Wind Turbine Support System with Tiltable Engagement Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support and transportation systems for wind turbine components, such as nacelles and tower sections, face challenges in adaptability due to their large and irregular shapes, requiring specialized equipment and handling methods that restrict flexibility in transportation and installation.
Innovation Solution
A support system with individualized supports connected to wind turbine components via multiple engagement mechanisms that are tiltable and adjustable, allowing for the formation of plane or curved surfaces, enabling secure engagement and transportation without constructional restraints, utilizing telescopic actuators and hinged connections for enhanced movability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard trailers or specialized trailers are used for transporting wind turbine components, then the components can be transported between locations, but the system lacks adaptability to different sizes and shapes of components
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple independent supports, each with its own engagement mechanisms. This segmentation allows each support to be independently adjusted to accommodate different component geometries, thereby improving adaptability without requiring a completely different system for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system incorporates movable and adjustable elements, including engagement mechanisms that can be positioned at different locations and orientations. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various component sizes and shapes while maintaining a unified structural framework, balancing versatility with controlled complexity.
2Ease of operation
If lift actuators are used to lift wind turbine components from the ground, then the components can be elevated to transportation position, but the system lacks flexibility in positioning and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is designed to perform multiple functions: lifting components from the ground, positioning them at various heights, and orienting them in different orientations. By integrating these functions into a single system with adjustable engagement mechanisms, the patent achieves both ease of operation and flexibility in positioning without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanisms provide adjustment capabilities in multiple dimensions, allowing the support system to accommodate components with different geometries and to position them in various orientations. This multi-dimensional adjustability enhances both operational ease and adaptability simultaneously.
3Reliability
If fixed support structures are used for wind turbine components, then the components can be securely held, but the system cannot accommodate irregular shapes and varying dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is configured to engage with the component before transportation begins, with engagement mechanisms that can be preliminarily positioned and adjusted to match the specific geometry of the component. This preliminary adaptation ensures secure holding while accommodating irregular shapes, as the system is tailored to each component's characteristics before the lifting and transportation process commences.
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 system allows for flexible and secure suspension and transportation of wind turbine components, accommodating various sizes and shapes, and facilitating easier lifting and lowering, thus improving operational freedom during vehicle transport.
Implementation Method 1
The support system is provided with at least one telescopic actuator arranged for acting between the at least three engagement mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
utilizing telescopic actuators and hinged connections for enhanced movability
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a support system for a wind turbine component with a rigid structure such as a wind turbine nacelle or a section of a wind turbine tower. The support system comprises a plurality of engagement mechanisms (6, 7, 8, 9) defining at least three corners, possibly at least four corners, of a surface. The surface, in case of the support system comprising at least four engagement mechanisms, is capable of forming a curved surface, and the surface, in case of the support system comprising at least three engagement mechanisms, is at least capable of being tilted in relation to e.g. a vertical orientation. Further, the invention includes a method for operating the support system by simultaneously operating the lower and upper telescopic actuator on each of the support systems, so that the wind turbine component can be lifted or lowered.