Method of reinforcing a blade of a wind turbine generator

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a method for strengthening wind turbine blades. The method includes: grinding the surface of the blade body; applying masking tape to the blade body to form a ring structure, thus defining the ground area as a treatment area; applying an elastic protective material to the treatment area to form an elastic protective layer; applying an anti-icing protective layer onto the elastic protective layer; and removing the masking tape. By applying an elastic protective material to the blade body surface and then applying an anti-icing protective layer, a layered protective structure is formed. When the blade rotates, the elastic protective layer provides elastic cushioning for rainwater or sand impacting the blade, thereby protecting the blade body from damage. The anti-icing protective layer, while providing basic protection, also reduces the ice adhesion strength on the blade body surface, thus preventing ice buildup. Furthermore, this method can reduce the difficulty of strengthening the blades of in-service turbines and improve construction efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wind turbine blade strengthening, and more specifically, to a method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator set. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbine blades are susceptible to damage during high-speed rotation. Common solutions include applying leading-edge protective films. Additionally, in areas with low temperatures and high humidity, blade icing can occur, which is addressed using anti-icing coatings. However, these two methods cannot simultaneously provide adequate protection. While leading-edge protective films offer some protection, their anti-icing effect is poor, and anti-icing coatings provide limited protection for the leading edge, leaving the blades vulnerable to damage. Furthermore, for already damaged wind turbines, blade protection is difficult to apply, resulting in poor post-application protection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator set to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this disclosure provides a method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator set, wherein the blades include a blade body, and the strengthening method includes the following steps:

[0005] Grind the surface of the blade body;

[0006] Take paper tape and stick it to the blade body to form a ring structure, so as to delineate the area of ​​the blade body to be polished and form a treatment area.

[0007] An elastic protective material is coated onto the treated area to form an elastic protective layer;

[0008] Take the anti-icing protective layer and apply it onto the elastic protective layer;

[0009] Remove the paper tape.

[0010] Optionally, polishing the surface of the blade body includes the following steps:

[0011] The blade body is rotated to a vertical position so that the tip of the blade body faces the ground;

[0012] Grind the windward side, leeward side, and the seam between the windward and leeward sides of the blade body along the direction from the blade tip to the blade root.

[0013] Optionally, the equipment for polishing the surface of the blade body is a centrifugal sander, and the sandpaper has a mesh size of P80-P120.

[0014] Optionally, coating the treated area with an elastic protective material to form an elastic protective layer includes the following steps:

[0015] The first portion of the elastic protective material is applied to the treated area and, after semi-curing, forms the first intermediate layer;

[0016] The second portion of the elastic protective material is coated onto the first intermediate layer, and after semi-curing, a second intermediate layer is formed.

[0017] The first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer together form the elastic protective layer.

[0018] Optionally, the step of applying the anti-icing protective layer to the elastic protective layer is configured such that the anti-icing protective layer is applied to the second intermediate layer before the second intermediate layer is semi-cured, so that the anti-icing protective layer is bonded to the second intermediate layer.

[0019] Optionally, the semi-curing time of the elastic protective material is 50-65 minutes.

[0020] Optionally, applying the first portion of the elastic protective material to the treated area includes the following steps:

[0021] Take a portion of the elastic protective material, place it in the treatment area, and scrape it flat so that the first portion of the elastic protective material evenly covers the treatment area and the surface of the first portion of the elastic protective material is flat.

[0022] The step of applying the second portion of the elastic protective material onto the first intermediate layer includes the following steps:

[0023] Take the second part of the elastic protective material, place it on the first intermediate layer, and scrape it flat so that the second part of the elastic protective material evenly covers the first intermediate layer and the surface of the second part of the elastic protective material is flat.

[0024] Optionally, the elastic protective material is a polyurethane coating or an epoxy resin coating.

[0025] Optionally, the anti-icing protective layer is a ceramic film;

[0026] The anti-icing protective layer includes the following steps:

[0027] Cut the anti-icing protective layer so that its area is larger than that of the elastic protective layer.

[0028] Optionally, after applying the anti-icing protective layer to the elastic protective layer and before removing the paper tape, the reinforcement method further includes the following steps:

[0029] Apply the portion of the anti-icing protective layer that protrudes from the elastic protective layer to the treatment area; take sealant and apply it to the portion of the anti-icing protective layer that is applied to the treatment area, the treatment area, and the paper tape.

[0030] The above technical solution involves coating the blade surface with an elastic protective material and then applying an anti-icing protective layer to form a layered protective structure. When the blade rotates, the elastic protective layer provides a cushioning effect against rainwater or sand impacting the blade, protecting it from damage. The anti-icing protective layer, while providing basic protection, also reduces the adhesion strength of ice on the blade surface, preventing ice buildup. Furthermore, the combination of grinding, coating, and application allows for rapid strengthening of in-service turbine blades, reducing the difficulty and increasing efficiency of blade strengthening while maintaining blade strength. Additionally, grinding increases the surface roughness of the blade, resulting in a more secure adhesion between the elastic and anti-icing protective layers.

[0031] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the blades of a wind turbine generator provided in one embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the middle;

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the steps of a method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the steps of a method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator provided in one embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein values ​​such as the semi-curing time are shown.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 1-Blade; 11-Blade body; 12-Elastic protective layer; 13-Anti-icing protective layer. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0040] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" are generally defined based on the plane orientation of the corresponding figures. "Inner" and "outer" refer to the inside and outside of the outline of the corresponding components. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this disclosure provides a method for strengthening the blade 1 of a wind turbine generator set. The blade 1 includes a blade body 11, as shown in the figure. Figure 3 As shown, the enhancement method includes the following steps:

[0042] S31: Polish the surface of the blade body 11;

[0043] S32: Take paper tape and stick it to the blade body 11 to form a ring structure, so as to delineate the area of ​​the blade body 11 to be polished and form a processing area.

[0044] S33: Apply an elastic protective material to the treated area to form an elastic protective layer 12;

[0045] S34: Take the anti-icing protective layer 13 and apply it onto the elastic protective layer 12;

[0046] S35: Remove paper tape.

[0047] Through the above technical solution, after coating the surface of the blade body 11 with an elastic protective material, an anti-icing protective layer 13 is applied to form a layered protective structure. When the blade 1 rotates, the elastic protective layer 12 can provide elastic buffering for rainwater or sand hitting the blade 1, thereby protecting the blade body 11 from damage. The anti-icing protective layer 13, while providing basic protection, can also reduce the ice adhesion strength on the surface of the blade body 11, thereby preventing ice adhesion. Furthermore, by using the grinding, coating, and application method, the blades 1 of in-service units can be quickly strengthened, thereby reducing the construction difficulty of blade strengthening and improving construction efficiency while ensuring the strength of the blade 1. In addition, grinding can increase the surface roughness of the blade body 11, thereby making the adhesion of the elastic protective layer 12 and the anti-icing protective layer 13 more firm.

[0048] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, polishing the surface of the blade body 11 specifically includes:

[0049] Rotate the blade body 11 to a vertical position so that the tip of the blade body 11 faces the ground;

[0050] Grind the windward side, leeward side, and the seam between the windward and leeward sides of the blade body 11 along the direction from the tip of the blade body 11 to the root of the blade body 11.

[0051] During the processing of in-service units, blade 1 is installed on the wind turbine generator. For ease of construction, the blade body 11 is rotated to a vertical position with the blade tip facing the ground. Since the construction personnel use the rotation center of the wind turbine as a fulcrum and rise from the ground with the help of ropes, the setting direction of the blade body 11 is collinear with the movement direction of the construction personnel, which makes it easier for the construction personnel to move along the extension direction of the blade body 11 and thus process the blade body 11.

[0052] The treatment area includes the windward and leeward sides of the blade body 11, as well as the seam between the windward and leeward sides. After applying the elastic protective material to the windward and leeward sides of the blade body 11, another layer of coating can be applied at the seam between the windward and leeward sides. Since the area between the windward and leeward sides is the mold joint of the blade body 11, grooves or gaps are prone to appear. Applying another layer of coating at the mold joint ensures that there are no uneven or rough transitions between the windward and leeward sides of the blade body 11, guaranteeing that the elastic protective layer 12 is applied evenly and smoothly.

[0053] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the equipment for polishing the surface of the blade body 11 is a centrifugal sander with sandpaper of grit P80-P120. Depending on the surface material hardness of the blade body 11, a centrifugal sander with sandpaper of grit P80-P120 can polish the surface of the blade body 11 to the roughness required for coating the elastic protective material.

[0054] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, coating the treated area with an elastic protective material to form an elastic protective layer 12 includes:

[0055] The first portion of the elastic protective material is applied to the treated area and, after semi-curing, forms the first intermediate layer;

[0056] The second part of the elastic protective material is applied onto the first intermediate layer, and after semi-curing, the second intermediate layer is formed.

[0057] The first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer together form the elastic protective layer 12.

[0058] The structure of the double-layer elastic protective layer 12 has two advantages. First, when the first intermediate layer is coated, the elastic protective material can be used to level the grooves and gaps on the surface of the blade body 11, thereby ensuring the smoothness of the blade body 11 surface and reducing the increase in wind resistance caused by uneven surface. Second, the double-coated elastic protective material can increase the thickness of the elastic protective layer 12, thereby providing better protection for the blade body 11.

[0059] To improve the adhesion strength of the anti-icing protective layer 13, optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the anti-icing protective layer 13 is applied to the elastic protective layer 12 in conjunction with the above-described coating method of separately coating the first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer. Specifically, this includes applying the anti-icing protective layer 13 to the second intermediate layer before the second intermediate layer is semi-cured, so that the anti-icing protective layer 13 and the second intermediate layer are bonded. Using this application method, before the second intermediate layer is semi-cured, the second intermediate layer serves as the adhesive for bonding the anti-icing protective layer 13 and the first intermediate layer, thereby reducing the risk of the anti-icing protective layer 13 loosening due to adhesive failure and extending the service life of the anti-icing protective layer 13. Furthermore, using an elastic protective material as an adhesive can also increase the thickness of the elastic protective layer 12, improving its protective effect.

[0060] Optionally, the semi-curing time of the elastic protective material is 50-65 minutes.

[0061] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, applying a first portion of the elastic protective material to the treated area includes the following steps:

[0062] Take the first part of the elastic protective material, place it in the treatment area and scrape it flat so that the first part of the elastic protective material evenly covers the treatment area and the surface of the first part of the elastic protective material is flat.

[0063] Optionally, applying a second portion of the elastic protective material onto the first intermediate layer may include the following steps:

[0064] Take the second part of the elastic protective material, place it on the first intermediate layer, and scrape it flat so that the second part of the elastic protective material evenly covers the first intermediate layer and the surface of the second part of the elastic protective material is flat.

[0065] During operation, the wind turbine rotates at high speed under the drive of wind, which generates a high wind speed. Applying the first and second intermediate layers of the elastic protective layer 12 smoothly during the coating process can ensure that the surface of the wind turbine blades 1 is smooth, thereby reducing wind resistance during wind turbine operation. On the other hand, the smooth coating of the first and second intermediate layers can also reduce the gap between the elastic protective layer 12 and the anti-icing protective layer 13 when applying the anti-icing protective layer 13, thereby preventing the wind force generated by the high wind speed during operation from peeling off the anti-icing protective layer 13.

[0066] This disclosure does not limit the specific type of elastic protective material. The elastic protective material can be any of the following: natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, cis-butadiene rubber, neoprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, polyurethane, and epoxy resin. For example, the elastic protective material can be a polyurethane coating, which can be cured and bonded to the blade body 11. The anti-icing protective layer 13 is bonded to the blade body 11 through the polyurethane coating. After curing, the polyurethane protective material has a high elastic deformation limit, providing better cushioning against rainwater and gravel impacts to prevent damage to the blade body 11. Simultaneously, to improve the tightness of the connection, using a polyurethane coating to bond the anti-icing protective material to the blade body 11 reduces the need for adhesive backing, preventing the anti-icing protective layer 13 from detaching due to adhesive failure.

[0067] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, the anti-icing protective layer 13 is a ceramic film, and taking the anti-icing protective layer 13 includes the following steps:

[0068] Cut the anti-icing protective layer 13 so that the area of ​​the anti-icing protective layer 13 is larger than the area of ​​the elastic protective layer 12.

[0069] The ceramic film has strong hydrophobicity, making it difficult for a water film to form on the surface of the blade body 11, thus preventing the water film from freezing due to low temperature. At the same time, the ceramic film has low ice adhesion strength, so even if ice forms, it will not adhere to the surface of the anti-icing protective layer 13 for a long time and will fall off, further reducing the ice on the surface of the blade body 11.

[0070] By cutting the anti-icing protective layer 13 to obtain anti-icing protective layers 13 of different sizes according to the area of ​​the treatment area, different sizes of anti-icing protective layers 13 can be obtained for different areas of the treatment area of ​​the blade body 11, thereby increasing the flexibility of applying the anti-icing protective layer 13 during the reinforcement treatment process. At the same time, the cut anti-icing protective layer 13, as a film with a single integral structure, is conducive to overall application, thereby reducing the time required for application and reducing the difficulty of construction.

[0071] Optionally, the ice adhesion strength of the ceramic film is 42 kPa-43 kPa. The ice adhesion coefficient of existing anti-icing coatings is generally 100 kPa. The ceramic film with a lower ice adhesion coefficient used in this disclosure as an anti-icing layer can effectively reduce icing on the surface of the blade body 11, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the wind turbine generator.

[0072] Optionally, in one embodiment of this disclosure, after applying the anti-icing protective layer 13 to the elastic protective layer 12 and before removing the paper tape, the reinforcement method further includes the following steps:

[0073] Apply the portion of the anti-icing protective layer 13 that protrudes from the elastic protective layer 12 to the treatment area; take sealant and apply it to the portion of the anti-icing protective layer 13 that is applied to the treatment area, the treatment area, and the masking tape.

[0074] To further reduce the gap between the edge of the anti-icing protective layer 13 and the blade body 11, sealant is applied to the portion of the anti-icing protective layer 13 that is applied to the treatment area, the treatment area, and the junction of the paper tape. This ensures that the gap between the edge of the anti-icing protective layer 13 and the blade body 11 is sealed after the paper tape is removed. On the one hand, this fills the step surface between the edge of the anti-icing protective layer 13 and the blade body 11, making the connection surface between the anti-icing protective layer 13 and the blade body 11 smoother. On the other hand, it reduces the probability of rainwater or wind entering the joint between the anti-icing protective layer 13 and the blade body 11, increasing the lifespan of the protective structure.

[0075] To facilitate understanding of the methods provided in this disclosure, such as Figure 4 As shown, as an exemplary implementation, the method includes the following steps:

[0076] Step S41: Rotate the blade body 11 to a vertical position so that the blade tip of the blade body 11 faces the ground;

[0077] Step S42: Grind the windward side, leeward side, and the seam between the windward and leeward sides of the blade body 11 along the direction from the blade tip to the blade root of the blade body 11.

[0078] Step S43: Take paper tape and stick it to the blade body 11 to form a ring structure, so as to delineate the area of ​​the blade body 11 to be polished and form a processing area.

[0079] Step S44: Take the first part of the elastic protective material, place it in the treatment area and scrape it flat so that the first part of the elastic protective material evenly covers the treatment area and the surface of the first part of the elastic protective material is flat. Apply it again at the joint between the windward and leeward sides. After semi-curing for 50-65 minutes, the first intermediate layer is formed.

[0080] Step S45: Take the second part of the elastic protective material, place it on the first intermediate layer and scrape it flat so that the second part of the elastic protective material evenly covers the first intermediate layer and the surface of the second part of the elastic protective material is flat. After semi-curing for 50-65 minutes, the second intermediate layer is formed. The first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer form the elastic protective layer 12.

[0081] Step S46: Cut the anti-icing protective layer 13 so that the area of ​​the anti-icing protective layer 13 is larger than the area of ​​the elastic protective layer 12;

[0082] Step S47: Before the second intermediate layer is semi-cured, apply the anti-icing protective layer 13 to the second intermediate layer so that the anti-icing protective layer 13 is bonded to the second intermediate layer;

[0083] Step S48: Apply the portion of the anti-icing protective layer 13 protruding from the elastic protective layer 12 to the treatment area; take sealant and apply it to the portion of the anti-icing protective layer 13 applied to the treatment area, the treatment area, and the masking tape.

[0084] Step S49: Remove the paper tape.

[0085] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0086] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. To avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0087] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator set, wherein the blades comprise a blade body, characterized in that, The enhancement method includes the following steps: Grind the surface of the blade body; Take paper tape and stick it to the blade body to form a ring structure, so as to delineate the area of ​​the blade body to be polished and form a treatment area. An elastic protective material is applied to the treatment area. A first portion of the elastic protective material is applied to the treatment area and, after semi-curing, forms a first intermediate layer. A second portion of the elastic protective material is applied to the first intermediate layer and, after semi-curing, forms a second intermediate layer. The first intermediate layer and the second intermediate layer together form an elastic protective layer. Take the anti-icing protective layer and apply it to the elastic protective layer. The arrangement is that the anti-icing protective layer is applied to the second intermediate layer before the second intermediate layer is semi-cured, so that the anti-icing protective layer is bonded to the second intermediate layer. Remove the paper tape.

2. The method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator set according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of polishing the surface of the blade body includes the following steps: The blade body is rotated to a vertical position so that the tip of the blade body faces the ground; Grind the windward side, leeward side, and the seam between the windward and leeward sides of the blade body along the direction from the blade tip to the blade root.

3. The method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator set according to claim 1, characterized in that, The equipment used to polish the surface of the blade body is a centrifugal sander, and the sandpaper has a mesh size of P80-P120.

4. The method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator set according to claim 1, characterized in that, The semi-curing time of the elastic protective material is 50-65 minutes.

5. The method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator set according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of applying a first portion of the elastic protective material to the treated area includes the following steps: Take a portion of the elastic protective material, place it in the treatment area, and scrape it flat so that the first portion of the elastic protective material evenly covers the treatment area and the surface of the first portion of the elastic protective material is flat. The step of applying the second portion of the elastic protective material onto the first intermediate layer includes the following steps: Take the second part of the elastic protective material, place it on the first intermediate layer, and scrape it flat so that the second part of the elastic protective material evenly covers the first intermediate layer and the surface of the second part of the elastic protective material is flat.

6. The method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator set according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic protective material is a polyurethane coating or an epoxy resin coating.

7. The method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator set according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The anti-icing protective layer is a ceramic film; The anti-icing protective layer includes the following steps: Cut the anti-icing protective layer so that its area is larger than that of the elastic protective layer.

8. The method for strengthening the blades of a wind turbine generator set according to claim 7, characterized in that, After applying the anti-icing protective layer to the elastic protective layer and before removing the paper tape, the reinforcement method further includes the following steps: Apply the portion of the anti-icing protective layer that protrudes from the elastic protective layer to the treatment area; take sealant and apply it to the portion of the anti-icing protective layer that is applied to the treatment area, the treatment area, and the paper tape.

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