Wind Turbine Section Handling Tool Circumferential Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of large-scale wind turbine sections without flanges on both ends is challenging due to increased weight and material requirements, and existing methods like slip joints may not adequately prevent ovalization during transport and storage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving tools that apply pressure to the inner and/or outer surfaces of wind turbine sections along the circumference to prevent radial movement and slipping, using air cushions and adjustable support structures to maintain stability and friction, allowing for secure handling and transport without flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flanges are added to both ends of wind turbine sections for handling purposes, then handling capability is improved, but weight and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handling function is segmented from the structural flange. Instead of adding full flanges solely for handling, the patent uses dedicated handling tools that attach to simplified attachment points or directly to the section body, separating the handling function from the structural connection function.
Solution Approach 2:
A handling tool acts as an intermediary between the handling device and the wind turbine section. The tool includes attachment means that connect to the section and lifting means that provide the actual lifting capability, mediating the interaction without requiring permanent flange modifications to the section.
2Quantity of substance
If slip joints are used to connect sections without flanges, then material requirements are reduced, but ovalization risk during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling tools provide protective support to the sections before and during transport operations. The tools distribute loads and apply stabilizing forces that prevent ovalization from occurring in the first place, rather than trying to correct it afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the handling approach by changing the physical parameters of the interaction - using controlled pressure distribution, adjusted lifting speeds, and modified attachment forces - to prevent shape changes during transport operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If handling tools apply pressure to prevent radial movement and slipping, then handling stability is improved, but section deformation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling tools apply pressure locally at specific contact points rather than uniformly across the entire section. The pressure distribution is optimized to provide stable handling while minimizing stress concentrations that could cause local deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling system uses dynamic pressure adjustment - applying higher pressures when needed for stability (during lifting and positioning) and reducing pressures during transport phases where deformation risk is higher. The system adapts pressure levels to the specific operational phase.
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 approach reduces the risk of ovalization and deformation, enabling efficient handling and transport of wind turbine sections without the need for flanges, using moderate pressure and friction to manage longitudinal forces, and can be adapted for sections with varying diameters.
Implementation Method 1
The tool (3, 4) comprises at least one air cushion (12) extending along an outer circumference of the inner part (22) and/or along an inner circumference of the outer part (42)
Implementation Method 2
actuating the first tool to exert pressure onto an inner surface and/or an outer surface of a wall of the section along the entire circumference or in multiple areas spaced along the circumference of the wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Method for handling a section (5) of a wind turbine, comprising the steps: - Inserting an inner part (22) of a first tool (3, 4, 34, 35, 41) into an open first end (8, 9) of the section (5) and/or inserting the first end (8, 9) of the section (5) into an outer part (42) of the first tool (3, 4, 34, 35, 41), - actuating the first tool (3, 4, 34, 35, 41) to exert pressure onto an inner surface (15) and/or an outer surface (23) of a wall (16) of the section (5) along the entire circumference or in multiple areas (36) spaced along the circumference of the wall (16), and - moving the first tool (3, 4, 34, 35, 41) while the first tool (3, 4, 34, 35, 41) is exerting the pressure on the inner and/or outer surface (15, 23) to move the section (5).