SE1000122A1 - Wind turbines - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wind turbine (1) comprising at least one blank (2), at least one foundation (3), at least one nacelle (10), at least one propeller (4). The propeller drives viarotation at least one substantially horizontal axis that drives at least one generator. The unique wind turbine is that the tower (2), via at least one bearing (7), is rotatably arranged about a single axis of rotation in the axial direction of the tower (2). The present invention also relates to a method for raising the empty (2) of the wind turbine. Unique to the method of raising the tower is that the tower is joined by sections (1 1), consisting of at least a first jacket plate (12) and at least a second jacket plate (13), which are sequentially joined at the lower end of the tower (6). When the jacket plates (12, 13) in a section (11) are joined together, the section (11) is joined to previously joined sections (11) at the lower end of the tomet (6). After the respective section (11) has been joined to the previously joined sections (11) of the tower (2), the tower (2) is raised in the vertical direction with at least one, and preferably a plurality, lifting means (18). After the required height of the plot has been obtained, the anchoring tower, alternatively the upper part of the tower, to the bearing (7) or alternatively to an intermediate part or mellan your intermediate parts connected to the bearing (7).

Description

of the tower, the nacelle (housing), propeller blades with fl your components to the upper part of the wind turbine. The height of the tower is largely limited by the cranes that are to lift components to the top of the tower, which can be at a height of over 80 meters above the ground.

Mobile cranes with this lifting height are expensive, which is why there are only a few mobile cranes that have the ability to lift components to this height. There is therefore a need for a more cost-effective method of lifting components to the top of the site.

An additional problem with dangerous wind turbines is that it is difficult and costly to replace components in the house at the top of the site, which can be 60 to 100 meters above ground.

Only a few mobile cranes have the ability to lift components to this height. It can take a long time and be associated with large costs to move a mobile crane with the required lifting height to the place where the wind turbine that needs to be repaired is located. Follow-up usually results in long-term outages for wind turbines that result in costly production losses.

A further reason why the sections are manufactured in one place and then moved to the erection site is that welding should preferably take place in weather-protected spaces so that the welds can have a high level in terms of quality. Corresponding problems also apply to painting and other surface treatment of the tower.

An even further problem with existing constructions of wind turbines is that these make noise. The noise occurs mainly in connection with the respective propeller blades rotating past the blank. The problem of noise from wind turbines often leads to great resistance to building wind turbines in connection with buildings. There is a need to create a wind turbine which makes less noise than existing types of wind turbines.

An additional problem with the tower for existing wind turbines being built in sections is that these include blank rings and the like which are held together with screw connections.

The construction is expensive and weakens the plot from the point of view of exhaustion.

Prior art Constructions which are intended to extract energy from wind by means of propellers are already known. For example, weather vanes are usually rotatably arranged in their lower parts.

However, the design of windmills differs significantly from the design of the present wind turbine.

Wind turbines whose towers are rotatably arranged about a substantially vertical axis are furthermore already known. For example, the patent specification WO2009068521 describes a wind turbine whose tower is rotatably arranged about a substantially vertical axis. However, the tower of patent specification WO2009068521 differs substantially from the present invention. For example, in accordance with the patent specification, the structure requires struts, in contrast to the structure under review, which support the tower after it has been completed.

Furthermore, it is required that the cross section of the tower is circular. The shape of the tower can therefore not be optimized with the intention of reducing the noise emitted. Furthermore, the rotatability of the tower is not optimized for joining the components of the tower.

Another example of a wind turbine comprising a tower which is rotatably arranged about a vertical axis is known via the patent specification DE4432800. This construction also differs to a large extent in relation to the construction according to the present patent application.

For example, the construction requires a foundation which supports the tower. The construction further requires that the tower has a round shape.

It is already known to erect a vertical construction by completing it from top to bottom by gradually completing sections and moving them upwards in the vertical direction. For example, patent specification US2794242 describes a method for raising cisterns from top to bottom. U.S. Pat. No. 2,794,242 describes a method of erecting a cistern by joining rolled sheets together by riveting turn by turn into a tubular body. After a turn is completed, the joined circular turn is raised so that the joining of a new turn can begin. The construction differs greatly from the construction according to the present patent application. For example, the joining takes place via riveting.

Furthermore, the joining does not take place in a weather-protected space adjacent to the site.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,3030 describes a mast and a method for erecting a mast of truss construction. The patent specification describes a mast which is built from top to bottom by gradually building vertical sections of the mast together. When one section is completed, the mast is lifted in the vertical direction, after which the next vertical section is started. The construction differs to a large extent from the tower of the present wind turbine.

International patent application WO2009137445 by applicant Babcook and Wilcox Power Generation Group describes a method for erecting a so-called solar tower. In the method, the solar tower is built up from top to bottom by building the tower in sections which are sequentially raised in the vertical direction as new sections are assembled at the bottom of the tower. The construction differs to a significant extent from that of the examined construction. For example, the construction of the tower consists of a truss construction. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION The main object of the present invention is to provide a new type of wind turbine which can be manufactured and erected in a more cost-effective manner than previously known constructions. A further object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine comprising a lifting function with which components can be more easily lifted up to the top than with existing constructions. A still further object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine which is rotatably arranged in its lower part. In one of the embodiments, the object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine which emits a lower noise level than previously known constructions.

Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention will hereinafter be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which, by way of example, show the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

Figures 1A and 1B show a wind turbine in accordance with the present invention.

Figures 2 - 8 show a sequential erection of the tower to the wind turbine.

With reference to the figures, a wind turbine 1 is shown in accordance with the present patent application. The wind turbine 1 comprises at least one empty 2 and at least one foundation 3. The tower is rotatably arranged about an axis of rotation 4 in the axial direction of the empty 2. The tower has an upper end (top) 5 and a lower end 6. The tower 2 comprises at least one inner space (not shown in figures). The tower 2 is preferably erected on an fi indament 3 which is constructed in accordance with previously known, or in the future developed, construction and construction technology.

The tom 2 is preferably rotatably arranged via at least one bearing 7 or the like. In the exemplary embodiment of the wind turbine 1 shown in Figure 1A, the tom 2 is arranged arranged via the bearing 7 relative to the foundation 3. In the alternative embodiment in Fig. 1B, the tower 2 comprises an upper part 8 and a lower part 9 which are rotatable via at least one bearing 7 arranged with each other. The lower part 9 of the site 2 is preferably fixedly arranged relative to the foundation and the upper part 8 of the tower 2 is rotatably arranged relative to the fixed lower part 9 of the tower 2.

The bearing 7 in the preferred embodiment consists of at least one turntable bearing, swivel ring bearing or the like. The swivel ring bearing (reversing ring bearing) is preferably fixedly mounted in the foundation or in the lower part 9 of the tower. The tower is rotated relative to the swivel ring bearing (reversing ring bearing) by means of at least one rotary gear (not shown in figures) or the like. In alternative embodiments, the rotation of the tom, or the upper part of the tom, may be accomplished by another technique suitable for the purpose.

The tower 2 is in its top 5, or near the top, provided with at least one nacelle (housing) 10 or the like. In the nacelle 10 at least one rotor with associated propeller (not shown in the guras) is arranged arranged. Preferably, the rotor is mounted arranged about a substantially horizontal axis.

In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable for the rotor to be arranged arranged around an axis which deviates from the essential horizontal direction.

The propeller drives via the rotor, or other power transmitting means, at least one energy generating unit which generates electrical energy. The energy generating unit comprises at least one generator. Preferably, the rotor directly transmits a torque to the generator. In alternative embodiments, the energy generating unit may comprise at least one gearbox or the like. The electrical energy generated by the generator is intended to be transmitted to at least one consumer, at least one power grid or the like. The transfer of electrical energy takes place in accordance with known technology, which is why this is not described in more detail in this patent application.

With reference to Figures 2 to 8, it is shown sequentially how the plot 2 included in the wind turbine is erected. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tower 2 is built in sections 11 at the site of the erection of the site. The plot is raised by sequentially assembling sections 11 of the plot 2 in the lower end 6 of the plot 2 and then sequentially traveling upwards in the vertical direction. Section ll after section ll is completed sequentially and joined to previously joined sections ll until the desired height of the tower is obtained. After the desired height of the tower 2 has been reached, the tower 2 or alternatively the upper part 8 of the empty is anchored to the bearing (7) or alternatively intermediate part or parts connected to the bearing 7.

The nacelle lifts in place before the tower is erected in its entire axial length. Preferably, the nacelle is lifted into place after some sections have been completed. After the nacelle is lifted in place, it is joined (assembled) to the tower. The nacelle lifts in place at a height of the tower where the necell does not hinder the work of joining sections at the lower end of the tower.

Figures 2 and 3 show that each section 11 (segment) consists of at least a first jacket part 12 and at least a second jacket part 13. The first jacket part 12 and the second jacket part 13 are joined, alternatively connected, to each other to form a section (turn). . Each section preferably forms a cylinder. The diameter of the cylinder may vary according to the axial direction of the cylinder. Preferably, the jacket parts consist of plates which are formed by bending, rolling bending or by other known technology suitable for the purpose. The jacket plates (jacket parts) preferably have a radius shape or the like. In alternative embodiments, the jacket plates (jacket parts) may be of another shape suitable for the purpose, such as elliptical or another shape suitable for the purpose. The shape of the sections can thereby deviate from a substantially cylindrical shape.

The number and dimensions of the jacket parts (jacket plates) can vary greatly within the scope of the present invention. The number and dimension of the shell plates depends on the height d, and diameter (at round cross-section) of the tower or other form of cross-section of the tom. The dimensions of the jacket plates are also adapted to the possibilities of transporting them to the erection site.

Figures 4 to 6 show how the exemplary first jacket plate 12 and the second jacket plate 13 are joined to each other with at least one vertical weld. 14. Figure 4 shows how a first vertical weld is welded. All vertical joints 14 between jacket plates, forming part of a section, are welded together. The welding is carried out by moving at least one welding equipment (at least one welding nozzle or similar) in the vertical direction.

The welding of vertical welds 14 can take place in the open air but preferably takes place in a weather-protected space which is connected to the site 2. The weather protection can consist of at least one tent or other temporary building or the like located adjacent, or close to the tower. More specifically, a first vertical joint 15 is welded in accordance with Figure 4. Then the plot is rotated according to arrow 16, or in the opposite direction, shown in Figure 5. After the tower has been rotated, at least a second vertical weld 14 is then welded as shown in Figure 6. Conceivable is that än era than one vertical weld joint is welded simultaneously. The welding consists of previously known technology, which is why this is not described in more detail in this patent application.

Figure 7 shows how two sections are joined with at least one horizontal weld 17. When welding substantially horizontal welds 17, which join which sections, this is preferably done by rotating the tower around the axial direction of the tower according to arrow 16 or opposite direction. The weld can thereby be permanently stationed. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the welding of the welding joint 17 takes place with the tower 2 stationary and with a welding equipment moving around the tower. It is further conceivable that both the weld and the tower move around the axial direction of the tower 2 in connection with the welding. The welding of horizontal welds 17 can take place in the open air but preferably takes place in a weather-protected space which is connected to the tower. The weather protection can, for example, consist of at least one tent or at least a temporary building adjacent to the tower. The welding consists of previously known technology, which is why this is not described in more detail in this patent application.

Figure 8 shows that after a section has been completed and joined to previously completed sections (turns), the tower is erected in the vertical direction. The raising takes place by means of at least one lifting means 18 and preferably a number of lifting means 18. The lifting means 18 consist of lifting devices whose length can be changed. The lifting means 18 are at their one end 19 connected to the tower, alternatively the upper part of the tower, the lifting means 18 are in their other part 20 connected to the foundation or alternatively the lower part of the tower. The lifting means 18 in the preferred embodiment consists of ball screws or the like. In alternative embodiments, the lifting means 18 is constituted by hydraulic jacks or other devices suitable for the purpose.

Surface treatment can also be done by rotating the tower in connection with the surface treatment. The surface treatment of the tower can also take place outdoors, but the surface treatment preferably takes place in a weather protection or the like. The weather protection can, for example, consist of at least one tent or at least a temporary building adjacent to the site.

During the erection of the tower, at least one support is preferably used, at least one supporting device such as a support or the like (not shown in figures) which is supported against the ground or the like and which is connected to the tower (preferably a bit up on the plot). The support (s) or similar is removed after the tower has been erected.

In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the wind turbine's tower and house are built so that the propeller is placed behind the site in relation to the wind direction. The wind first passes the tower and then the propeller. The tower can thereby be aerodynamically adapted so that a lower noise level can be obtained. Through the construction, a wind turbine with a significantly reduced noise level can be achieved.

In the detailed description of the present invention, construction details which may be obvious to a person skilled in the art may have been omitted. Such obvious construction details are included to the extent required for a proper function of the present invention to be achieved. For example, cabling and the like are included to the extent required in order to obtain a satisfactory function for the wind turbine. Furthermore, it is assumed that the required sheet metal thicknesses are used in order to obtain a good durability of the tower. Although certain preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications within the scope of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, and all of these are considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims. For example, it is conceivable for the tower in alternative embodiments to be joined with another joining method suitable for the purpose.

Advantages of the invention With a wind turbine and a method for erecting a wind turbine in accordance with the present invention, a number of advantages are achieved. The most obvious advantages are that the wind turbine entails logistical advantages such as less obscure transports to the erection site. The components in the site are significantly smaller than the prefabricated tower sections currently used in the towers. The detailed details of the tower can be prefabricated closer to the erection site without a specific factory being required for the manufacture of the tower sections. An additional advantage is that the shape of the tower can be optimized in relation to the wind speed around the tower. A still further advantage of the present invention is that a wind turbine is provided which makes less noise than previously known constructions of wind turbines.

Claims (13)

Patent claims Wind turbine (1) comprising at least one tower (2), at least one foundation (3), at least one hub cell (10), at least one propeller (4), which via rotation via at least one substantially horizontal shaft, drives at least one generator characterized in that the tower (2) is rotatably arranged via at least one bearing (7) about an axis of rotation in the axial direction of the tom (2). Wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that the nacelle (10) is fixedly arranged in relation to the upper end (5) of the tom (2). Wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that the nacelle (10) is rotatably arranged relative to the upper end (5) of the tom (2). Wind turbine (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tower (2) consists of a number of sections (1 1) comprising at least one first jacket plate (12) and at least one second jacket plate (13). Wind turbine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that each section comprises at least one first jacket part (12) and at least one second jacket part (13). Wind turbine (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tower (2) comprises at least one upper part (8) and at least one lower part (9), of which the upper part (8) via at least one bearing (7 ) is rotatably arranged relative to the lower part (9). Wind turbine (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the propeller is located behind the tower in relation to the wind direction. Wind turbine (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bearing (7) consists of a turntable bearing, turntable bearing or the like. Method for manufacturing a tower for a wind turbine according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the tower is erected in accordance with the following steps, a foundation is completed, after which the bearing is connected to the foundation (3) or 10. 11. 12. The lower part (9) of the blank, after which at least one section (11) consisting of at least a first jacket plate (12) and at least a second jacket plate (13) is joined at the lower end of the tower (2) or alternatively in the lower part of the upper part (9) of the blank, after which the section (1 1) has been joined, it is lifted in the vertical direction upwards with at least one lifting member (18) placed between the section (1 1) and the bearing (7) to a vertically higher position, after which at least a second section (1 1) consisting of at least one first jacket plate (12) and at least one second jacket plate (13) are joined, after which the second section (11) is joined to the previously joined (s) and lift the section (sections) (1 1) and thereafter erected vertically, after which the required number of sections (11) have been joined to previously joined sections (1 1), and then raised sequentially, until the desired height of the tower (2) is reached, after which the tower (2), or alternatively the upper part of the empty ( 8) anchored to the storage (7) or alternatively to intermediate part or intermediate parts connected to the storage (7). Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the nacelle (4) is lifted up to the top of the blank before the tower is erected in its entire vertical length. Method according to at least one of Claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the jacket plate (12) and (13) and the sections (11), respectively, are joined together by welding. Method according to at least one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the sections (1 1) are joined by welding with substantially horizontal welds. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the tower (2) is rotated during the welding of the substantially horizontal welds (17) which join the sections (1 1).