SE535860C2 - Procedure for producing a tower for a wind turbine - Google Patents

Description

535 860 of the plot, the nacelle (housing), propeller blades with several components to the upper part of the wind turbine. The height of the site is largely limited by the cranes that are to lift components up 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 tower.

An additional problem with existing 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. The consequences are usually long-term downtime for wind turbines, which results 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 plot.

An additional 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 site 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, windmills are usually rotatably arranged in their lower parts.

However, the design of weather quarries differs significantly from the construction of the present wind turbine. 535 860 Wind turbines whose voids are rotatably arranged about a substantially vertical axis are furthermore already known. For example, via the patent specification WO2009068521 a wind turbine is described whose shaft is rotatably arranged about a substantially vertical axis. However, the tower according to patent specification WO2009068521 differs significantly from the one of 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 site after completion.

Furthermore, it is required that the cross section of the blank 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 tom is not optimized for joining the tom's constituent components.

Another example of a wind turbine comprising a blank 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 think tank 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 completing sections one by one 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 jointing takes place via riveting.

Furthermore, the joint 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 the top down by building vertical sections of the mast gradually. When one section has been 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 site of the present wind turbine.

International patent application WO2009l 37445 by applicant Babcook and Wilcox Power Generation Group describes a method for erecting a so-called solar cell. In the method, the solar tom is built up from top to bottom by building the tom in sections which are sequentially raised in the vertical direction as new sections are assembled at the bottom of the tom. The construction 535 860 differs significantly 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 sturdy 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 be described in more detail below 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 sequential erection of the site to the wind turbine.

Referring 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 site 2 is preferably erected on a foundation 3 which is constructed in accordance with previously known, or in the future developed, construction and construction technology.

The tower 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 plot 2 is arranged arranged via the bearing 7 relative to the foundation 3. In the alternative embodiment in figure 1B the plot 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 plot 2 is preferably fixedly arranged relative to the foundation 535 860 and the upper part 8 of the tower 2 is rotatably arranged relative to the fixed lower part 9 of the plot 2.

The bearing 7 in the preferred embodiment consists of at least one turntable bearing, swivel 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 blank, or the upper part of the blank, can be accomplished by another technique suitable for the purpose.

The plot 2 is in its top 5, or near the top, provided with at least one nacelle (housing) 10 or the like. At least one rotor with associated propeller (not shown in the figures) is stored in the nacelle 10. Preferably, the rotor is mounted arranged around a substantially horizontal axis.

In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable for the rotor to be arranged arranged around an axis which deviates from the substantially 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 dry user, 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 plot 2 is built in sections 11 at the site of erection of the plot. The plot is erected by sequentially assembling sections 11 of the plot 2 in the lower end 6 of the tower 2 and then sequentially erecting in the vertical direction upwards. Section 11 after section 11 is completed sequentially and joined to previously joined sections 11 until the desired height of the plot is obtained. After the desired height of the plot 2 has been reached, the plot 2 or alternatively the upper part 8 of the tower is anchored to the bearing (7) or alternatively intermediate part or parts connected to the bearing 7.

The nacelle lifts in place before the thumb is raised in its entire axial length. Preferably, the nacelle is in place after some sections have been completed. After lifting the nacelle in place 535 860 joined (assembled) to the blank. Lift the nacelle in place at a height of the plot 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, roll 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 jacket plates depend on the height of the tom, and the diameter (at a round cross-section) or other form of the 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 site. 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 more than one vertical weld 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 tom around the axial direction of the tom according to arrow 16 or 535 860 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 wire 2 stationary and with a welding equipment moving around the wire. It is further conceivable that both the weld and the tower move around the axial direction of the tom 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 site. 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 plurality of lifting means 18. The lifting means 18 consist of lifting devices whose length can be changed. The lifting means 18 are connected at one end 19 to the empty, alternatively the upper part of the empty. The lifting means 18 are in their second part 20 connected to the foundation or alternatively the lower part of the empty. The lifting means 18 in the preferred embodiment consists of ball screws or the like. In alternative embodiments, the lifting means 18 consists of hydraulic jacks or other devices suitable for the purpose.

Surface treatment can also be done by rotating the plot in connection with the surface treatment. The surface treatment of the plot can also take place in the open air, 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 plot, 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 plot (preferably a bit up on the tower). The support (struts) or similar are removed after the blank has been erected.

In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that the wind turbine's site and house are built so that the propeller is placed behind the tower in relation to the wind direction. The wind first passes the empty and then the propeller. The tower can thereby be aerodynarically 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 535 860 are included to the extent required to achieve a satisfactory function of the present invention. 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 plot. 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 tom are significantly smaller than the prefabricated tower sections currently used in the tom. Ingredient details of the tower can be prefabricated closer to the erection site without the need for a specific factory 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 (1)

1 535 850 Patent claims Process for producing blank (2) into a wind turbine plant consisting of a number of joined sections (1 1) each consisting of at least a first jacket plate (12) and at least a second jacket plate (13) characterized in that the blank (2) travel in accordance with the following steps; initially at least one foundation is completed at the site of the erection of the plot, after which at least one section (1 1) consisting of at least one first mantle plate (12) and at least one second mantle plate (13) is joined via welding in the lower end of the plot (2) after which the section (1 1) welded together, the section (11) is lifted in the vertical direction by at least one lightning member (18) to a higher vertical position, after which at least one second section (1 l) comprising at least one first jacket plate (12) and at least one second jacket plate ( 13) are joined together by welding under the first vertically lifted section (1 1), after which the second section (1 1) is welded together, the first section (11) and the second section (11) are welded together, after which a required number of sections ( 1 1) welded together and joined with previously raised sections (1 1) until the desired height on the tower is achieved, after which the empty (2) fi is xered to the foundation. Method for producing a blank (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sections (11) are joined together via substantially horizontal welds (17). Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tom (2) is provided with at least one bearing (7), with which the tom (2) can be rotated about an axis of rotation in the axial direction of the tom, and that the tom (2) when welding the welds (17) rotate about the axis of rotation in the axial direction of the blank. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that welding of the sections of the tom takes place by the welding equipment being moved around the tom during the welding of the welds (1 7). Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nacelle is lifted up to the top of the tom (2) before the tom (2) is erected in its entire vertical length.