Method of retrofitting a wind turbine

US12012940B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Vestas Wind Systems A/S · DK

Inventors

• Alejandro Albert Martin Heinzmann · Karlsruhe, DE
• Brian Jørgensen · Galten, DK

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 13, 2020
• Grant date: Jun 18, 2024
• Expiry date: Nov 13, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/728
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of retrofitting a wind turbine (10) having a wind turbine tower (12) and a first energy generating unit (14) includes rotating at least a portion of the wind turbine tower (12). The wind turbine tower (12) is secured to a foundation (16) and has a first position on the foundation (16). The method includes rotating at least a portion of the wind turbine tower (12) from the first position to a second position. In the second position, the portion experiences less stress when the wind turbine (10) is operated in the same prevailing wind. The wind turbine tower (12) may have at least two sections (12a, 12b, 12c) and wherein rotating includes rotating one section relative to another section. One section may be secured to a foundation (16). In that case, rotating may or may not include rotating the section secured to the foundation (16). Rotating the tower may occur after the first energy generating unit (14) is removed from the tower and may include rotating the wind turbine tower by an angle from 90°±15° relative to the first position.