Wind Turbine Blade Attachment Devices for Horizontal Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high financial costs and logistical challenges associated with inspecting and repairing wind turbine blades, particularly due to the need for expensive lifting equipment and limited access on vertically mounted blades, which can be exacerbated by off-shore locations and the reduction in blade strength from mounting holes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of attachment devices on wind turbine blades that allow for safe and flexible servicing in a horizontal position, enabling the attachment of safety lines, working platforms, and equipment without the need for cranes, while maintaining aerodynamic properties by being flush or partially covered when not in use, and providing multifunctional capabilities such as light sources and lightning protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If holes are mounted through the entire blade shell for lifting, then the blade can be mounted, but the strength and rigidity of the laminate is considerably reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blade shell is segmented into multiple sections with through-holes positioned at specific locations, allowing lifting while distributing the structural impact across multiple points rather than relying on fewer, larger holes that would compromise strength more severely
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment devices are positioned at specific locations on the blade surface where they provide sufficient lifting capability while minimizing impact on overall blade strength. The local structure around each hole is reinforced or designed to maintain adequate rigidity
2Ease of repair
If the blade is serviced in vertical position using working platforms, then repair can be performed, but the area of repair is comparatively limited and expensive equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is made dynamically repositionable, allowing it to be rotated from vertical to horizontal position during servicing. This dynamic repositioning enables access to different blade surfaces and edges that would otherwise be inaccessible, expanding the repair area without requiring additional specialized equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment devices serve multiple functions: they provide lifting points for mounting, serve as attachment points for servicing equipment when the blade is horizontal, and can be used for both inspection and repair operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment
3Ease of repair
If the blade is serviced in horizontal position, then large areas can be serviced and expensive lifting equipment is obviated, but the attachment devices must not affect aerodynamic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment devices are nested within or integrated into the blade structure in such a way that they remain flush with the surface or are covered by flaps when not in use. This nesting approach allows the devices to be present on the blade without creating protrusions that would disrupt airflow or degrade aerodynamic properties during operation
4Ease of operation
If cranes and ships are used for blade servicing, then equipment can be brought to the site, but high financial costs are associated with these operations
Solution Approach 1:
The blade itself provides the servicing infrastructure through its integrated attachment devices. The blade structure serves as its own mounting and servicing platform, eliminating the need for external cranes, ships, or other heavy equipment. This self-service capability dramatically reduces the financial costs associated with blade maintenance operations
Data Source
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AI summary
the present invention relates to a table for a wind turbine equipped with attachment devices 103 fro attaching servicing equipment, 401, 402, said attachment means being attached at and accessible from the blade exterior. They may be located in cavities and be covered when not in use. Hereby it is accomplished that the blade can be serviced and repaired while positioned horizontally without the attachment devices as such otherwise influencing the aerodynamic properties of the blade. One possibility is that during manufacturing such a cavity is closed but the cavity can later be broken open. Additionally, the invention relates to a wind turbine featuring such blade and a method of servicing a blade when mounted on a wind turbine, wherein servicing equipment is attached to at least one attachment device in the blade . It is furthermore mentioned, that the attachment devices might be used when mounting a blade .