US20100192504A1 - Spaceframe nacelle for a wind turbine generator and method of manufacturing the spaceframe nacelle - Google Patents
Spaceframe nacelle for a wind turbine generator and method of manufacturing the spaceframe nacelle Download PDFInfo
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- US20100192504A1 US20100192504A1 US12/494,666 US49466609A US2010192504A1 US 20100192504 A1 US20100192504 A1 US 20100192504A1 US 49466609 A US49466609 A US 49466609A US 2010192504 A1 US2010192504 A1 US 2010192504A1
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Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D80/00—Details, components or accessories not provided for in groups F03D1/00 - F03D17/00
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
- F03D13/20—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2230/00—Manufacture
- F05B2230/50—Building or constructing in particular ways
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/10—Stators
- F05B2240/14—Casings, housings, nacelles, gondels or the like, protecting or supporting assemblies there within
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2250/00—Geometry
- F05B2250/10—Geometry two-dimensional
- F05B2250/11—Geometry two-dimensional triangular
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/728—Onshore wind turbines
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
- Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
Definitions
- the field of the invention relates generally to nacelles for wind turbine generators, and more particularly to a nacelle having a spaceframe fabrication and a method of manufacturing the spaceframe nacelle.
- Wind turbine generators use wind energy to generate electricity and typically include a tower, a nacelle mounted on a top of the tower, and a hub and blade assembly connected to the nacelle. Wind causes the hub and blade assembly to rotate with respect to the nacelle thereby creating mechanical energy that is converted by a generator, which is typically housed in the nacelle, into useable electrical energy.
- the nacelle encloses the inner workings of the machine head and includes a heavy bedplate that supports the main shaft, bearings and drivetrain components.
- the bedplate can be fabricated from thick metal plates or cast from molten metal, which adds substantial weight to the top of the tower.
- the nacelle is primarily a non-load bearing enclosure used to keep the weather from directly impacting the various components (e.g., generator) of the wind turbine generator housed therein.
- the excessive weight of the bedplate and nacelle significantly increases manufacturing cost, transportation cost, assembly cost, and maintenance cost of the wind turbine generator.
- the weight of the machine head also impacts the tower structure needed to support it with its attendant costs.
- a nacelle for a wind turbine generator generally includes a spaceframe including at least one exterior panel and at least one interior panel joined to the exterior panel.
- Each of the exterior and interior panels have a plurality of generally U-shaped channel portions with flanges extending outward from the channel portion.
- the flanges of the exterior panel are joined to the flanges of the interior panel to define a plurality of ribs, a plurality of joints, and a plurality of openings.
- a nacelle for a wind turbine generator generally comprises a spaceframe including a plurality of ribs, a plurality of joints, and a plurality of openings.
- the spaceframe comprises at least a first region and a second region.
- the first region has a first load-bearing strength and the second region has a second load-bearing strength.
- the first load-bearing strength of the first region is greater than the second load-bearing strength of the second region.
- a wind turbine generator generally includes a tower, a nacelle rotatably coupled to a tower top for rotational movement with respect to the tower, and a blade and hub assembly operatively coupled to the nacelle.
- the nacelle includes a spaceframe including at least one exterior panel and at least one interior panel joined to the exterior panel.
- the exterior panel and interior panel collectively define a plurality of ribs, a plurality of joints, and a plurality of openings.
- a method of constructing a spaceframe for a nacelle generally includes stamping a first sheet of metal to form a plurality of openings therein and forming a plurality of generally U-shaped channels with flanges extending outward from the channels in the first sheet of metal.
- a second sheet of metal is stamped to form a plurality of openings therein and formed to have a plurality of generally U-shaped channels with flanges extending outward from the channels in the second sheet of metal.
- the U-shaped channels and associated flanges of the first sheet of metal are aligned with the U-shaped channels and associated flanges of the second sheet of metal so that the aligned U-shaped channels cooperatively define a generally box-shaped cross-section and the flanges are in engagement.
- the flanges of the first sheet of metal and the flanges of the second sheet of metal are securely joined.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wind turbine generator.
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the wind turbine generator of FIG. 1 with portions broken away to show internal components.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a nacelle of the wind turbine generator with a shell of the nacelle removed to show a spaceframe of the nacelle.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a small portion of the spaceframe of the nacelle.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a single rib of the spaceframe having an exterior panel and an interior panel.
- FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a small portion of another embodiment of a spaceframe suitable for the nacelle.
- FIGS. 7A-7C are schematic views illustrating one embodiment for joining the exterior panel and the interior panel of the ribs of the spaceframe wherein the exterior and interior panels are joined using resistance seam welding.
- FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a single rib of the spaceframe having the exterior panel and the interior panel joined using resistance seam welding.
- FIG. 8B is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view showing the weld joining the exterior panel and the interior panel.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of a small portion of the spaceframe of the nacelle illustrating one suitable pattern in which the exterior panel and the interior panel can be joined using resistance seam welding.
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of a small portion of the spaceframe of the nacelle illustrating another suitable pattern in which the exterior panel and the interior panel can be joined using resistance seam welding.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a single rib of the spaceframe having the exterior panel and the interior panel joined using a single-sided high-energy beam welding process (e.g., laser welding, electron beam welding).
- a single-sided high-energy beam welding process e.g., laser welding, electron beam welding.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a single rib of the spaceframe having the exterior panel and the interior panel joined using a double-sided high-energy beam welding process.
- FIGS. 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views of a single rib of the spaceframe having the exterior panel and the interior panel joined using fillet welding.
- FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of a single rib of the spaceframe having the exterior panel and the interior panel joined using fusion welding.
- FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of a single rib of the spaceframe having the exterior panel and the interior panel mechanically joined using fasteners (e.g., rivets).
- fasteners e.g., rivets
- FIG. 16 is a plan view of an insert for crimping the exterior panel and interior panel of the spaceframe together.
- FIG. 17 is an elevation view of the insert of FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 18 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view showing the insert being crimped about the exterior panel and the interior panel of the spaceframe.
- FIG. 19 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a small portion of the spaceframe of the nacelle illustrating the exterior panel and the interior panel being mechanically joined by crimping portions of the panels together using the insert.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a horizontal axis wind turbine generator 100 having a tower 102 extending from a supporting surface 104 , a nacelle 106 mounted on the tower 102 , and a blade and hub assembly 108 coupled to the nacelle 106 .
- the blade and hub assembly 108 includes a plurality of blades 112 mounted thereto.
- the blade and hub assembly 108 has three blades 112 , but it is understood that the blade and hub assembly 108 may include more or less than three blades 112 .
- FIGS. 1 illustrates a horizontal axis wind turbine generator 100 having a tower 102 extending from a supporting surface 104 , a nacelle 106 mounted on the tower 102 , and a blade and hub assembly 108 coupled to the nacelle 106 .
- the blade and hub assembly 108 includes a plurality of blades 112 mounted thereto.
- the blade and hub assembly 108 has three blades 112 , but it is understood that the blade and hub assembly 108 may include
- the tower 102 which in the exemplary embodiment is tubular, includes a sidewall 114 , a top 116 , a bottom 118 , and a passageway 120 that extends from the bottom 118 to the top 116 .
- the passageway 120 in the tower 102 extends between the supporting surface 104 and the nacelle 106 . It is contemplated that other types of wind turbine generators (e.g., vertical axis wind turbine generators) can be used in alternative embodiments.
- the blades 112 are spaced about the blade and hub assembly 108 to facilitate rotating the blade and hub assembly 108 to transfer kinetic energy from the wind into usable mechanical energy, and subsequently, electrical energy. More specifically, as the wind strikes the blades 112 , the blade and hub assembly 108 is rotated about its rotational axis 124 . Preferably, the blades 112 are positioned such that they face into the wind. Since the wind direction readily changes, the blades 112 , and thereby the nacelle 106 , need to be able to rotate with respect to the tower 102 so that the blades can remain substantially facing into the wind.
- the blades can be rotated such that the wind direction is generally parallel to the rotational axis 124 to maximize the amount of wind striking the blades.
- the nacelle 106 and the blades 112 can rotate with respect to the tower 102 about a rotational axis 126 that is generally transverse to the blade and hub assembly rotational axis 124 and that is substantially coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the tower 102 .
- FIG. 2 A portion of the nacelle 106 is broken away in FIG. 2 to illustrate some of the components housed in the nacelle 106 .
- such components include a low speed rotor shaft 134 (or main shaft) coupled to the blade and hub assembly 108 , a gearbox 136 , a high speed shaft 138 , and an electric generator 132 .
- Rotation of the blade and hub assembly 108 causes the low speed rotor shaft 134 to rotatably drive the gearbox 136 , which in turn, rotates the high speed shaft 138 .
- the high speed shaft 138 rotatably drives the generator 132 , which produces electricity.
- the nacelle 106 houses the generator 132 and various other components of the wind turbine generator 100 . It is understood that the generator 132 and various other components can be different than those illustrated herein in alternative embodiments (e.g., compact geared drive train and direct drive/gearless architectures etc.).
- a plurality of cables 142 are coupled to the generator 132 and to other components housed in the nacelle 106 to transfer the generated electricity from the generator 132 to a power grid or other suitable location, and to supply power and controls to the generator 132 and associated equipment.
- An opening 144 is formed in the nacelle 106 to enable the cables 142 to be routed from the nacelle 106 into the passageway 120 of the tower 102 .
- the passageway 120 in the tower 102 provides an area for cables 142 to be routed from, and into, the nacelle 106 from a location outside of the wind turbine generator 100 .
- the passageway 120 and the opening 144 formed in the nacelle 106 may also cooperatively provide a manway for allowing maintenance personnel or other authorized personnel access to the nacelle 106 and the various components housed therein.
- the nacelle 106 includes a spaceframe 160 and a shell 162 that covers the spaceframe.
- the shell 162 comprises a weatherproof, durable fabric covering configured to provide protection for the various components housed in the nacelle 106 from the environment (e.g., the weather).
- the shell 162 may also be configured to provide sound-dampening.
- the shell 162 can be selected from suitable materials that are poor transmitters of mechanically stimulated acoustic emissions, that will not contribute to machinery noise transmission into the spaceframe, and/or that eliminate “panel” vibration induced sound transmission to the outside environment. It is understood that the shell 162 can be constructed from any suitable material including fabrics, metals, plastics, fiberglass, or combinations thereof.
- the spaceframe 160 includes a plurality of ribs 164 , a plurality of joints 166 , and a plurality of openings 168 .
- most of the openings 168 in the spaceframe 160 are generally triangular in shape and are defined by three ribs 164 and three associated joints 166 .
- Most of the joints 166 are formed by the convergence of six ribs 164 but it is contemplated that the number of ribs 164 converging at each of the joints 166 could be more or fewer.
- the illustrated spaceframe 160 further includes a plurality of regions (e.g., a back region 170 , a middle region 172 , a front region 174 , and a transition region 176 ). It is understood, however, that the spaceframe 160 can have more or fewer regions in alternative embodiments. In one such example, the transition region 176 of the spaceframe 160 , which is provided for connecting the spaceframe 160 to the tower 102 , can be omitted.
- the various regions 170 , 172 , 174 , 176 of the spaceframe 160 can have different predetermined load-bearing strength characteristics.
- the load-bearing strengths of the middle region 172 (broadly, “a first region”), the front region 174 , and the transition region 176 are greater than the load-bearing strength of the back region 170 (broadly, “a second region”).
- the length of each of the ribs 164 is greater in the back region 170 than in the other regions 172 , 174 , 176 of the spaceframe 160 .
- the openings 168 are larger in the back region 170 than in the other regions 172 , 174 , 176 .
- the back region 170 is exposed to less stress than the other regions 172 , 174 , 176 of the spaceframe 160 .
- areas of the spaceframe 160 exposed to lower stress during use have a wider network pattern, whereas a finer network pattern is used in areas exposed to higher stress during use.
- the load-bearing strength of the various regions 170 , 172 , 174 , 176 of the spaceframe 160 can be varied in different ways including using a different type of material in each of the different regions, changing the thickness of the material in the different regions, changing the cross-section shape of the material, or a combination thereof.
- the spaceframe 160 can be constructed of low to medium strength steel in regions of the spaceframe exposed to lower stress during use and high strength steel in regions exposed to higher stress during use.
- the overall mass of the spaceframe 160 is considerably less than the mass of nacelles constructed using conventional techniques.
- a conventional cast or fabricated nacelle for a 7.5 MW wind turbine generator having a bedplate has an average mass of approximately 91.6 metric tons.
- a comparable spaceframe 160 has an average mass between 21.9 metric tons and about 45.5 metric tons. Accordingly, the average mass of the spaceframe 160 for a 7.5 MW wind turbine generator is approximately 50% to 76% less than the average mass of a conventional nacelle for the same sized wind turbine generator.
- the spaceframe 160 can be optimized, non-optimized, or a continuation thereof.
- An optimized spaceframe 160 includes specifically tailoring the different regions 170 , 172 , 174 , 176 of the spaceframe to exhibit one or more predetermined performance characteristic (e.g., load-bearing strength, stiffness, fatigue life).
- the spaceframe can be optimized by varying the size of the openings 168 , the joining method (which are described in detail below), and the thickness and/or type of the material used to make the ribs 164 and joints 166 .
- each of the specific regions 170 , 172 , 174 , 176 of the spaceframe 160 can be tailored to have predetermined strength, stiffness, and fatigue life.
- the spaceframe 160 is considered to be non-optimized if it has only one size opening or repeating pattern and only one joining method used throughout the structure. Typically, the average mass of the optimized spaceframe 160 is less than half of that of a comparable non-optimized spaceframe.
- FIG. 4 shows an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a small portion of the spaceframe 160 with several ribs 164 being cut-away to show their cross-sectional shape.
- a cross-section of one of the ribs 164 is shown in FIG. 5 .
- the spaceframe 160 includes an exterior panel 180 coupled to an interior panel 182 .
- Each of the panels 180 , 182 in the exemplary embodiment has a plurality of generally U-shaped channel portion 184 , 184 ′ with flanges 186 , 186 ′ extending outward from each side of the channel portion.
- the exterior panel 180 and interior panel 182 have substantially the same cross-section shape but it is understood that their cross-sectional shapes can be different.
- the exterior panel 180 is joined to the interior panel 182 . More specifically, the flanges 186 of the exterior panel 180 are aligned with and joined to the flanges 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 as explained in more detail below. As a result, the exterior panel 180 and interior panel 182 cooperatively define the plurality of ribs 164 , joints 166 , and openings 168 of the spaceframe 160 . As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 , each of the ribs 164 of the exemplary embodiment of the spaceframe 160 have a generally square (or box) cross-sectional profile but it is understood that the cross-sectional shape of the ribs 164 can be different in alternative embodiments.
- each of the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 are sheet metal or plate metal members. First and second sheets of metal are stamped to form the openings 168 and pressed to form the U-shaped channel portions 184 , 184 ′ and the flanges 186 , 186 ′ for fabricating the respective exterior and interior panels 180 , 182 .
- the exterior panels 180 and interior panels 182 are offset from each other such that their peripheries are not aligned with each other. In other words, the interior panels 182 are staggered with respect to the exterior panels 180 .
- the exterior panel 180 and interior panels 182 are constructed from the same material, with the same thickness, and with the same cross-sectional shape.
- each of the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 of the spaceframe 160 may include a single panel member or a plurality of panel members.
- the spaceframe 160 can be constructed of metal, metal alloys, composites, polymers, and/or combinations thereof.
- the spaceframe 160 is constructed using metal alloys such as an aluminum alloy or a steel alloy.
- the spaceframe 160 is constructed from steel materials that are similar to those used in the automobile and truck industries including mild steel/low carbon steel, dent resistant steel, high strength steel, and heat/treatable/martensitic steels. Mild steel/low carbon steel (MS) has excellent formability, manufacturability, and low cost. Dent resistant steel (DRS) is a low-carbon, higher strength steel. High strength steel (HSS) is used where durability is the primary concern. Complex shapes, however, may be more difficult to manufacture with high strength steel. Heat-treatable/martensitic steel offers high strength-to-weight ratio (used to reduce weight for light-weight designs) but it is expensive.
- spaceframe 160 Other materials can also be used to form the spaceframe 160 .
- medium carbon steel, high carbon steel, alloy steels including Cr, Ni, Si, and Mn may also be used for constructing the spaceframe 160 .
- combinations of different materials may be used to construct the spaceframe 160 .
- the spaceframe 160 may utilize high alloy, high strength steel in higher stress regions and low alloy, low strength, and less expensive steel in lower stress regions.
- the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 each have a thickness between about 6-9 millimeters (mm), which is two or three times greater then the sheet metal or panel metal members typically used in automotive applications (e.g., 2-3 mm) As mentioned above, it is contemplated that the thickness of the exterior panel 180 and/or the interior panel 182 of the spaceframe 160 can vary in different areas of the spaceframe.
- FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a multiple layer spaceframe 260 having an inner layer 290 and an outer layer 292 .
- Each of the inner and outer layers 290 , 292 has substantially the same construction, which is substantially similar to the spaceframe 160 illustrated in FIGS. 3-5 . More specifically, each of the inner and outer layers 290 , 292 includes a plurality of ribs 264 , a plurality of joints 266 , and a plurality of openings 268 that are defined by joining an exterior panel 280 to an interior panel 282 .
- the inner and outer layers 290 , 292 can have different constructions. That is, the inner and outer layers 290 , 292 can have different shapes, be made from different materials, and/or have different thicknesses.
- the nacelle 106 can include the multiple layer structure seen in FIG. 6 in some regions thereof and the single layer structure seen in FIGS. 3-5 in other regions.
- the exterior panel 180 of the spaceframe 160 can be joined to the interior panel 182 in any suitable manner including welding, riveting, and crimping.
- the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 can be joined using a resistance seam welding process.
- a series of overlapping spot welds 302 which collectively form a continuous leak tight joint, are used to join the exterior and interior panels 180 , 182 together.
- the spot welds 302 are made using a pair of rotating copper alloy wheel electrodes 305 .
- one of the wheel electrodes 305 is placed on the flange 186 of the exterior panel 180 and the other wheel electrode 305 is placed on the flange 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 ( FIG. 7A ).
- the wheel electrodes 305 are then moved along the respective flanges 186 , 186 ′ of the exterior and interior panels 180 , 182 .
- the wheel electrodes 305 apply a generally constant compression force to the flanges 186 , 186 ′ and are moved at a generally constant speed.
- the resulting welds 302 include a series of overlapping resistance spot welds made progressively along the length of the flanges 186 , 186 ′.
- the resulting welds 302 have a width (w) that exceeds a thickness (t) of at least one of the flanges 186 , 186 ′ being joined together as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B .
- resistance seam welding can be used to join the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 by welding the two panels together along a continuous generally triangular welding path 315 .
- the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 are welded together along the length of the ribs 164 of the spaceframe 160 as well as through the joints 166 thereof.
- resistance seam welding can be used to join the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 by welding the two panels together along a plurality of discrete generally linear welding paths 320 , 330 , 340 (shown in FIG. 10 ).
- the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 are welded together along the length of the ribs 164 of the spaceframe 160 but not through the associated joints 166 .
- the joints 166 of the spaceframe 160 are free from welds 302 . In another configuration, the joints 166 of the spaceframe 160 are subsequently welded using resistance seam welding or another suitable welding technique. It is contemplated that other welding paths can be used in alternative embodiments.
- Resistance seam welding can by done at high speeds as compared with many other welding techniques. Moreover, resistance seam welding can be used to weld low strength carbon steel plates to high strength carbon steel plates. Thus, when different metals are used to construct the exterior panel 180 , the interior panel 182 , or portions thereof, resistance seam welding can be suitably used to join the panels together.
- Electron beam welding is a fusion welding process that produces coalescence of materials with heat obtained by impinging a beam composed of high energy electrons onto a joint to be welded.
- Laser beam welding is a fusion joining process that produces coalescence of materials with the heat obtained from concentrated beam of coherent, monochromatic light impinging on a joint to be welded.
- Laser beam welding is a low heat input process that produces low part distortion. Because laser beam welding does not use electrodes, the welded metal is free from contamination that may be present when electrodes are used in the welding process. Both electron beam welding and laser beam welding can be focused to a smaller area.
- FIG. 11 illustrates welds 402 that were created from a single-sided high-energy beam welding process (e.g., electron beam welding, laser beam welding).
- the welds 402 securely join the flanges 186 , 186 ′ of the exterior and interior panels 180 , 182 together.
- the high-energy beam acted on the flange 186 of the exterior panel 180 but it is understood that the high-energy beam could have acted on the flange 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 .
- a double-sided high-energy beam welding process can be used to act on the flange 186 of the exterior panel 180 and the flange 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 to create welds 502 (shown in FIG. 12 ) for securely joining the panels together.
- FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a fillet welding process that can be used to join the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 together.
- each of the flanges 186 of the exterior panel 180 are shortened (e.g., by cutting) or formed shorter than the flanges 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 so that the flanges 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 extend outward beyond the flanges 186 of the exterior panel 180 (shown in FIG. 13A ). It is understood that the flanges 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 could have been shortened or formed shorter than the flanges 186 of the exterior panel 180 . As seen in FIG.
- fillet welds 602 which are generally triangular in cross-section, are deposited onto the flanges 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 in corners formed by the flanges 186 of the exterior panel 180 and the flanges 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 .
- the fillet welds 602 penetrate and fuse with the flanges 186 , 186 ′ of both the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 to form the joint.
- the fillet welds 602 are sized to have a height that is approximately equal to a thickness of the flange 186 of the exterior panel 180 (shown in FIG. 13B ). It is understood, however, that the fillet welds 602 can have any suitable size.
- the filler wire includes the same or similar material as the exterior panel 180 and/or the interior panel 182 . It is contemplated that the filler wire can be made from materials different than those of the exterior panel 180 and/or the interior panel 182 .
- Conventional welding processes such as Gas Metal Arc welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc welding (FCAW), Shield Manual Welding (SMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding processes, can be used to form the fillet welds 602 .
- GMAW Gas Metal Arc welding
- FCAW Flux Cored Arc welding
- SMAW Shield Manual Welding
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding processes can be used to form the fillet welds 602 .
- the fillet welds 602 work well with shear stress type of loading.
- FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a fusion welding process that can be used to securely join the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 together.
- each of the flanges 186 , 186 ′ of the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 are tapered and, when engaged, collectively form a generally v-shaped notch 701 .
- external filler wire is added to the generally v-shaped notch 701 to form fusion welds 702 .
- the filler wire comprises the same or similar material as the exterior panel 180 and/or the interior panel 182 . It is contemplated that the filler wire can be made from materials different than those of the exterior panel 180 and/or the interior panel 182 .
- GMAW Gas Metal Arc welding
- FCAW Flux Cored Arc welding
- SMAW Shield Manual Welding
- GTAW Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
- the exterior and interior panels 180 , 182 can also be mechanically joined together, e.g., by using mechanical fasteners (shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B ) or by crimping (shown in FIG. 19 ). As seen in FIG. 15A , a plurality of holes 801 can be drilled or otherwise formed in the flanges 186 , 186 ′ of the exterior and interior panels 180 , 182 . Rivets 802 (or other suitable mechanical fasteners, e.g., bolts, screws) can be inserted through the holes 801 .
- the rivets can collective support tension loads (i.e., loads parallel to the axis of the shafts of the rivets).
- the rivets 802 are more capable of supporting shear loads (i.e., loads perpendicular to the axis of the shafts of the rivets).
- FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a crimpable insert 900 which includes a generally upright wall 902 having a top 904 and a bottom 906 .
- the wall 902 is formed to have a triangular shape to generally match the shape of one or more openings 168 in the spaceframe 160 .
- the wall 902 can have other shapes besides triangular to accommodate other opening shapes in the spaceframe 160 .
- a plurality of upper flanges 908 (three being shown in FIG. 16 ) extend radially outward from the top 904 of the wall 902 and a plurality of lower flanges 910 (one of the three lower flanges being shown in FIG. 17 ) extend downward from the bottom 906 of the wall.
- Each of the lower flanges 910 is bendable about a fold line 912 . It is contemplated that the insert 900 can have more or fewer upper flanges 908 and/or lower flanges 910 .
- the insert 900 is placed in one of the openings 168 formed in the spaceframe 160 so that each of the upper flanges 908 engage one of the flanges 186 of the exterior panel 180 as seen in FIGS. 18 and 19 .
- the lower flanges of the insert 900 extend beyond the flange 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 . It is understood that the insert 900 can be placed into the opening 168 in the opposite direction so that each of the upper flanges 908 engage one of the flanges 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 .
- a suitable bending device such as a push rod R and a support S of a crimping machine (not shown), can be used to bend the lower flange 910 about the fold line 912 so that the lower flange 910 engages the flange 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 .
- FIG. 18 shows the push rod R and the support S and the lower flange 910 of the insert 900 in phantom engaging the flange 186 ′ of the interior panel 182 .
- FIG. 19 illustrate a plurality of inserts 900 being used to secure the exterior panel 180 and the interior panel 182 of the spaceframe 160 together.
- the inserts 900 are specifically designed to provide sufficient clamping load in all primary load paths and direction.
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Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/169,766 filed Jul. 9, 2008 and entitled Spaceframe Wind Turbine Energy Converter Structure, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- The field of the invention relates generally to nacelles for wind turbine generators, and more particularly to a nacelle having a spaceframe fabrication and a method of manufacturing the spaceframe nacelle.
- Wind turbine generators use wind energy to generate electricity and typically include a tower, a nacelle mounted on a top of the tower, and a hub and blade assembly connected to the nacelle. Wind causes the hub and blade assembly to rotate with respect to the nacelle thereby creating mechanical energy that is converted by a generator, which is typically housed in the nacelle, into useable electrical energy. The nacelle encloses the inner workings of the machine head and includes a heavy bedplate that supports the main shaft, bearings and drivetrain components. The bedplate can be fabricated from thick metal plates or cast from molten metal, which adds substantial weight to the top of the tower.
- However, much of the weight of the bedplate and nacelle is excessive in that the nacelle is primarily a non-load bearing enclosure used to keep the weather from directly impacting the various components (e.g., generator) of the wind turbine generator housed therein. The excessive weight of the bedplate and nacelle significantly increases manufacturing cost, transportation cost, assembly cost, and maintenance cost of the wind turbine generator. In addition, the weight of the machine head also impacts the tower structure needed to support it with its attendant costs.
- In one aspect, a nacelle for a wind turbine generator generally includes a spaceframe including at least one exterior panel and at least one interior panel joined to the exterior panel. Each of the exterior and interior panels have a plurality of generally U-shaped channel portions with flanges extending outward from the channel portion. The flanges of the exterior panel are joined to the flanges of the interior panel to define a plurality of ribs, a plurality of joints, and a plurality of openings.
- In another aspect, a nacelle for a wind turbine generator generally comprises a spaceframe including a plurality of ribs, a plurality of joints, and a plurality of openings. The spaceframe comprises at least a first region and a second region. The first region has a first load-bearing strength and the second region has a second load-bearing strength. The first load-bearing strength of the first region is greater than the second load-bearing strength of the second region.
- In still another aspect, a wind turbine generator generally includes a tower, a nacelle rotatably coupled to a tower top for rotational movement with respect to the tower, and a blade and hub assembly operatively coupled to the nacelle. The nacelle includes a spaceframe including at least one exterior panel and at least one interior panel joined to the exterior panel. The exterior panel and interior panel collectively define a plurality of ribs, a plurality of joints, and a plurality of openings.
- In yet another aspect, a method of constructing a spaceframe for a nacelle generally includes stamping a first sheet of metal to form a plurality of openings therein and forming a plurality of generally U-shaped channels with flanges extending outward from the channels in the first sheet of metal. A second sheet of metal is stamped to form a plurality of openings therein and formed to have a plurality of generally U-shaped channels with flanges extending outward from the channels in the second sheet of metal. The U-shaped channels and associated flanges of the first sheet of metal are aligned with the U-shaped channels and associated flanges of the second sheet of metal so that the aligned U-shaped channels cooperatively define a generally box-shaped cross-section and the flanges are in engagement. The flanges of the first sheet of metal and the flanges of the second sheet of metal are securely joined.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wind turbine generator. -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the wind turbine generator ofFIG. 1 with portions broken away to show internal components. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a nacelle of the wind turbine generator with a shell of the nacelle removed to show a spaceframe of the nacelle. -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a small portion of the spaceframe of the nacelle. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a single rib of the spaceframe having an exterior panel and an interior panel. -
FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a small portion of another embodiment of a spaceframe suitable for the nacelle. -
FIGS. 7A-7C are schematic views illustrating one embodiment for joining the exterior panel and the interior panel of the ribs of the spaceframe wherein the exterior and interior panels are joined using resistance seam welding. -
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a single rib of the spaceframe having the exterior panel and the interior panel joined using resistance seam welding. -
FIG. 8B is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view showing the weld joining the exterior panel and the interior panel. -
FIG. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of a small portion of the spaceframe of the nacelle illustrating one suitable pattern in which the exterior panel and the interior panel can be joined using resistance seam welding. -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective of a small portion of the spaceframe of the nacelle illustrating another suitable pattern in which the exterior panel and the interior panel can be joined using resistance seam welding. -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a single rib of the spaceframe having the exterior panel and the interior panel joined using a single-sided high-energy beam welding process (e.g., laser welding, electron beam welding). -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a single rib of the spaceframe having the exterior panel and the interior panel joined using a double-sided high-energy beam welding process. -
FIGS. 13A and 13B are cross-sectional views of a single rib of the spaceframe having the exterior panel and the interior panel joined using fillet welding. -
FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional views of a single rib of the spaceframe having the exterior panel and the interior panel joined using fusion welding. -
FIGS. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional views of a single rib of the spaceframe having the exterior panel and the interior panel mechanically joined using fasteners (e.g., rivets). -
FIG. 16 is a plan view of an insert for crimping the exterior panel and interior panel of the spaceframe together. -
FIG. 17 is an elevation view of the insert ofFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 18 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view showing the insert being crimped about the exterior panel and the interior panel of the spaceframe. -
FIG. 19 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a small portion of the spaceframe of the nacelle illustrating the exterior panel and the interior panel being mechanically joined by crimping portions of the panels together using the insert. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a horizontal axiswind turbine generator 100 having atower 102 extending from a supportingsurface 104, anacelle 106 mounted on thetower 102, and a blade andhub assembly 108 coupled to thenacelle 106. The blade andhub assembly 108 includes a plurality ofblades 112 mounted thereto. In the exemplary embodiment, the blade andhub assembly 108 has threeblades 112, but it is understood that the blade andhub assembly 108 may include more or less than threeblades 112. As seen inFIGS. 1 and 2 , thetower 102, which in the exemplary embodiment is tubular, includes asidewall 114, atop 116, abottom 118, and apassageway 120 that extends from thebottom 118 to thetop 116. Thus, thepassageway 120 in thetower 102 extends between the supportingsurface 104 and thenacelle 106. It is contemplated that other types of wind turbine generators (e.g., vertical axis wind turbine generators) can be used in alternative embodiments. - The
blades 112 are spaced about the blade andhub assembly 108 to facilitate rotating the blade andhub assembly 108 to transfer kinetic energy from the wind into usable mechanical energy, and subsequently, electrical energy. More specifically, as the wind strikes theblades 112, the blade andhub assembly 108 is rotated about itsrotational axis 124. Preferably, theblades 112 are positioned such that they face into the wind. Since the wind direction readily changes, theblades 112, and thereby thenacelle 106, need to be able to rotate with respect to thetower 102 so that the blades can remain substantially facing into the wind. That is, by rotating thenacelle 106, the blades can be rotated such that the wind direction is generally parallel to therotational axis 124 to maximize the amount of wind striking the blades. As such, thenacelle 106 and theblades 112 can rotate with respect to thetower 102 about arotational axis 126 that is generally transverse to the blade and hub assemblyrotational axis 124 and that is substantially coaxial with a longitudinal axis of thetower 102. - A portion of the
nacelle 106 is broken away inFIG. 2 to illustrate some of the components housed in thenacelle 106. In the exemplary embodiment, such components include a low speed rotor shaft 134 (or main shaft) coupled to the blade andhub assembly 108, agearbox 136, ahigh speed shaft 138, and anelectric generator 132. Rotation of the blade andhub assembly 108 causes the lowspeed rotor shaft 134 to rotatably drive thegearbox 136, which in turn, rotates thehigh speed shaft 138. Thehigh speed shaft 138, in turn, rotatably drives thegenerator 132, which produces electricity. Thus, thenacelle 106 houses thegenerator 132 and various other components of thewind turbine generator 100. It is understood that thegenerator 132 and various other components can be different than those illustrated herein in alternative embodiments (e.g., compact geared drive train and direct drive/gearless architectures etc.). - With reference to
FIG. 2 , a plurality ofcables 142 are coupled to thegenerator 132 and to other components housed in thenacelle 106 to transfer the generated electricity from thegenerator 132 to a power grid or other suitable location, and to supply power and controls to thegenerator 132 and associated equipment. Anopening 144 is formed in thenacelle 106 to enable thecables 142 to be routed from thenacelle 106 into thepassageway 120 of thetower 102. Thepassageway 120 in thetower 102 provides an area forcables 142 to be routed from, and into, thenacelle 106 from a location outside of thewind turbine generator 100. Thepassageway 120 and theopening 144 formed in thenacelle 106 may also cooperatively provide a manway for allowing maintenance personnel or other authorized personnel access to thenacelle 106 and the various components housed therein. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , thenacelle 106 includes aspaceframe 160 and ashell 162 that covers the spaceframe. In an exemplary embodiment, theshell 162 comprises a weatherproof, durable fabric covering configured to provide protection for the various components housed in thenacelle 106 from the environment (e.g., the weather). Theshell 162 may also be configured to provide sound-dampening. In one embodiment, theshell 162 can be selected from suitable materials that are poor transmitters of mechanically stimulated acoustic emissions, that will not contribute to machinery noise transmission into the spaceframe, and/or that eliminate “panel” vibration induced sound transmission to the outside environment. It is understood that theshell 162 can be constructed from any suitable material including fabrics, metals, plastics, fiberglass, or combinations thereof. - With reference now to
FIG. 3 , thespaceframe 160 includes a plurality ofribs 164, a plurality ofjoints 166, and a plurality ofopenings 168. As seen inFIG. 3 , most of theopenings 168 in thespaceframe 160 are generally triangular in shape and are defined by threeribs 164 and three associatedjoints 166. Most of thejoints 166 are formed by the convergence of sixribs 164 but it is contemplated that the number ofribs 164 converging at each of thejoints 166 could be more or fewer. Theillustrated spaceframe 160 further includes a plurality of regions (e.g., aback region 170, amiddle region 172, afront region 174, and a transition region 176). It is understood, however, that thespaceframe 160 can have more or fewer regions in alternative embodiments. In one such example, thetransition region 176 of thespaceframe 160, which is provided for connecting thespaceframe 160 to thetower 102, can be omitted. - In one embodiment, the
various regions spaceframe 160 can have different predetermined load-bearing strength characteristics. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3 , the load-bearing strengths of the middle region 172 (broadly, “a first region”), thefront region 174, and thetransition region 176 are greater than the load-bearing strength of the back region 170 (broadly, “a second region”). In the illustrated embodiment, the length of each of theribs 164 is greater in theback region 170 than in theother regions spaceframe 160. As a result, theopenings 168 are larger in theback region 170 than in theother regions back region 170 is exposed to less stress than theother regions spaceframe 160. Thus, areas of thespaceframe 160 exposed to lower stress during use have a wider network pattern, whereas a finer network pattern is used in areas exposed to higher stress during use. - The load-bearing strength of the
various regions spaceframe 160 can be varied in different ways including using a different type of material in each of the different regions, changing the thickness of the material in the different regions, changing the cross-section shape of the material, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, for example, thespaceframe 160 can be constructed of low to medium strength steel in regions of the spaceframe exposed to lower stress during use and high strength steel in regions exposed to higher stress during use. - Moreover, the overall mass of the
spaceframe 160 is considerably less than the mass of nacelles constructed using conventional techniques. For example, a conventional cast or fabricated nacelle for a 7.5 MW wind turbine generator having a bedplate has an average mass of approximately 91.6 metric tons. On the other hand, acomparable spaceframe 160 has an average mass between 21.9 metric tons and about 45.5 metric tons. Accordingly, the average mass of thespaceframe 160 for a 7.5 MW wind turbine generator is approximately 50% to 76% less than the average mass of a conventional nacelle for the same sized wind turbine generator. - The
spaceframe 160 can be optimized, non-optimized, or a continuation thereof. Anoptimized spaceframe 160 includes specifically tailoring thedifferent regions openings 168, the joining method (which are described in detail below), and the thickness and/or type of the material used to make theribs 164 and joints 166. As a result, each of thespecific regions spaceframe 160 can be tailored to have predetermined strength, stiffness, and fatigue life. Thespaceframe 160 is considered to be non-optimized if it has only one size opening or repeating pattern and only one joining method used throughout the structure. Typically, the average mass of the optimizedspaceframe 160 is less than half of that of a comparable non-optimized spaceframe. -
FIG. 4 shows an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a small portion of thespaceframe 160 withseveral ribs 164 being cut-away to show their cross-sectional shape. A cross-section of one of theribs 164 is shown inFIG. 5 . As seen inFIGS. 4 and 5 , thespaceframe 160 includes anexterior panel 180 coupled to aninterior panel 182. Each of thepanels U-shaped channel portion flanges exterior panel 180 andinterior panel 182 have substantially the same cross-section shape but it is understood that their cross-sectional shapes can be different. - The
exterior panel 180 is joined to theinterior panel 182. More specifically, theflanges 186 of theexterior panel 180 are aligned with and joined to theflanges 186′ of theinterior panel 182 as explained in more detail below. As a result, theexterior panel 180 andinterior panel 182 cooperatively define the plurality ofribs 164,joints 166, andopenings 168 of thespaceframe 160. As seen inFIGS. 4 and 5 , each of theribs 164 of the exemplary embodiment of thespaceframe 160 have a generally square (or box) cross-sectional profile but it is understood that the cross-sectional shape of theribs 164 can be different in alternative embodiments. - In the exemplary embodiment, each of the
exterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 are sheet metal or plate metal members. First and second sheets of metal are stamped to form theopenings 168 and pressed to form theU-shaped channel portions flanges interior panels exterior panels 180 andinterior panels 182 are offset from each other such that their peripheries are not aligned with each other. In other words, theinterior panels 182 are staggered with respect to theexterior panels 180. In the illustrated embodiment, theexterior panel 180 andinterior panels 182 are constructed from the same material, with the same thickness, and with the same cross-sectional shape. It is contemplated, however, that the exterior andinterior panels exterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 of thespaceframe 160 may include a single panel member or a plurality of panel members. - The
spaceframe 160, and more particularly the exterior andinterior panels spaceframe 160 is constructed using metal alloys such as an aluminum alloy or a steel alloy. In another embodiment, thespaceframe 160 is constructed from steel materials that are similar to those used in the automobile and truck industries including mild steel/low carbon steel, dent resistant steel, high strength steel, and heat/treatable/martensitic steels. Mild steel/low carbon steel (MS) has excellent formability, manufacturability, and low cost. Dent resistant steel (DRS) is a low-carbon, higher strength steel. High strength steel (HSS) is used where durability is the primary concern. Complex shapes, however, may be more difficult to manufacture with high strength steel. Heat-treatable/martensitic steel offers high strength-to-weight ratio (used to reduce weight for light-weight designs) but it is expensive. - Other materials can also be used to form the
spaceframe 160. For example, medium carbon steel, high carbon steel, alloy steels including Cr, Ni, Si, and Mn, may also be used for constructing thespaceframe 160. In another embodiment, combinations of different materials may be used to construct thespaceframe 160. For example, thespaceframe 160 may utilize high alloy, high strength steel in higher stress regions and low alloy, low strength, and less expensive steel in lower stress regions. In one embodiment, theexterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 each have a thickness between about 6-9 millimeters (mm), which is two or three times greater then the sheet metal or panel metal members typically used in automotive applications (e.g., 2-3 mm) As mentioned above, it is contemplated that the thickness of theexterior panel 180 and/or theinterior panel 182 of thespaceframe 160 can vary in different areas of the spaceframe. -
FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of amultiple layer spaceframe 260 having aninner layer 290 and anouter layer 292. Each of the inner andouter layers spaceframe 160 illustrated inFIGS. 3-5 . More specifically, each of the inner andouter layers ribs 264, a plurality ofjoints 266, and a plurality ofopenings 268 that are defined by joining anexterior panel 280 to aninterior panel 282. It is understood that the inner andouter layers outer layers nacelle 106 can include the multiple layer structure seen inFIG. 6 in some regions thereof and the single layer structure seen inFIGS. 3-5 in other regions. - The
exterior panel 180 of thespaceframe 160 can be joined to theinterior panel 182 in any suitable manner including welding, riveting, and crimping. In one suitable method, which is illustrated inFIGS. 7A-8B , theexterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 can be joined using a resistance seam welding process. In this process, a series of overlappingspot welds 302, which collectively form a continuous leak tight joint, are used to join the exterior andinterior panels FIG. 7A-7C , thespot welds 302 are made using a pair of rotating copperalloy wheel electrodes 305. During the welding process, one of thewheel electrodes 305 is placed on theflange 186 of theexterior panel 180 and theother wheel electrode 305 is placed on theflange 186′ of the interior panel 182 (FIG. 7A ). As seen inFIG. 7B , thewheel electrodes 305 are then moved along therespective flanges interior panels wheel electrodes 305 apply a generally constant compression force to theflanges wheel electrodes 305 as the wheel electrodes are moved along theflanges exterior panel 180 andinterior panel 182 of thespaceframe 160 together. As illustrated inFIG. 7C , the resultingwelds 302 include a series of overlapping resistance spot welds made progressively along the length of theflanges welds 302 have a width (w) that exceeds a thickness (t) of at least one of theflanges FIGS. 8A and 8B . - With reference to
FIG. 9 , resistance seam welding can be used to join theexterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 by welding the two panels together along a continuous generallytriangular welding path 315. In this embodiment, theexterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 are welded together along the length of theribs 164 of thespaceframe 160 as well as through thejoints 166 thereof. In another embodiment, resistance seam welding can be used to join theexterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 by welding the two panels together along a plurality of discrete generallylinear welding paths FIG. 10 ). In this embodiment, theexterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 are welded together along the length of theribs 164 of thespaceframe 160 but not through the associated joints 166. In one configuration, thejoints 166 of thespaceframe 160 are free fromwelds 302. In another configuration, thejoints 166 of thespaceframe 160 are subsequently welded using resistance seam welding or another suitable welding technique. It is contemplated that other welding paths can be used in alternative embodiments. - Resistance seam welding can by done at high speeds as compared with many other welding techniques. Moreover, resistance seam welding can be used to weld low strength carbon steel plates to high strength carbon steel plates. Thus, when different metals are used to construct the
exterior panel 180, theinterior panel 182, or portions thereof, resistance seam welding can be suitably used to join the panels together. - Another suitable welding technique that can be used to join the
exterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 of thespaceframe 160 is a high-energy beam welding process such as electron beam welding or laser beam welding. Electron beam welding is a fusion welding process that produces coalescence of materials with heat obtained by impinging a beam composed of high energy electrons onto a joint to be welded. Laser beam welding is a fusion joining process that produces coalescence of materials with the heat obtained from concentrated beam of coherent, monochromatic light impinging on a joint to be welded. Laser beam welding is a low heat input process that produces low part distortion. Because laser beam welding does not use electrodes, the welded metal is free from contamination that may be present when electrodes are used in the welding process. Both electron beam welding and laser beam welding can be focused to a smaller area. -
FIG. 11 illustrateswelds 402 that were created from a single-sided high-energy beam welding process (e.g., electron beam welding, laser beam welding). Thewelds 402 securely join theflanges interior panels flange 186 of theexterior panel 180 but it is understood that the high-energy beam could have acted on theflange 186′ of theinterior panel 182. In another embodiment, a double-sided high-energy beam welding process can be used to act on theflange 186 of theexterior panel 180 and theflange 186′ of theinterior panel 182 to create welds 502 (shown inFIG. 12 ) for securely joining the panels together. -
FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a fillet welding process that can be used to join theexterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 together. In the illustrated embodiment, each of theflanges 186 of theexterior panel 180 are shortened (e.g., by cutting) or formed shorter than theflanges 186′ of theinterior panel 182 so that theflanges 186′ of theinterior panel 182 extend outward beyond theflanges 186 of the exterior panel 180 (shown inFIG. 13A ). It is understood that theflanges 186′ of theinterior panel 182 could have been shortened or formed shorter than theflanges 186 of theexterior panel 180. As seen inFIG. 13B , fillet welds 602, which are generally triangular in cross-section, are deposited onto theflanges 186′ of theinterior panel 182 in corners formed by theflanges 186 of theexterior panel 180 and theflanges 186′ of theinterior panel 182. The fillet welds 602 penetrate and fuse with theflanges exterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 to form the joint. In one embodiment, the fillet welds 602 are sized to have a height that is approximately equal to a thickness of theflange 186 of the exterior panel 180 (shown inFIG. 13B ). It is understood, however, that the fillet welds 602 can have any suitable size. - During the fillet welding process, external filler wire can be added. In one embodiment, the filler wire includes the same or similar material as the
exterior panel 180 and/or theinterior panel 182. It is contemplated that the filler wire can be made from materials different than those of theexterior panel 180 and/or theinterior panel 182. Conventional welding processes, such as Gas Metal Arc welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc welding (FCAW), Shield Manual Welding (SMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding processes, can be used to form the fillet welds 602. Typically, the fillet welds 602 work well with shear stress type of loading. -
FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a fusion welding process that can be used to securely join theexterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 together. In the illustrated embodiment, each of theflanges exterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 are tapered and, when engaged, collectively form a generally v-shapednotch 701. During the fusion welding process, external filler wire is added to the generally v-shapednotch 701 to form fusion welds 702. In one embodiment, the filler wire comprises the same or similar material as theexterior panel 180 and/or theinterior panel 182. It is contemplated that the filler wire can be made from materials different than those of theexterior panel 180 and/or theinterior panel 182. Conventional welding processes, such as Gas Metal Arc welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc welding (FCAW), Shield Manual Welding (SMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding processes, can be used to form the fusion welds 702. - The exterior and
interior panels FIGS. 15A and 15B ) or by crimping (shown inFIG. 19 ). As seen inFIG. 15A , a plurality ofholes 801 can be drilled or otherwise formed in theflanges interior panels holes 801. Because there is effectively a head on each end of each of the installedrivets 802, the rivets can collective support tension loads (i.e., loads parallel to the axis of the shafts of the rivets). However, therivets 802 are more capable of supporting shear loads (i.e., loads perpendicular to the axis of the shafts of the rivets). -
FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate acrimpable insert 900 which includes a generallyupright wall 902 having a top 904 and a bottom 906. Thewall 902 is formed to have a triangular shape to generally match the shape of one ormore openings 168 in thespaceframe 160. Thewall 902 can have other shapes besides triangular to accommodate other opening shapes in thespaceframe 160. A plurality of upper flanges 908 (three being shown inFIG. 16 ) extend radially outward from the top 904 of thewall 902 and a plurality of lower flanges 910 (one of the three lower flanges being shown inFIG. 17 ) extend downward from thebottom 906 of the wall. Each of thelower flanges 910 is bendable about afold line 912. It is contemplated that theinsert 900 can have more or fewerupper flanges 908 and/orlower flanges 910. - In use, the
insert 900 is placed in one of theopenings 168 formed in thespaceframe 160 so that each of theupper flanges 908 engage one of theflanges 186 of theexterior panel 180 as seen inFIGS. 18 and 19 . As illustrated inFIG. 18 with respect to one of the threelower flanges 910, the lower flanges of theinsert 900 extend beyond theflange 186′ of theinterior panel 182. It is understood that theinsert 900 can be placed into theopening 168 in the opposite direction so that each of theupper flanges 908 engage one of theflanges 186′ of theinterior panel 182. A suitable bending device, such as a push rod R and a support S of a crimping machine (not shown), can be used to bend thelower flange 910 about thefold line 912 so that thelower flange 910 engages theflange 186′ of theinterior panel 182.FIG. 18 shows the push rod R and the support S and thelower flange 910 of theinsert 900 in phantom engaging theflange 186′ of theinterior panel 182.FIG. 19 illustrate a plurality ofinserts 900 being used to secure theexterior panel 180 and theinterior panel 182 of thespaceframe 160 together. Theinserts 900 are specifically designed to provide sufficient clamping load in all primary load paths and direction. - This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/494,666 US20100192504A1 (en) | 2008-07-09 | 2009-06-30 | Spaceframe nacelle for a wind turbine generator and method of manufacturing the spaceframe nacelle |
EP10166697A EP2273108A2 (en) | 2009-06-30 | 2010-06-21 | Spaceframe nacelle for a wind turbine generator and method of manufacturing the spaceframe nacelle |
CN2010102270384A CN101936266A (en) | 2009-06-30 | 2010-06-30 | Spaceframe nacelle for a wind turbine generator and method of manufacturing the spaceframe nacelle |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/169,766 US8182234B2 (en) | 2008-07-09 | 2008-07-09 | Spaceframe wind turbine energy converter structure |
US12/494,666 US20100192504A1 (en) | 2008-07-09 | 2009-06-30 | Spaceframe nacelle for a wind turbine generator and method of manufacturing the spaceframe nacelle |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/169,766 Continuation-In-Part US8182234B2 (en) | 2008-07-09 | 2008-07-09 | Spaceframe wind turbine energy converter structure |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100192504A1 true US20100192504A1 (en) | 2010-08-05 |
Family
ID=42542716
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/494,666 Abandoned US20100192504A1 (en) | 2008-07-09 | 2009-06-30 | Spaceframe nacelle for a wind turbine generator and method of manufacturing the spaceframe nacelle |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100192504A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2273108A2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101936266A (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130183162A1 (en) * | 2012-01-17 | 2013-07-18 | General Electric Company | Nacelle for wind turbine |
US20140130440A1 (en) * | 2011-06-16 | 2014-05-15 | Bassoe Technology Ab | Drilling derrick for offshore drilling incorporating a stressed-skin and offshore platform |
US20220064937A1 (en) * | 2018-12-20 | 2022-03-03 | Vestas Offshore Wind A/S | Tower element with platform and fixation element |
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- 2010-06-30 CN CN2010102270384A patent/CN101936266A/en active Pending
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US20140130440A1 (en) * | 2011-06-16 | 2014-05-15 | Bassoe Technology Ab | Drilling derrick for offshore drilling incorporating a stressed-skin and offshore platform |
US20130183162A1 (en) * | 2012-01-17 | 2013-07-18 | General Electric Company | Nacelle for wind turbine |
US20220064937A1 (en) * | 2018-12-20 | 2022-03-03 | Vestas Offshore Wind A/S | Tower element with platform and fixation element |
US11781313B2 (en) * | 2018-12-20 | 2023-10-10 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Tower element with platform and fixation element |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2273108A2 (en) | 2011-01-12 |
CN101936266A (en) | 2011-01-05 |
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Owner name: GE WIND ENERGY GMBH, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SUBRAMANIAN, SHANMUGA-PRIYAN;REEL/FRAME:024477/0794 Effective date: 20090715 Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WILLEY, LAWRENCE;SATHIAN, SUJITH;SIGNING DATES FROM 20090123 TO 20090714;REEL/FRAME:024477/0770 |
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Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GE WIND ENERGY GMBH;REEL/FRAME:024688/0917 Effective date: 20100519 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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