Wind Turbine Blade Root Cover Segment Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for sealing the annular gap between the spinner and the blade in wind turbines are inefficient, as they require the use of liquid sealants that are difficult to apply and require dry, clean conditions, and they do not effectively prevent water ingress into the rotor hub.
Innovation Solution
A blade root cover segment with a curved flange, a radially extending cover wall, and a tensioning band is designed to fit between the blade and the spinner, providing a secure seal without the need for liquid sealants. The tensioning band applies tension to keep the cover segment securely attached to the blade, even in extreme environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid sealants are used to seal the annular gap, then the gap can be sealed, but the application is difficult and time consuming and requires dry, clean conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical sealing method (liquid sealants) with a mechanical sealing system consisting of cover profiles with conical sections that deflect water away from the gap through geometric shape, eliminating the need for liquid sealants and their associated application requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sealing approach from chemical (sealant properties) to physical (geometric parameters of cover profiles), using the angle and shape of conical sections to control water flow and seal the gap mechanically
2Reliability
If a complete blade root cover is used to seal the gap, then water ingress is prevented, but maintenance requires disassembling the entire component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the blade root cover into multiple separate cover profiles or segments that can be individually installed and removed, allowing maintenance of specific sections without disassembling the entire sealing system while maintaining continuous protection against water ingress
3Reliability
If the cover profile is made strong to withstand environmental conditions, then durability is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-walled cover profile structures that are lightweight yet effective at deflecting water through their geometric shape (conical sections), achieving protection against water ingress and environmental conditions without requiring heavy, thick-walled construction
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 blade root cover effectively seals the annular gap, preventing water ingress into the rotor hub, and allows for easy maintenance by enabling individual segments to be removed without disassembling the entire component. The use of a tensioning band ensures secure attachment over a wide temperature range, enhancing the durability and reliability of the seal.
Implementation Method 1
a tensioning band associated with the flange. The tensioning band comprises a first end proximate to the first end of the blade root cover segment and a second end proximate to the second end of the blade root cover segment, and wherein the first end and the second end of the tensioning band include connection means for connecting with and applying tension between a like blade root collar segment
Data Source
AI summary
A blade root cover segment suitable for fitting to a wind turbine blade to span a gap between the blade and a spinner cover. The blade root cover segment includes a first end and a second end and further includes a curved flange for abutting against a correspondingly curved surface of the wind turbine blade; a cover wall extending radially from the flange; and a tensioning band associated with the flange. The tensioning band includes a first end proximate to the first end of the blade root cover segment and a second end proximate to the second end of the blade root cover segment. The first end and the second end of the tensioning band include connection means for connecting with and applying tension between a like blade root cover segment. A blade root cover and a method of assembling a blade root cover are also provided.