WO2012038309A2 - A wind turbine tower - Google Patents

A wind turbine tower Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012038309A2
WO2012038309A2 PCT/EP2011/065901 EP2011065901W WO2012038309A2 WO 2012038309 A2 WO2012038309 A2 WO 2012038309A2 EP 2011065901 W EP2011065901 W EP 2011065901W WO 2012038309 A2 WO2012038309 A2 WO 2012038309A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wind turbine
clamp
turbine tower
joint clamp
tower according
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2011/065901
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2012038309A3 (en
Inventor
Thomas Oestergaard
Poul Skjaerbaek
Henrik Stiesdal
Original Assignee
Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Aktiengesellschaft filed Critical Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Priority to EP11757299.0A priority Critical patent/EP2598751A2/en
Publication of WO2012038309A2 publication Critical patent/WO2012038309A2/en
Publication of WO2012038309A3 publication Critical patent/WO2012038309A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L23/00—Flanged joints
    • F16L23/04—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane
    • F16L23/08—Flanged joints the flanges being connected by members tensioned in the radial plane connection by tangentially arranged pin and nut
    • 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
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
    • E04H12/02—Structures made of specified materials
    • E04H12/08—Structures made of specified materials of metal
    • E04H12/085—Details of flanges for tubular masts
    • 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
    • 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
    • F05B2230/60—Assembly methods
    • 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
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/91—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure
    • F05B2240/912—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure on a tower
    • F05B2240/9121—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure on a tower on a lattice tower
    • 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
    • F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
    • F05B2240/95—Mounting on supporting structures or systems offshore
    • 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
    • Y02E10/727—Offshore 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

  • a wind turbine tower The present invention relates to a wind turbine tower with a support structure comprising interconnected tubes.
  • monopole foundations consist of a steel pile which is driven into the seabed.
  • Gravity foundations consist of a large base constructed from either concrete or steel or a combination, which rests on the seabed. The wind turbine is dependent on gravity to remain erect.
  • Tripod foun ⁇ dations consist of three legs comprising piles on each end which are driven into the seabed. This type is generally used at deeper depths.
  • Each foundation has specific advantages in relation to water depths, materials used, design complexity and costs.
  • EP 1 867 790 Al proposes a jacket type supporting structure for wind turbines.
  • the jacket structure consists of plural connects rods which form a framework.
  • a jacket structure is a steel structure where all parts are welded to ⁇ gether at three dimensional connections at central connection j oints .
  • Common to these various types of support structures is that they are especially designed for each individual wind turbine and for each individual installation site, primarily due to varying water depths at the installation sites and to factors such as conditions of the seabed.
  • a tripod foundation com- prises bases which are usually of different diameter and length dimensions for each construction.
  • Jacket structures are normally made from steel tubes with a diameter typically 0.5 to 1.5 meters welded together. For tripod structures typically steel tubes are welded together which are 1.0 to 5.0 meters in diameter. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a wind turbine tower with interconnected tubes, whereby the connections can be established easier.
  • each two tubes are connected by a joint clamp being attached to flanges at end sections of the tubes.
  • the inventive idea to use joint clamps for connecting two end sections of tubes has the advantage that the use of compli ⁇ cated welding robots which are expensive and difficult to program is not necessary. Another advantage is that the tubes can be connected easily on-site, therefore large special on ⁇ shore facilities are not required. In turn the inventive wind turbine tower is cost-effective.
  • the flanges and the joint clamp are provided with oppositely facing inclined surfaces. Due to the inclined sur- faces the two tubes which are connected together are tight ⁇ ened when the joint clamp is attached, further the inclined surfaces ensure a rigid and stable connection between flanges of the tubes and the joint clamp. It is preferred that the flanges are provided with contacting areas being forced to contact by the joint clamp.
  • a joint clamp comprises two semi-circular clamp parts being connected by a fastening means.
  • the semi-circular clamp parts enables an easier attachment of the joint clamp.
  • the fastening means comprises threaded bolts being inserted in through holes of the joint clamp. Accordingly after positioning the semi-circular clamp parts threaded bolts are inserted which ensure a stable connection.
  • joint clamp is provided with protrusions for fixing a holding means.
  • joint clamp may be provided with through holes for fixing a holding means.
  • the holding means is a band being wrapped around said protru ⁇ sions or alternatively threaded through said through holes. Subsequently the fastening means, in particular the threaded bolts, may be removed when the joint clamp is fixed by the holding means.
  • the joint clamp may be self-locking through static friction between contacting surfaces. In this case no further fastening means is necessary, therefore a self-locking joint clamp is easy to install and cost effective.
  • the joint clamp may comprise a groove at its outer surface for accommodating a holding means, in particular a band. The groove prevents the band from getting out of place.
  • a tongue/groove arrangement may be provided at the joint clamp and the flanges. This arrangement fixates the clamp and hinders the clamp to be displaced.
  • the joint clamp may comprise several clamp segments distributed in circumferential direction. By the segmentation of the clamp it is ensured that the clamp parts are of handable sizes so that they can be carried and handled manually by installation personnel.
  • the clamp segments are estab ⁇ lished by an apparatus comprising two aws each holding a number of clamp segments. These aws are part of an installa ⁇ tion apparatus which holds the clamp segments which are sub ⁇ sequently readily pressed to be established on the flanges.
  • Fig. 1 shows a detail of a support structure of an inven ⁇ tive wind turbine
  • Fig. 2 shows a joint clamp
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional view and shows a joint clamp
  • Fig. 4 and 5 show the installation of a joint clamp
  • Fig. 6 shows a joint clamp
  • Fig. 7 shows a detail of a joint clamp of a support struc ⁇ ture ;
  • Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of a joint clamp
  • Fig. 9 and 10 show another embodiment of a joint clamp
  • Fig. 11 shows another embodiment of tubes being connected by a joint clamp
  • Fig. 12 is a sectional view and shows a segmented clamp
  • Fig. 13 shows an installation apparatus
  • Fig. 14 shows the installation apparatus in a closed state
  • Fig. 15 shows another embodiment of a joint clamp during installation .
  • Fig. 1 shows a detail of a jacket support structure 1, com ⁇ prising a plurality of tubes 2 which are connected to another tube 3 in the form of a node member. Each two tubes 2, 3 are fastened by a joint clamp 4.
  • Fig. 2 shows the joint clamp 4 in a perspective view. Basi ⁇ cally the joint clamp 4 comprises two semi-circular parts 5, 6 with through holes 7 for threaded bolts. As can be seen in Fig. 2 the joint clamp 4 has a circular opening 8 and can be installed around a connection of two tubes.
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional view of joint clamp.
  • Tube 2 is provided with a flange 9 at its end section
  • tube 3 is provided with a flange 10 at its end section.
  • the joint clamp 4 can be at ⁇ tached to the flanges 9, 10 of the tubes 2, 3.
  • the flanges 9, 10 have inclined surfaces 11, 12 which correspond to oppo ⁇ sitely facing inclined surfaces 13, 14 of the joint clamp 4.
  • Fig. 4 and 5 show the installation of the joint clamp 4 so that a connection between tubes 2, 3 is established.
  • the joint clamp 4 When the joint clamp 4 is tightened around the flanges 9, 10 its bainin- ner diameter" decreases. This in turn causes the inner inclined surfaces 13, 14 of the joint clamp 4 to engage the outer inclined surfaces 11, 12 of flanges 9, 10.
  • Arrows 15, 16 in Fig. 4 indicate that upon a radial movement of joint clamp 4 the flanges 9, 10 are forced to contact.
  • Fig. 5 shows the tubes 2, 3 interconnected by the joint clamp 4.
  • Fig. 6 shows the joint clamp 4 being tightened and held in place by a fastening means.
  • the fastening means is a threaded bolt 17 which is inserted through the openings 8 of the semi-circular parts 5, 6.
  • Fig. 7 shows a detail of a joint clamp 18 of a support struc ⁇ ture.
  • the joint clamp 18 is provided with protrusions 19 at its outer side for fixing a holding means.
  • a fastening means in this case a threaded bolt 17 is used as fastening means.
  • a hold ⁇ ing means in this case a band 20, is wrapped around the pro ⁇ trusions 19 at the outer side of the joint clamp 18 and the band 20 is tightened and locked.
  • the fastening means namely the threaded bolt 17, can be removed whereby the band 20 keeps the joint clamp 18 tightened. Accordingly the joint clamp 18 is held in place by the band 20, the fastening means can in turn be dismounted and used for another joint clamp connection. Accordingly the installation of the support structure of a wind turbine is cost reductive.
  • Fig. 8 shows a detail of a connection of two tubes 2, 3 using a joint clamp 21.
  • the inclined surfaces of the tubes 2, 3 and the opposite inclined surfaces of the joint clamp 21 are matching.
  • the inclined surfaces are surface treated in order to in ⁇ crease the static friction.
  • a band 22 is wrapped around the joint clamp 21 in order to secure the tubes 2, 3 in position after installation. Consequently the tubes 2, 3 are held in place by the band 22 and the tubes 2, 3 cannot loosen or be de-attached until the band 22 is removed.
  • the joint clamp 21 comprises a groove 23 at its outer side which accommodates the band 22.
  • Fig. 8 and 9 show another detail of a support structure of a wind turbine tower whereby a tongue/groove arrangement is provided at the joinet clamp and the flanges. Both flanges 23, 24 are provided with tongues 25 in the form of a protru- sion which fits into a groove 26 of the joint clamp 27.
  • the tongue/groove arrangement fixates the joint clamp 27 and hin ⁇ ders it to be displaced.
  • a fastening means can in turn be re ⁇ moved and used for another clamp connection.
  • Fig. 10 shows the connection of fig. 9 in the installed state.
  • Fig. 11 shows a detail of another embodiment of a support structure whereby flanges 28, 29 are formed as matching tongue and groove. Accordingly a correct and secure connec ⁇ tion between two tubes is established.
  • Fig. 12 is an axial sectional view and shows as segmented joint clamp 30.
  • the joint clamp 30 comprises several clamp segments 31 distributed in circumferential direction.
  • the single joint clamps 31 are equally distributed around the joint holding the interconnected tubes 32 together.
  • the clamp segments 31 are established in the joint clamp 30 in one parallel process, alternatively they may be established one at a time e. g. in series.
  • Fig. 13 shows an installation apparatus comprising "jaws" 33, 34 which each hold a number of clamp segments 31.
  • the appara- tus 35 is positioned at flanges 36 of two tubes which are to be interconnected. Subsequently the jaws 33, 34 are closed so that the clamp segments 31 are radially pressed to be estab- lished on the flanges 36 by a hydraulic means which is con ⁇ nected by hoses 37 to an external hydraulic control 38.
  • the hydraulic control 38 which is used for opening and clos ⁇ ing the aws 33, 34 of the apparatus 35 is very fast operat ⁇ ing .
  • Fig. 14 shows the installation apparatus in a closed state.
  • the clamp segments 31 are firstly established “loosely” on their correct position around the joint of the flange 36. Subsequently the jaws 33, 34 are positioned around the clamp segments 31 and the hydraulic control 38 drives the jaws 33, 34 so that the clamp segments 31 are forced to their final established position.
  • Fig. 15 shows another embodiment of a joint clamp during in- stallation which is used for a support structure of a wind turbine tower.
  • the clamp segments 31 are first established in jaw inserts 39, 40 which are inserts that can be loosely in ⁇ serted in the jaws 33, 34.
  • the jaw inserts 39, 40 are grabbed by the jaws 33, 34.
  • the jaw inserts 39, 40 can be removed from the joint of jaws 33, 34 whereby two steps can be made: the jaws 33, 34 are ready for receiving other jaw inserts 39, 40 already loaded with clamp segments and the "used" jaw inserts can be re-loaded with clamp seg- ments.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Wind Motors (AREA)
  • Clamps And Clips (AREA)

Abstract

A wind turbine tower with a support structure comprising interconnected tubes, where by each two tubes are connected by a joint clamp being attached to flanges at end sections of the tubes.

Description

Description
A wind turbine tower The present invention relates to a wind turbine tower with a support structure comprising interconnected tubes.
Support structures for offshore wind turbines have to cope with both wind and hydrodynamic loading including a highly complex dynamic behaviour from the wind turbine. In existent offshore wind turbines installations with different founda¬ tions are common: monopole foundations consist of a steel pile which is driven into the seabed. Gravity foundations consist of a large base constructed from either concrete or steel or a combination, which rests on the seabed. The wind turbine is dependent on gravity to remain erect. Tripod foun¬ dations consist of three legs comprising piles on each end which are driven into the seabed. This type is generally used at deeper depths. Each foundation has specific advantages in relation to water depths, materials used, design complexity and costs.
EP 1 867 790 Al proposes a jacket type supporting structure for wind turbines. The jacket structure consists of plural connects rods which form a framework. In general a jacket structure is a steel structure where all parts are welded to¬ gether at three dimensional connections at central connection j oints . Common to these various types of support structures is that they are especially designed for each individual wind turbine and for each individual installation site, primarily due to varying water depths at the installation sites and to factors such as conditions of the seabed. A tripod foundation com- prises bases which are usually of different diameter and length dimensions for each construction. Jacket structures are normally made from steel tubes with a diameter typically 0.5 to 1.5 meters welded together. For tripod structures typically steel tubes are welded together which are 1.0 to 5.0 meters in diameter. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a wind turbine tower with interconnected tubes, whereby the connections can be established easier.
According to the present invention this object is achieved in the above defined wind turbine tower in that each two tubes are connected by a joint clamp being attached to flanges at end sections of the tubes.
The inventive idea to use joint clamps for connecting two end sections of tubes has the advantage that the use of compli¬ cated welding robots which are expensive and difficult to program is not necessary. Another advantage is that the tubes can be connected easily on-site, therefore large special on¬ shore facilities are not required. In turn the inventive wind turbine tower is cost-effective.
According to a further development of the inventive wind tur¬ bine tower the flanges and the joint clamp are provided with oppositely facing inclined surfaces. Due to the inclined sur- faces the two tubes which are connected together are tight¬ ened when the joint clamp is attached, further the inclined surfaces ensure a rigid and stable connection between flanges of the tubes and the joint clamp. It is preferred that the flanges are provided with contacting areas being forced to contact by the joint clamp.
In the inventive wind turbine tower it is preferred that a joint clamp comprises two semi-circular clamp parts being connected by a fastening means. Use of the semi-circular clamp parts enables an easier attachment of the joint clamp. In the inventive wind turbine tower it is preferred that the fastening means comprises threaded bolts being inserted in through holes of the joint clamp. Accordingly after positioning the semi-circular clamp parts threaded bolts are inserted which ensure a stable connection.
An even better connection can be achieved when the joint clamp is provided with protrusions for fixing a holding means. As an alternative the joint clamp may be provided with through holes for fixing a holding means.
In the inventive wind turbine tower it can be envisaged that the holding means is a band being wrapped around said protru¬ sions or alternatively threaded through said through holes. Subsequently the fastening means, in particular the threaded bolts, may be removed when the joint clamp is fixed by the holding means.
In the inventive wind turbine tower the joint clamp may be self-locking through static friction between contacting surfaces. In this case no further fastening means is necessary, therefore a self-locking joint clamp is easy to install and cost effective. According to a further development of the inventive wind tur¬ bine tower the joint clamp may comprise a groove at its outer surface for accommodating a holding means, in particular a band. The groove prevents the band from getting out of place. As an alternative a tongue/groove arrangement may be provided at the joint clamp and the flanges. This arrangement fixates the clamp and hinders the clamp to be displaced.
In order to further simplify the installation of the inven- tive wind turbine tower the joint clamp may comprise several clamp segments distributed in circumferential direction. By the segmentation of the clamp it is ensured that the clamp parts are of handable sizes so that they can be carried and handled manually by installation personnel.
It can also be envisaged that the clamp segments are estab¬ lished by an apparatus comprising two aws each holding a number of clamp segments. These aws are part of an installa¬ tion apparatus which holds the clamp segments which are sub¬ sequently readily pressed to be established on the flanges.
The invention and its underlying principle will be better understood when consteration is given to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.
In the accompanying drawings :
Fig. 1 shows a detail of a support structure of an inven¬ tive wind turbine;
Fig. 2 shows a joint clamp;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view and shows a joint clamp;
Fig. 4 and 5 show the installation of a joint clamp;
Fig. 6 shows a joint clamp;
Fig. 7 shows a detail of a joint clamp of a support struc¬ ture ;
Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of a joint clamp;
Fig. 9 and 10 show another embodiment of a joint clamp;
Fig. 11 shows another embodiment of tubes being connected by a joint clamp;
Fig. 12 is a sectional view and shows a segmented clamp; Fig. 13 shows an installation apparatus;
Fig. 14 shows the installation apparatus in a closed state;
and
Fig. 15 shows another embodiment of a joint clamp during installation . Fig. 1 shows a detail of a jacket support structure 1, com¬ prising a plurality of tubes 2 which are connected to another tube 3 in the form of a node member. Each two tubes 2, 3 are fastened by a joint clamp 4. Fig. 2 shows the joint clamp 4 in a perspective view. Basi¬ cally the joint clamp 4 comprises two semi-circular parts 5, 6 with through holes 7 for threaded bolts. As can be seen in Fig. 2 the joint clamp 4 has a circular opening 8 and can be installed around a connection of two tubes.
Fig. 3 is a sectional view of joint clamp. Tube 2 is provided with a flange 9 at its end section, tube 3 is provided with a flange 10 at its end section. The joint clamp 4 can be at¬ tached to the flanges 9, 10 of the tubes 2, 3. The flanges 9, 10 have inclined surfaces 11, 12 which correspond to oppo¬ sitely facing inclined surfaces 13, 14 of the joint clamp 4.
Fig. 4 and 5 show the installation of the joint clamp 4 so that a connection between tubes 2, 3 is established. When the joint clamp 4 is tightened around the flanges 9, 10 its „in- ner diameter" decreases. This in turn causes the inner inclined surfaces 13, 14 of the joint clamp 4 to engage the outer inclined surfaces 11, 12 of flanges 9, 10. Arrows 15, 16 in Fig. 4 indicate that upon a radial movement of joint clamp 4 the flanges 9, 10 are forced to contact. Fig. 5 shows the tubes 2, 3 interconnected by the joint clamp 4. Fig. 6 shows the joint clamp 4 being tightened and held in place by a fastening means. In this embodiment the fastening means is a threaded bolt 17 which is inserted through the openings 8 of the semi-circular parts 5, 6.
Fig. 7 shows a detail of a joint clamp 18 of a support struc¬ ture. The joint clamp 18 is provided with protrusions 19 at its outer side for fixing a holding means. Firstly the joint clamp 18 is tightened by a fastening means, in this case a threaded bolt 17 is used as fastening means. Secondly a hold¬ ing means, in this case a band 20, is wrapped around the pro¬ trusions 19 at the outer side of the joint clamp 18 and the band 20 is tightened and locked. Thirdly the fastening means, namely the threaded bolt 17, can be removed whereby the band 20 keeps the joint clamp 18 tightened. Accordingly the joint clamp 18 is held in place by the band 20, the fastening means can in turn be dismounted and used for another joint clamp connection. Accordingly the installation of the support structure of a wind turbine is cost reductive.
Similar embodiments are possible whereby the protrusions may be replaced by through holes through which the band is threaded . Fig. 8 shows a detail of a connection of two tubes 2, 3 using a joint clamp 21. As can be seen in fig. 8 the inclined surfaces of the tubes 2, 3 and the opposite inclined surfaces of the joint clamp 21 are matching. When the inclined surfaces are engaged static friction between the inclined surfaces holds the joint clamp 21 in place. Subsequently a fastening means can in turn be removed and used for other connections. The inclined surfaces are surface treated in order to in¬ crease the static friction. In the embodiment of fig. 8 a band 22 is wrapped around the joint clamp 21 in order to secure the tubes 2, 3 in position after installation. Consequently the tubes 2, 3 are held in place by the band 22 and the tubes 2, 3 cannot loosen or be de-attached until the band 22 is removed. The joint clamp 21 comprises a groove 23 at its outer side which accommodates the band 22.
Fig. 8 and 9 show another detail of a support structure of a wind turbine tower whereby a tongue/groove arrangement is provided at the joinet clamp and the flanges. Both flanges 23, 24 are provided with tongues 25 in the form of a protru- sion which fits into a groove 26 of the joint clamp 27. The tongue/groove arrangement fixates the joint clamp 27 and hin¬ ders it to be displaced. A fastening means can in turn be re¬ moved and used for another clamp connection. Fig. 10 shows the connection of fig. 9 in the installed state.
Fig. 11 shows a detail of another embodiment of a support structure whereby flanges 28, 29 are formed as matching tongue and groove. Accordingly a correct and secure connec¬ tion between two tubes is established.
Fig. 12 is an axial sectional view and shows as segmented joint clamp 30. The joint clamp 30 comprises several clamp segments 31 distributed in circumferential direction. The single joint clamps 31 are equally distributed around the joint holding the interconnected tubes 32 together. By the segmentation of the joint clamp 30 it is ensured that the clamp segments 31 are of handable sizes so that they can be carried and handled manually by installation personel. The clamp segments 31 are established in the joint clamp 30 in one parallel process, alternatively they may be established one at a time e. g. in series.
Fig. 13 shows an installation apparatus comprising "jaws" 33, 34 which each hold a number of clamp segments 31. The appara- tus 35 is positioned at flanges 36 of two tubes which are to be interconnected. Subsequently the jaws 33, 34 are closed so that the clamp segments 31 are radially pressed to be estab- lished on the flanges 36 by a hydraulic means which is con¬ nected by hoses 37 to an external hydraulic control 38.
By using the apparatus 35 a fast installation of the clamp segments 31 is ensured, further the clamp segments 31 can be established on the flanges 36 by a sufficient pressure force. The hydraulic control 38 which is used for opening and clos¬ ing the aws 33, 34 of the apparatus 35 is very fast operat¬ ing .
Fig. 14 shows the installation apparatus in a closed state. The clamp segments 31 are firstly established "loosely" on their correct position around the joint of the flange 36. Subsequently the jaws 33, 34 are positioned around the clamp segments 31 and the hydraulic control 38 drives the jaws 33, 34 so that the clamp segments 31 are forced to their final established position.
Fig. 15 shows another embodiment of a joint clamp during in- stallation which is used for a support structure of a wind turbine tower. The clamp segments 31 are first established in jaw inserts 39, 40 which are inserts that can be loosely in¬ serted in the jaws 33, 34. For installation the jaw inserts 39, 40 are grabbed by the jaws 33, 34. Once the clamp seg- ments 31 are established at the joint the jaw inserts 39, 40 can be removed from the joint of jaws 33, 34 whereby two steps can be made: the jaws 33, 34 are ready for receiving other jaw inserts 39, 40 already loaded with clamp segments and the "used" jaw inserts can be re-loaded with clamp seg- ments. Subsequently a plurality of jaw inserts can continu¬ ously be prepared and loaded with clamp segments while the apparatus comprising the jaws can be fed with loaded jaw in¬ serts and installed at the joints. Accordingly the loading and mounting of clamps can be performed in parallel instead of in serious so that time is saved and the installation is cost effective. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiment, the present in¬ vention is not limited by the disclosed examples from which the skilled person is able to derive other variations without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims
1. A wind turbine tower with a support structure comprising interconnected tubes, characterized in that each two tubes are connected by a joint clamp being attached to flanges at end sections of the tubes.
2. A wind turbine tower according to claim 1, characterized in that the flanges and the joint clamp are provided with op- positely facing inclined surfaces.
3. A wind turbine tower according to claims 1 or 2, charac¬ terized in that the flanges are provided with contacting ar¬ eas being forced to contact by the joint clamp.
4. A wind turbine tower according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a joint clamp comprises two semi-circular clamp parts being connected by a fastening means .
5. A wind turbine tower according to claim 4, characterized in that the fastening means comprises threaded bolts being inserted in through holes of the joint clamp.
6. A wind turbine tower according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint clamp is provided with protrusions for fixing a holding means.
7. A wind turbine tower according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint clamp is provided with through holes for fixing a holding means.
8. A wind turbine tower according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the holding means is a band being wrapped around said protrusions or threaded through said through holes .
9. A wind turbine tower according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint clamp is self-locking through static friction between contacting surfaces.
10. A wind turbine tower according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint clamp comprises a groove at its outer surface for accommodating a holding means, in particular a band.
11. A wind turbine tower according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a tongue/groove arrangement is provided at the joint clamp and the flanges.
12. A wind turbine tower according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flanges are formed as matching tongue and groove.
13. A wind turbine tower according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint clamp comprises sev- eral clamp segments distributed in circumferential direction.
14. A wind turbine tower according to claim 13, characterized in that the clamp segments are established by an appara¬ tus comprising two jaws each holding a number of clamp seg- ments.
PCT/EP2011/065901 2010-09-21 2011-09-14 A wind turbine tower WO2012038309A2 (en)

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US20100129221A1 (en) * 2007-04-24 2010-05-27 Tidal Generation Limited Underwater structures
US20150068150A1 (en) * 2013-05-22 2015-03-12 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Flange assembly for a tower segment
GB2550960A (en) * 2016-06-03 2017-12-06 Afglobal Uk Ltd Pipe connecting apparatus
CN111765050A (en) * 2020-07-02 2020-10-13 格洛科能源科技(上海)有限公司 Connecting structure between wind driven generator tower barrel fragments
CN115324410A (en) * 2022-09-02 2022-11-11 山东建筑大学 Steel pipe tower wind vibration control device and steel pipe tower

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JP2001003459A (en) * 1999-06-24 2001-01-09 Sumitomo Metal Ind Ltd Pipe joint for structural body
US20080164396A1 (en) * 2007-01-10 2008-07-10 Applied Materials, Inc. Clamping Mechanism
GB2459442A (en) * 2008-04-21 2009-10-28 Intec Engineering Mechanical joint for pipe in pipe system

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EP1867790A1 (en) 2006-05-22 2007-12-19 General Electric Company Method and apparatus for wind power foundation

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100129221A1 (en) * 2007-04-24 2010-05-27 Tidal Generation Limited Underwater structures
US8459945B2 (en) * 2007-04-24 2013-06-11 Tidal Generation Limited Underwater structures
US20150068150A1 (en) * 2013-05-22 2015-03-12 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Flange assembly for a tower segment
GB2550960A (en) * 2016-06-03 2017-12-06 Afglobal Uk Ltd Pipe connecting apparatus
GB2550960B (en) * 2016-06-03 2021-08-04 Afglobal Uk Ltd Pipe connecting apparatus
CN111765050A (en) * 2020-07-02 2020-10-13 格洛科能源科技(上海)有限公司 Connecting structure between wind driven generator tower barrel fragments
CN111765050B (en) * 2020-07-02 2024-05-10 格洛科能源科技(上海)有限公司 Connection structure between wind driven generator tower section of thick bamboo burst
CN115324410A (en) * 2022-09-02 2022-11-11 山东建筑大学 Steel pipe tower wind vibration control device and steel pipe tower

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