Wind Turbine Blade Shear Web Positioning With Support Frames
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing and assembly of large wind turbine blades is challenging due to the complexity and cost of supporting and positioning shear webs within the blade shell, which is tedious and requires multiple parts, making it inefficient and inflexible for different blade sizes and types.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of support frames and guide elements to facilitate the placement of shear webs within the shell halves, allowing for easier and more cost-effective assembly by reducing the number of parts and manual intervention, while providing flexibility for various blade configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional support structures and multiple parts are used to position shear webs, then the shear webs can be supported during arrangement and bonding, but the process becomes tedious, complex, and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single positioning element that simultaneously provides support during bonding, lateral positioning, and vertical positioning. This single integrated component replaces the traditional multiple separate parts (support structures, positioning jigs, alignment devices), thereby reducing complexity while maintaining reliability of the shear web assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element is designed with multi-functionality to perform several tasks: supporting the shear web during adhesive bonding, providing lateral positioning relative to the spar cap, and enabling vertical positioning within the blade shell. This universal component eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing both part count and manufacturing cost while ensuring reliable positioning
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple support structures and manual intervention are used, then the shear webs can be properly positioned, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element is pre-configured with integrated positioning features and support structures before the assembly process begins. The lateral positioning features and vertical positioning mechanisms are built into the component itself, eliminating the need for multiple manual adjustment steps during assembly. This preliminary preparation enables rapid, accurate positioning of shear webs without time-consuming manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element is designed to automatically guide and position the shear web during assembly through its integrated lateral and vertical positioning features. The component self-adjusts to provide proper alignment and support without requiring extensive manual intervention or complex external positioning devices, thereby improving assembly speed while maintaining positioning accuracy
3Reliability
If complex support frames and multiple parts are used, then the shear webs can be supported during lifting and arrangement, but the solution becomes expensive and inflexible for different blade sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning element incorporates adjustable or flexible features that allow it to adapt to different blade sizes and configurations. The component can be dynamically configured or adjusted to accommodate various shear web dimensions and positions, making the solution versatile for different blade types while maintaining reliable support functionality throughout the assembly process
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element is designed with adjustable parameters such as positioning features, support dimensions, and attachment configurations that can be modified to suit different blade sizes and shear web requirements. This parametric design enables the same basic component to be adapted across multiple blade configurations, providing both reliability and versatility without requiring completely different support structures for each blade type
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 method simplifies the shear web assembly process, reduces complexity and costs, and enhances accessibility, resulting in a lightweight and adaptable solution for wind turbine blade manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
adhesively joining the one or more shear webs to the first shell half, and adhesively joining the second shell half to the first shell half and to the one or more shear webs
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade (10). The method comprises arranging one or more shear webs (50, 55) within a first shell half. At least one support frame (80) is fixe to one or more anchoring points (86) on the inside surface (36b) of the first shell half, the support frame comprising a free end (81) for engaging with a lateral surface of the shear web. One or more guide element (74) are fastened to at least one of the lateral surfaces of the shear web such that the guide element extends laterally from the shear web to form a receiving space (88) between the guide element (74) and the shear web (55). The shear webs are then lowered into the first shell half such that the free end (81) of the support frame (80) is received in the receiving space (88) between the guide element (74) and the shear web (55).