as one of its multi-functional operations. The same portable platform that removes equipment also provides fuel transfer operations through integrated piping and pumping systems. This universal design allows a single structure to perform both mechanical equipment removal and fluid fuel transfer, eliminating the need for separate permanent fuel infrastructure while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized procedures.
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 and cost-effective maintenance and repair of wind turbine generators by allowing a single support structure to service multiple platforms and facilitating convenient fuel replenishment without permanent infrastructure, particularly beneficial for offshore installations.
Implementation Method 1
a winch system and pulley arrangement allows for the removal of equipment like power packs
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A power pack [2] is located within a housing [3] on the platform [1] of a wind turbine generator tower. The power pack [2] is supplied from a fuel tank [4]. With the door [6] of the housing [3] open, the power pack [2] may be removed for servicing and repair by using a U-shaped support structure [8] to which an electric motor [11] is mounted. Two support rails [12] permanently located within the housing [3] support the housed power pack [2]. A chain [15] attached to the power pack [2] is driven by the motor [11] to remove the power pack [2] from the housing [3] by sliding the power pack [2] along the support structure [8]. A pulley arrangement reduces the necessary torque. After removing the power pack [2] from the housing [3], a crane [7] is used to lift the power pack [2] from the platform [1] and to lower it down to a sea vessel [17]. The crane [7] may also be used in the refilling of the fuel tank [4] by hauling a fuel line [18] from a sea vessel up to the platform [1] and connecting it to the fuel tank [4].