Temporary shroud for at least a portion of a rotor blade

Abstract

A temporary enclosure (1) for connecting to at least a part of a rotor blade of a wind power installation having a tower and a rotor top part, the enclosure (1) comprising a framework (2), one or more walls (3), and a top (4). The top (4) extends from the walls towards the blade; the framework (2) stretches the walls (3) such that a volume is enclosed below the top (4), wherein the framework (2) comprises one or more frame parts (5), connections (6) for connecting the one or more frame parts (5), and an activation device (7) for activating a change of the framework (2), thereby changing the volume enclosed by the enclosure (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a temporary cover for at least a portion of a rotor blade to protect working materials and / or protect maintenance personnel working on the rotor blade from wind and rain. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbine blades frequently require inspection, repair, and maintenance. Furthermore, wind turbine blades can be upgraded, for example, by adding leading-edge protection, tip protection, and / or tip extensions. In particular, the tip section of the rotor blade is the part of the blade exposed to maximum speed and therefore requires repair or replacement.

[0003] For maintenance or inspection, the rotor blades to be maintained are positioned such that the blade tips point downwards toward the ground. This means that the rotor blades are in a substantially vertical position (maintenance position). Mechanical and technical personnel can ascend and descend along the rotor blades.

[0004] Mechanical and / or technical personnel must be able to reach and work on specific, relevant parts of the installed rotor blades. Various mechanisms have been proposed for this purpose. For example, a robot has been proposed in EP 3485162 A1, in which maintenance technicians descend in a seated manner along a blade rope (rappelling) or use different types of platforms (e.g., a platform-like chair as described in EP 2414671A1) or work platforms (with space for more than one maintenance technician, similar to the work platform proposed in DE102011100912 A1).

[0005] Many inspection and repair measures must be carried out in a protected environment. It is often necessary to protect the relevant area from rain. For some repair measures, even specific temperature ranges must be ensured. Various habitat solutions have been developed to provide shelter from rain for technicians, their equipment, and the maintenance area.

[0006] US 2019 / 0162172 A1 describes a temporary maintenance cover for maintaining at least a portion of a turbine blade, the cover comprising a platform with a cover, the cover comprising at least one inflatable wall, and a top supported by said platform.

[0007] Another type of outer cover is disclosed in German utility model DE 20 2009 002 054 U1. The disclosed outer cover includes a skeleton consisting of parallel rings and an outer sheath.

[0008] However, for known shielding solutions, the volume size of shielding at the tip is the same as that at the root, which is not optimal for the newly developed rotor blades.

[0009] In recent years, wind turbines have increased significantly in size, and the external shape of rotor blades has changed into more complex structures. It's not just the thickness and width that change from the hub end to the tip and from the leading edge to the trailing edge. Blades can also be pre-bent, angled, and / or twisted.

[0010] As mentioned above, rotor blades typically have very complex shapes. The shape of the rotor blade changes in a complex way from its inner end mounted on the hub to its outer tip to achieve low weight and optimal flow characteristics. Unfortunately, this complicates maintenance, and there is a growing need for a more optimized casing for servicing from the blade's mounting end to its tip.

[0011] The fundamental objective of this invention is to improve the protective cover and ensure that a more optimized cover is used for repairs at the tip and root, as well as in the area between the tip and root.

[0012] This objective is achieved by means of a temporary outer cover according to the invention. Summary of the Invention

[0013] A temporary enclosure for connection to at least a portion of the rotor blades of a wind power unit having a tower and a rotor top portion, the enclosure comprising:

[0014] • Structure

[0015] • One or more walls

[0016] • Top; the top extends from the wall toward the blade;

[0017] The framework extends the wall to enclose a volume below the top.

[0018] This objective is achieved using a framework comprising one or more frame portions, a connecting portion for connecting the one or more frame portions, and an actuation device for initiating a change in the framework, thereby changing the volume enclosed by the enclosure.

[0019] When this temporary casing is arranged around the rotor blades and rises and falls along the blades, the volume enclosed by the casing can adapt to the size and shape of the rotor blades. At the root (where the blades connect to the top of the rotor), the diameter of the rotor blades is typically larger than that at the tip, and the distance between the trailing and leading edges of the rotor blades typically widens from a narrower distance at the root and then narrows again at the tip. This dimensional change of the rotor blades, along with their often very complex shapes, can be addressed by the casing by altering the initiation framework, thereby easily adapting the size and shape, and thus the volume enclosed by the casing, to the profile of the rotor blades. This adaptive volume as the casing rises and falls has many advantages, including minimizing the volume when exposed to wind and rain. Many operating processes also offer advantages in terms of the possibility of changing the volume, such as for heating or cooling the enclosed air, or for different operating requirements requiring different distances. It is highly valuable that the frame can be easily changed using the starting device, and thus the size and / or form of the enclosure can be easily changed, so that the volume enclosed by the enclosure changes with rising and falling.

[0020] The change in the structure and the change in the volume enclosed by the outer enclosure should be understood as a change in the size and / or form of the structure and the change in the volume enclosed by the outer enclosure.

[0021] The term "wall" should be understood as multiple vertical side walls. The volume enclosed by the outer casing is the volume surrounded by these walls. When the activation device changes the structure, the volume surrounded by these walls changes form and / or size.

[0022] In embodiments of the invention, at least one frame portion has a telescopic form. The entire frame portion can be constructed as telescopic, or the telescopic portion can be integrated into the frame portion. With the telescopic form, the frame portion can be easily extended and shortened as the outer casing rises and falls along the rotor blades, thus increasing and decreasing the size and volume of the outer casing as needed.

[0023] When the expansion joint changes the length of the frame section, the size of the wall changes, and the volume enclosed by it (the volume enclosed by the outer casing) also changes.

[0024] In embodiments of the invention, the temporary enclosure's frame comprises at least two frame sections. Having more than one frame section has the advantage that the enclosure can not only be changed in size but also in form, thus being more efficient. The starting device can reduce and expand the size and form of the frame, and thus the size and form of the enclosure, according to the external dimensions of the rotor blades, and the enclosure can be quickly and efficiently configured to its most advantageous volume / size at any time without needing to lower it to the ground to make changes in size.

[0025] In embodiments of the invention, at least one connecting portion for connecting the frame portions is a pivotable connecting portion. By utilizing at least one pivotable connecting portion located between the frame portions, the angle between the frame portions can be changed, thereby altering the volume enclosed by the outer casing.

[0026] When the connecting parts of the frame are pivotable, these walls extending through the frame pivot relative to each other, and the volume enclosed by these walls changes form and / or size.

[0027] In embodiments of the invention, the frame comprises at least three frame sections. These three frame sections are used to construct a triangular shape, and the outer casing can be adapted to the shape of the rotor blades.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the framework includes at least four frame parts.

[0029] A more classic form can be constructed using four frame sections. The framework can include more than four frame sections. An increasing number of frame sections ensures a more flexible framework, and consequently, a more flexible casing with greater potential to accommodate complex changes in the rotor blades' longitudinal and horizontal configurations.

[0030] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame includes at least four frame portions, wherein at least four of the frame portions have a telescopic form to change both the length and width of the frame.

[0031] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame includes at least one frame portion that can be divided into two sub-frame portions that can move away from each other, allowing the frame to open. This allows blades to enter the frame, and after the blades have entered, the two sub-frame portions can close and be fixed together in a closed configuration.

[0032] In embodiments of the invention, at least one of the connecting portions of the frame section can be disconnected, allowing the frame to open. This allows the blades to enter the frame; after the blades have entered, the two frame sections can be reconnected, and the sub-frame sections can be closed and secured together in a closed configuration.

[0033] In embodiments of the invention, the frame includes at least four frame sections connected by pivotable connectors. This allows for variations in the form of the outer casing. By utilizing four or more frame sections connected to pivotable connectors and retractable frame sections, even more flexible outer casings can be constructed.

[0034] In embodiments of the invention, the actuation device is an actuator. Many different types of actuators can be used, including hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, or simpler mechanical actuators. Preferably, a linear electric actuator, or a mechanical actuator (similar to a rack and pinion steering mechanism), or a simpler manual steering mechanism (similar to, for example, a wire steering mechanism) is used.

[0035] The initiation device can change the framework into at least two different sizes or forms. Preferably, the initiation device can change the framework into at least three different stages, thereby forming at least three different sizes or forms. Even more preferably, the initiation device can enable variable changes to the framework.

[0036] The architecture can be constructed using only a single common actuator to actuate all changes to the pivotable connections and the telescopic frame sections. In one embodiment, an actuator positioned to connect to a pivotable connection can actuate all changes to the pivotable connections. Preferably, each telescopic frame section has its own actuator.

[0037] In embodiments of the invention, at least one wall is movable. The wall can move in many ways, such as a foldable wall, or a curtain that can be pulled or pushed to the right or left, or a roller blind. The wall can also resemble a sliding door. The movable wall provides access to the interior of the enclosure.

[0038] The wall can also be constructed with openable sections, similar to openable windows. Parts of the wall can also be made of a transparent material that allows sunlight to enter the outer casing and provides the possibility of observing the outer casing from the outside.

[0039] In embodiments of the invention, the outer casing comprises more than one wall, and each wall has its own frame portion. An example of this is four walls extending through four frame portions. The walls and frame portions can also be constructed as a single unit depending on the material. If the walls are made of rigid sheet metal, it is also possible for a portion of the walls or some of the walls to serve as frame portions.

[0040] The wall can be made of materials selected from the following: polymer materials, composite materials, aluminum or steel, preferably materials similar to waterproof tarpaulin.

[0041] The top may be made of a material selected from the following: composite materials, polymer materials, aluminum or steel, preferably composite materials.

[0042] The top can include several sections that can move relative to each other. A top constructed of sections will allow the shroud to more tightly close the rotor blades.

[0043] If the rotor blades are brought into the outer casing by lifting it upwards from below the tip, it is also advantageous if the top can be tightly opened and closed relative to the blades. The same applies if the outer casing is opened and the blades are brought into the casing from the side.

[0044] An additional seal between the top and the blades can be inserted as an integral or separate part to ensure that rainwater does not enter the outer casing.

[0045] The top and walls can be connected as one or more parts.

[0046] In an embodiment of the invention, the outer casing includes a platform. Technicians can repair and maintain the rotor blades from the work platform.

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention, the platform is connected to the framework of the enclosure. The enclosure and the platform can move as a common system. The walls can be extended such that they serve as railings for the platform.

[0048] The enclosure may include a base plate, and the platform may be completely enclosed by the enclosure. The base plate may be constructed in the same manner as the top.

[0049] In embodiments of the invention, the platform and the outer casing share a common actuation device. For example, the outer casing may be connected to the platform, so that when a change in the shape of the platform is initiated, the outer casing moves with the platform. Thus, the outer casing and the platform function as a single unit.

[0050] In embodiments of the invention, the initiation device is controlled by a common controller. For example, the initiation device of the outer casing can be connected to the platform controller, and the platform controller can initiate the initiation by changing the shape of the outer casing. Initiation can be performed such that the outer casing moves separately from the platform, or that the outer casing moves synchronously with the platform.

[0051] The housing and platform share a common starting mechanism, controlled by a common controller. Maintenance technicians can easily raise and lower the housing as the platform moves according to the work to be performed, and the housing and platform can be adapted in form and size to changes in the framework. The housing and platform can accommodate the external dimensions of the rotor blades, and the housing can always achieve the most advantageous volume without needing to lower it to the ground to make changes in volume. Attached Figure Description

[0052] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] Figures 1a to 1c A schematic diagram of an embodiment with two frame sections is shown.

[0054] Figure 2a and Figure 2bA schematic diagram of an embodiment with walls and a top is shown.

[0055] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A schematic diagram of an embodiment is shown, showing the frame opened for receiving rotor blades.

[0056] Figure 4a and Figure 4b A schematic diagram of an embodiment with a retractable frame portion is shown.

[0057] Figure 5a and Figure 5b A schematic diagram of an embodiment with a pivotable connection is shown.

[0058] Figure 6a and Figure 6b A schematic diagram of an embodiment with a pivotable connection and a frame portion having a telescopic form is shown.

[0059] Figure 7a and Figure 7b A schematic diagram of an embodiment is shown, having a pivotable connection and a frame portion in the form of a telescopic rotor blade.

[0060] Figure 8a and Figure 8b An embodiment of a rotor blade with an outer cover is shown.

[0061] Figure 9a and Figure 9b An embodiment of the integrated outer casing and platform is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0062] Figure 1a and Figure 1b An embodiment of a cover having two frame parts 5 (5a, 5b) is schematically shown. Figure 1a and Figure 1b The diagram shows the outer casing viewed from the top side downwards, as seen from the top of the wind power unit. The illustration omits the top and walls to demonstrate how the two frame sections 5 connect and how the structure can be modified in form and size. Figure 1c The same outer casing 1, shown from the side, has walls 3. The two frame parts 5 are curved and connected by pivotal connectors 9. Figure 1b The appearance of the frame 2 is shown when the two frame parts 5 are pivoted away from each other and a large area is formed between the two frame parts. Figure 1aThe same frame 2 is shown in a reduced configuration with two frame sections 5 pivoting and overlapping, forming a small area between the two frame sections 5. The disclosed housing can be used in two ways: the housing can be raised from the ground, and the rotor blades can enter the housing from their tips; or the frame 2 can be opened by pivoting the two frame sections 5 away from each other, and the rotor blades can enter the housing from the side at any height. At the blade tips, the housing can take the form of... Figure 1a The disclosed scaled-down form, and the fact that the outer casing can be changed from the scaled-down form to the form shown when the outer casing is lifted upwards along the rotor blades. Figure 1b The disclosed large form. The invisible starting device can be, for example, a mechanical actuator, similar to, for example, a wire steering device. The starting device can reduce and expand the size of the frame and thus the size of the casing according to the external dimensions of the rotor blades, and the casing can be quickly and efficiently adjusted to the most advantageous volume / size at any time without having to lower the casing to the ground to make changes in size. Figure 1c An outer cover 1 is shown, in which a wall 3 is attached to a frame 2. The wall 3 is in the form of a curtain. The curtain can be pulled out and pulled in as needed to close the outer cover.

[0063] Wall 3 connects to two additional frame sections 5c and 5d at the bottom. Frame sections 5c and 5d have the same curvature and size as the two frame sections 5a and 5b. Frame sections 5c and 5d are also connected by a pivotable joint. Frame sections 5c and 5d provide stability to the outer casing.

[0064] Figure 2a and Figure 2b Another embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 2a and Figure 2b Both outer casings 1 are identical, except they are rotated 90 degrees relative to each other. The frame 2 is rectangular in form, and the frame portions 5 are connected by connecting parts 6. Fitting 13 is positioned relative to connecting parts 6 to provide stability to them. One of the frame portions has a telescopic form 8 in both the width and length directions. The actuation device is disclosed here as a linear electric actuator. However, other types of actuators may also be selected. The wall 3 is in the form of a curtain, which can be pulled out and pulled in as needed to close the outer casing. Only a portion of the top 4 is disclosed. The top 4 is divided into two parts, each of which can close the gap between the wall and the rotor blades (not shown). A suspension 14 for raising and lowering the outer casing is shown. Figure 2a and Figure 2b The outer casing is shown in a closed configuration. The casing is in a closed configuration that is raised from the ground, allowing the rotor blades to enter the casing 1 from their tips. The walls are connected to the frame section 5 at the bottom with the same dimensions as at the top, and are also connected in a telescopic manner in both the width and length directions.

[0065] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The outer cover was shown, similar to Figure 2a and Figure 2b The outer casing shown is unique in that it has a frame portion that can be divided into two sub-frame sections 10, and these sub-frame sections 10 can move away from each other, allowing the frame 2 to open. This allows the outer casing 1 to laterally enclose the rotor blades at any height. This casing provides the freedom to operate in a specific area without needing to start and end lifting at the rotor blade tips.

[0066] Figure 4a and Figure 4b The architecture is shown to have four frame parts 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d). Figure 4a and Figure 4b The diagram shows the structure viewed from the top side downwards, as seen from the top of a wind power unit. The illustration omits the top and walls to demonstrate how the four frame sections 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) are connected and how the structure can be resized.

[0067] The frame 2 is rectangular in shape, and the frame portions 5 are connected by connecting parts 6. Fittings 13 are placed relative to the connecting parts 6 to provide stability to them. The frame portions have telescopic features 8 in both the width and length directions. The actuation device 7 is disclosed here as a linear electric actuator. However, other types of actuators may also be selected. Figure 4a and Figure 4b The enclosure shown demonstrates the closed configuration of the structure. The enclosure is in a closed configuration that is raised from the ground, and the rotor blades can enter the enclosure from their tips. Figure 4a A small frame 2 is shown, in which the frame portion 5 is shorter because its telescopic form is compact. Figure 4b In the middle, the telescopic part of the frame is extended, and the frame part 5 is relatively long, thus creating a frame with a large size. The starting device 7 can reduce and expand the size of the frame according to the external dimensions of the rotor blades, and thus reduce and expand the size of the outer cover, and the outer cover can quickly obtain the most advantageous volume / size at any time without having to lower the outer cover to the ground to make changes in size.

[0068] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Another architecture with four frame parts 5 is shown. Figure 5a and Figure 5b The diagram shows the structure viewed from the top side downwards, as seen from the top of a wind power unit. The illustration omits the top and walls to demonstrate how the four frame sections 5 are connected and how the structure can be modified.

[0069] The frame 2 here takes the form of a parallelogram, and the frame portions 5 are connected by connecting parts 6. These connecting parts are shown here as pivotable connecting parts 9. The actuation device 7 is disclosed here as a linear electric actuator placed between the two frame portions 5 to change the angle between the two frame portions 5. Other types of actuators may also be selected. The frame is shown in a closed configuration. The outer casing is in a closed configuration raised from the ground, and the rotor blades can enter the outer casing from their tips. Figure 5a and Figure 5b This demonstrates two extremes. The starting device 7 can change the form of the frame and thus the form of the casing according to the external dimensions of the rotor blades, and the casing can be quickly made up to the most advantageous volume / size at any time without having to lower the casing to the ground to make changes in size.

[0070] Figure 6a and Figure 6b Another embodiment of the architecture with four frame parts 5 is shown. Figure 6a and Figure 6b yes Figure 4a and Figure 4b as well as Figure 5a and Figure 5b The combination of the structures shown. Here, we show a structure 2 having a pivotable connector 9 and a frame portion 5, which has a telescopic form 8. Using this type of structure with both the pivotable connector 9 and the telescopic frame portion, both the size and form of the structure can be changed.

[0071] Figure 6a A small frame 2 is shown, in which the frame portion 5 is shorter due to the compact form of the telescopic design. Figure 6b In the middle, the telescopic part of the frame is extended, and the frame part 5 is relatively long, thus establishing a frame with a large size. The starting device 7 can reduce and expand the size of the frame according to the external dimensions of the rotor blades, and thus reduce and expand the size of the outer cover, and the outer cover can quickly obtain the most advantageous volume / size at any time without having to lower the outer cover to the ground to make changes in size.

[0072] Figure 7a and Figure 7b Showing and such Figure 6a and Figure 6b The same framework disclosed therein. The only difference is that, as Figure 6a and Figure 6b The architecture disclosed herein visually features rotor blades 15 enclosed by the architecture 2. Figure 7a The optimal form of the frame is shown when an outer casing is used at the tip 16 of the rotor blade 15, wherein, Figure 7bA framework is disclosed for using a shroud in the region where the rotor blade 15 has its maximum periphery (typically at the root tip) or in the region between the root and tip, typically near the root. The rotor blade shown is pre-bent. This dimensional change and complex shape can be accommodated by the shroud through changes in the actuation framework, the telescoping form of the actuation frame portion, and the pivotable connection of the actuation frame portion. Thus, the size and volume enclosed by the shroud can be adapted to the profile of the rotor blade. This adaptation of volume, size, and form ensures that when the shroud is raised and lowered along the rotor blade, it is not necessary to lower the shroud to the ground to make changes in size.

[0073] Figure 8a and Figure 8b A wind power unit 17 is shown, which has an outer casing 1 that is placed around a portion of a blade 15 and raised to a given position closer to the tip of the blade than to the root. An enlarged view of the enclosed portion is shown on the right. Figure 8a and Figure 8b The same embodiment is shown, but disclosed from two different angles. Wall 3 is open, and the blade 15 passing through the outer casing 1 is visible. Top 4 is partially closed. The size, and the volume enclosed by the outer casing, adapts to the profile of the rotor blade 15. When maintenance or repair is completed at a given location on the blade, the outer casing will be raised or lowered as the work to be done needs to be performed. The outer casing can manage changes in blade size and complex shapes by initiating changes to the frame. By initiating telescopic forms of the frame portion and / or pivotable connections of the frame portion, the size and volume enclosed by the outer casing will adapt to the profile of the rotor blade.

[0074] Figure 9a and Figure 9b Showing with Figure 8a and Figure 8b The same type of enclosure is shown, but here the enclosure also includes a service platform 18. Platform 18 is connected to the frame 2. The enclosure and platform share a starting device, which is controlled by a common controller. Maintenance technicians can easily raise and lower the enclosure as the platform moves according to the work to be performed, and the enclosure and platform will change form and size according to changes in the frame.

Claims

1. A temporary enclosure (1) for connection to at least a portion of the rotor blades of a wind power unit having a tower and a rotor top portion, the enclosure (1) comprising: • Framework (2); • One or more walls (3) attached to the frame; • Top (4), which extends from the frame toward the blade; The wall (3) extends around the frame and defines the volume enclosed below the top (4). The frame (2) includes at least two frame parts (5), a connecting part (6) configured to connect the at least two frame parts (5), and one or more actuating devices (7) for initiating changes to the frame (2), thereby changing the volume enclosed by the wall, and The wall is attached to the frame at the bottom frame portion and the upper frame portion.

2. The temporary outer cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the at least two frame parts (5) has a telescopic form (8).

3. The temporary outer cover according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, At least one connecting part (6) is a pivotable connecting part (9).

4. The temporary outer cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The framework (2) includes at least four frame parts (5).

5. The temporary outer cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least four frame sections have a telescopic form (8) to change both the length and width of the frame.

6. The temporary outer cover according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The frame can be divided into two sub-frame parts (10), and the two sub-frame parts (10) can move away from each other, and the frame (2) can be opened.

7. The temporary outer cover according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, At least one of the connecting parts (6) can be disconnected, and the structure can be opened.

8. The temporary outer cover according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The starting device (7) is an actuator.

9. The temporary outer cover according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, At least one wall (3) is movable.

10. The temporary outer cover according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The outer cover (1) includes more than one wall (3), and each wall has its own frame portion (5).

11. The temporary outer cover according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The outer cover (1) includes a platform (18).

12. The temporary outer cover according to claim 11, characterized in that, The platform (18) is connected to the architecture (2).

13. The temporary outer cover according to claim 11, characterized in that, The platform (18) and the architecture (2) share the starter (7).

14. The temporary outer cover according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The starting device (7) is controlled by a common controller.

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