Wind Turbine Spring Element Assembly Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of wind turbine rotor blades to the hub is challenging due to the need for precise alignment and connection of heavy components at elevated heights, where movements and wind forces complicate the process, making it difficult and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A wind turbine design incorporating a spring element that protrudes from the first portion to guide and connect the second portion, allowing for elastic deformation and reduced movement during assembly, combined with stiff guiding elements for accurate alignment, facilitating a two-step connection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional rigid connection methods are used to connect heavy portions at elevated heights, then connection strength is ensured, but assembly difficulty and time increase due to movements and wind forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the connection system from rigid to elastic by introducing a spring element. This allows the connection to accommodate movements and wind forces dynamically, making assembly easier at elevated heights while maintaining connection strength. The spring element's elastic properties enable it to absorb relative movements between portions during assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamic element (spring) into the otherwise static rigid connection system. The spring element can deform elastically in response to wind forces and movements at elevated heights, allowing the connection to adapt to changing conditions during assembly. This dynamic capability reduces assembly difficulty without increasing assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment is required for connecting portions with small clearance, then connection precision is improved, but assembly difficulty increases due to movements at elevated heights

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection precisionVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element acts as an intermediary between the two portions to be connected. It provides a guiding function that facilitates precise alignment while accommodating movements and wind forces. The spring's elastic deformation allows the connection elements (bolts or guiding pins) to penetrate holes with small clearance despite relative movements between portions at elevated heights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed on one portion before connection. It compensates for expected movements and misalignments during assembly, ensuring that connection elements can still penetrate the holes with small clearance. This cushioning effect maintains connection precision while reducing assembly difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Strength

If heavy portions are connected directly without elastic elements, then connection strength is maintained, but impulsive relative movements and stacks occur during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring element provides beforehand cushioning by being installed before the final connection. It absorbs impulsive relative movements and prevents stacks between heavy portions during assembly. The elastic deformation of the spring cushions the impact, maintaining connection strength while improving assembly reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring element converts the harmful impulsive movements and potential stacks into beneficial elastic deformation. Instead of allowing direct impact between heavy portions, the spring absorbs the energy through elastic deformation, protecting the connection while maintaining overall connection strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 simplifies assembly operations, reduces connection time, and minimizes the risk of impulsive movements, thereby lowering costs and ensuring a secure, precise connection of heavy components.

Implementation Method 1

the spring element is configured to be deformed while the second portion is guided towards the first portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11454207B2Wind turbine and method for assembling a wind turbine

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS

AI summary

A wind turbine and a method for assembling a wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine, including a first portion, a second portion which is connectable to the first portion, and a spring element which is connected to the first portion and which protrudes therefrom, wherein the spring element configured to guide the second portion towards the first portion and, and wherein the spring element is configured to be deformed while the second portion is guided towards the first portion. Assembly operations are simplified since an elastic guiding system is provided which reduces movements between portions to be connected. In particular, a duration of assembly operations may be reduced.