29 patents in this list

Updated:

Wind turbines harness energy from the wind, but their gearboxes can generate significant noise, disrupting nearby environments. This noise arises from vibrations and mechanical interactions within the gearbox, which can travel through the turbine structure. As wind farms expand closer to populated areas, reducing this noise becomes crucial for community acceptance and regulatory compliance.

Professionals face the challenge of isolating and dampening these vibrations without compromising the turbine's efficiency or increasing maintenance demands. Achieving effective noise insulation requires innovative engineering solutions that address the complex dynamics of gearbox operation.

This page explores a range of solutions, including damping plate structures with cushioning pads, eccentric clapboards with sloped rubber layers, and microperforated acoustic treatments. These approaches focus on enhancing noise insulation, ensuring wind turbines operate quietly while maintaining high performance and reliability.

1. Damping Plate Structure with Integrated Cushioning Pads for Gearbox Vibration Isolation

LIU JIANG, 2023

Vibration and noise reduction structure for wind turbine gearboxes to mitigate the high vibration and noise levels generated by the gearbox. The structure uses specialized damping plates with integrated cushioning pads to isolate and absorb vibrations between the gearbox and the frame. The damping plates extend along the gearbox length and have protrusions with flanges on one end that fit into matching holes on the gearbox housing. The cushioning pads are sandwiched between the protrusions and flanges when the gearbox is installed. This allows softer contact between the pads instead of the hard contact between the main body flanges. The pads provide additional vibration damping between the gearbox and frame compared to just the main body flanges.

CN218670553U-patent-drawing

2. Eccentric Semicircular Clapboard and Sloped Rubber Layer Shock Absorber for Gearbox Applications

Zhuzhou Times New Material Technology Co., Ltd., ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2022

A shock absorber design for wind turbine gearboxes that provides improved fatigue life and reliability compared to conventional shock absorbers. The shock absorber has a novel surface bearing configuration with multiple layers of clapboards and rubber. The clapboards are semicircular tiles with eccentric center points. The rubber layers have sloped end faces that connect to shorter lengths on the inner and outer clapboards. This allows the rubber to deform and prevent bulging and cracking under load. The eccentric clapboard centers converge when installed to eliminate deformation mismatch. The shock absorber has a shape that deforms symmetrically under load.

CN112833168B-patent-drawing

3. C-Shaped Mounting Device with Internal Rubber Pads for Vibration Damping in Wind Turbine Gearboxes

SHANGHAI DONGHAI WIND POWER GENERATION COMPANY LTD, 2021

Vibration damping device for wind turbine gearboxes that reduces vibration and noise transmission from the gearbox to the main frame and tower. The device uses C-shaped mounting pieces with internal rubber pads and bumps to replace the flange between the gearbox and frame. The rubber provides resistance to dampen vibrations and prevent loosening or breakage of the connection. The C-shaped mounting pieces provide a more stable and secure attachment compared to the flange.

4. Microperforated Acoustic Treatment System for Core Section of Geared Turbofans

RTX CORP, 2020

Extending acoustic treatments to unducted areas of geared turbofans to reduce noise without penalizing performance. The treatments are placed in the core section behind the fan cowl, rather than just in ducted areas. This allows attenuating noise from the core engine without the drag penalty of treating high-speed flow areas near the fan exit. The core section extension uses microperforated sheets with small apertures to reduce noise transmission.

5. Detachable Frame Device with Elastic Support Members for Gearbox Vibration Damping

Zhuzhou Times New Material Technology Co., Ltd., ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020

Gearbox vibration damping device for wind turbine gearboxes that reduces gearbox vibration and noise while simplifying design and improving reliability compared to existing devices. The device uses detachable upper and lower frames with elastic support members that can be easily replaced if worn. This allows the gearbox torsion arm to move between the elastic supports, damping vibrations without the complex, height-adjustable metal frame and layered springs of existing devices. The detachable frames simplify assembly and enable access for replacing elastic members. The device avoids issues like stress concentration, low safety factor, and insufficient lateral stiffness of layered springs.

6. Shock Absorber Support Assembly with Inner and Outer Partitions and Central Load-Bearing Section

ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MAT TECH CO, ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2020

A shock absorber support assembly for gearboxes in wind turbines that provides improved vibration damping and load-bearing capacity while reducing stress concentration. The assembly has an inner and outer partition with a central load-bearing section that increases surface area when vertical loads are applied. An elastic body is sandwiched between the partitions in the central section. This configuration allows the outer partition to distribute load more evenly and prevent stress concentration. The inner partition stops rotation and the elastic body provides damping. The assembly can be used in gearbox shock absorbers to improve durability and reduce damage compared to circular bearings.

7. Vibration Damping Support with Adjustable Beam Configuration and Layered Wing Damper

Zhuzhou Times New Material Technology Co., Ltd., 2018

Vibration damping support for a wind turbine gearbox that provides improved torsional vibration isolation compared to traditional bearing-type supports. The support has a base with upper and lower beams, connected by a column to form a receiving space. The upper beam is fixed to the column and the lower beam is removably connected. This allows adjustment of the support position. The lower beam has a removable support member below it. The upper beam has a damper with layered wings that tilt inward. This configuration enables the gearbox to move torsionally while reducing vibration transfer to the turbine.

8. Adjustable Height Support Device with Vibration Dampers for Wind Turbine Gearbox Installation and Maintenance

Zhuzhou Times New Material Technology Co., Ltd., 2018

A support device for a wind turbine gearbox that allows easy installation, maintenance, and removal without specialized tools. The support device has a base that attaches to the gearbox and a vertical member that connects to the base and the main shaft. The vertical member has dampers to reduce vibration. The base has adjustable height spacers to align with the gearbox. This allows the support device to be positioned and secured without needing access to the inside of the gearbox. It also enables replacing dampers without removing the gearbox.

9. Stud-Connected Wind Turbine Gearbox Support with Clamped Flat Elastomer Bodies and Fixed Bearings

SENVION SE, 2017

Wind turbine gearbox support design that provides secure load absorption, effective sound decoupling, and easy elastomer replacement. The supports have fixed bearings that absorb at least 50% of the rotor thrust. They have central bodies, frames, and clamped flat elastomer bodies. The frames have upper and lower parts connected by studs. This allows replacing just the elastomers while fixing the frames. The studs also screw the frames to the mainframe.

10. Single-Sided Bearing Wind Turbine Gearbox Support with Dual Frame Structure and Elastomeric Vibration Decoupling

SENVION SE, 2017

Wind turbine gearbox support design that provides secure load absorption, effective sound decoupling, and easy replacement of elastomer components. The support uses a single-sided bearing on the central supporting body. The support structure has an upper and lower frame part connected by studs. Flat elastomer bodies are clamped between the frames and central body. This allows the central body to float axially while the studs securely connect to the main frame. The floating central body absorbs rotor thrust while the elastomer bodies decouple vibrations. The dual frame design facilitates assembly/disassembly and elastomer replacement.

11. Central Support Beam Assembly with Torsional and Vertical Vibration Isolation for Wind Turbine Gearboxes

ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MAT TECH CO, ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Zhuzhou Times New Material Technology Co., Ltd., 2015

A support device for wind turbine gearboxes that provides vibration isolation and damping to reduce noise and fatigue. The support has a central support beam with connecting members on each end. The beam is fixed to a column and a lower beam below. This allows the gearbox to move torsionally between the upper and lower beams. The lower beam has a support member below it to create a central support position. This configuration isolates and dampens torsional vibrations of the gearbox. Additionally, a damper between covers with an elastic member reduces vertical vibrations.

12. Adjustable Support and Elastic Damping Structure for Gearbox Mounting in Wind Turbines

ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MAT TECH CO, ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2015

A support device for gearboxes in wind turbines that provides better damping and vibration isolation compared to conventional support methods. The device has a lower support beam connected to the gearbox and an upper support beam that extends over the lower beam. The upper beam has an adjustable support member that can be moved horizontally to center it under the lower beam. This allows the gearbox to be propped up without requiring holes in the lower beam for bushings. The upper beam also has an elastic damper between it and the lower beam to further isolate vibrations. The adjustable support and damper provide better damping and positioning flexibility compared to fixed bushings.

13. Sandwich-Structured Vibration Isolator with Wing-Shaped Elastic Components for Gearbox Mounting

ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MAT TECH CO, ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2015

A vibration isolator for wind turbine gearboxes that reduces vibrations and noise without requiring complex mounting hardware. The isolator uses a sandwich structure with elastic components between two cover boards. The elastic components are shaped like wings and are positioned transversely symmetrically. This provides a layered shock absorbing effect that isolates the gearbox from vibrations. The cover boards protect the elastic components and provide mounting surfaces for attaching the isolator to the gearbox.

14. Adjustable Height Vibration Damping Support with Elastic Interface for Wind Turbine Gearboxes

Zhuzhou Times New Material Technology Co., Ltd., ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2015

Adjustable vibration damping support for wind turbine gearboxes that allows flexible height adjustment to reduce environmental impacts. The support has an adjustable height device with an elastic piece between the gearbox and base. This allows the gearbox to move vertically without contacting the base, reducing vibrations. The height adjustment enables optimal damping at different wind speeds. The support also has a cover and base with a cavity for the height adjustment device.

15. Split-Design Elastic Support Seat with Adjustable Shock Absorbers for Wind Turbine Gearbox Maintenance

711TH RES INST CSIC, THE 711TH RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF CHINA SHIPBUILDING INDUSTRY CORP, 2012

A vibration reducing support system for wind turbine gearboxes that allows easy disassembly and adjustment for maintenance. The system uses a split-design elastic support seat that can be taken apart without needing special tools or equipment. The seat has upper and lower shock absorbers connected to it. The upper shock absorber is mounted to the upper support seat and has an adjusting ring and bolt for disassembly. The lower shock absorber is mounted to the lower support seat. Locking nuts secure the absorbers in place. This split design allows the absorbers to be easily removed and adjusted separately for maintenance access.

CN102174929B-patent-drawing

16. Wind Turbine Gearbox with Wedge-Shaped Damping Support Featuring Nonlinear Elastic Elements and Elastomeric Components

LUOYANG SHUANGRUI RUBBER & PLASTIC TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2012

Wind turbine gearbox with a damping support that reduces vibrations and noise in the gearbox and transmission. The damping support has a wedge shape and is self-possessed, low cost, and convenient compared to conventional dampers. It has variable rate damping capability through elastomeric elements that compensate for wiring errors and isolate vibrations. The support attaches to the gearbox frame and has nonlinear elastic elements connecting the upper and lower bases. This allows the gearbox torque arm to move between elastomers for compensation. The damping support also reduces base vibrations and transmissions.

17. Hydraulic and Elastic Dual Damping Mechanism for Wind Turbine Gearbox Shafts

SINOVEL WIND GROUP CO LTD, 2012

Damping mechanism for wind turbine gearboxes to reduce vibrations and improve reliability. The mechanism uses hydraulic dampers between the input shaft and the torque pair to absorb and dissipate vibrations. It also has an elastic support between the gearbox housing and the bearing seat to isolate housing vibrations. This dual damping setup helps mitigate vibrations caused by pitching forces and torque fluctuations in the gearbox.

18. Height-Adjustable Damping Device with Integrated Elastic Support for Wind Turbine Gearboxes

ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MAT TECH CO, ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2012

Damping device for wind turbine gearboxes that allows height adjustment to improve reliability and convenience. The damping device has a base with a cavity to hold the elastic support. A height adjusting device attaches to the base and extends out of the cavity. A bolt connects the upper end of the adjusting device to the base. This allows height adjustment of the elastic support through the bolt. It prevents exposed rubber in harsh environments and simplifies installation compared to separate height adjustment components.

19. Clamping Flange with Rectangular and Arc Springs for Radial and Axial Vibration Damping

SINOVEL WIND GROUP CO LTD, 2012

A damping device for reducing vibrations between a wind turbine gearbox and the main structure to improve stability and reduce noise. The device consists of a clamping flange, rectangular and arc springs, and a wedge. The rectangular spring is attached to the clamping flange and has vertical stiffness to resist radial vibrations. The arc spring connects the flange to the main structure and has axial stiffness to resist axial vibrations. This configuration allows the gearbox to move radially and axially while the springs absorb the motion and prevent excessive vibrations.

20. Layered Spring Coupling for Shaft Connection in Wind Turbine Generators

ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MAT TECH CO, ZHUZHOU TIMES NEW MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2012

Flexible connection between the main shaft of a wind turbine generator and the input shaft of the gearbox to reduce transmission shock and vibration. The connection uses layered springs between the shafts. This flexible connection absorbs impact forces from the rotating blades and dampens vibrations. It also prevents instantaneous loading of the gearbox input. The layered springs allow gradual transmission of forces to the gearbox, improving its lifespan.

CN202125527U-patent-drawing

21. Detachable Damping Seat with Adjustable Shock Absorber and Locking Mechanism for Wind Turbine Gearbox Elastic Support

22. Wind Turbine Gearbox with Vertically Oriented Layered Damping Elastic Element

23. Wind Turbine Main Bracket with Streamlined Shape, Ribbed Side Walls, and Balanced Base Wall Holes

24. Wind Turbine Gearbox with Wedge-Shaped Damping Support Featuring Nonlinear Stiffness and Elastomeric Alignment Compensation

25. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine with Ball Joint and Elastic Support Bearing Configuration

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