Wind Turbine Tower Section Handling System with Adjustable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of wind turbine tower sections is challenging due to their tapered profiles, which complicate transportation and assembly across various modes such as ships, barges, trains, and trucks.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising frames and connecting plates with adjustable bolt holes and columns of varying heights, allowing for secure attachment and support of tower sections with different circumferences and curvatures, facilitating cost-efficient and safe handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If tower sections are separated into multiple sections for transportation, then transportation constraints are satisfied, but handling complexity increases due to tapered profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system employs adjustable support structures with variable positioning capabilities to accommodate the tapered geometry of different tower sections. The support bases can be repositioned along the tower section length, and the height of support elements can be adjusted to match the changing diameter profile, enabling a single system to handle varying section dimensions without requiring multiple specialized fixtures
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changeable parameters including support base positions, connecting plate configurations, and column heights that can be modified to adapt to different tower section specifications. This allows the same handling system to be reconfigured for various section lengths and tapered profiles, reducing the need for multiple dedicated handling systems
2Force
If frames and connecting plates are used to support tower sections, then acceleration loads are borne, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support bases are designed as multi-functional elements that can accommodate different tower section configurations through adjustable connecting plates. The same support base structure can handle various section diameters and lengths by repositioning and reconfiguring the connecting plates, eliminating the need for multiple specialized support structures for different load scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The handling system is divided into modular components including support bases, connecting plates, and columns that can be independently configured and repositioned. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system flexibility to handle different acceleration loads without requiring a completely different structure
Data Source
AI summary
A system for handling a wind turbine tower section and corresponding method for operating are provided. The system includes a frame configured to support an end of the tower section, the frame having a support base and a connecting plate provided thereon that includes a base portion configured to be attached to the support base, and an abutment portion extending transversally from the base portion and configured to be attached to a flange at the tower section end.