Wind Turbine Blade Flatback Web for Stronger Trailing Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine blades face challenges in achieving high mechanical strength and scalability while maintaining good aerodynamic properties, particularly at the trailing edge, which is crucial for efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine blade design incorporating a flatback web with U-shaped end sections that couple the upwind and downwind shell parts, providing a robust mechanical connection and optimized aerodynamic properties, with the web being bonded using adhesive or form-locked connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a flatback profile is produced as an integral part of the shell parts, then the trailing edge geometry is simplified, but the aerodynamic properties deteriorate due to rounded corners
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing edge is divided into separate components: shell parts with recesses and a distinct flatback web element. This segmentation allows the flatback web to provide sharp corners for aerodynamic efficiency while the shell parts provide structural support, resolving the contradiction between geometric simplicity and aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The flatback web acts as an intermediary element between the upwind and downwind shell parts. It fills the recesses in the shell parts and provides the sharp-cornered flatback profile needed for aerodynamic efficiency, while being bonded to the shell parts to maintain structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a separate flatback web profile is used to sustain high mechanical forces, then the aerodynamic properties improve, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flatback web is nested into recesses formed in the upwind and downwind shell parts. This nesting arrangement simplifies assembly by providing self-alignment and reducing the need for complex positioning mechanisms, while still allowing the flatback web to sustain high mechanical forces and provide sharp corners for aerodynamic efficiency.
3Power
If the blade size increases, then the power output increases, but the blade loads increase particularly along the trailing edge
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing edge structure uses composite construction with the flatback web bonded to the shell parts. This composite structure distributes and sustains the high mechanical forces generated by increased blade size, while maintaining the sharp-cornered flatback profile needed for aerodynamic efficiency and power output.
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 design enhances mechanical strength, reduces assembly complexity, and improves aerodynamic efficiency by allowing for tailored geometry and reduced web thickness, while enabling efficient production methods.
Implementation Method 1
The flatback web comprises at least one U-shaped end section with a recess, into which at least part of the upwind side shell part and/or at least part of the downwind side shell part is inserted and bonded to the U-shaped end section
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a wind turbine blade and a method for its manufacture. The wind turbine blade comprises an upwind side shell part, a downwind side shell part, a leading edge and a trailing edge. A flatback web is arranged at the trailing edge, which couples the upwind side shell part with the downwind side shell part, wherein the flatback web comprises at least one U-shaped end section with a recess, into which the upwind side shell part and/or the downwind side shell part is inserted and bonded to the U-shaped end section by an adhesive.