Patents by Inventor Niels Christian Olsen
Niels Christian Olsen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 10100482Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing a foundation for an offshore wind turbine and a template for use herein. In illustrative embodiments, the template is releasably anchored in a seafloor and the template is leveled before installing a pile. In a method according to some illustrative embodiments herein, a template may be provided, the template comprising at least one hollow guiding element for receiving the pile, at least one suction bucket, a frame body to which the at least one hollow guiding element and the at least one suction bucket are coupled, and controlling means configured to supply a pressure to the at least one suction bucket.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/SInventors: Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen
-
Patent number: 9765547Abstract: A node structure (12, 14) for connecting two or more convergent members (16, 26) of a lattice frame to each other and to one or more other members of the lattice frame. The node structure (12, 14) comprises a pair of opposed spaced-apart faces (30) that are substantially planar and substantially parallel to each other. At least one pair of root formations (32) with respective central longitudinal axes define an interior angle between them, those axes diverging outwardly for alignment with respective members of the lattice frame and converging inwardly between the faces (30). An inner connecting wall (34) between the root formations (32) of the pair connects concave-curved inner edges (36) of the faces and extends in a concave curve around the interior angle to join the root formations (32) of that pair.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/SInventors: Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen
-
Patent number: 9702137Abstract: A node structure for connecting a member of a lattice frame to one or more other members of the frame comprises a hollow brace having opposed walls that converge outwardly at an acute angle in cross-section toward a central plane to connect at an outer edge. At least one root portion has a central longitudinal axis extending outwardly in the central plane of the brace for alignment with a member of the frame. The root portion has an inner end cut away at opposite sides around the central plane to leave a joining surface that intersects the converging walls of the brace while embracing an outer region of the brace extending inwardly from the outer edge.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: MHI Vestas Offshore Wind A/SInventors: Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen
-
Patent number: 9564786Abstract: A generator for a wind turbine is disclosed. The generator comprises a rotor configured to rotate about a rotational axis, and at least one stator arranged next to the rotor. Each stator comprises at least one flux-generating module facing the rotor but spaced therefrom, thereby forming an air gap between the rotor and each flux-generating module. Each stator also comprises at least one bearing unit, each bearing unit comprising a body defining a cavity with an open end facing the rotor. The generator further comprises a source of pressurized fluid communicating with each bearing unit, and the body of each bearing unit directs the fluid towards the rotor to help maintain the air gap between the rotor and each flux-generating module. Thereby the air gap between the rotor and the flux-generating modules is controlled by means of the fluid bearing units. The invention further provides a wind turbine comprising such a generator.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2011Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Michael Staghøj, Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen, Frank Møller Hansen, Jörg Wadehn
-
Publication number: 20160208453Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing a foundation for an offshore wind turbine and a template for use herein. In illustrative embodiments, the template is releasably anchored in a seafloor and the template is leveled before installing a pile. In a method according to some illustrative embodiments herein, a template may be provided, the template comprising at least one hollow guiding element for receiving the pile, at least one suction bucket, a frame body to which the at least one hollow guiding element and the at least one suction bucket are coupled, and controlling means configured to supply a pressure to the at least one suction bucket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2014Publication date: July 21, 2016Inventors: Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen
-
Patent number: 9362787Abstract: A generator (5) for a wind turbine (1) is disclosed. The generator (5) comprises a rotor (3) configured to rotate about a rotational axis, and at least one stator (4) arranged next to the rotor (3). Each stator (4) comprises at least two subunits (8), the subunits (8) being arranged side-by-side along a moving direction of the rotor (3). Each subunit (8) comprises at least one flux-generating module (9) facing the rotor (3) but spaced therefrom, thereby defining an air gap between the rotor (3) and each flux-generating module (9). The subunits (8) are movable relative to each other along a direction which is substantially transverse to the moving direction of the rotor (3). This allows a subunit (8) to move in a manner which adjusts the air gap without affecting the position and the air gap of a neighboring subunit (8). Thereby variations in the rotor (3) can be compensated and a uniform and constant air gap can be maintained.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2011Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Michael Staghøj, Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen, Frank Møller Hansen
-
Patent number: 9249784Abstract: A transition structure for a tower comprises a plurality of panels that each includes a panel body having opposed upper and lower ends, a lower mounting surface at the lower end, an upper mounting surface at the upper end, and a pair of lateral mounting surfaces at lateral edges. The upper mounting surfaces are generally planar, and the panel bodies taper from their upper mounting surface to their lower mounting surface. Each panel is mounted to at least another of the panels at corresponding lateral surfaces to form, with the upper ends, the shape that conforms to the lower end of the tower to be supported. The transition structure also comprises a plurality of footings, each having an upper end mated to the lower mounting surface of one of the panels, a lower end configured to mate with a post of a foundation, and a footing body between the upper and lower ends.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2012Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen
-
Publication number: 20150152664Abstract: A node structure (12, 14) for connecting two or more convergent members (16, 26) of a lattice frame to each other and to one or more other members of the lattice frame. The node structure (12, 14) comprises a pair of opposed spaced-apart faces (30) that are substantially planar and substantially parallel to each other. At least one pair of root formations (32) with respective central longitudinal axes define an interior angle between them, those axes diverging outwardly for alignment with respective members of the lattice frame and converging inwardly between the faces (30). An inner connecting wall (34) between the root formations (32) of the pair connects concave-curved inner edges (36) of the faces and extends in a concave curve around the interior angle to join the root formations (32) of that pair.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2013Publication date: June 4, 2015Inventors: Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen
-
Publication number: 20150107181Abstract: A node structure for connecting a member of a lattice frame to one or more other members of the frame comprises a hollow brace having opposed walls that converge outwardly at an acute angle in cross-section toward a central plane to connect at an outer edge. At least one root portion has a central longitudinal axis extending outwardly in the central plane of the brace for alignment with a member of the frame. The root portion has an inner end cut away at opposite sides around the central plane to leave a joining surface that intersects the converging walls of the brace while embracing an outer region of the brace extending inwardly from the outer edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2013Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventors: Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen
-
Publication number: 20140345218Abstract: A transition structure for a tower comprises a plurality of panels that each includes a panel body having opposed upper and lower ends, a lower mounting surface at the lower end, an upper mounting surface at the upper end, and a pair of lateral mounting surfaces at lateral edges. The upper mounting surfaces are generally planar, and the panel bodies taper from their upper mounting surface to their lower mounting surface. Each panel is mounted to at least another of the panels at corresponding lateral surfaces to form, with the upper ends, the shape that conforms to the lower end of the tower to be supported. The transition structure also comprises a plurality of footings, each having an upper end mated to the lower mounting surface of one of the panels, a lower end configured to mate with a post of a foundation, and a footing body between the upper and lower ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2012Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventors: Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen
-
Patent number: 8702338Abstract: A connection for connecting shafts in a wind turbine includes a first shaft and a second shaft which are inter-connectable by connecting an interconnection part of the first shaft and an interconnection part of the second shaft, and a shrinkable disk positioned and adapted so as to lock the first shaft to the second shaft by providing pressure to the interconnection parts of the first and second shaft when the interconnection parts are interconnected, and where the interconnection part of each of the first and second shafts comprises a plurality of friction surfaces transferring moment between the first and second shafts by friction.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Peter Albæk Riisager, Niels Christian Olsen
-
Publication number: 20130285501Abstract: A generator (5) for a wind turbine (1) is disclosed. The generator (5) comprises a rotor (3) configured to rotate about a rotational axis, and at least one stator (4) arranged next to the rotor (3). Each stator (4) comprises at least two subunits (8), the subunits (8) being arranged side-by-side along a moving direction of the rotor (3). Each subunit (8) comprises at least one flux-generating module (9) facing the rotor (3) but spaced therefrom, thereby defining an air gap between the rotor (3) and each flux-generating module (9). The subunits (8) are movable relative to each other along a direction which is substantially transverse to the moving direction of the rotor (3). This allows a subunit (8) to move in a manner which adjusts the air gap without affecting the position and the air gap of a neighbouring subunit (8). Thereby variations in the rotor (3) can be compensated and a uniform and constant air gap can be maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2011Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventors: Michael Staghoj, Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen, Frank Møller Hansen
-
Publication number: 20130277986Abstract: A generator (5) for a wind turbine (1) is disclosed. The generator (5) comprises a rotor (3) configured to rotate about a rotational axis, and at least one stator (4) arranged next to the rotor (3). Each stator (4) comprises at least one flux-generating module (9) facing the rotor (3) but spaced therefrom, thereby forming an air gap between the rotor (3) and each flux-generating module (9). Each stator (4) also comprises at least one bearing unit (12), each bearing unit (12) comprising a body (16) defining a cavity (14) with an open end facing the rotor (3). The generator (5) further comprises a source of pressurized fluid communicating with each bearing unit (12), and the body (16) of each bearing unit (12) directs the fluid towards the rotor (3) to help maintain the air gap between the rotor (3) and each flux-generating module (9). Thereby the air gap between the rotor (3) and the flux-generating modules (9) is controlled by means of the fluid bearing units (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2011Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventors: Michael Staghøj, Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen, Frank Møller Hansen, Jörg Wadehn
-
Publication number: 20130270834Abstract: A generator (5) for a wind turbine (1) and a wind turbine (1) are disclosed. The generator (5) comprises a rotor (3) configured to rotate about a rotational axis, and at least one stator (4) arranged next to the rotor (3), each stator (4) comprising at least one flux-generating module (9) facing the rotor (3) but spaced therefrom. The flux-generating module(s) (9) is/are mounted on a stator support structure (7, 10). The stator support structure (7, 10) defines a pre-loaded spring force acting against magnetic forces occurring between the rotor (3) and the flux-generating module(s) (9) during operation of the generator (5). The preloaded spring force is adjustable, e.g. by means of a piston arrangement (17). Thereby it is possible to maintain a preloaded spring force which is capable of acting against the magnetic forces occurring between the rotor (3) and the flux-generating module(s) (9), even if operating conditions are changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2011Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventors: Michael Staghøj, Gerner Larsen, Niels Christian Olsen, Frank Møller Hansen
-
Publication number: 20110293357Abstract: In order e.g. to provide a connection for connecting shafts in a wind turbine which is able to withstand a torque of a modern wind turbine, while still being relatively inexpensive, simple and effective to use, there is disclosed a connection including a first shaft and a second shaft which are inter-connectable by connecting an interconnection part of the first shaft and an interconnection part of the second shaft, and a shrinkable disk positioned and adapted so as to lock the first shaft to the second shaft by providing pressure to the interconnection parts of the first and second shaft when the interconnection parts are interconnected, and where the interconnection part of each of the first and second shafts comprises a plurality of friction surfaces transferring moment between the first and second shafts by friction.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventors: Peter Alaek Riisager, Niels Christian Olsen
-
Patent number: 7703985Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing for a wind turbine comprising bearing rings with raceways, and at least one row of bearing balls or rollers positioned between said raceways. At least one of said raceways comprises one or more indentation areas in relation to a standard shape of the raceways. The invention also relates to a wind turbine and methods for manufacturing a bearing.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Niels Christian Olsen
-
Publication number: 20080285903Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing for a wind turbine comprising bearing rings with raceways, and at least one row of bearing balls or rollers positioned between said raceways. At least one of said raceways comprises one or more indentation areas in relation to a standard shape of the raceways. The invention also relates to a wind turbine and methods for manufacturing a bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventor: Niels Christian Olsen