A tool and an arrangement for fixing a vortex generator to a blade of a wind turbine, a set comprising the tool and a plurality of different pressing plates, and a method of fixing a vortex generator to a blade of a wind turbine by means of the tool

Abstract

A tool (1) for attaching a vortex generator (VG) to a blade (2) of a wind turbine is described. The tool (1) includes a base body (3) having a first vacuum inlet (4) and a second vacuum inlet (5) configured to connect to a vacuum source (6); a first sealing profile (7) disposed on a first side of the base body (3) and forming a first cavity in fluid communication with the first vacuum inlet (4); a second sealing profile (8) disposed on a second side of the base body (3) opposite to the first side and forming a second cavity in fluid communication with the second vacuum inlet (5); and a pressing plate (9) disposed between the first and second sealing profiles (7, 8) and having a pressing surface (10) configured to engage the vortex generator (VG).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool for attaching an eddy generator to a wind turbine blade, an assembly (set) including the tool and a plurality of different pressing plates, an arrangement for attaching an eddy generator to a wind turbine blade, and a method for attaching an eddy generator to a wind turbine blade. [Previous Technology]

[0002] In blade manufacturing, when installing vortex generators (VGs), adhesive is used to bond the VGs to the blade surface. Simultaneously, air between the VG and the blade must be expelled, ensuring the adhesive completely fills the space between the inner surface of the VG and the blade surface, eliminating any gaps. This process is time-consuming, and the number of VGs on blades is also very large. This process has become a bottleneck in blade manufacturing. As blade length increases, the number of VGs also increases, making this problem increasingly prominent.

[0003] Currently, wooden hand tools are commonly used to install vortex generators. These wooden pressing tools are used to firmly press the vortex generator between its fins to press it onto the blade surface. The purpose of this operation is to expel air between the blade surface and the vortex generator, ensuring good adhesion of the tape. This method is slow and requires the operator to press repeatedly for extended periods, which can easily lead to operator fatigue. [Summary of the Invention]

[0004] There may be a need for a tool for attaching an eddy current generator to the blades of a wind turbine, a tool that facilitates the attachment process and makes it faster and more accurate. This need is met according to the subject matter of the independent claim. Further developments of the invention are described in the appended claim.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, a tool for attaching a vortex generator to the blade of a wind turbine is provided. The tool includes a base body having a first vacuum inlet and a second vacuum inlet configured to connect to a vacuum source; a first sealing profile of a first cavity formed in fluid communication with the first vacuum inlet disposed on a first side of the base body; a second sealing profile of a second cavity formed in fluid communication with the second vacuum inlet disposed on a second side of the base body opposite to the first side; and a pressing plate disposed between the first and second sealing profiles and having a pressing surface configured to engage the vortex generator (VG).

[0006] The new modular vacuum tool adopts a split design and is divided into two main body parts: the base body is the base template, and the pressing plate is the top plate.

[0007] In this invention, the sealing profile can form a closed or substantially closed profile that surrounds the cavity. The sealing profile can be made of any elastic material, such as an elastomeric material, a rubber material, or a foam material. The cross-section of the sealing profile can be hollow, for example, like a hose. If the cross-section of the sealing profile is hollow, it has sufficient rigidity so that it will only collapse when vacuum pressure is applied. The hollow sealing profile can have at least one opening to release air upon compression. The sealing profile can also have a skirt shape, wherein the edge of the skirt forms a direct seal with the blade surface. Similarly, the skirt has sufficient rigidity so that it will only collapse when vacuum pressure is applied. The cross-section of the sealing profile can also be a single foam body.

[0008] The new modular vacuum tool utilizes the negative pressure generated by a vacuum to replace the original manual pressing operation, thus greatly reducing the operator's workload. A vacuum pump can be connected to the tool through a vacuum tube, and the cavities on the upper and lower sides of the base body are evacuated to a vacuum environment through vacuum inlets. The outer surfaces of the upper and lower parts of the tool are subjected to atmospheric pressure, propelling the tool towards the blade. The pressing plate in the middle area of ​​the tool contacts the outer surface of the eddy current generator, thus pressing the eddy current generator against the blade surface as the pressing plate moves towards the blade. Since the inner surface of the eddy current generator is usually coated with adhesive, it adheres to the blade surface when pressed against it.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first and second vacuum inlets are each connected to a shared vacuum tube, which forms a hollow handle for gripping the tool. This hollow handle can be fixed to the base body using connectors such as quick connectors. The connectors on the handle can be connected to the vacuum inlets, which are also located on the back of the base body. This reduces the operator's workload. The handle can be made of metal, providing good rigidity, enhancing the rigidity of the entire base body, and providing sufficient thrust to the pressing plate. The modular vacuum tool's use is made easier due to the hollow handle.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pressing plate is replaceably attached to the base body, preferably movable via a dovetail connector. In one embodiment, the dovetail connector includes a first dovetail attachment on a first side of the base body and a second dovetail attachment on a second side of the base body, wherein one of the first and second dovetail attachments is continuous, and the other of the first and second dovetail attachments includes a plurality of grooves, wherein the pressing plate includes a plurality of complementary protrusions that engage with the grooves. This locking feature allows the pressing plate to be secured to the base body with only a small amount of movement, and the pressing plate and the base body can be quickly disassembled and assembled.

[0011] In one embodiment, the pressing surface includes a complementary surface adapted to one of the outer surfaces of the vortex generator. For example, the pressing plate may be used to support and press the vortex generator, and its inner surface may have a number of small slots similar to the dorsal fins of the vortex generator for positioning and securing the vortex generator.

[0012] In one embodiment, the base body includes a engagement structure for engaging one base body of a similar tool, such that the tool and the similar tool can be arranged side by side. This modular design can effectively control the length of the entire template composed of multiple tools, wherein the curvature of different regions on the blade can be well matched, which makes it easier to establish a vacuum environment and improve the installation quality of the eddy current generator.

[0013] In one embodiment, the base body includes a first indicator for vertically positioning the base body to the surface of the blade; and / or the base body includes a second indicator for indicating a direction of the base body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the base body and the pressing plate are aligned with each other by an alignment device, preferably by a hole provided on one of the base body and the pressing plate, and a complementary protrusion provided on the other of the base body and the pressing plate. For example, male-female interlocking features for simple longitudinal and lateral alignment can be provided on the pressing plate and the base body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the tool is configured to be placed on one surface of the blade having a pressing surface of the pressing plate that engages the eddy current generator, such that the eddy current generator is disposed between the pressing surface and the surface of the blade, wherein the eddy current generator is pressed against the surface of the blade when the first and second vacuum inlets are provided with vacuum by the vacuum source.

[0016] In one embodiment, the pressing plate is made of a flexible material, preferably a thermoplastic material, and more preferably polyurethane (TPU).

[0017] According to a second aspect of the invention, a component is provided. The component includes the tool and a plurality of different pressing plates.

[0018] According to a third aspect of the invention, an apparatus for attaching an eddy current generator to the blades of a wind turbine is provided. The apparatus includes the tool; a vacuum source; at least one vacuum hose connecting the vacuum source and the first and second vacuum inlets; and a control unit for controlling the vacuum pressure from the vacuum source.

[0019] In one embodiment, the device further includes a trolley for moving the vacuum source along the blade.

[0020] The new modular vacuum tool can be connected to a vacuum line using quick-connect couplings. It allows for rapid connection and disconnection, simplifying operation. A vacuum pressure gauge can be installed inside the vacuum line to display the vacuum value in real time, facilitating control of the vacuum level within the tool. The tool can also be equipped with needle valves, ball valves, and other valves to control the establishment of the vacuum environment. After the eddy current generator is installed, the vacuum environment is released through the valves, separating the vacuum tool from the blade surface. The modular vacuum tool can also be equipped with a mobile trolley. A vacuum pump or a battery powering the vacuum pump can be mounted on the trolley, bringing the vacuum pump closer to the actual usage location. This trolley can also be used for the storage and transportation of the modular vacuum tool.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method is provided for securing a vortex generator to a wind turbine blade using a tool. The method includes the steps of: placing the tool on a surface of the blade having a pressing surface of a pressing plate that engages the vortex generator, such that the vortex generator is disposed between the pressing surface and the surface of the blade; providing a vacuum from a vacuum source to first and second vacuum inlets, thereby pressing the vortex generator against the surface of the blade by the pressing surface; releasing the vacuum from the first and second vacuum inlets; and removing the tool from the surface of the blade.

[0022] It should be noted that embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to different subjects. Specifically, some embodiments have been described with reference to device type request items, while others have been described with reference to method type request items. However, those skilled in the art will understand from the above and the following description that, unless otherwise stated, any combination of features between different subjects, in particular any combination of features between device type request items and method type request items, is also considered to be disclosed together with this application, except for any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter.

Implementation Method

[0024] The illustrations in the accompanying drawings are schematic. It is worth noting that similar or identical elements use the same reference numerals in different drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tool 1 for fixing a vortex generator VG to a wind turbine blade 2 according to an embodiment in a disassembled state; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the tool 1 for fixing a vortex generator VG to a wind turbine blade 2 according to an embodiment in an assembled state; and Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the tool 1. The tool 1, used for fixing a vortex generator VG to a wind turbine blade 2, includes a base body 3 having a first vacuum inlet 4 and a second vacuum inlet 5, wherein the first and second vacuum inlets 4 and 5 are configured to be connected to a vacuum source 6. The tool 1 further includes a closed first sealing profile 7, which is arranged on a first side of the base body 3 and forms a first cavity fluidly connected to the first vacuum inlet 4, and a closed second sealing profile 8, which is arranged on a second side of the base body 3 opposite to the first side and forms a second cavity fluidly connected to the second vacuum inlet 5. The first and second cavities may have circular profiles and preferably have extended regions whose length parallel to the pressing plate is more than twice the height perpendicular to the pressing plate. Tool 1 further includes a pressing plate 9 disposed between the first and second sealing profiles 7, 8, and has a pressing surface 10 configured to engage the eddy current generator VG.

[0026] The base body 3 may be made of a material with a high modulus of elasticity, such as polylactic acid (PLA), which ensures that the base body 3 has sufficient rigidity so that the thrust generated by the vacuum on the upper and lower sides of the tool 1 can be transmitted to the middle area of ​​the tool 1 to push the pressing plate 9 and press the eddy current generator VG onto the surface of the blade 2.

[0027] Tool 1 is configured to be placed on the surface of the pressing surface 10 of the pressing plate 9 of blade 2, which has an engaging eddy current generator VG, such that the eddy current generator VG is arranged between the pressing surface 10 and the surface of blade 2. When the first and second vacuum inlets 4, 5 are supplied with vacuum by the vacuum source 6, the eddy current generator VG is pressed against the surface of blade 2. The first and second vacuum inlets 4, 5 may each be connected to a common vacuum tube 11, which may simultaneously form a hollow handle for gripping tool 1.

[0028] Since the curvature of the blade 2 and the tool 1 may not be completely consistent, the pressing plate 9 can be made of a flexible material, preferably thermoplastic, and more preferably polyurethane (TPU). When the eddy current generator VG is pressed, the pressing plate 9 can undergo elastic deformation under the pressure from the base body 3, so that the pressing plate 9 can better conform to the shape of the blade 2, and a larger area of ​​the eddy current generator VG can be pressed onto the surface of the blade 2, thus improving the installation quality of the eddy current generator.

[0029] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a tool 1 for securing a vortex generator VG to a blade 2 of a wind turbine according to one embodiment. A pressing plate 9 is replaceably attached to a base body 3, preferably movable via dovetail connectors 12.1, 12.2. The dovetail connectors 12.1, 12.2 include a first dovetail attachment 12.1 on a first side of the base body 3 and a second dovetail attachment 12.2 on a second side of the base body 3, wherein the first dovetail attachment 12.1 is continuous, and the second dovetail attachment 12.2 includes a plurality of recesses 13, wherein the pressing plate 9 includes a plurality of complementary protrusions 14 adapted to these recesses 13. After these protrusions 14 pass through these recesses 13, the pressing plate 9 is located on the counter-surface of the base body 3, as shown in the left side view of Figure 4. Then, the pressing plate 9 can be moved to its final position, as shown on the right side of Figure 4.

[0030] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a tool 1 for fixing an eddy current generator to a blade 2 of a wind turbine according to an embodiment. The base body 3 and the pressing plate 9 are aligned with each other by an alignment device, preferably through a hole 17 provided on one of the base body 3 and the pressing plate 9 and a complementary projection 18 provided on the other of the base body 3 and the pressing plate 9.

[0031] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a plurality of tools 1 for fixing a vortex generator VG to a wind turbine blade 2 according to an embodiment, and Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a plurality of tools 1 for fixing a vortex generator to a wind turbine blade according to an embodiment. The base body 3 includes a joining structure 14 for engaging similar tools 1, allowing tools 1 and similar tools 1 to be arranged side-by-side. The joining structure may be formed by a groove on one side of the base body 3 and a complementary protrusion on the opposite side of the base body 3. For example, rectangular protrusions and grooves may be provided on the left and right sides of the base body 3, which will be used to guide the tools 1. After fixing the first tool 1, subsequent tools 1 can be quickly positioned using this function, which will reduce the positioning time of the tools 1.

[0032] The base body 3 further includes a first indicator 15 for vertically positioning the base body 3 onto one of the surfaces of the blade 2, and a second indicator 16 for indicating the orientation of the base body 3. For example, markings TE and LE are provided on the upper and lower sides of the base body, respectively, to ensure that the eddy current generator VG can be placed and installed in the correct orientation. The base body 3 further includes a viewing window 23, which can also be used to vertically position the base body 3 onto the surface of the blade 2, for example, by referring to alignment lines provided beforehand on the blade 2.

[0033] Figure 8 shows a plurality of different pressing plates 9 according to one embodiment. The different pressing plates 9 can be incorporated into an assembly further including tool 1. The figure further shows that the pressing surface 10 of each of the different pressing plates 9 includes a complementary surface that is complementary to the outer surface of the eddy current generator VG. In other words, each pressing plate 9 can be used to fix the associated eddy current generator VG. For example, the pressing plate 9 can be used to support and press the eddy current generator VG, and its pressing surface 10 can have a number of small slots similar to the fins on the back of the eddy current generator VG, so that the pressing plate 9 can be used to position and fix the eddy current generator VG.

[0034] In the modular vacuum tool 1, as shown in Figure 8, the pressing plates 9 for different eddy current generators VG are designed to have the same external dimensions and can share a common or identical base body 3. That is, different pressing plates 9 for different eddy current generators VG can be used on the same base body 3, which reduces the number of base bodies 3 required, making the tool 1 more convenient to use and reducing the space required for tool handling and storage.

[0035] Figure 9 shows an apparatus for attaching an eddy current generator (VG) to a wind turbine blade 2 according to one embodiment. The apparatus includes at least one of the plurality of tools 1, a vacuum source 6, at least one vacuum hose 19 connecting the vacuum source 6 to first and second vacuum inlets 4, 5, and a control unit 20 for controlling the vacuum pressure from the vacuum source 6. The control unit 20 may be a manually switchable pressure valve. Furthermore, a pressure gauge 25 is installed between the control unit 20 and each vacuum inlet to monitor the pressure. A quick coupling 24 is provided for connecting each vacuum hose 19 to one of the tools 1, preferably a vacuum tube 11 connecting each tool 1.

[0036] This device also includes a vehicle 21 for moving the vacuum source 6 along the blade 2.

[0037] The tool 1 and the device are operated as follows: The tool 1 is placed on one surface of the blade 2 of the pressing surface 10 of the pressing plate 9 having the engagement eddy current generator VG, such that the eddy current generator VG is arranged between the pressing surface 10 and the surface of the blade 2. A vacuum is applied to the first and second vacuum inlets 4 and 5 by the vacuum source 6, thereby pressing the eddy current generator VG onto the surface of the blade 2 through the pressing surface 10. Then, the vacuum is released from the first and second vacuum inlets 4 and 5, and the tool 1 is removed from the surface of the blade 2.

[0038] The eddy current generator installation tool 1 eliminates the need for repeated pressing operations by the operator, significantly reducing the operator's workload. The modular design of the vacuum tool 1 improves the installation quality of the eddy current generator.

[0039] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, descriptive elements related to different embodiments may be combined. It should also be noted that reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0040] Regardless of grammatical usage, individuals who are male, female, or of other genders are included within the scope of the term. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0023] The objectives defined above, as well as other objectives of the present invention, will become apparent from the embodiments described below and will be explained with reference to the examples of the embodiments. The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the embodiments, but the invention is not limited thereto. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tool for fixing a vortex generator to a wind turbine blade according to an embodiment in a disassembled state; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a tool for fixing a vortex generator to a wind turbine blade according to an embodiment in an assembled state; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a tool for fixing a vortex generator to a wind turbine blade according to an embodiment; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a tool for fixing a vortex generator to a wind turbine blade according to an embodiment; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a tool for fixing a vortex generator to a wind turbine blade according to an embodiment; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a plurality of tools for fixing a vortex generator to a wind turbine blade according to an embodiment; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a plurality of tools for fixing a vortex generator to a wind turbine blade according to an embodiment; Figure 8 shows a plurality of different pressing plates according to an embodiment; Figure 9 shows an apparatus for fixing a vortex generator to a wind turbine blade according to an embodiment.

Claims

1. A tool (1) for attaching a vortex generator (VG) to a blade (2) of a wind turbine, the tool (1) comprising: A base body (3) having a first vacuum inlet (4) and a second vacuum inlet (5) configured to connect to a vacuum source (6); a first sealing profile (7) disposed on a first side of the base body (3) and forming a first cavity fluidly connected to the first vacuum inlet (4); a second sealing profile (8) disposed on a second side of the base body (3) opposite to the first side and forming a second cavity fluidly connected to the second vacuum inlet (5); a pressing plate (9) disposed between the first and second sealing profiles (7, 8) and having a pressing surface (10) configured to engage the eddy current generator (VG); wherein the pressing plate (9) is replaceably attached to the base body (3); and the base body (3) and the pressing plate (9) are aligned with each other by an alignment device.

2. The tool (1) of claim 1, wherein the first and second vacuum inlets (4,5) are each connected to a common vacuum tube (11), and the vacuum tube (11) forms a hollow handle for gripping the tool (1).

3. The tool (1) of claim 1, wherein the pressing plate (9) is replaceably and movable and is attached to the base body (3) by a dovetail connector (12.1, 12.2).

4. The tool (1) of claim 3, wherein the dovetail connector (12.1, 12.2) includes a first dovetail attachment (12.1) on a first side of the base body (3) and a second dovetail attachment (12.2) on a second side of the base body (3), wherein one of the first and second dovetail attachments (12.1, 12.2) is continuous, and the other of the first and second dovetail attachments (12.1, 12.2) includes a plurality of grooves (13), wherein the pressing plate (9) includes a plurality of complementary protrusions (14) that conform to the grooves (13).

5. The tool (1) of claim 1, wherein the pressing surface (10) includes a complementary surface adapted to one of the outer surfaces of the vortex generator (VG).

6. The tool (1) of claim 1, wherein the base body (3) includes a engagement structure (14) for engaging a base body (3) of a similar tool (1) such that the tool (1) and the similar tool (1) can be placed side by side.

7. The tool (1) of claim 1, wherein the base body (3) includes a first indicator (15) for vertically positioning the base body (3) to the surface of the blade (2); and / or the base body (3) includes a second indicator (16) for indicating a direction of the base body (3).

8. The tool (1) of claim 1, wherein the alignment device includes a hole (17) provided on one of the base body (3) and the pressing plate (9), and a complementary protrusion (18) provided on the other of the base body (3) and the pressing plate (9).

9. The tool (1) of claim 1, wherein the tool (1) is configured to be placed on one surface of the blade (2) having a pressing surface (10) of the pressing plate (9) engaging the eddy current generator (VG), such that the eddy current generator (VG) is arranged between the pressing surface (10) and the surface of the blade (2), wherein the eddy current generator (VG) is configured to be pressed against the surface of the blade (2) when the first and second vacuum inlets (4,5) are provided with vacuum by the vacuum source (6).

10. The tool (1) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pressing plate (9) is made of a flexible material.

11. A component comprising the tool (1) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10 and a plurality of different pressing plates (9).

12. An apparatus for attaching a vortex generator (VG) to a blade (2) of a wind turbine, the apparatus comprising: The tool (1) as requested in any of items 1 to 10; a vacuum source (6); At least one vacuum hose (19) is connected to the vacuum source (6) and the first and second vacuum inlets (4,5); and a control unit (20) controls the vacuum pressure from the vacuum source (6).

13. The apparatus of claim 12 further includes a trolley (21) for moving the vacuum source (6) along the blade (2).

14. A method for attaching a vortex generator (VG) to a blade (2) of a wind turbine using a tool (1) of any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising the steps of: placing the tool (1) on a surface of the blade (2) having a pressing surface (10) of a pressing plate (9) for engaging the vortex generator (VG), such that the vortex generator (VG) is disposed between the pressing surface (10) and the surface of the blade (2); providing a vacuum from a vacuum source (6) to first and second vacuum inlets (4,5) thereby pressing the vortex generator (VG) against the surface of the blade (2) by the pressing surface (10); releasing the vacuum from the first and second vacuum inlets (4,5); and removing the tool (1) from the surface of the blade (2).

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