Wind Turbine Blade Terminal Layout for Lightning Conductor Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of down conductors and further conductors within the structure of wind turbine blades for lightning protection is complex and difficult due to the need for cable-to-cable connections and patch laminate layers, which complicates the manufacturing process and can affect the fatigue strain limits and flatness of the laminate structure.
Innovation Solution
The use of connection terminal elements arranged in the panel core between laminate layers, allowing for electrical conductors to be embedded or connected externally, reducing the need for complex cable connections and enabling easier integration and repair of conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are integrated into the wind turbine blade structure prior to casting, then electrical connections for lightning protection are achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and difficult to proceed efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductor system is segmented into two distinct parts: embedded conductors integrated into the blade structure during casting, and external conductors connected after manufacturing. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - embedded conductors provide reliable lightning protection integration, while external conductors enable efficient post-manufacturing connections and repairs without complicating the casting process
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded conductors and their connection points are prepared in advance during blade manufacturing, but the actual connection between embedded and external conductors is deferred to a later stage. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces allows the complex electrical system to be assembled efficiently - the blade structure is manufactured first with pre-positioned connection points, then external conductors are connected afterward, avoiding the need to integrate all cable connections during the complex casting process
2Reliability
If multiple cable-to-cable connections and patch laminate layers are used to integrate conductors, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the embedded conductor and external conductor into a single continuous electrical path through a simplified connection interface. Instead of requiring multiple separate cable-to-cable connections and patch laminate layers, the design combines these elements into one integrated connection system where the embedded conductor terminates at a connection point that directly interfaces with the external conductor, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining electrical connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection point on the embedded conductor serves as an intermediary element between the internal electrical system and external conductors. This intermediary interface simplifies the connection process by providing a standardized, pre-prepared connection point that eliminates the need for complex in-situ cable splicing and patch laminate applications, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable electrical connectivity
3Stability of the object's composition
If conductors are embedded within laminate layers, then structural integration is achieved, but repair of electrical connections becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductor system is segmented into embedded and external portions, allowing the external conductor to be independently accessible for repair while the embedded conductor remains protected within the laminate structure. This segmentation enables repair work to be performed on the external conductor without requiring destructive access to the embedded conductor or damage to the laminate structure
Solution Approach 2:
The external conductor is extracted from the laminate structure and connected to the embedded conductor through a connection interface that allows the external conductor to be removed, replaced, or repaired independently. This extraction enables maintenance and repair operations to be performed on the electrical connection system without compromising the structural integrity of the embedded conductor and laminate structure
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine blade is provided including at least one laminate structure, and at least one connection terminal element, wherein the laminate structure includes a panel core embedded between at least one first laminate layer and at least one second laminate layer, wherein the connection terminal element is arranged in a corresponding opening of the panel core between the first laminate layer and the second laminate layer, wherein the connection terminal element includes at least one first connection portion connected to an embedded electrical conductor embedded in the laminate structure and/or at least one second connection portion adapted to be connected to at least one further electrical conductor arranged outside of the laminate structure.