Wind Turbine Support Structure Partial Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production of support structures for wind turbines is complex and cost-intensive due to the requirement of extensive weld seams, which are time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially for large pipe sections.
Innovation Solution
A support structure design that uses partial weld joints or holding clamps to connect pipe sections, reducing the thickness and length of weld seams, and incorporating features like recesses and stabilization elements to enhance stability and reduce material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If through-welded groove welds are used to connect opposite metal sheet edges, then connection strength is improved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial welding by connecting the metal sheet edges only at discrete points or sections rather than through the entire wall thickness. The welded joint thickness is intentionally made smaller than the pipe section wall thickness, creating a partial penetration weld that provides sufficient connection strength while dramatically reducing welding time and complexity compared to complete through-welding.
2Reliability
If extensive weld seams are used to assemble multiple pipe sections, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the extent of welding by using partial penetration joints where the weld thickness is less than the full wall thickness. This approach maintains adequate structural integrity for the application while significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the number of welding operations required to assemble multiple pipe sections into the support structure.
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 production time and costs by minimizing weld seam length and heat input, while maintaining structural integrity and dimensional stability, and can be more efficient in handling and connecting operations.
Implementation Method 1
The connection of the joining surfaces has at least one welded joint
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a support structure, in particular for a wind turbine, having at least two segments, which are joined to one another such that their longitudinal axes extend substantially collinearly to one another. At least one of the segments is a pipe section, which has at least two mutually facing abutment surfaces that are joined to one another, at least in parts. A support structure is provided that is producible in less time and is more cost-effective because the join between the abutment surfaces involves at least one welded join, the thickness of the welding join being less than the wall thickness of the pipe section, and/or the join between the abutment surfaces involves at least one retaining clip.