JP2021507162A - Transitional windmill - Google Patents

Abstract

Tower base; Wind turbine tower attached to the tower base; Wind turbine attached to the wind turbine tower having a hub and an outer circumference, with spokes arranged between the hub and the outer circumference, Wind turbine; Supported by spokes 1 A set of blades; a generator configured to engage the outer circumference of the wind turbine and convert the rotational energy of the outer circumference into power; an elevating tower with a pivot at the proximal end; an elevating tower and a wind turbine tower A transitional wind turbine for use on land or offshore with a cable installed in between so that when the wind turbine tower transitions from horizontal to vertical, the elevating tower transitions from an upright position to an inclined position. A transitional wind turbine that is configured for use on land or at sea. [Selection diagram] FIG. 18D

Description

Background of the invention
[0001] 1) Field of invention
[0002] Both land-based and offshore wind turbines or wind turbines that can be easily erected from a nearly horizontal position for maintenance, safety and transportation to a nearly vertical position in operation.

[0003] 2) Description of related technology
[0004] The development of wind energy in the United States has increased in recent years, with a renewed emphasis on renewable energy, in particular. There is growing interest in offshore wind turbines, or offshore wind turbines, because winds generated over large bodies of water, especially over the ocean, do not hit the mountains, structures, and plants of land masses that tend to slow down. .. Wind turbulence is usually less on the water than on land. This is clearly due to the fact that sunlight is absorbed deeper in the water than in the ground, and under equivalent conditions the surface of the earth becomes warmer than the surface of the water and radiates more heat. This may be because the temperature fluctuations in the area are larger over land than over water. Also, some of the world's largest cities are located adjacent to large bodies of water, such as adjacent to the ocean and ocean, where wind speeds cannot be reduced near the surface of the water and are less turbulent. Not streamlined, as well as more predictable.

[0005] Another advantage of wind turbines placed in water bodies is that less turbulent winds on the surface of the water allow the impeller to be supported lower and closer to the surface of the water. This results in a reduction in the cost of having a tall tower, as is normally required for land-based wind turbines. Therefore, it is desirable to install the wind turbine in a water area that is relatively close to the land mass that requires electricity. It is also desirable to manufacture a wind turbine provided with means for reducing the vertical force applied by the impeller with respect to the tower or other vertical support of the wind turbine.

[0006] However, one study found that offshore wind turbines used in land-based systems and built according to traditional standards using multiple designs may not be able to withstand Category 5 hurricane gusts. It poses a risk of personal and property damage. In addition, the potential damage to wind turbines in a single storm can dramatically reduce the financial feasibility of offshore projects. Moreover, current designs do not address veer, an indicator of some degree of wind change over the vertical span. The distortion of the blade becomes too great, which can cause damage to the blade and hub.

[0007] One study predicts that offshore wind turbines face hurricane gusts of over 223 mph, but can only withstand 156 mph. The problem seems to be due to the fact that the design of offshore wind turbines originates in Europe, where hurricane conditions are virtually non-existent. Although land-based systems are unlikely to face these wind forces, it is advantageous to have a wind turbine system that can be lowered in the event of winds or storms that cause these damages.

[0008] Therefore, when a damaging wind or storm is predicted, it is beneficial to have a wind turbine that can be placed in a nearly horizontal position with little effort.

[0009] An additional problem with wind turbines using conventional designs is the difficulty of maintaining the wind turbines. Over the life of the wind turbine, it is inevitable that large components, including rotor blades, generators, transformers, and gearboxes, will need to be repaired or replaced due to wear or damage. In some designs, these components are in the air over 100 feet. The problem grows when the windmill is at sea, and the components are more than 100 feet above the ocean and need to be accessed by floating barges, cranes, or other vessels. In some cases of offshore equipment, the components are removed from the offshore location, transported to land, repaired, transported back to the offshore location, and to the highest component. It is installed using a crane to reach it.

[0010] It is convenient to have a wind turbine design that allows it to be lowered for transportation and repair. It is also convenient to have a wind turbine whose components can be repaired without the need to transport the turbine or components to land.

[0011] One effect of having a rotating wind turbine is that there is a gyro effect resulting from rotational energy. This, among other things, can cause horizontal deflection, which causes the wind turbine to rotate away from the optimum angle of attack. Attempts have been made to reduce or eliminate these forces to keep the wind turbines toward the wind in the absence of stress on the hub and gearbox. This concept involves controlling the pitch or pitch of individual blades to reduce the gyro force exerted on the rotor during yawing or tilting. This concept presupposes that the kinetic energy of the wind applied to the blades is used to help direct the turbine to the wind. Such a control feature periodically changes the blade pitch as the wind direction changes in order to create different angles of attack between each blade and the wind. This concept can also eliminate the need for yaw driven motors. Experiments with this concept have been conducted on a small scale, but require continuous research and investment before the technology can be performed on large wind turbines.

[0012] These drawbacks are particularly troublesome for offshore wind turbines. Therefore, it is advantageous to have an offshore wind turbine that can negate the gyro effect of the wind turbine and reduce its overall output without resorting to thrusters or other power means that need to be powered from the system. In these power attempts, the power from the wind turbine is diverted to the thrusters and cannot be delivered to the grid or elsewhere.

[0013] Therefore, it is advantageous to have an offshore wind turbine that can be easily installed vertically and lowered, and that does not rely on power means to maintain an appropriate angle of attack between the wind turbine and the wind direction.

Outline of the invention
[0014] The above is a wind turbine that has a tower base and can be placed on a barge or on land; a wind turbine tower that takes a horizontal position and a vertical position and is hinged to the tower base; a wind turbine tower that has a hub and an outer circumference. An attached wind turbine with spokes located between the hub and the outer circumference; a wind turbine; a set of spoke-supported blades configured to rotate the outer circumference in response to atmospheric wind movement. A generator configured to engage the outer circumference of the wind turbine and convert the rotational energy of the outer circumference into power; an elevating tower with a pivot at the proximal end and an upright position and an inclined position. A transitioning wind turbine that includes a cable installed between the elevating tower and the wind turbine tower; the wind turbine tower transitions from a horizontal position to a vertical position and with the proximal end of the elevating tower. When the cable length to and from the wind turbine tower is shortened, the elevating tower can be accomplished by providing a transitional wind turbine that is configured to transition from an upright position to an inclined position.

[0015] The transitional wind turbine may include an equipment barge that is detachably attached to the wind turbine barge and is configured to support an elevating tower. Support standards can be attached to equipment barges or wind turbine barges to support the wind turbine tower in a horizontal position. The elevating assembly can be located at the proximal end of the elevating tower and connected to a cable. A first distance may be included between the pivot of the elevating tower and the tower base when the windmill tower is in the horizontal position, and between the pivot of the elevating tower and the tower base when the windmill tower is in the vertical position. A second distance may be included, the first distance being shorter than the second distance. Fastening means may be used to secure the wind turbine tower to the tower base when it is in a vertical position. The elevating tower may include a transport position, where the elevating tower is tilted forward with respect to the tower base.

[0016] The wind turbine tower is hinged to the base of the wind turbine and can be in a horizontal position and a vertical position. The wind turbine base can be on land or at sea. The windmill can be attached to the windmill tower; the lift tower is connected to the windmill tower and takes an upright position and an inclined position; and when the windmill tower shifts from a horizontal position to a vertical position, the lift tower is upright. It is configured to transition from position to tilted position. The elevating tower may also move forward with respect to the base so that it is approximately horizontal to the wind turbine tower when it is in the horizontal position.

A brief description of the drawing
[0017] The above description of the wind turbine is better understood with reference to the following drawings incorporated and part of the description.

[0018] It is a perspective view of the aspect of the wind turbine in the horizontal position and the vertical position. [0018] It is a perspective view of the aspect of the wind turbine in the horizontal position and the vertical position. [0018] It is a perspective view of the aspect of the wind turbine in the horizontal position and the vertical position. [0018] It is a perspective view of the aspect of the wind turbine in the horizontal position and the vertical position. [0018] It is a perspective view of the aspect of the wind turbine in the horizontal position and the vertical position. [0018] It is a perspective view of the aspect of the wind turbine in the horizontal position and the vertical position. [0018] It is a perspective view of the aspect of the wind turbine in the horizontal position and the vertical position. [0018] It is a perspective view of the aspect of the wind turbine in the horizontal position and the vertical position. [0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aspect of a wind turbine including blades supported by spokes. [0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aspect of a wind turbine including blades supported by spokes. [0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aspect of a wind turbine including blades supported by spokes. [0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aspect of a wind turbine including blades supported by spokes. [0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aspect of a wind turbine including a generator supported by a tower and a generator platform. [0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aspect of a wind turbine including a generator supported by a tower and a generator platform. [0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an aspect of a wind turbine including a generator supported by a tower and a generator platform. [0021] It is a side view of the aspect of the elevating assembly. [0021] It is a side view of the aspect of the elevating assembly. [0021] It is a side view of the aspect of the elevating assembly. [0021] It is a side view of the aspect of the elevating assembly. [0021] It is a side view of the aspect of the elevating assembly. [0021] It is a side view of the aspect of the elevating assembly. [0022] FIG. 6 is a side view of an aspect of an elevating assembly. [0022] FIG. 6 is a side view of an aspect of an elevating assembly. [0022] FIG. 6 is a side view of an aspect of an elevating assembly. [0022] FIG. 6 is a side view of an aspect of an elevating assembly. [0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an assembly aspect including an elevating assembly. [0024] FIG. 6 is a side view of an aspect of a barge comprising an airfoil supported by the barge. [0025] It is a top view of the aspect of the barge including the airfoil supported by the barge. [0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of aspects of the wind turbine and other components. [0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of aspects of the wind turbine and other components. [0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of aspects of the wind turbine and other components. [0026] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of aspects of the wind turbine and other components.

Detailed description of the invention
[0027] The wind turbine and related components are described in more detail here with reference to drawings showing some embodiments. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and should not be considered limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure is thorough and complete, and that those skilled in the art are fully informed of the scope of the invention.

[0028] Described with reference to FIG. 1, the wind turbine barge 10 may include a tower tube 14 or a tower base 12 that can be hinged to a lattice tower or other structure. The tower tube may support a generator platform 16 and an impeller 18 configured to support the generator. When in a horizontal position, the tower tube hub may be supported by a barge at the distal end 20 of the tower tube. In one embodiment, an equipment barge may be used to transport the wind turbine to its offshore location. The tower in the horizontal position extends beyond the wind turbine barge and may be supported by the equipment barge.

[0029] Explained with reference to FIG. 2, the tower tube 14 can be attached to the tower base 12 using a tower hinge 22. In one embodiment, the hinges may be arranged inward with respect to the wind turbine barge as shown so that the tower extends above the wind turbine barge in a horizontal position. In one embodiment, the hinges may be arranged outward with respect to the wind turbine barge so that the tower extends beyond the perimeter of the wind turbine barge in a horizontal position and can be supported by the equipment barge. One or more generators 24 may be mounted on the generator platform 16. The generator platform can be located from the inside to the outside of the tower.

Explained with reference to FIGS. 3-5, the impeller may include an axle 26 with an inner set of spokes 28a and an outer set of spokes 28b. The inner and outer sets of spokes are attached to the hub and outer circumference 30. In the horizontal position, various components of this impeller are accessible for construction, repair or replacement. In addition, the horizontal position allows the impeller to be lowered in case of damaging weather. When in the horizontal position, the axle 26 may be mounted on the wind turbine barge 10. In addition, the barge can be transported, for example by vessel 32, when in a horizontal position. The tower may also be supported by stanchions 100 (FIG. 15A) so that, in one embodiment, the axle can extend above the outer circumference of the barge when in a horizontal position.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 6-8, the tower tube 14 is shown in an erected position and fixed to the tower base 12. When installed vertically, the wind turbine barge 10 may be connected to the buoy 34 by a rope 36. In one embodiment, the buoy can be anchored to the seabed. The rope makes the wind direction toward the wind turbine so that the barge can rotate around the buoy, supporting an appropriate angle of attack Θ of the wind direction 40 with respect to the plane 38 of the wind turbine impeller. In one embodiment, the angle of attack is about 90 °.

[0032] Explaining with reference to FIGS. 9-12, the wind turbine may include a set of blades. Each spoke 42 may support a subset of the blades. A subset of vanes may include distal vanes 44 located adjacent to the perimeter. Each blade may have a blade shape 50 as a whole. A subset of blades with one or more blades may be arranged along the spokes to cover the entire spoke. The blades can rotate independently of each other along their spokes, and are coordinated together to have different angles of attack for oncoming winds to capture different wind speeds along the spokes. To do. The blade may include a portion 102 with an upwardly curved tip at the trailing edge of the blade. The set of blades can provide the same benefits as conventional blades pre-attached with a blade twist 46, without the need for long blades. The spokes may be attached to a hub flange 48 that rotates around the axle. In one embodiment, the outer circumference 30 may have a circular or oval shape in cross section along the AA.

[0033] Explained with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the tower tube is shown in a vertical installation position with the tower tube attached to the tower base. The generator platform may support one or more generators 24. Since the generator may include a generator wheel 52 that can engage the outer circumference 30, when the outer circumference rotates, the generator wheel rotates so that the generator provides power such as electric power. In one embodiment, the generator wheel may have a concave outer surface that can engage an outer circumference with a circular or oval cross section. The fastening means 104 may be used to secure the tower to the tower base. Fastening means may include bolts, nuts, welds, screws, latches, clasps, clamps, rivets and the like.

[0034] As described with reference to FIGS. 15A-15F, the tower tube 14 may be hinged to the tower base 12. One or more elevating towers 54 may be swivelly attached to the barge at the pivot 56. The cable 58 may be attached to a winch, block and pulley device or other elevating assembly 60 that may be attached to the distal end of one or more elevating towers. The cable may be attached to or near the generator platform 16. When the elevating assembly retracts the cable, the tower tube is pulled in direction 62, and the elevating tower moves rearward. In one embodiment, when the tower tube is lifted, the cable remains approximately perpendicular to the tower tube. When the tower is in a vertical installation position for operation, the elevating tube is mounted on a stop 64 (as indicated by 66) and can be mounted on the tower base or otherwise supported by a barge to elevate. Prevents the tube from rotating too much.

[0035] When the tower tube is in the horizontal position, the cable can position the elevating tube forward for transport so that the tower tube and elevating tube are in an overall horizontal configuration as shown in FIG. 15D. Can be loosened or unwound enough to do so. In one embodiment, the elevating tower may slide along the barge so that the cable is maintained approximately perpendicular to the tower tube during elevating and elevating the tower tube. The distance between the tower base or wind turbine attachment point and the elevating tube can increase as the tower tube is lifted, as indicated by 68a (horizontal tower tube) and 68b (lifted tower tube). The attachment point can be where the wind turbine tower is attached to a barge or land base, tower base or other support.

[0036] In one embodiment, the pivot of the elevating tube keeps the cable approximately perpendicular to the tower tube. The top of the elevating tube can move constantly when the tower tube is being lifted so that the elevating tube moves towards the tower tube. The cable between the elevating tube and the tower tube stays vertically between the tower tube and the elevating assembly because the elevating tube moves at an angle with respect to the tower tube. Once the tower tube is lifted, the elevating tube and cable can stay in place. The tower tube is then bolted to the base of the tower. To lower the tower tube, the weight of the tower tube and the wind turbine initiates the descending process to the barge, where the elevating tube is approximately vertical and the tower tube is approximately horizontal. Thus, in one embodiment, the elevating tubes can be placed rearward until they reach about 20 ° -30 °. The elevating tube may rest on a stop that is attached to the base of the tower or otherwise supported by a barge.

Explaining with reference to FIGS. 16A-16E, an embodiment of an elevating system is shown. The wind turbine tower 14 is hingedly attached to the tower base 12. The elevating tower 54 may have a cable 58 that is rotatably attached to the barge and attached to the tower by a pulley or the like between the cable and the top of the elevating tube. The elevating assembly 60 can retract the cable. When the cable retracts, the tower is raised vertically. The elevating tube can rotate backwards in the direction 70.

[0038] The elevating tube can be hinged to the barge deck, in which case, in one embodiment, the elevating tube is approximately 40 feet from where the main tube is hinged, on each side of the wind turbine tube. Can be placed in (standing vertically just below the generator platform when the windmill is lying down). The cable may reach downward to the tower tube so that the cable is perpendicular to the tower tube when the wind turbine is lifted. The elevating tube may include a block and pulley device extending past the tower tube, and the elevating tube may be arranged at an angle such that it is vertical when the wind turbine is in a horizontal position. When the cables are unwound, the elevating tubes can rotate towards the stern of the barge until they are in the loading position.

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 17A and 17B, an embodiment in which the airfoil 72 is attached to the stern of the barge is shown. When the wind turbine rotates, the gyro effect tends to rotate the wind turbine out of the optimal angle of attack for the wind direction 40. By placing the airfoil on the stern, it provides an airfoil that biases the barge in the opposite direction of the rotation brought about by the gyro effect, without the need for a thruster. When the gyro force tends to rotate the barge and wind turbine in the direction shown in 74, the wind also biases the air foil 110 so that it is aligned with the wind along the path 76. This also tends to move the barge in direction 78, thereby weakening the gyro effect. Explaining with reference to FIGS. 18A and 18C, the wind turbine may be on land. Explained with reference to FIG. 18D, an offshore wind turbine may include a pair of airfoil 110a and 110b supported by a barge.

[0040] The design of the assembly is: conventional gearbox removal, conventional yaw bearing removal, conventional power slip ring removal, conventional large single length blade removal and therefore reduced blade fatigue, simple Blade / blade replacement, blade pitch system removal, ability to install wind turbines on barges without ocean bottom support structure, simple barge fixation system, no special setup vessels required, on land or at piers Ability to assemble, assemble horizontally, perform maintenance on the pier, avoid hurricanes and reduce insurance premiums, remove oil, eliminate the risk of oil burning / fire, as well Removal of combustible glass fiber cabin, simple lifting and lowering of wind turbines, reduction of adverse effects of wheel / rim inertia, increased diameter of wind turbine impellers due to the use of a pair of blades, stern thrusters It has multiple advantages and features, including the placement of electrical equipment under the deck, which can be placed relatively close to the removal back-penetration equipment. By eliminating the most costly and most complex components (eg gearboxes, yaw drives, blade pitch systems, power slip rings, large blades, submarine structures, set-up vessels, continuous maintenance is traditional. Be a small part of the effort, complexity and cost of offshore wind turbine systems.

[0041] Those skilled in the art have described the details of preferred embodiments of the assembly above, but amend or add to them without departing from the spirit and scope of the assembly as described in the claims below. , And it is understood that changes can be made.

Claims (20)

A windmill barge that supports the base of the tower,
A wind turbine tower that is hinged to the base of the tower, which takes a horizontal position and a vertical position.
A wind turbine having a hub and an outer circumference, which is attached to the wind turbine tower and has spokes arranged between the hub and the outer circumference.
A pair of blades supported by the spokes configured to rotate the outer circumference in response to the movement of atmospheric wind.
A generator that engages with the outer circumference of the wind turbine and is configured to convert the rotational energy of the outer circumference into power.
An elevating tower with a pivot at the proximal end and an upright and tilted position;
A cable attached between the elevating tower and the wind turbine tower,
Includes an airfoil supported by the windmill barge, which is configured to weaken the gyro effect of the windmill.
When the wind turbine tower shifts from the horizontal position to the vertical position and the cable length between the proximal end of the elevating tower and the wind turbine tower is shortened, the elevating tower moves from the upright position to the inclined position. A transitional wind turbine that is configured to transition to. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 1, further comprising an equipment barge that can be detachably attached to the wind turbine barge configured to support the elevating tower. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 2, further comprising a support column attached to the equipment barge so as to support the wind turbine tower in the horizontal position. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 1, further comprising an elevating assembly located at the proximal end of the elevating tower and connected to the cable. The first distance between the pivot of the elevating tower and the tower base when the wind turbine tower is in the horizontal position, and the pivot and the tower of the elevating tower when the wind turbine tower is in the vertical position. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 1, wherein the first distance is shorter than the second distance, including a second distance to and from the base. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 1, further comprising a support column attached to the wind turbine barge for supporting the wind turbine tower in the horizontal position. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 1, further comprising a fastening means for fixing the wind turbine tower to the tower base when the wind turbine tower is in the vertical position. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 1, wherein the elevating tower includes a transport position, wherein the elevating tower is inclined forward with respect to the tower base. A windmill barge that supports the base of the tower,
A wind turbine tower that is hinged to the base of the tower, which takes a horizontal position and a vertical position.
The windmill attached to the windmill tower and
An elevating tower with a pivot at the proximal end and an upright and tilted position,
Includes a cable attached between the elevating tower and the wind turbine tower.
When the wind turbine tower shifts from the horizontal position to the vertical position and the cable length between the proximal end of the elevating tower and the wind turbine tower is shortened, the elevating tower tilts from the upright position. A transitional wind turbine that is configured to transition to a position. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 9, further comprising an elevating assembly located at the proximal end of the elevating tower and connected to the cable. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 9, further comprising fastening means for fixing the wind turbine tower to the tower base when the wind turbine tower is in the vertical position. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 9, further comprising an elevating assembly located at the proximal end of the elevating tower and connected to the cable. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 9, further comprising a set of blades supported by the wind turbine, which is configured to rotate the wind turbine in response to the movement of atmospheric wind. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 9, further comprising a generator configured to engage the wind turbine and convert the rotational energy of the wind turbine into power. A windmill tower that is hinged to the base of the windmill and has horizontal and vertical positions.
The windmill attached to the windmill tower and
Including an elevating tower that is connected to the wind turbine tower and takes an upright position and an inclined position.
A transitional wind turbine that is configured to shift from the upright position to the tilted position when the wind turbine tower shifts from the horizontal position to the vertical position. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 15, further comprising a pivot located at the proximal end of the elevating tower. The first distance between the pivot of the elevating tower and the attachment point when the wind turbine tower is in the horizontal position, and the pivot and the attachment point of the elevating tower when the wind turbine tower is in the vertical position. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 15, which includes a second distance between. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 17, wherein the first distance is shorter than the second distance. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 15, further comprising a buoyant barge that supports the wind turbine base. The transitional wind turbine according to claim 19, further comprising an airfoil supported by the buoyant barge.

Images