Wind Turbine Transition Piece Curved Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transition pieces for connecting components in wind turbine structures, such as jackets and towers, face challenges in stability and load distribution, particularly under torque and lateral forces, which can lead to peak loads and reduced long-term stability.
Innovation Solution
A transition piece with curved elements that connect to the columns of a first component and directly contact a tower-shaped second component, converting lateral forces into axial forces, thereby enhancing stability and distributing loads more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If connecting plates are welded to the cylindrical main body to support the entire weight, then the connection strength is improved, but the weld seams must withstand enormous loads and the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transition piece is divided into modular components: a cylindrical main body, multiple curved elements with legs, and connecting plates. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled together, reducing the complexity of welding entire structural elements while maintaining connection strength through the modular interface design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces curved elements with legs that extend from the cylindrical main body. These curved elements provide a gradual transition and distribution of loads rather than abrupt connections, reducing peak stresses at weld seams and simplifying the welding requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
2Device complexity
If the superstructure is connected only via the connecting flange, then the device complexity is reduced, but the resulting torques must be absorbed by the connecting flange and long-term stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple functional elements: the connecting flange for torque transmission, curved elements for lateral force absorption, and legs for vertical load distribution. This segmentation allows each element to specialize in specific load types, improving overall stability without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds vertical legs extending from the curved elements to the connecting plates, creating a three-dimensional load distribution system. This dimensional extension allows lateral forces to be converted into vertical loads that are distributed through the legs to the foundation, improving stability without requiring a more complex flange design.
3Reliability
If curved elements with legs are added to convert lateral forces into axial forces, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved elements provide an elegant geometric solution that converts lateral forces into axial forces through their arcuate shape. The curvature of these elements creates natural force redirection, improving stability through geometric form rather than adding complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they connect the cylindrical main body to the connecting plates, provide lateral force absorption, convert lateral forces into axial forces, and distribute loads to the foundation. This multi-functionality improves stability without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention discloses a transition piece (10) for connecting a first component (20) having at least three columns (21) to a tower-shaped second component (30), wherein the transition piece (10) can be arranged between the first component (20) and the second component (30) and comprises a connection device for connecting the second component (30). The transition piece (10) is characterized in that it has at least three curved elements (11), the respective legs (13) of which are connectable at least indirectly to the first component (20). Each curved element (11) can be brought into direct contact with the second component (30) by means of convex end sections (14) arranged between the respective legs (13). In this way, the convex end sections (14) of the curved elements (11) form a receiving region (15) of the transition piece (11) and the second component (30) can be inserted into this receiving region.