Individually Adjustable Rotor Blades for Load-Balanced Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine and propeller systems lack the ability to individually adjust the parameters of chord, length, and pitch for each blade, leading to inefficiencies in performance and load imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A system where each blade can be independently adjusted in length, chord, and pitch through actuators, pressure sensors, and cam mechanisms, allowing for unequal configurations and optimized performance based on fluid pressure and angular position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all blades are configured with identical parameters (length, chord, pitch), then manufacturing and initial setup are simplified, but the system cannot adapt to changing operational conditions such as wind speed variations, leading to suboptimal performance and load imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into multiple adjustable segments (blade sections) that can be independently positioned along the blade span. Each segment can be adjusted to different radial positions, allowing individual customization of blade parameters (length, chord, pitch) without affecting the entire blade structure. This segmentation enables adaptability while keeping the adjustment mechanism modular and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade configuration is made dynamically adjustable during operation. actuators (hydraulic or electric) enable real-time modification of blade segment positions, chord lengths, and pitch angles in response to changing wind conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize performance continuously rather than being fixed at a single configuration.
2Productivity
If blade parameters (length, chord, pitch) are simultaneously adjustable for each blade, then performance optimization under varying wind conditions is achieved, but the mechanical complexity and cost of actuators and control systems increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adjustment functions (blade length modification, chord adjustment, and pitch control) are merged into an integrated system. A single controller coordinates actuators that perform multiple functions, reducing the need for separate control systems for each parameter. The blade segments are designed to accommodate multiple adjustment mechanisms in a unified structural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system is designed with multi-functionality, where the same actuator mechanisms can perform different functions (adjusting chord, pitch, or radial position) depending on operational requirements. This universal approach reduces the total number of actuators needed compared to having dedicated actuators for each parameter adjustment.
3Reliability
If individual blade adjustment is implemented, then load imbalances and cavitation risks are minimized, but the ease of operation and maintenance becomes more difficult due to the complexity of adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The blade adjustment system incorporates self-adjusting features where sensors detect operational conditions (wind speed, load imbalance, cavitation risk) and automatically trigger appropriate blade configuration changes without manual intervention. The system can autonomously monitor its own performance and make real-time adjustments, reducing the operational burden on operators while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control system continuously monitors blade performance parameters and adjusts blade configurations accordingly. Sensors detect conditions such as load imbalance or cavitation risk, and this information feeds back to the control system, which automatically modifies blade segment positions and angles to optimize performance and minimize harmful effects.
4Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping blade sections are used to adjust blade length, then adaptability to different wind speeds is achieved, but the manufacturing precision and structural integrity become more challenging to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The blade structure employs nested telescoping sections where inner blade segments are housed within outer segments. This nesting arrangement allows compact storage of multiple blade configurations and enables smooth extension/retraction of blade sections. The nested design maintains structural integrity by providing continuous support surfaces and minimizing gaps between sections during telescoping operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The lengths and/or chords and/or pitches of wind turbine or propeller blades are individually established, so that a first blade can have a length/chord/pitch that is different at a given time to the length/chord/pitch of a second blade to optimize performance and/or to equalize stresses on the system.