Wind Turbine Blade Access Platform Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blade access arrangements for wind turbines struggle to efficiently access the tip of the rotor blade, which is far from the tower, and lack the flexibility to adapt their shape and position relative to the blade and tower.
Innovation Solution
A blade access arrangement featuring a platform with moveable sub-platforms connected by drivetrains with flexible members and telescopic lattice beams, allowing for symmetrical movement and configuration changes, including radial extension and rotation, to reach the blade tip and adapt to different tower diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the platform is made large and rigid to access the blade tip, then the access capability to blade tip is improved, but the transportability and ease of handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple sub-platforms that can be connected and disconnected. During operation, sub-platforms are connected to form a large platform capable of reaching the blade tip. During transport, sub-platforms can be disconnected and separated, reducing the overall size and improving transportability. This segmentation allows the platform to adapt between large-scale operation and compact transport states.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform employs movable connections between sub-platforms, allowing the structure to dynamically change its configuration. The platform can transform from a compact state for transport to an extended state for blade tip access. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the platform to optimize its size and shape based on operational requirements versus transport requirements.
2Ease of manufacture
If the platform shape is fixed, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different blade positions and tower diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The platform consists of modular sub-platforms that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each sub-platform to be manufactured using standardized processes, while the overall platform configuration can be adapted to different tower diameters and blade positions by arranging the sub-platforms in different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable connections between sub-platforms enable the platform to dynamically adjust its shape and size. This allows the same set of sub-platforms to be configured for different tower diameters and blade positions, providing versatility without requiring multiple custom-manufactured platform designs.
3Length of moving object
If the platform is extended to reach the blade tip, then the access capability is improved, but the structural strength and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple sub-platforms connected by movable connections. This segmentation allows the extended structure to be supported at multiple points along its length, distributing the structural loads and maintaining strength even when extended to reach the blade tip. Each sub-platform acts as a separate structural unit, reducing the bending moments that would occur in a single long beam.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform utilizes a multi-dimensional configuration with sub-platforms arranged in space rather than a simple linear extension. This spatial arrangement allows the platform to reach the blade tip while maintaining structural integrity through distributed support points and optimized load paths in three-dimensional space.
4Ease of operation
If the platform can rotate and change configuration, then the maneuverability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is segmented into sub-platforms with movable connections between them. This segmentation enables rotation and configuration changes through relatively simple joint mechanisms rather than requiring complex rotary actuators for the entire platform. Each joint between sub-platforms can independently rotate or adjust, providing maneuverability through multiple simple degrees of freedom rather than one complex mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3d
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a blade access arrangement (1) for a rotor blade (2) of a wind power plant (3) having a tower (4), the arrangement (1) comprising a platform (5) having a number of sub-platforms (6, 7, 8, 9) movably connected to each other by means of a connecting arrangement, tower guide means (10) for guiding the platform (5) against the tower (4), a bar arrangement (11, 12) connecting the platform (5) with the tower guiding means (10) and a hoisting arrangement for hoisting the blade access arrangement (1) up and down, where the bar arrangement (11, 12) at an end is connected to the tower guide means (10) by a pivot point (23, 24) and in a distance from the end of the bar arrangement (11, 12), the bar arrangement (11,12) is connected to a sub- platform (6, 7) of the platform (5) by a further pivot point (123, 124) and that the bar arrangement (11, 12) is connected to another sub-platform (9) by a pair of displaceable connections (40a, 40b) capable of being displaced in a direction crosswise to a lengthwise direction of the bar arrangement (11, 12).