Wind Turbine Blade Heating Module With Integrated Flat Conductors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric heating modules for wind turbine blades require complex and labor-intensive connections, making installation and maintenance difficult due to the need for extensive wiring and space, which complicates the reduction of ice layers and affects power generation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An electric heating module structure with integrally formed positive and negative conductive wires laid in the outer layer of the blade, eliminating the need for separate wiring and simplifying connections by reducing the number of wires and installation complexity, while using a glass fiber cloth and carbon fiber bundles for structural strength and efficient heat distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If terminals led out from two sides of the electric heating module are connected by a cylindrical cable via plastic tubes and bus bars, then the electric heating module can be powered, but the connection becomes complicated and requires a large connection space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the positive and negative conductive wires into a single flat cable structure, where both conductive wires are integrally formed within the same cable body. This eliminates the need for separate plastic tubes and bus bars, significantly simplifying the connection structure while maintaining electrical reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flat cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both positive and negative conductive paths, acts as its own insulation structure, and integrates the mechanical support function that previously required separate components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a cylindrical cable with plastic tubes and bus bars is used for connection, then electrical connection is achieved, but it requires a larger space for refitting and processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By combining both conductive wires into a single flat cable structure, the patent dramatically reduces the spatial footprint required for connections. The flat cable can be laid directly along the blade surface without requiring the volumetric space needed for cylindrical cables, plastic tubes, and bus bar assemblies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flat cable structure acts as a thin film that can be conformally laid along the blade surface, requiring minimal clearance and processing space compared to rigid cylindrical cable assemblies with multiple components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If complex connection structures with plastic tubes and bus bars are used, then electrical connection is achieved, but processing depth increases and processing difficulty increases for operating wind turbines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of multiple conductive paths into a single flat cable eliminates the need for complex assembly operations involving multiple components. This significantly reduces processing depth and simplifies the manufacturing and installation processes, especially for operating wind turbines where minimal disruption is desired

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flat cable can be segmented into modular sections that can be independently handled and connected, reducing the complexity of processing compared to monolithic complex connection structures. This segmentation allows for easier installation and maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If separate wiring connections are used for positive and negative conductive wires, then electrical connection is achieved, but the number of wires and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both positive and negative conductive wires into a single flat cable structure, reducing the number of separate wiring operations from multiple individual wire connections to a single integrated cable installation. This dramatically improves installation ease while maintaining reliable electrical connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution improves installation efficiency, reduces processing work, simplifies electrical connections, and enhances deicing efficiency by directly integrating the heating module with the blade's outer layer, minimizing damage and reducing maintenance time.

Implementation Method 1

the electric heating module can be powered on and heated to melt the ice on the blade

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the electric heating module is woven by a carbon fiber material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11546972B2Electric heating module structure, installation method and forming method thereof, and wind turbine
Publication Date: 2023.01.03 BEIJING GOLDWIND SCI & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIP CO LTD
  • US11546972B2 patent drawing
  • US11546972B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electric heating module structure, an installation method, a forming method, and a wind turbine are provided. The electric heating module structure is configured for melting ice on a blade, and includes an electric heating module, a positive conductive wire and a negative conductive wire. The positive conductive wire and the negative conductive wire are integrally formed with the electric heating module, to supply power to the electric heating module. The integrally formed electric heating module, the positive conductive wire and the negative conductive wire are laid in an outer layer of the blade.