Wind Turbine Tower Segment Pre-Attachment Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of wind turbines is time-consuming and requires a large weather window, especially for offshore turbines, due to the need for individual lifting and placement of secondary components using cranes.
Innovation Solution
A method where secondary components are pre-attached to tower segments before lifting, allowing the components and tower segments to be lifted together in a single step, and then moved to their final positions after the tower is erected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If secondary components are installed individually using a crane after tower erection, then each component can be precisely placed, but the installation time increases significantly and weather window requirements expand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching secondary components to tower segments before the lifting operation. This allows components to be positioned in advance on the tower segment at the manufacturing site or preparation area, so that when the tower segment is lifted as a complete assembly, components are already in their correct relative positions, eliminating time-consuming on-site installation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the tower segment with secondary components into a single integrated assembly. By attaching components directly to the tower segment structure before lifting, the components become part of the load being lifted by the crane. This combining approach allows simultaneous transport of multiple components with the tower segment, reducing the number of separate lifting operations required.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple individual lifting operations are performed for tower segments and components, then precise placement is achieved, but the number of operations increases and installation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tower segment with secondary components into a single integrated assembly. By attaching components directly to the tower segment structure before lifting, the components become part of the load being lifted by the crane. This combining approach allows simultaneous transport of multiple components with the tower segment, reducing the number of separate lifting operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching secondary components to tower segments before the lifting operation. This allows components to be positioned in advance on the tower segment at the manufacturing site or preparation area, so that when the tower segment is lifted as a complete assembly, components are already in their correct relative positions, eliminating time-consuming on-site installation operations.
3Loss of time
If components are pre-assembled with tower segments onshore, then offshore installation time is reduced, but additional handling and transportation logistics are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching secondary components to tower segments before the lifting operation. This allows components to be positioned in advance on the tower segment at the manufacturing site or preparation area, so that when the tower segment is lifted as a complete assembly, components are already in their correct relative positions, eliminating time-consuming on-site installation operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for the arrangement of at least one component (9) during the installation of a wind turbine (1), wherein the component (9) is releasably attached to a tower segment (2) prior to a coupling of the tower segment (2) to a tower segment support structure (3), wherein the tower segment (2) forms at least a section of a tower of the wind turbine (1) to be installed and wherein the component (9) is attached to an attachment area (13, 21) at the outer surface (12) of the tower segment (2), wherein the component (9) is moved from the attachment area (13) to an arrangement position (15, 30) after coupling of the tower segment (2) to the tower segment support structure (3).