Wind Turbine Blade Root De-ovalization Using Push Elements

Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbine blades made of composite materials often lack sufficient structural integrity for a safe and strong attachment to the hub, leading to deformation and loss of circularity in the blade root, which complicates mounting to the hub.

Innovation Solution

A method and assembly involving a root flange with attached push elements that are used to adjust the cross-sectional shape of the blade root, specifically to achieve a more circular shape by pushing the root wall radially outwards, thereby improving the blade's structural integrity and ease of attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the blade root is made from composite materials to reduce weight, then the weight is reduced, but the structural integrity and circularity of the blade root are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade weightVSAvoidstructural integrity of blade root

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses composite materials (fiberglass or carbon fiber reinforced polymer) to construct the blade root, achieving a balance between weight reduction and structural integrity. The composite material provides sufficient strength while maintaining the lightweight advantage, allowing the blade root to withstand mounting forces without excessive deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The blade root is pre-formed with a circular cross-sectional shape during the molding process before mounting. This preliminary shaping ensures that the root maintains its circularity and structural integrity from manufacturing through installation, preventing deformation that would occur if the root were formed or adjusted after assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If the blade root is made softer to facilitate molding, then the molding process is easier, but the blade root loses its circularity and deforms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemolding easeVSAvoidcircularity of blade root

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The blade root is pre-formed with a circular cross-sectional shape during the molding process before mounting. This preliminary shaping ensures that the root maintains its circularity and structural integrity from manufacturing through installation, preventing deformation that would occur if the root were formed or adjusted after assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The resin curing process is carefully controlled to achieve optimal properties. The resin is allowed to cure sufficiently during molding to maintain circularity, while the molding process itself is designed to accommodate the material properties at each stage of curing, balancing ease of formation with shape precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the blade root is deformed during storage or handling, then the blade can be more easily adapted to fit, but the circularity is lost and attachment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to hubVSAvoidcircularity of blade root

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The blade root is pre-formed with a circular cross-sectional shape during the molding process before mounting. This preliminary shaping ensures that the root maintains its circularity and structural integrity from manufacturing through installation, preventing deformation that would occur if the root were formed or adjusted after assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The blade root is designed with enhanced local quality at critical areas such as the mounting interface, where the circular cross-section and reinforced structure ensure precise fit and strong attachment to the hub, while other parts of the blade can have different properties optimized for their specific functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 approach reduces processing time, enhances control and versatility in de-ovalizing the blade root, and ensures a safer, more efficient attachment process by maintaining the circularity of the blade root, allowing for successful coupling with the wind turbine hub.

Implementation Method 1

pushing the root wall radially outwards with one or more of the push elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4234918B1Blade root de-ovalization methods and assemblies

Publication Date: 2024.12.25 LM WIND POWER AS

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AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods (100, 200) for adapting a cross-sectional shape of a root (16) of a wind turbine blade (10). The present disclosure further relates to assemblies (90) for adapting a cross-sectional shape of a root (16) of a wind turbine blade (10) and to wind turbine blades (10). A method (100) comprises providing a root flange (50) configured to be mounted to the root (16) of the wind turbine blade (10); arranging the root flange (50) with the root (16) of the wind turbine blade (10); joining a plurality of push elements (60) to the root flange (50), the push elements (60) being configured to push a wall (19) of the root (16) of the wind turbine blade (10); and pushing the wall (19) of the root (16) of the wind turbine blade (10) with one or more of the push elements (60).