U.S. patent application number 12/326382 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-03 for method and system for coupling a stair platform to a tower of a wind energy turbine.
Invention is credited to Wolfgang Faust, Mathias Gurk, Holger Luehn.
Application Number | 20100132278 12/326382 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41650042 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100132278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gurk; Mathias ; et
al. |
June 3, 2010 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COUPLING A STAIR PLATFORM TO A TOWER OF A
WIND ENERGY TURBINE
Abstract
A method and system for coupling a stair platform to a tower of
a wind energy turbine that includes a stair platform comprising at
least one side member and a doorway formed in a portion of the
tower. The doorway further includes a casing that defines an outer
perimeter of the doorway. At least one connection member extends
outward from the casing. At least one attachment slot is defined in
at least one side member of the stair platform. The attachment slot
is configured to receive a portion of the at least one connection
member therein to couple the stair platform to the doorway.
Inventors: |
Gurk; Mathias; (Tecklenburg,
DE) ; Luehn; Holger; (Niedersachsen, DE) ;
Faust; Wolfgang; (Niedersachsen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATRICK W. RASCHE (22402);ARMSTRONG TEASDALE LLP
ONE METROPOLITAN SQUARE, SUITE 2600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63102-2740
US
|
Family ID: |
41650042 |
Appl. No.: |
12/326382 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 11/025 20130101;
Y02E 10/721 20130101; E04F 11/112 20130101; Y02E 10/72
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/184 |
International
Class: |
E04F 11/022 20060101
E04F011/022 |
Claims
1. A system for coupling a stair platform to a tower of a wind
energy turbine, said system comprising: a doorway formed in a
portion of said tower, said doorway comprising a casing defining an
outer perimeter of said doorway; a stair platform comprising at
least one side member; at least one connection member extending
outward from said casing; and at least one attachment slot defined
in said at least one side member, said at least one attachment slot
configured to receive a portion of said at least one connection
member therein to couple said stair platform to said doorway.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
attachment slot comprises an alignment region and a retention
region extending from said alignment region.
3. A system according to claim 2 wherein said retention region is
tapered to facilitate maintaining said at least one connection
member within said at least one attachment slot.
4. A system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
connection member comprises at least one of a bolt, a rivet, a
welded rod, and a press-fit pin.
5. A system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
connection member is configured to at least partially circumscribe
a portion of said side member.
6. A system according to claim 2 wherein said alignment region
comprises at least one chamfered edge to facilitate insertion of
said at least one connection member within said at least one
attachment slot.
7. A system according to claim 1 wherein said at least one
attachment slot is defined on at least one of a front edge, a top
edge, and a bottom edge of said side member.
8. A method for assembling a tower for a wind energy turbine, said
method comprising: coupling at least one connection member to a
casing defining a doorway formed in the tower; forming at least one
attachment slot in a portion of a stair platform to be coupled with
the tower; positioning the at least one attachment slot of the
stair platform adjacent to the at least one connection member; and
inserting the at least one connection member within the at least
one attachment slot to couple the stair platform to the doorway
casing.
9. A method according to claim 8 wherein said forming the at least
one attachment slot comprises forming an alignment region and a
retention region extending from the alignment region.
10. A method according to claim 9 wherein said forming the
retention region comprises tapering the retention region to
facilitate maintaining the at least one connection member within
the at least one attachment slot.
11. A method according to claim 8 wherein said coupling at least
one connection member further comprises welding the at least one
connection member to the casing.
12. A method according to claim 8 wherein said coupling the at
least one connection member comprises selecting at least one of a
bolt, a rivet, a welded rod, and a press-fit pin.
13. A method according to claim 9 wherein said forming the
alignment region comprises forming at least one chamfered edge to
facilitate insertion of the at least one connection member within
the at least one attachment slot.
14. A method according to claim 8 wherein said forming the at least
one attachment slot comprises defining at least one of a front
edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge within the portion of the stair
platform.
15. A stair platform for use with a turbine tower, said stair
platform comprising: at least one side member forming a portion of
a structural frame of said stair platform, said at least one side
member comprising a first end and second end, said first end
configured to contact a ground surface, said second end configured
to couple to the tower; and at least one attachment slot defined in
said second end of said at least one side member, said at least one
attachment slot is configured to slidably receive a portion of the
tower therein to couple said stair platform to the tower.
16. A platform according to claim 15 wherein said at least one
attachment slot comprises an alignment region and a retention
region extending from said alignment region.
17. A platform according to claim 16 wherein said retention region
is tapered to facilitate maintaining at least one connection member
within said attachment slot.
18. A platform according to claim 17 wherein said alignment region
comprises at least one chamfered edge to facilitate insertion of
the at least one connection member within said at least one
attachment slot.
19. A platform according to claim 15 wherein said at least one
attachment slot is defined on at least one of a front edge, a top
edge, and a bottom edge of said second end of said side member.
20. A platform according to claim 15 wherein the at least one
connection member is configured to at least partially circumscribe
a portion of said second end of said side member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The field of the present invention relates generally to
towers used with wind turbines, and more specifically to a method
and system for attaching a stair platform to wind turbine
towers.
[0002] Modern high performance wind energy turbines often include a
tubular tower that includes diverse operating components that are
located within of the tower and/or at the bottom thereof. Such
components or units may include a frequency converter, a
transformer and/or a control system necessary to transmit
electrical energy from the wind turbine to a power distribution
grid. In at least some known towers, access to the components and
units is possible via a tower door located in a wall of the tower.
Entry through the tower door frequently requires the use of a
ladder or stairway since the tower door is commonly located at a
substantial height above the ground. As a result, in many turbines
the ladder or stairway is commonly coupled to the surrounding tower
structure that is adjacent to the tower door.
[0003] Assembling and mounting of such ladders or stairways may be
a time-consuming, expensive and/or dangerous task. For example,
with at least some turbines, a crane is used to place the stairway
in a desired position adjacent to the tower door, wherein at least
one installation technician, usually standing on a ladder or other
platform, can connect the stairway to the tower structure. However,
this assembly procedure requires substantial attention and effort
to attach the stairway to the tower and to prevent injuries to the
technician. In other known assembly methods, the stairway platforms
are fabricated with various openings that permit the platform to be
coupled using mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolting, riveting or
welding). Such assembly methods still require substantial attention
and effort to enable the stairway to be coupled to the tower.
Moreover, such assembly methods may still be time-consuming due to
difficulty in aligning the mechanical fasteners.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect a system for coupling a stair platform to a
tower of a wind energy turbine is provided. The system includes a
doorway formed in a portion of the tower and a stair platform
including at least one side member. The doorway includes a casing
defining an outer perimeter of the doorway and at least one
connection member extending outward from the casing. At least one
attachment slot defined in at least one side member of the stair
platform. The at least one attachment slot configured to receive a
portion of the at least one connection member therein to couple the
stair platform to the doorway.
[0005] In another aspect, a method for assembling a tower for a
wind energy turbine is provided. The method includes coupling at
least one connection member to a casing defining a doorway formed
in the tower. The method also includes forming at least one
attachment slot in a portion of a stair platform to be coupled with
the tower. The method further includes positioning the at least one
attachment slot of the stair platform adjacent to the at least one
connection member and inserting the at least one connection member
within the at least one attachment slot to couple the stair
platform to the doorway casing.
[0006] In a further aspect, a stair platform for use with a turbine
tower is provided. The stair platform includes at least one side
member forming a portion of a structural frame of the stair
platform. The at least one side member includes a first end and a
second end, such that the first end is configured to make contact a
ground surface and the second end is configured to couple to the
tower. The stair platform further includes at least one attachment
slot defined in the second end of the at least one side member, the
at least one attachment slot is configured to slidably receive a
portion of the tower therein to couple the stair platform to the
tower.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary wind turbine;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of a lower portion of a
wind turbine tower, including an attached stair platform that may
be used with the turbine (shown in FIG. 1);
[0009] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the stair platform
and wind turbine tower connection shown in FIG. 2 and taken along
area 3;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary stair platform
attachment slot that may be used with the wind turbine tower shown
in FIG. 2;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the stair platform
attachment slot shown in FIG. 4; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view of an alternative stair
platform attachment slot that may be used with the wind turbine
tower (shown in FIG. 2).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary horizontal axis wind turbine
generator 100 having a tower 102 extending from a supporting
surface (not shown), a nacelle 104 mounted on the tower 102, and a
rotor 106 coupled to the nacelle 104. The rotor 106 includes a
plurality of rotor blades 108 mounted thereto. In the exemplary
embodiment, the rotor 106 has three rotor blades 108, but it is
understood that the rotor 106 may include more or less than three
rotor blades 108. The tower 102, which in the exemplary embodiment
is tubular encloses various structures and equipment therein. It is
contemplated that other types of wind turbine generators (e.g.,
vertical axis wind turbine generators) can be used without
departing from the scope of this invention.
[0014] The rotor blades 108 are spaced about the rotor 106 to
facilitate rotating the rotor 106 to transfer kinetic energy from
the wind into usable mechanical energy, and subsequently,
electrical energy. More specifically, as the wind strikes the
blades 108, the rotor 106 is rotated about its rotational axis 110.
Preferably, the blades 108 are positioned such that they face into
the wind. Since the wind direction readily changes, the blades 108,
and thereby the nacelle 104, need to be able to rotate with respect
to the tower 102 so that the blades can remain substantially facing
into the wind. That is, by rotating the nacelle 104, the blades can
be rotated such that the wind direction is generally parallel to
the rotor rotational axis 110 to maximize the amount of wind
striking the blades. As such, the nacelle 104 and blades 108 can
rotate with respect to the tower 102 about a rotational axis 112
that is generally transverse to the rotor rotational axis 110 and
that is substantially coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the tower
102.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary stairway or stair platform
204 that may be used with tower 102. In the exemplary embodiment,
stair platform 204 generally has a first end 204a that contacts a
ground surface and a second end 204b that is coupled against a
portion of tower 102. Tower 102 includes a doorway 200 formed
therein that provides access to an interior portion of tower 102.
Doorway 200 is defined by a door jamb, portal, or casing 202 that
circumscribes the doorway 200 and defines an outer perimeter that
provides structural support between the tower 102 and a door 203
hingedly coupled thereon. In the exemplary embodiment, platform 204
includes a structural frame 206 that includes two opposing side
members 208 and two opposing hand rails 209 that are spaced apart
by a plurality of steps 210. In one embodiment, diagonal side
members 208 are formed from steel beams. However, one of ordinary
skill in the art would readily appreciate that other suitable
materials may be used to fabricate platform 204. In one exemplary
embodiment, horizontal side members 212 that are spaced apart by
platform 214, extend from side members 208. Horizontal side members
212 each include a coupler 216 that facilitates coupling platform
204 to tower 102.
[0016] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of stair platform 204
and coupler 216. In the exemplary embodiment, at least one
connection member 300 is coupled to doorway casing 202. Connection
member 300 may be coupled to casing 202 by welding, bolting,
riveting, press fitting, and via any other structural connection
known by those of ordinary skill in the art. Connection member 300
provides a bearing load path between stair platform 204 and tower
102, and also provides coupling between stair platform 204 and the
tower 102. In the exemplary embodiment, connection member 300 is a
"C" shaped bar that is coupled to casing 202. Bar 300 may extend
around a portion of side member 208. It is contemplated that
connection member 300 may also be configured as a single protrusion
that extends outwardly from casing 202 to provide a structural
member for coupling with platform 204.
[0017] Additionally, in this exemplary embodiment, side member 208
and horizontal side member 212 are formed unitarily together.
Moreover side member 208 and horizontal side member 212 may be
fabricated from materials that prohibit or resist oxidation, rust,
or other material decomposition. Such materials may include alloys,
aluminum, polymers, resins or combinations thereof. However, one of
ordinary skill in the art should appreciate that members 208 and
212 may be fabricated separately and coupled together (e.g., welded
together) at a seam 302 as required by particular installation
requirements. In the exemplary embodiment, second end 204b is
formed an attachment slot 304 that is sized and oriented to receive
connection member 300 therein.
[0018] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an exemplary stair platform
attachment slot 304. In the exemplary embodiment, horizontal side
member 212 includes a front edge 400, a top edge 402, and a bottom
edge 404, and attachment slot 304 is primarily defined in front
edge 400. However, in other embodiments, attachment slot 304 may be
defined in front edge 400, top edge 402, bottom edge 404 and/or any
combination of edges 400, 402, and 404 that enables attachment slot
304 to function as described herein.
[0019] In the exemplary embodiment, attachment slot 304 includes an
alignment region 500 and a retention region 502 that are both sized
and oriented to receive connection member 300 therein. Moreover,
alignment region 500 is sized and oriented to receive connection
member 300 therein and to facilitate guiding member 300 into
retention region 502. Alignment region 500 may include one or more
chamfered edges 504 to facilitate the installation process.
Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment, retention region 502
extends away from alignment region 500 and is configured to be
secured in place with respect to connection member 300. Once
secured in position, stair platform 204 is positioned in an
anchoring position 406, as shown in FIG. 4, wherein anchoring
position 406, connection member 300 is securely seated within the
slot retention region 502 such that second end 204b cannot freely
disengage connection member 300.
[0020] In another embodiment, alignment region 500 and retention
region 502 may be coupled at various angles 0 therebetween, as
defined by respective centerlines 500a and 502a. As illustrated in
FIG. 5, centerlines 500a and 502a are generally perpendicular to
each other. Alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments regions
500 and 502 may be oriented at any angel relative to each
other.
[0021] In another embodiment, retention regions 502 is tapered. In
such an embodiment, region 502 may be tapered to induce increased
retention forces upon connection member 300, wherein the forces
induced to member 300 may be proportional to the insertion depth of
connection member 300 within retention region 502.
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged side view of an alternate
embodiment of a stair platform attachment slot 600 that may be used
with a wind turbine tower. In the exemplary platform embodiment,
attachment slot 600 is generally formed in a bottom edge 404 of
second end 204b. Attachment slot 600 is similar to attachment slot
304 (shown in FIGS. 3-5) and identical components are identified
with the same reference numerals. For example, attachment slot 600
includes alignment and retention regions 602 and 604, respectively,
and a chamfered edge 606. However, in this embodiment, attachment
slot 600 extends from bottom edge 404 generally towards a top edge
402.
[0023] In another embodiment, it is contemplated that each of the
opposing side members 208 of stair platform 204 may include a
coupler 216, and two opposing connection members 300 that are
coupled to casing 202 in a position that enables engagement of
platform attachment slots 304. Such an embodiment facilitates
increasing structural support and anchoring of stair platform 204.
Alternatively, in other embodiments, only one attachment slot 304
is used, such that the opposing side member 208 directly engages a
corresponding support member 300. In such an embodiment, only one
side member 208 would have an attachment slot 304 and the opposing
side member would be permitted shift as necessary.
[0024] In an alternate embodiment, it is further contemplated that
the method and system of coupling the stair platform 204 may be
adapted and used to couple a stair, ladder, cabinet or other
components to/or within the turbine tower.
[0025] During use, stair platform 204 is coupled to tower 102 via
coupler 216 that includes at least one connection member 300 and at
least one attachment slot 304 formed on platform second end 204b.
Platform 204 is coupled to tower 102 by attaching connection member
300 to doorway casing 202 formed in tower 102. Stair platform 204
is then positioned such that attachment slot 304 is adjacent to
connection member 300. Alignment region 500 then guides stair
platform 204 into position such that connection member 300 is
positioned within retention region 502. Once connection member 300
is fully inserted in retention region 502, stair platform 204 is
securely anchored in position and securely coupled to tower
102.
[0026] The stair platforms provided herein are advantageous in that
they include a connection member that may be fitted to a tower
doorway prior to moving the stair platform into position, thus
reducing risk of injury to the installation technician. By
providing the connection member and then positioning the stair
platform using the attachment slot, coupling the platform to the
tower, during the installation process, a risk of injury is
facilitated to be reduced. Moreover, the use of such stair
platforms and couplers described herein, facilitates reducing the
use conventional fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, rivets and
welding to couple the stair platform to the tower, and as such,
reduces installation time required to secure stair platforms during
field installation.
[0027] Exemplary embodiments of a method and system for coupling a
stair platform to a tower of a wind energy turbine are described
above in detail. The method and system are not limited to the
specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of
systems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently
and separately from other components and/or steps described herein.
For example, the method may also be used in combination with other
coupling systems and methods, and are not limited to practice with
only the coupling systems and methods as described herein. Rather,
the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in
connection with many other stair platform coupling
applications.
[0028] Although specific features of various embodiments of the
invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is
for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the
invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or
claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
[0029] 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.
* * * * *