Blade guide device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a blade guide apparatus for facilitating a connection between a wind turbine blade and a rotor hub. The blade guide apparatus has a guide and a cushion carried by the guide. The cushion is provided for interfacing with the wind turbine blade or with the rotor hub to create an interference fit between the guide and the wind turbine blade or rotor hub. The arrangement of the cushion facilitates absorption and / or suppression of impacts that may be encountered during installation due to relative movement between the wind turbine blade and the rotor hub.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a blade guiding device for facilitating the connection between a wind turbine blade and a rotor hub, a wind turbine including the blade guiding device, and a method of using the same. Background Technology

[0002] In modern wind turbines, wind turbine blades are typically mounted to the rotor hub via a series of bolts located at the root end of the turbine blade and within corresponding bolt holes located in the rotor hub (or vice versa). A single blade can have up to fifty or more bolts to facilitate the connection between the blade root and the rotor hub, and therefore, due to the size and weight of modern wind turbine blades, manipulating the blade to ensure that each bolt is correctly aligned with its corresponding bolt hole is extremely difficult.

[0003] One way to solve this problem is to provide one or more guide rods at the rotor hub, which are configured to engage with corresponding slots located at the root end of the blade to help align the two components.

[0004] However, since the rotor hub is typically mounted on top of the tower section when attaching turbine blades, the wind turbine (and the blades to be attached) is exposed to strong winds, which can cause the rotor hub and blades to move relative to each other. Furthermore, when the wind turbine is installed at sea, waves and / or other tidal movements can also act on it, further increasing the amount of relative movement between the blades and the rotor hub.

[0005] Therefore, when wind turbine blades and rotor hubs are placed together for connection, there is a significant risk that relative movement between the rotor hub and the wind turbine blades could cause the guide rod to impact and damage the bolts and / or the surfaces of the blades or rotor hub. Thus, even with the use of guide rods, the process of connecting one or more turbine blades to the rotor hub is extremely challenging and potentially hazardous.

[0006] Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide a solution to this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a blade guiding device for facilitating the connection between a wind turbine blade and a rotor hub, the blade guiding device comprising:

[0008] Guide components; and

[0009] The buffer pad carried by the guide is used to form an interference fit with the wind turbine blade or the rotor hub.

[0010] Advantageously, the setting of a buffer pad that forms an interference fit with the wind turbine or rotor hub helps to reduce the relative movement between the turbine blades and the rotor hub during installation, thereby allowing the operator to more easily align the turbine blades and attach them to the rotor hub.

[0011] In addition, the buffer pad is used to suppress any accidental impacts that may occur between the guide and the connector located on the rotor hub or turbine blade during installation, thereby helping to reduce the risk of damage.

[0012] In some examples, the cushioning pad can be an expandable cushioning pad.

[0013] In some examples, the cushioning pad may extend circumferentially around the guide.

[0014] In some examples, the cushioning pad can be essentially circular (i.e., ring-shaped).

[0015] In some examples, the guide may include a first post and a second post, and a cushioning pad may be carried between the first post and the second post.

[0016] In some examples, the blade guiding device may include multiple guides, and each guide may carry a corresponding buffer pad.

[0017] In some examples, each cushioning pad can expand independently.

[0018] We consider the term "independently expandable" to mean that each cushioning pad can expand and / or contract independently of the other cushioning pads.

[0019] In some examples, the blade guiding device may include a pumping device (e.g., a compressor) configured to actuate the buffer pads, or each buffer pad, from an unexpanded state to an expanded state.

[0020] In some examples, the buffer pad, or each buffer pad, may be associated with a valve for providing a controlled fluid connection between the pumping device and the buffer pad.

[0021] In some examples, the buffer pad, or each buffer pad, may be associated with a valve for providing a controlled fluid connection between the buffer pad and the ambient atmosphere.

[0022] In some examples, the buffer pad, or each buffer pad, may be associated with a first valve for providing a controlled fluid connection between the pumping device and the buffer pad, and a second valve for providing a controlled fluid connection between the buffer pad and the ambient atmosphere.

[0023] In some examples, each buffer pad may be fluidly connected to the pumping device via a manifold.

[0024] In some examples, a first valve and / or a second valve may be located at the manifold.

[0025] In some examples, a bootstrap, or each bootstrap, may be formed from multiple releasably connected segments.

[0026] In some examples, the weight of each segment may be less than 20 kg.

[0027] In some examples, the buffer pad may be configured to form an interference fit with the inner surface of the wind turbine blade.

[0028] In some examples, the buffer pad may be configured to form an interference fit with the inner surface of the rotor hub.

[0029] We believe that the term "inner surface" encompasses any surface that is not an outer surface.

[0030] We believe the term "external surface" is defined as a surface exposed to aerodynamics or airflow during use.

[0031] In some examples, the inner surface can be the inner surface of a component that forms the body of a wind turbine blade or rotor hub.

[0032] In some examples, the inner surface can be a surface located inside the body of a wind turbine blade or rotor hub.

[0033] A second aspect of the present invention provides a wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising:

[0034] Rotor hub;

[0035] Wind turbine blades; and

[0036] The blade guiding device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0037] The guide is installed in either the rotor hub or the wind turbine blade, and

[0038] The buffer pad is configured to form an interference fit with either the rotor hub or the wind turbine blade.

[0039] In some examples, the blade guiding device may include multiple guides, and the multiple guides may be positioned at different locations around the rotor hub or wind turbine blade in the circumference.

[0040] In some examples, the first guide may be positioned at a first location circumferentially around the rotor hub or wind turbine blade, and the second guide may be positioned at a second location circumferentially around the rotor hub or wind turbine blade, with the first and second locations separated by an angle of approximately 180 degrees.

[0041] In some examples, the guide can be mounted to the rotor hub, and the buffer pad can be configured to form an interference fit with the wind turbine blades.

[0042] In some examples, the guide can be mounted to the wind turbine blade, and the buffer pad can be configured to form an interference fit with the rotor hub.

[0043] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for securing a wind turbine blade to a rotor hub using a blade guiding device according to a first aspect of the present invention, the method comprising:

[0044] a) Install the guide into either the rotor hub or the wind turbine blade;

[0045] b) Positioning at least a portion of the guide in either the rotor hub or the wind turbine blade; and

[0046] c) An interference fit is formed between the buffer pad carried by the guide and the rotor hub or wind turbine blade where the guide is located.

[0047] In some examples, the buffer pad may be an expandable buffer pad, and the method may further include: at least partially expanding the buffer pad before positioning at least a portion of the guide in the rotor hub or wind turbine blade.

[0048] In some examples, the buffer pad may be an expandable buffer pad, and the method may include: after positioning the guide in the rotor hub or wind turbine blade, expanding the buffer pad from a first state or further expanding it to a second state, in the first state the buffer pad does not form an interference fit with the rotor hub or wind turbine blade, and in the second state the buffer pad forms an interference fit with the wind turbine blade or rotor hub.

[0049] In some examples, the blade guiding device may include a plurality of independently expandable cushioning pads, and the method may further include selectively expanding and / or contracting one or more of the plurality of cushioning pads after positioning the guide in the rotor hub or wind turbine blade to align the wind turbine blade with the rotor hub.

[0050] In some examples, the guide may include a root portion and a top portion for supporting the cushioning pad.

[0051] In some examples, the blades can be secured to the rotor hub via a first set of connectors and a second set of connectors, the first set of connectors being accessible when the blades are at a first pitch and the second set of connectors being inaccessible when the blades are at a first pitch.

[0052] In some examples, the method may include:

[0053] d) Secure the wind turbine blades to the rotor hub via the first set of connectors;

[0054] e) Remove the top portion of the guide from the root portion of the guide;

[0055] f) While the top portion of the guide is held in place to the wind turbine blade via an interference fit formed between the buffer pad and the wind turbine blade, the root portion of the guide is removed from the rotor hub.

[0056] g) Rotating the wind turbine blades from a first pitch to a second pitch, in which a second set of connectors is accessible; and

[0057] h) Secure the wind turbine blades to the rotor hub via the second set of connectors. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Examples of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0059] Figure 1 This is a front view of a wind turbine;

[0060] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a rotor hub with a blade guide device according to an example of this disclosure;

[0061] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional view of the interface between the rotor hub and the root end of the wind turbine blade;

[0062] Figure 4a yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the blade guide device shown;

[0063] Figure 4b yes Figure 4a The rear view of the blade guide device shown;

[0064] Figure 4c yes Figure 4a The blade guiding device shown is a side view at the interface between the rotor hub and the root end of the wind turbine blade.

[0065] Figure 5a This is a perspective view of a blade guiding device according to another example of this disclosure;

[0066] Figure 5b yes Figure 5a The blade guiding device shown is a side view at the interface between the rotor hub and the root end of the wind turbine blade.

[0067] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a blade guide device according to yet another example of this disclosure;

[0068] Figure 7a yes Figure 5a and Figure 5b The front view of the blade guide device shown shows the buffer pad in the first (partially inflated) state;

[0069] Figure 7b yes Figure 5a and Figure 5b The front view of the blade guide device shown shows the buffer pad in the second (fully inflated) state;

[0070] Figure 8 It is used in Figure 7a and Figure 7b A perspective view of a manifold providing a controllable fluid connection between the buffer pad of the blade guide device and the pumping device (e.g., a compressor); and

[0071] Figure 9 This is a flowchart depicting an example of a method according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0072] Figure 1 A wind turbine 1 is shown, which includes a nacelle 2 supported on a tower 3, which is mounted on a foundation 4. The wind turbine 1 depicted here is an onshore wind turbine, such that the foundation 4 is embedded in the ground; however, the wind turbine 1 could be offshore, in which case the foundation 4 would be provided by a suitable offshore platform, such as a monopile or sheath.

[0073] The nacelle 2 supports the rotor 5, which includes a hub 6, and three blades 7 are attached to the hub 6. Each blade 7 of the rotor 5, which constitutes the wind turbine 1, includes a top end located far from the hub 6 and a root end located near the hub 6.

[0074] It should be noted that the wind turbine 1 is a common type of horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT), in which the rotor 5 is mounted in the nacelle 2 to rotate about a generally horizontal axis defined at the center of the hub 6. As is well known, the blades 7 are subjected to wind, which causes the rotor 5 to rotate about its axis, thereby operating the power generation equipment through a gearbox (not shown) housed in the nacelle 2.

[0075] Figure 1 The power generation equipment is not shown in the illustration because it is not central to this example.

[0076] During the installation of wind turbine 1, tower 3 is first installed onto foundation 4 (or, if wind turbine 1 is an offshore facility, onto an offshore platform). Tower 3 can be installed by stacking multiple tower sections one on top of another (e.g., Figure 1 (as shown in the diagram), or alternatively, tower 3 can be provided as a single integral structure.

[0077] Once the tower 3 has been installed on the foundation 4 or offshore platform, the nacelle 2 is lifted and positioned on top of the tower 3. Power generation equipment, such as the generator, gearbox, and rotor shaft, can then be loaded into and installed in the nacelle 2. Once installed, a portion of the rotor shaft will protrude from the front of the nacelle 2, where the rotor hub 6 is mounted. Finally, installation is completed by connecting each wind turbine blade 7 one by one to the corresponding mounting piece located at the rotor hub 6.

[0078] Rotor hub 6 in Figure 2 It is shown in more detail below.

[0079] Reference Figure 2 The rotor hub 6 has a generally spherical body 10. Typically, the body 10 is a single cast iron casting, thus forming a single integral structure. However, in other examples, the body 10 of the rotor hub 6 may be arranged in multiple segments. The body 10 of the rotor hub 6 is substantially hollow, thus defining a cavity within it.

[0080] Multiple mounting elements 12 are arranged around the body 10 of the rotor hub 6, and one or more wind turbine blades 7 can be connected to the mounting elements 12. Figure 2 The rotor hub 6 shown includes three mounting pieces 12 (although) Figure 2 Only one mounting component is shown in the image; these mounting components are arranged circumferentially around the rotor hub 6 at approximately 120-degree intervals. Therefore, Figure 2 The rotor hub 6 depicted is configured to carry three turbine blades 7. However, in other examples, the rotor hub 6 may include a different number of mounting pieces, such as 2, 4, 5, 6, etc., so in some examples, the rotor hub 6 may carry fewer than three turbine blades or more than three turbine blades.

[0081] In examples where the number of mounting elements is less than or greater than three, the mounting elements can be arranged around the rotor hub 6 at intervals of greater than or less than 120 degrees. For example, in some examples, multiple mounting elements can be arranged around the rotor hub 6 at intervals of 360 / N degrees, where N is the number of mounting elements / turbine blades.

[0082] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, another mounting element 13 is provided at the rotor hub 6 to facilitate the connection between the rotor hub 6 and the rotor shaft (not shown) housed in the engine compartment 2.

[0083] A rotatable bearing 16 (or pitch bearing) is rotatably coupled to each mounting member 12. In the example shown, the rotatable bearing 16 is configured as a generally annular structure and extends around the outer periphery of the mounting member 12. However, in other examples, other forms of bearings may be used.

[0084] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example shown, the bearing 16 is provided with a plurality of bolt holes 14 arranged circumferentially around the bearing 16. Each of the plurality of bolt holes 14 is configured to receive a corresponding connector 22 provided at the root end of the wind turbine blade 7.

[0085] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, multiple connectors 22 are configured as a series of bolts received within each of a plurality of bolt holes 14, which can be secured with suitable fasteners such as cylindrical nuts, thereby facilitating the connection between the rotor hub 6 and the turbine blades 7. However, it should be understood that other suitable connectors may be used alternatively.

[0086] In addition, in some examples, multiple connectors may be arranged circumferentially around the bearing 16 for insertion into bolt holes 14 located at the root end of the wind turbine blade 7.

[0087] The rotatable bearing 16 is rotatably coupled to the mounting 12 in a manner that allows the bearing 16 to rotate axially, thereby allowing the wind turbine blade 7 (which is mounted to the bearing 16) to rotate relative to the pitch direction of the rotor hub 6.

[0088] The pitch of each turbine blade 7 is adjusted via one or more blade pitch actuators 18, which are housed in or near the mounting 12 within a cavity of the rotor hub 6. In some examples, the blade pitch actuator 18 may be configured as one or more hydraulic cylinders. In other examples, different types of actuators (such as electric actuators) may be used.

[0089] The blade pitch actuator 18 is controlled via a pitch control system (not shown), which changes the pitch of the turbine blade 7 connected to the mounting 12 by activating the corresponding blade pitch actuator 18 to rotate the rotatable bearing 16 to which the turbine blade 7 is mounted. Typically, the pitch control system adjusts the pitch of the turbine blade 7 based on various factors (such as wind speed, power demand, etc.) to increase or decrease the rotational speed of the rotor 5, thereby regulating the power output of the wind turbine 1. However, in some cases, when the wind speed is too high for the wind turbine 1 to operate safely, the pitch control system can also control the blade pitch actuator 18 to move the blade to a zero-lift (or "feathering") position. The means for adjusting the pitch of one or more wind turbine blades 7 is not central to the examples of this invention and will therefore not be described in further detail.

[0090] As described in the background section above, positioning the wind turbine blades 7 and rotor hub 6 such that each bolt hole 14 aligns with its corresponding connector 22 is very difficult. One of the main reasons is that strong winds acting on the blades 7 and tower 3 during installation will cause relative movement between the blades 7 and rotor hub 6. This problem is further exacerbated when the wind turbine 1 is an offshore installation, as tidal movements further increase the relative movement between these components.

[0091] To address this issue, blade guiding devices are provided to help resolve and mitigate problems caused by the relative movement between the rotor hub 6 and the turbine blades 7 during installation.

[0092] The blade guiding device consists of a guide member 100 and a buffer pad 120 supported by the guide member 100. Figure 2 In the example shown, the blade guiding device includes a pair of guides 100, each guide carrying a corresponding buffer pad 120. However, it should be understood that in other examples, the blade guiding device may consist of a different number of guides and corresponding buffer pads, such as 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, etc.

[0093] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the guide 100 is mounted to the rotor hub 6 such that (during use) the buffer pad 120 is configured to form an interference fit with the inner surface of the wind turbine blade 7 (as will be described in more detail later in this application).

[0094] In the example shown, the first guide 100 is disposed at a first position circumferentially around the mounting member 12 on the inner side of the bearing 16, and the second guide 100 is also disposed at a second position circumferentially around the mounting member 12 on the inner side of the bearing 16.

[0095] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the first guide 100 is positioned at approximately 12 o'clock (or 0 degrees) circumferentially around the mounting member 12, while the second guide 100 is positioned at approximately 6 o'clock (or 180 degrees) circumferentially around the mounting member 12. Thus, the first and second guides are separated by an arc with a central angle of approximately 180 degrees. Advantageously, positioning the first and second guides at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions allows the blade guiding device to perform vertical adjustment of the rotor hub 6 relative to the turbine blades 7 during installation.

[0096] In an alternative example, the first guide 100 may be positioned at approximately 3 o'clock (or 90 degrees) around the circumference of the mounting member 12, and the second guide 100 may be positioned at approximately 9 o'clock (or 270 degrees) around the circumference of the mounting member 12. Advantageously, positioning the first and second guides at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions allows the blade guiding device to be used to perform lateral adjustment of the rotor hub 6 relative to the turbine blades.

[0097] The means for achieving the lateral and vertical adjustments will be described in more detail later in this application.

[0098] It should also be understood that in other examples, different numbers of guides 100 and buffer pads 120 may be provided, and / or the guides and buffer pads may be positioned at different locations around the rotor hub 6. Furthermore, in some examples, adjacent guides may be separated by an arc having a central angle greater than or less than 180 degrees. In examples where the number of guides / buffer pads is greater than two, adjacent guides may be separated by an arc having a central angle of 360 / N, where N is the number of guides / buffer pads. Additionally, in some examples (e.g.) Figure 5b (As shown in the example), the guide 100 may be irregularly spaced around the wind turbine blade 7 or rotor hub 6.

[0099] It should also be understood that, in some examples, the guide 100 may be mounted to the turbine blade 7 such that (during use) the buffer pad 120 is configured to form an interference fit with the inner surface of the rotor hub 6. Advantageously, since the rotor hub 6 is typically formed of cast metal (which is stronger than the glass or carbon fiber reinforced composite material used to form the blade 7), using a configuration that allows for an interference fit at the stronger rotor hub 6 casting rather than at the blade 7 can help reduce the likelihood of damage to the blade 7 during installation.

[0100] Now refer to Figure 4a and Figure 4b Describe the blade guiding device in more detail.

[0101] exist Figure 4a and Figure 4b In the example shown, the guide 100 includes a pair of (first and second) posts 102, 104 and a bracket 106 extending between the posts 102, 104 for supporting the cushion 120. In other words, the cushion 120 is carried between the first post 102 and the second post 104.

[0102] The first post 102 and the second post 104 are configured as a pair of slender cylindrical protrusions, each protrusion including a corresponding mounting element 103, 105, so that the posts 102, 104 can be attached to the root end of the rotor hub 6 or the wind turbine 7.

[0103] exist Figure 4a In the example shown, the first post 102 and the second post 104 are configured as multiple releasably connected sections. Specifically, the first post 102 and the second post 104 are constituted by root sections 102a and 104a connected to mounting members 103 and 105, and top sections 102b and 104b connected to bracket 106. The root sections 102a and 104a and the top sections 102b and 104b can be connected via threads, ferrules, quick-release clips, or any other suitable connector type. It should also be understood that in some examples, posts 102 and 104 may be provided as a single integral structure.

[0104] exist Figure 4a and Figure 4b In the example shown, the bracket 106 is provided as a single, substantially flat sheet of material having a first end coupled to a top portion 102b of the first post 102 and a second end coupled to a top portion 104b of the second post 104. However, it should be understood that other suitable types of brackets 106 may be used in other examples. The bracket 106 may be coupled to the first post 102 and the second post 104 via welding, adhesive joints, one or more releasable connectors, fasteners, or any other suitable type of coupling.

[0105] In the example shown, columns 102 and 104 are made of fiber-reinforced composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced composites or glass fiber reinforced composites. Advantageously, the use of fiber reinforcement helps to provide the columns with the desired level of stiffness to help prevent them from bending during use, while also keeping the structure lightweight, thus making it easier to lift and / or secure the guides to the rotor hub or wind turbine blades during use.

[0106] In the example shown, columns 102 and 104 are provided as multiple releasably connected sections, each weighing less than 20 kg. This allows the blade guidance device to be easily transported to nacelle 2 and assembled on-site. However, it should be understood that in other examples, the columns may be made of other materials such as aluminum or high-strength polymer materials, and therefore may have a weight greater than 20 kg.

[0107] Typically, bracket 106 is made of the same material as columns 102 and 104, although different materials may be used in some examples.

[0108] Now consider buffer pad 120, which is configured to form an interference fit with rotor hub 6 or wind turbine blade 7 (depending on which component the guide 100 is mounted to).

[0109] Typically, the cushioning pad 120 is made of a resilient, high-friction material such as EDPM or rubber; however, it should be understood that other suitable materials may be used in some examples.

[0110] exist Figures 4a to 4c In the example shown, the buffer pad 120 has an irregular pentagonal cross-sectional shape and includes a first surface 120a and three engagement surfaces 120b-120d. The first surface 120a is configured to engage with the bracket 106, and the three engagement surfaces 120b-120d extend outward beyond the guide 100 for engagement when the rotor hub 6 and the turbine blade 7 are engaged (e.g., when the rotor hub 6 and the turbine blade 7 are engaged). Figure 4c (As shown) it engages with the inner surface of the turbine blade 7 (or, in other examples, the rotor hub 6).

[0111] In some examples, the first surface 120a of the cushioning pad 120 may include a series of hook-shaped patches configured to engage (or vice versa) corresponding annular patches disposed on the bracket 106 to secure the cushioning pad 120 to the guide 100. In other examples, the cushioning pad 120 may be secured to the bracket via one or more connectors, adhesives, or any other suitable means.

[0112] In the example shown, the three mating surfaces 120b-120d are substantially flat and each has a different orientation. The upper mating surface 120b and the lower mating surface 120d are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. An intermediate mating surface 120c is also disposed between the upper mating surface 120b and the lower mating surface 120d, at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the upper surface 120b and the lower surface 120d. Therefore, the mating surfaces 120b-120d form a generally curved profile corresponding to the profile of the inner surface of the turbine blade 7 or rotor hub 6 to which these surfaces 120b-120d will mat.

[0113] However, it should be understood that in other examples, the cushioning pad may be provided in any other suitable shape or construction. For example, in some examples, the cushioning pad 120 may include a single curved engagement surface, rather than three flat engagement surfaces provided in different orientations. In other examples, the shape of the cushioning pad may be square, rectangular, spherical, or cylindrical.

[0114] exist Figure 5a and Figure 5b The image shows another example of a blade guiding device according to this disclosure.

[0115] and Figures 4a to 4c Similar to the device described herein, the blade guiding device consists of a guide 200 and a buffer pad 220 supported by the guide 200. However, the buffer pad 120 is supported on a bracket 106 disposed between the first post 102 and the second post 104. Figures 4a to 4c The bootloader described in the text is different, in Figure 5a and Figure 5b In the example depicted, the guide is set as a single column 202.

[0116] The column 202 is configured as an elongated cylindrical protrusion and has an associated mounting member 203 so that the column 202 can be attached to the root end of the rotor hub 6 or the wind turbine 7.

[0117] exist Figure 5a In the example shown, post 202 is configured as multiple releasably connected sections. Specifically, post 202 consists of a root section 202a to which mounting 203 is connected and a top section 202b that supports the cushioning pad 220. The root section 202a and the top section 202b can be connected via threads, ferrules, quick-release clips, or any other suitable connector type. It should also be understood that in some examples, post 202 may be provided as a single integral structure.

[0118] In the example shown, the guide 200 is made of a fiber-reinforced composite material, such as carbon fiber reinforced composite or glass fiber reinforced composite. Advantageously, the use of fiber reinforcement helps to provide the column with the desired level of stiffness to help prevent the column from bending during use, while also keeping the structure lightweight, thus making it easier to lift and / or secure the guide to the rotor hub or wind turbine blade during use.

[0119] In practice, in the example shown, the guide 200 is provided as multiple releasably connected segments, each weighing less than 20 kg. This allows the blade guide device to be easily transported to the nacelle 2 and assembled on-site. However, it should be understood that in other examples, the column may be made of other materials such as aluminum or high-strength polymer materials, and therefore the segment weight may be greater than 20 kg.

[0120] Now consider the cushioning pad 220, and... Figures 4a to 4c The cushioning pad described in the text is the same as 120. Figure 5a The cushioning pad 220 depicted is made of an elastic, high-friction material such as EDPM or rubber, but it should be understood that other suitable materials may be used in some examples.

[0121] Figure 5a and Figure 5b The cushioning pad 220 depicted is provided in the form of a generally cylindrical (or sausage-shaped) protective plate, which is secured to the post 202 by a pair of straps 220a, 220b extending circumferentially around the top portion 202b of the post 202.

[0122] In the example shown, four guides 200 and associated cushioning pads 220 are provided, arranged circumferentially around the mounting member 12 on the inside of the bearing 16. Figure 5bAs shown, a pair of guides 200 and associated cushioning pads 220 are positioned at approximately 12 o'clock (or 0 degrees) around the circumference of the mounting member 12, while another pair of guides 200 and associated cushioning pads 220 are positioned at approximately 6 o'clock (or 180 degrees) around the circumference of the mounting member 12.

[0123] However, as with the example described above with respect to Figure 4, in other examples, different numbers of guides / buffers may be provided, and in some examples, the guides / buffers may be positioned at different locations around the rotor hub 6 (or, in other examples, the wind turbine blades).

[0124] Figure 6 The image shows yet another example of a blade guiding device according to this disclosure.

[0125] Figure 6 The blade guiding device described in the text has the same characteristics as... Figure 5a The blade guide device described herein shares many of the same features; therefore, for the sake of brevity, this document will only describe the differences. Corresponding features are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0126] and Figure 5a The blade guiding device described in [the text] is the same as that described in [the text]. Figure 6 In the example depicted, the guide 300 includes a single pillar 302 having a root portion (not shown) and a top portion that supports a cushioning pad 320.

[0127] However, with Figure 5a The cushioning pad shown is different from 220. Figure 6 In the example shown, the cushioning pad 320 is provided as a substantially annular (or ring-shaped) ring extending circumferentially around the top portion of the post 302 (which constitutes the guide 300). The guide 300 is received in a "hole" defined by the cushioning pad 320.

[0128] Return to Figure 5a and Figure 5b The examples shown illustrate that, while in some examples the cushioning pad may have a substantially constant volume, in others the cushioning pad may be expandable, as shown in Figure 7 and... Figure 8 As shown.

[0129] In such an example, the pumping device 230 may be configured to be fluidly connected to one or more buffer pads 220 to allow the buffer pads 220 to move from a first state where they are not inflated or partially inflated (e.g., Figure 7a (As shown) actuated to the second state where the cushioning pad 220 is fully expanded (as shown) Figure 7b (As shown). As will be described in more detail below, in some examples, the cushioning pad 220 may be independently expandable, while in other examples, the cushioning pad 220 may expand together as a group.

[0130] In the example shown, the pumping device 230 is provided in the form of a compressor configured to inflate multiple buffer pads 220 by filling them with air drawn from the ambient atmosphere. However, it should be understood that other suitable types of pumping devices may also be used. Furthermore, it should be understood that in other examples, other gases or fluids such as water, hydrogen, helium, etc. (which may be housed in separate tanks, etc.) may be used to inflate the buffer pads.

[0131] In some examples, the cushioning pad 220 may be via a manifold 240 (such as...) Figure 8 The manifold depicted in the image is fluidly connected to the pumping device 230.

[0132] Figure 8 The manifold 240 depicted has an inlet port 241 and multiple outlet ports 242-245. The inlet port 241 is fluidly connected to the pumping device 230 via a first hose 231, and the multiple outlet ports 242-245 are each connected to a corresponding buffer pad 220 via an associated hose 232-235. In the example shown in Figure 5, the blade guide device has four buffer pads, thus providing at least four outlet ports 242-245 at the manifold 240. However, it should be understood that in examples providing different numbers of buffer pads 220, the manifold 240 may have different numbers of outlets.

[0133] It should also be understood that in some examples, the manifold may be omitted, and therefore the pumping device 230 may instead be directly connected to some or all of the buffer pad 220 via a suitable hose assembly or the like.

[0134] In some examples, the buffer pad 220 may be associated with one or more valves to provide a controlled fluid connection between the buffer pad 220 and the pumping device 230, thereby allowing the buffer pad to expand or contract independently. Alternatively, in some examples, each buffer pad 220 may be provided with its own pumping device, which also allows the buffer pad to expand independently. Advantageously, providing independently expandable buffer pads allows the blade guiding device to adjust (or fine-tune) the alignment of the rotor hub 6 with the turbine blades 7 by selectively expanding or contracting one or more of the buffer pads during installation (as will be described in more detail in the Method section below).

[0135] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, each buffer pad is associated with a pair of two-way two-position (or 2 / 2) valves 252a-255a and 252b-255b, which are located at manifold 240 near the corresponding outlets 242-245. Advantageously, providing the valves adjacent to each other at manifold 240 allows them to be more easily accessed and operated by the user.

[0136] The first set of valves 252a-255a is configured to control the fluid connection between the pumping device 230 and the corresponding buffer pad, thereby allowing the buffer pad 220 to expand selectively and controllably. Each of the first set of valves 252a-255a is independently movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the associated buffer pad is not configured to be in fluid communication with the pumping device 230 (and therefore will not be expanded), and in the second position, a fluid connection is established between the associated buffer pad 220 and the pumping device 230.

[0137] exist Figure 8 In the depicted example, each of the corresponding outlets 242-245 has an open end to allow fluid to flow out into the ambient atmosphere. A second set of valves 252b-255b is configured to control the fluid connection between the buffer pad 220 and the ambient atmosphere, thereby allowing the buffer pad 220 to selectively and controllably contract by allowing fluid to exit the buffer pad via the open end of each outlet 242-245. Each of the second set of valves 252b-255b is independently movable between a first position and a second position, in which a fluid connection is established between the associated buffer pad 220 and the ambient atmosphere via the open end of each outlet 242-245, and in the second position, the associated buffer pad is not configured to be in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.

[0138] Therefore, when the pumping device 230 is activated and one or more of the valves 252-255 are in the second position, ambient air is drawn into the compressor, enters the manifold 240 via the hose 231, passes through the corresponding outlets 242-245, and enters the buffer pad 220, thereby causing the buffer pad 220 associated with the valve to move from a first unexpanded or partially expanded state (e.g., Figure 7a (As shown) expands to the second fully expanded state (as shown) Figure 7b (As shown).

[0139] Conversely, when one or more of valves 252-255 are placed in the first position, ambient air is allowed to pass from the buffer pad 220 associated with the valve through the open ends of the corresponding outlets 242-245 provided in the manifold 240 to the ambient atmosphere, thereby allowing the buffer pad 220 to move from a second fully expanded state (e.g., Figure 7b (As shown) shrinks to the first unexpanded or partially expanded state (e.g.) Figure 7a (As shown).

[0140] It should be understood that while a pair of 2 / 2 valves are provided in the example shown, similar functionality may be provided by a single three-way two-position (or 3 / 2) valve in other examples, and therefore in some examples, only a single valve may be associated with each buffer pad.

[0141] Furthermore, it should be understood that although in the example shown the valve is located at manifold 240, in other examples the valve may be located at any point along the fluid connection between the pumping device and the buffer pad, or in some examples the valve may be located at the buffer pad itself.

[0142] It should also be understood that, although referring to Figure 5a and Figure 5b The examples depicted illustrate the expandable function of the blade guide device, but it should also be understood that... Figures 4a to 4c and Figure 6 The cushioning pad of the blade guide device of the type shown can also expand in essentially the same way as described above.

[0143] Now refer to Figure 9 A method for securing a wind turbine blade 7 to a rotor hub 6 using a blade guiding device according to an example of this disclosure is described.

[0144] It should be understood that, although the methods described below refer to Figures 5 and 7, Figure 8 The blade guiding device depicted in Figure 4 is described, but the same method applies to other blade guiding devices, such as those shown in Figure 4 and... Figure 6 Those depicted in the text.

[0145] Furthermore, although the following method is described for the example of fixing the blade guide device to the rotor hub 6, it should be understood that essentially the same method can be used for the example of fixing the blade guide device to the wind turbine blade 7.

[0146] In the first step of this method, the guide 200 is installed onto either the rotor hub 6 or the root end of the wind turbine blade 7 (in this case, the rotor hub 6). Figure 7a In the example shown, a pair of guides 200 are mounted to the rotor hub mount 12 at approximately the 12 o'clock position on the inner side of the bearing 16, around the circumference of the mount 12, such that the top portion of the guide 200 extends beyond the rotor hub 6. A pair of corresponding guides 200 (not shown) are also mounted to the rotor hub mount 12 at approximately the 6 o'clock position on the inner side of the bearing 16, around the circumference of the mount 12. However, it should be understood that in other examples, the guides 200 may be mounted in different positions.

[0147] like Figure 7a As shown, the guide 200 is installed such that the cushioning pad 220 faces outwards. Once the guide 200 is installed, the cushioning pad 220 can partially expand to... Figure 7a The first state is shown. When the buffer pad 220 is in the first state, a gap of 150 mm and 500 mm can be provided between the outermost surface of the buffer pad 220 and the bearing 16.

[0148] Then the rotor hub 6 and the root end of the wind turbine blade 7 are placed together so that the multiple connectors 22 provided at the root end of the wind turbine blade 7 can be aligned with the corresponding bolt holes 14 provided on the rotor hub 6.

[0149] The root end of the wind turbine blade 7 is substantially cylindrical and consists of a hollow body that defines a cavity. Thus, when the rotor hub 6 and the wind turbine blade 7 are combined, the top portion of the guide member 200 is located within the cavity of the wind turbine blade 7.

[0150] Advantageously, by inserting the guide 200 when the buffer pad 220 is in a partially expanded state, the buffer pad 220 is able to suppress and absorb any accidental impact between the guide 200 and the connector 22 (located at the root end of the wind turbine blade 7) caused by the relative movement between the rotor hub 6 and the turbine blade 7 during installation, thereby helping to prevent damage to the guide 200 or the connector 22.

[0151] Furthermore, since the buffer pad 220 expands only partially, a relatively large tolerance (or clearance) is still provided between the bearing 16 and the buffer pad 220, thus allowing the guide 200 to be easily positioned within the cavity of the blade 7 even when the rotor hub 6 and the turbine blade 7 move relative to each other.

[0152] Once the top portion of the guide 200 is located within the cavity of the wind turbine blade 7, the buffer pads undergo a second expansion, causing them to expand from a first partially expanded state (where the buffer pad 220 has a first volume) to a second fully expanded state (where the buffer pad 220 has a second volume greater than the first volume).

[0153] During the expansion from the first state to the second state, the buffer pad 220 pushes against one or more inner surfaces of the wind turbine blade 7 within the cavity, such as... Figure 7b As shown, this creates an interference fit between the guide 200 and the wind turbine blade 7.

[0154] When the buffer pad 220 is in the second state and an interference fit has been formed, the turbine blade 7 is essentially "captured", thus significantly reducing and restricting the relative movement between the rotor hub 6 and the turbine blade 7.

[0155] This makes it easier for the operator to align and secure the connector 22 located at the root end of the turbine blade 7 to the bolt hole 14 located on the rotor hub 6, thus facilitating the connection between the wind turbine 7 and the rotor hub 6.

[0156] Furthermore, in some examples where multiple buffer pads are independently expandable, one or more buffer pads may selectively expand or contract during or after the second expansion to help better align the rotor hub 6 with the turbine blades 7, as will be described below.

[0157] For example, during installation, the operator may determine that the rotor hub 6 and the wind turbine 7 are not in proper vertical alignment. Therefore, the operator may control the pumping device and / or valves associated with the buffer pad 220 to inflate the buffer pad located at the 12 o'clock position and / or to contract the buffer pad 220 located at the 6 o'clock position (or vice versa), so that the wind turbine blades 7 can be moved up or down relative to the rotor hub 6, which may be necessary for proper alignment of the two components.

[0158] Similarly, in the example where the guide and buffer pad are positioned at the 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions, the operator can determine that the rotor hub 6 and the wind turbine blade 7 are not in proper lateral alignment. Therefore, the operator can control the pumping device and / or valve associated with the buffer pad to expand the buffer pad at the 3 o'clock position and / or contract the buffer pad at the 9 o'clock position (or vice versa), so that the wind turbine blade 7 moves to the left or right relative to the rotor hub 6, which may be necessary for proper alignment of the two components.

[0159] Once the rotor hub 6 and the wind turbine 7 are correctly aligned, the connector 22 can be secured in the corresponding bolt hole 14.

[0160] It should also be understood that in some examples, it is not always possible to access all the connectors 22 required to securely attach the wind turbine blades 7 to the rotor hub 6. Therefore, in some examples, the wind turbine blades 7 may need to be rotated (or pitched) about their longitudinal axis to allow the operator to access and secure all the connectors 22.

[0161] Before the wind turbine blades 7 can be pitched, they are first secured to the rotor hub 6 via a first set of connectors (not shown), which are accessible to the operator when the wind turbine 7 is oriented at the first pitch.

[0162] Once the first set of connectors has been secured, it is desirable to rotate the wind turbine blades from the first pitch to the second pitch to allow the operator to access and secure the second set of connectors, which are inaccessible to the operator when the blades 7 are oriented at the first pitch. This is accomplished by activating one or more of the blade pitch actuators 18 (e.g., via a pitch control system) to rotate the rotatable bearing 16 (and thus the wind turbine blades 7 mounted thereon) about its longitudinal axis in the pitch direction from the first pitch to the second pitch.

[0163] However, when the guide 200 of the blade guiding device has been installed on the rotor hub 6, it is impossible to activate the blade pitch actuator 18 because it would interfere with the blade pitch actuator 18, which is also located inside the rotatable bearing 16. Therefore, the root portion of the guide 200 must be removed from the rotor hub 6 before activating the blade pitch actuator 18.

[0164] In some examples where one or more guides are configured as multiple releasably detachable sections, the top portion of guide 200 (its load-bearing cushion 220) can be detached from the root portion of the guide while the top portion and cushion 220 remain in place within the cavity of the wind turbine blade 7 (and before the root portion of guide 200 is detached from the rotor hub 6). Advantageously, this helps reduce construction time because the turbine blade can be tilted to allow access to some (previously inaccessible) connectors without having to disconnect and disassemble the entire blade guide assembly.

[0165] Once the root portion of the guide 200 has been removed from the rotor hub 6, the wind turbine blade 7 rotates from the first pitch to the second pitch, allowing the operator access to the second set of connectors (not shown). The second set of connectors can then be secured and tightened, thus completing the installation of the blade 7 onto the rotor hub 6.

[0166] Then repeat the process for each blade 7 until each blade is securely attached to the rotor hub 6.

[0167] Although the invention has been described above with reference to one or more preferred examples, it should be understood that various changes or modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0168] It should also be understood that the blade guiding device according to the examples of this disclosure can be used in combination with one or more other types of passive alignment guides, such as “Shark Fin” guides. In some examples, these other forms of passive alignment guides may be positioned at approximately 90 degrees to the location where the guide of this disclosure is positioned.

Claims

1. A blade guiding device for facilitating the connection between a wind turbine blade and a rotor hub, the blade guiding device comprising: Guide components (100, 200, 300); as well as The buffer pads (120, 220) carried by the guide are used to form an interference fit with the wind turbine blades or the rotor hub.

2. The blade guiding device according to claim 1, wherein, The cushioning pads (120, 220) are expandable cushioning pads.

3. The blade guiding device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cushioning pad extends circumferentially around the guide, and preferably, the cushioning pad is substantially annular (i.e., donat ring-shaped).

4. The blade guiding device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The guide (100, 200, 300) includes a first post and a second post, wherein the buffer pad is carried between the first post and the second post.

5. The blade guiding device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The blade guiding device includes multiple guides, and each guide carries a corresponding buffer pad (120, 220).

6. The blade guiding device according to claim 5, wherein, Each cushioning pad can expand independently.

7. The blade guiding device according to claim 2 or 6, further comprising a pumping device (230) (e.g., a compressor) configured to actuate the buffer pad or each buffer pad from an unexpanded state to an expanded state.

8. The blade guiding device according to claim 7, wherein, The buffer pad or each buffer pad is associated with a valve (252a-255a; 252b-255b) for providing a controlled fluid connection between the pumping device and the buffer pad and / or between the buffer pad and the ambient atmosphere.

9. The blade guiding device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The buffer pad or each buffer pad (120, 220) is associated with a first valve for providing a controlled fluid connection between the pumping device (230) and the buffer pad, and wherein the buffer pad or each buffer pad is associated with a second valve for providing a controlled fluid connection between the buffer pad and the ambient atmosphere.

10. The blade guiding device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, Each buffer pad (120, 220) is fluidly connected to the pumping device via a manifold, and preferably, the first valve and / or the second valve is disposed at the manifold.

11. The blade guiding device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The guide or each guide (100, 200, 300) is formed of a plurality of releasably connected segments, and preferably, each segment weighs less than 20 kg.

12. A wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising: Rotor hub; Wind turbine blades; as well as The blade guiding device according to any one of the preceding claims. The guide members (100, 200, 300) are installed on one of the rotor hub and the wind turbine blades, and The buffer pads (120, 220) are configured to form an interference fit with the other of the rotor hub and the wind turbine blade.

13. The wind turbine according to claim 12, wherein, The blade guiding device includes a plurality of guides, wherein the plurality of guides are disposed at different circumferential positions surrounding the rotor hub or the wind turbine blade.

14. The wind turbine according to claim 13, wherein, A first guide is disposed at a first position circumferentially around the rotor hub or the wind turbine blade, wherein a second guide is disposed at a second position circumferentially around the rotor hub or the wind turbine blade, and wherein the first position and the second position are separated by an angle of approximately 180 degrees.

15. The wind turbine according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The guide is mounted to the rotor hub, and the buffer pad is configured to form an interference fit with the wind turbine blade.

16. A method for securing a wind turbine blade to a rotor hub using the blade guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising: a) Install the guide (100, 200, 300) into one of the rotor hub and the wind turbine blade; b) Positioning at least a portion of the guide in the other of the rotor hub and the wind turbine blade; as well as c) An interference fit is formed between the buffer pad (120, 220) carried by the guide and the rotor hub or the wind turbine blade where the guide is located.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The buffer pad is an expandable buffer pad, and the method further includes: at least partially expanding the buffer pad before positioning at least a portion of the guide in the rotor hub or the wind turbine blade.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The buffer pad is an expandable buffer pad, and the method includes: after positioning the guide in the rotor hub or the wind turbine blade, expanding the buffer pad from a first state or further expanding it to a second state, in the first state the buffer pad does not form an interference fit with the rotor hub or the wind turbine blade, and in the second state the buffer pad forms an interference fit with the wind turbine blade or the rotor hub.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The blade guiding device includes a plurality of independently expandable buffer pads (120, 220), and the method further includes: after positioning the guide in the rotor hub or the wind turbine blade, selectively expanding and / or contracting one or more of the plurality of buffer pads to align the wind turbine blade with the rotor hub.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein, The guide includes a root portion and a top portion for supporting the buffer pad, wherein the blade is secured to the rotor hub via a first set of connectors and a second set of connectors, the first set of connectors being accessible when the blade is at a first pitch, and the second set of connectors being inaccessible when the blade is at the first pitch, and wherein the method includes: d) Secure the wind turbine blades to the rotor hub via the first set of connectors; e) Remove the top portion of the guide from the root portion of the guide; f) While the top portion of the guide is held fixed to the wind turbine blade via an interference fit formed between the buffer pad and the wind turbine blade, the root portion of the guide is removed from the rotor hub. g) Rotating the wind turbine blades from a first pitch to a second pitch, wherein the second set of connectors is accessible at the second pitch; and h) Secure the wind turbine blades to the rotor hub via the second set of connectors.

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