Wind Turbine Blade Torsion Control for Variable Angle of Attack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine blades face challenges with non-optimal angle of attack due to fixed twist angles optimized for a single set of operating parameters, lacking flexibility, complexity, high maintenance, and high costs, which affect energy production and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine blade design incorporating a torque transferring member within the shell, allowing for adjustable torsional moments to optimize the angle of attack across varying wind conditions, reducing maintenance and costs while enhancing energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed twist angles are used in rotor blades, then the angle of attack can be optimized for one specific operating parameter set, but the blade cannot adapt to varying wind conditions, reducing energy production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade incorporates an active torsion system that dynamically adjusts the twist angle during operation. A torque transferring member with rotatable root section allows the blade to change its torsional state in response to varying wind conditions, optimizing the angle of attack across different operating regimes and maximizing energy production.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of torsional stiffness from fixed to variable. By enabling rotation of the root section of the torque transferring member, the blade can adjust its effective twist angle, transitioning between different torsional states to match optimal angles for different wind speeds and operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active torsion adjustment mechanisms are implemented, then adaptability to varying operating conditions is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade utilizes aerodynamic forces and inertial effects to automatically adjust its torsional state. The active torsion system leverages the natural dynamics of blade operation and wind loading to achieve self-adjustment, minimizing the need for external actuators, sensors, and control systems while maintaining adaptability across operating conditions.
3Ease of operation
If traditional pitch control methods are used, then angle of attack can be adjusted, but pitch bearing loads and maintenance effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the torsion adjustment function from the traditional pitch control system. By implementing active torsion through rotation of the torque transferring member's root section, the blade achieves angle of attack control independent of the pitch mechanism, thereby reducing the operational loads and wear on pitch bearings while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine blade (10, 10′) includes a shell (11) and a torque transferring member (20) at least partly arranged inside the shell (11). The shell (11) includes a root portion (12) and defines a longitudinal direction (r11). The torque transferring member (20) includes a root section (21) and a longitudinal axis (r20) at least substantially parallel oriented to the longitudinal direction (r11). The root section (21) of the torque transferring member (20) is rotatably around the longitudinal axis (r20) with respect to the root portion (12) of the shell (11). The torque transferring member (20) is mechanically connected via a coupling (26) with the shell (11) for providing a torsional moment (ΔT1-ΔT3) on the shell (11).