Wind Turbine Blade Rotation Using Center-of-Gravity Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for rotating wind turbine blades face challenges with safety and efficiency due to the increasing weight and length of modern blades, requiring substantial forces to maintain and rotate them, compromising work safety and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first and second rotatable fixture, each with a circular periphery, is used to determine and align with the blade's center of gravity, allowing rotation about a common axis with minimal force, eliminating the need for hydraulic equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing rotation systems (cranes, rollers, chain and pulley) are used to rotate heavy wind turbine blades, then the blade can be rotated for post-moulding operations, but substantial forces are required and work safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions two support points (first and second support points) along the blade span such that the blade's center of gravity lies between them. This configuration creates a balanced support system where the blade is effectively supported at its rotation axis, minimizing the torque and force required to rotate the blade. The support points are arranged to create an equipotential configuration relative to the blade's weight distribution, enabling easy rotation without requiring substantial external forces.
2Ease of operation
If existing rotation systems are used to rotate heavy wind turbine blades, then the blade can be rotated, but the systems become complex and energy-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging the support points to balance the blade's center of gravity, the system eliminates the need for energy-intensive hydraulic equipment, cranes, or motorized roller systems. The blade can be rotated manually or with minimal energy input because the support configuration creates a balanced moment arrangement, effectively reducing the rotational energy requirement to near-zero.
3Ease of operation
If traditional rotation methods are used, then blade rotation is achieved, but safety is compromised due to the heavy weight and substantial forces involved
Solution Approach 1:
The balanced support configuration minimizes the forces and torques required to rotate the blade, eliminating the need for heavy-duty cranes, hydraulic systems, or complex roller assemblies that pose safety risks. By supporting the blade at two points with the center of gravity between them, the system creates a stable, low-force rotation mechanism that significantly improves work safety while maintaining full rotational capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and assembly for rotating a wind turbine blade (10). The method comprises providing a wind turbine blade (10) and determining the centre of gravity (66) of the wind turbine blade (10). First and second fixtures (70, 80) are attached to different parts of the wind turbine blade (10), such that the respective centres of the first fixture (70) and the second fixture (80) are aligned with the centre of gravity (66) of the wind turbine blade (10) for defining a common rotational axis (90).