Wind Turbine Tower Segmented Steel Design with Integrated Cable Ducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for electrically connecting internal and external components of a wind turbine tower often weaken the tower structure due to the need for drilling holes, which compromises the structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A segmented steel tower design with prefabricated cable ducts in the connecting elements allows for the electrical connection of internal and external components without drilling, using welding connections and cable ducts to guide cables through the tower, thereby maintaining structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hole is drilled into a tower wall segment to guide a cable, then electrical connection between internal and external components is enabled, but the tower wall segment and complete tower structure are weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The tower is divided into modular wall segments connected by connecting elements. The cable duct is specifically integrated into the connecting element rather than the load-bearing wall segments, separating the electrical connection function from the structural function. This allows cables to pass through the connecting element without compromising the integrity of the main tower structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower wall connecting element acts as an intermediary component that provides a dedicated cable duct pathway. Instead of drilling directly into the tower wall segments, the cable passes through this intermediate connecting element, which is designed to accommodate the cable duct while maintaining the structural strength of the primary tower components.
2Reliability
If tower wall segments are welded together to form a complete tower, then structural integrity is achieved, but adding cable ducts afterward weakens the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The cable duct is pre-integrated into the tower wall connecting element during manufacturing, before the tower segments are assembled and welded together. This preliminary incorporation ensures that the cable duct becomes an inherent part of the connecting element's structure, allowing the tower to maintain its full structural integrity while having built-in cable routing capability from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable duct function is merged with the tower wall connecting element by integrating the duct directly into the connecting element's structure. This combination creates a single component that simultaneously performs both structural connection and cable guidance functions, eliminating the need for separate modifications to the tower structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external cables are used for electrical connection, then flexibility in component placement is improved, but lightning risk and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tower wall connecting element with its integrated cable duct serves as a universal pathway that can accommodate various cable types and routing requirements. This single multi-functional solution replaces the need for multiple separate external cables and protection systems, providing both electrical connection and lightning protection through the standardized duct design.
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 solution enables secure and stable electrical connections between internal and external components without weakening the tower, reducing the number of external cables, enhancing flexibility, and preventing lightning risks while maintaining the tower's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The first tower wall segment and the tower wall connecting element are welded together and the second tower wall segment and the tower wall connecting element are welded together
Data Source
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AI summary
According the invention a tower (1) for supporting a wind turbine (2) is provided. The tower comprises at least one first tower wall segment (11) with steel, at least one second tower wall segment (12) with steel and at least one tower wall connecting element (13) with steel. The tower wall connecting element is arranged between the first tower wall segment and the second tower wall segment. The first tower wall segment and the tower wall connecting element are welded together and the second tower wall segment and the tower wall connecting element are welded together. The tower wall connecting element comprises at least one cable duct (130) for guiding a cable from a tower inside of the tower to a tower outside of the tower. Preferably, the cable duct comprises a cable bushing (137).