TMD.Tower – Damper for Vibration Reduction at the Tower

Low-frequency vibrations of the entire wind turbine generator (WTG) can cause high stresses on the tower. These stresses can significantly reduce the lifetime of the tower structure. Furthermore, if the vibrations are too high in the assembly state, e.g. the installation of the rotor blades may become impossible or may only be carried out in a narrow time frame due to weather conditions. Resonant vibrations in particular can be (cost-)effectively reduced by tuned mass dampers.

In bridge construction, dampers have long been tried and tested. Wölfel has designed and delivered dampers for bridges already in the 1970s. In the wind energy sector, the demand for dampers has continuously increased over the past few years.

The following scenarios, in which a TMD.Tower can be used, have emerged:

  • Resonance case due to rotor speed and higher harmonics: When starting a WTG, often a resonance is passed through or the WTG should be operated in such a way that the excitations from the rotor (1P, 2P or 3P etc.) are close to a natural frequency of the WTG.
  • Excitation by periodic vortex shedding: At certain wind speeds, vortices can periodically detach from the tower of a WTG. Typically, this can become critical for WTGs in the assembled state (without nacelle or rotor blades) or for slender WTGs with a low second tower bending natural frequency.
  • Wave excitation in offshore WTGs: Wave excitation can become critical if the first natural frequency of a WTG is very low because the energy of the wave excitation is particularly high at these frequencies. The trend towards more and more powerful WTGs in greater water depths and the retention of the monopile foundation concept intensify this problem.

Depending on the type of wind turbine and the overall context, it has to be assessed whether the expected vibrations are problematic and which solution is the most suitable for vibration reduction.

The passive dampers used by Wölfel are characterized by a high robustness. Tailored to the specific application, we offer individually adapted dampers to successfully solve the respective problem.

Our service portfolio as an experienced partner – from planning to delivery of the final damper

  • Support in the conception of the WTG
  • Concept development for different variants/series of WTGs
  • Detailed design including relevant aspects, such as:
    • Component selection
    • Selection and design of the optimal damping concept
    • Braking or locking mechanism
    • Optional frequency adjustment
    • Thermal proof
    • Complete documentation, including proof of structural integrity etc.
    • Support with any necessary certifications
    • Prototype construction
    • Experimental verification
    • Serial delivery

Particularly notable is the direct contact within a cooperation with LISEGA, which makes it possible to provide large production capacities of the highest quality at short notice.

References

Case Study "TMD.Tower prevents vortexinduced tower vibrations" 944.34 KB
Case Study "TMD.Tower prevents vortex induced tower vibrations"

Today’s slender and high wind turbine towers are increasingly subject to vibrations, which are typically caused by wind and wave loads or rotor imbalances. A leading german wind turbine OEM requested for Wölfel to develop and manufacture a solution for vortex induced vibrations (VIV) in the 2nd tower bending mode for turbines in wind farms across the world. The aim is to reduce critical fatigue loads during vortex shedding events. Relatively high tower frequencies above one hertz, a cost efficient design and fast delivery are only some of the challenges within this project.


Please contact us personally

________

We would be pleased to support you in solving your problem concerning "Wind turbine vibrations" and advise you on questions regarding our system and service offerings in the areas of structural health monitoring, vibration reduction, sound and noise as well as structural design.

Timo Klaas

+49 40 524715-265
klaas@woelfel.de
Contact form

Study

Industrial engineering in dual study programme, Osnabrück University of Cooperative Education

Acadamic Degree

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)

Professional Motto

Let the wind do its job!

Working at Wölfel

A family business of colleagues with such deep expertise that we can work at eye level with the leading international OEMs in the wind industry.

Very broad field of work with the opportunity to tackle and implement things.

Great colleagues with fun and joy.

Cool location in Hamburg :-)

Dipl.-Ing. Bernd Wölfel

Study

Civil Engineering, TU Berlin

Acadamic Degree

Dipl.-Ing.

Committee Activity

WAB e.V.

Professional Motto

"Paths are created by walking them." (Franz Kafka)

 

Working at Wölfel

Working independently in a flexible, highly innovative company that makes a little contribution to the energy transition.

Lorena Sproll-Astorquiza

+49 931 49708-761
Lsa@woelfel.de
Contact form

Study

Applied Foreign Languages and Business Administration, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen

Acadamic Degree

Diploma Business Anglicist / Romance Studies

Professional Motto

Work hard, be yourself and have fun.

Working at Wölfel

The wind energy sector is very inspiring. My motivation is to support the world and customers with our products.

Study

Industrial engineering in dual study programme, Osnabrück University of Cooperative Education

Acadamic Degree

Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)

Professional Motto

Let the wind do its job!

Working at Wölfel

A family business of colleagues with such deep expertise that we can work at eye level with the leading international OEMs in the wind industry.

Very broad field of work with the opportunity to tackle and implement things.

Great colleagues with fun and joy.

Cool location in Hamburg :-)

Study

Civil Engineering, TU Berlin

Acadamic Degree

Dipl.-Ing.

Committee Activity

WAB e.V.

Professional Motto

"Paths are created by walking them." (Franz Kafka)

 

Working at Wölfel

Working independently in a flexible, highly innovative company that makes a little contribution to the energy transition.

Study

Applied Foreign Languages and Business Administration, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen

Acadamic Degree

Diploma Business Anglicist / Romance Studies

Professional Motto

Work hard, be yourself and have fun.

Working at Wölfel

The wind energy sector is very inspiring. My motivation is to support the world and customers with our products.