Balancing Segmented Wind Turbine Rotor Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current field-implemented method for balancing rotor blades in wind turbines is time-consuming and cumbersome, especially with segmented blades, which require balancing multiple components to achieve a balanced load.
Innovation Solution
A method for balancing segmented rotor blades by determining the weight and initial static moment of each segment, and adding mass to achieve a predetermined static moment, allowing for balanced segments to be assembled in a factory environment without further adjustments in the field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If field-implemented blade balancing is used, then rotor blades can be balanced in operation, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing blade balancing in a controlled factory environment before the blades are installed on the wind turbine. Weight plates are pre-installed on the blade segments during manufacturing, and static moments are pre-calculated and verified. This eliminates the need for time-consuming field balancing operations after installation, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.
2Ease of manufacture
If segmented rotor blades are used, then blade manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the complexity of balancing multiple components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the rotor blade into multiple segments (e.g., root segment and tip segment) that can be manufactured, transported, and balanced independently. Each segment is equipped with weight plates and has its static moment calculated separately. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing flexibility while the balancing process is managed through systematic calculation and assembly of individual segment properties, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the static moments of individual blade segments during manufacturing and pre-installing weight plates on each segment before assembly. This preliminary preparation of segment data and weight configuration simplifies the subsequent assembly process, transforming the complex task of balancing multiple components into a straightforward verification and assembly operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple blade segments are balanced separately, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the overall balancing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and verifying the static moments of individual blade segments during manufacturing before assembly. Weight plates are pre-installed on each segment with their positions and weights recorded. This preliminary action ensures manufacturing precision is maintained for each segment while the overall balancing process is simplified through pre-prepared data that guides the assembly process, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by establishing a verification process where the calculated static moments of individual segments are checked against predetermined values during assembly. The pre-installed weight plates on each segment provide feedback on the actual static moment, allowing for verification and adjustment if necessary. This feedback mechanism maintains manufacturing precision while simplifying the overall process by providing clear, pre-determined targets for assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for balancing segmented rotor blades for a wind turbine may include determining a weight for each of a plurality of blade segments, wherein each blade segment extends between a first end and a second and is configured to form a common spanwise section of a segmented rotor blade between the first and second ends. The method may also include determining an initial static moment for each blade segment based on the weight of the blade segment, wherein the initial static moment of at least one of the blade segments differing from the initial static moments of the remainder of the blade segments. Additionally, the method may include adding mass to each of the blade segments to increase the initial static moment for each blade segment to a predetermined static moment, wherein the predetermined static moment is greater than each of the initial static moments of the blade segments.