Wind Turbine Blade Trailing Edge Flap Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern wind turbines face increased loads due to larger blade sizes, leading to fatigue and extreme loads, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed due to complexity and high costs, limiting the efficiency and lifespan of wind turbines.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine blade with a force sensor-actuated lift-regulating means, such as a trailing edge flap, that directly senses wind flow forces, reducing inertia effects and response time, and is robust and cost-effective, allowing for precise load regulation and potential retrofitting on existing blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable geometry blades with deformable leading edge and trailing edge are used, then aerodynamic properties are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing a flap only at the trailing edge of the blade rather than variable geometry throughout the entire blade. This localized approach modifies aerodynamic properties at the critical trailing edge region while keeping the rest of the blade structure simple and fixed, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The blade is segmented into a fixed main body and a movable trailing edge flap. This segmentation allows the flap to independently adjust aerodynamic characteristics in response to wind conditions, providing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity of the overall blade system
2Measurement precision
If strain gauges and accelerometers are mounted on the blade to measure loads, then load measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and robustness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex internal sensors (strain gauges, accelerometers) and places a simple force sensor on the actuator that directly measures the aerodynamic force on the flap. This externalized measurement approach simplifies the system and improves robustness by using a single, easily replaceable sensor located in an accessible position
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary between the flap and the measurement system. The force sensor mounted on the actuator indirectly measures the aerodynamic force on the flap through the actuator's mechanical connection, providing accurate load information without requiring direct instrumentation of the blade structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If pitch regulation is implemented, then load control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic trailing edge flap that can actively adjust its angle in response to wind conditions, providing load control capability. This dynamic element works in conjunction with the existing pitch regulation system, enhancing adaptability without requiring complete redesign of the blade pitch mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The flap actuator system can serve multiple functions: it provides load control by adjusting flap angle, and can potentially be integrated with the pitch regulation system to provide coordinated control. This multi-functionality approach enhances load control capability while avoiding the need for separate dedicated systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces blade and tower loads, enabling wind turbines to operate in higher winds with longer lifespans, lower maintenance costs, and increased power output, while facilitating closer turbine spacing for improved economic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a force sensor adapted for sensing force from a wind flow acting on the lift-regulating means
Implementation Method 2
lift-regulating means adapted for movement in relation to the blade body... alter the aerodynamic properties of the blade
Data Source
AI summary
Wind turbine blade (1) comprising a blade body (2) and lift-regulating means (3, 7) adapted for movement in relation to the blade body (2) by at least one actuation means (4) controlled by an actuation controller (5), wherein the actuation controller (5) controls a setting of the lift-regulating means (3, 7) based on an input from a sensor (6), wherein the sensor (6) is a force sensor adapted for sensing a force from a wind flow acting on the lift-regulating means (3, 7), whereby a wind turbine blade with fast-responding lift-regulating means is provided.