Wind Turbine Blade Wrap Installation Using Pitch Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for installing add-on devices on wind turbine blades, such as vibration suppression devices, are costly, time-consuming, and pose health and safety risks due to the need for cranes or cherry pickers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of the rotor to position the blade and wrap a continuous pliant add-on device around the blade using the wind turbine's pitch control system, eliminating the need for external equipment by securing one end at the root and rotating the blade to wrap the device around the blade in a first and second pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional installation methods using cranes or cherry pickers are employed, then the add-on device can be installed on the blade, but the installation cost increases, installation time increases, and health and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine's own rotor and pitch control system are utilized to perform the installation task, eliminating the need for external heavy equipment. The blade rotates under pitch control to bring the add-on device into position, and the blade's own motion wraps the device around itself, making the system self-sufficient for installation
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch control system, originally designed for aerodynamic control, is repurposed to also perform the installation function. The rotor serves dual purposes: generating power and facilitating add-on device installation, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated installation equipment like cranes or cherry pickers
2Ease of operation
If cranes or cherry pickers are used for installation, then the add-on device can be positioned on the blade, but the installation time increases and equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical installation system (cranes, cherry pickers) is replaced with the wind turbine's existing rotational mechanics. The pitch control system's blade rotation naturally positions and wraps the add-on device, converting a complex mechanical lifting operation into a simple rotational positioning task
Solution Approach 2:
The installation process changes the operational parameters of the blade by utilizing pitch control rotations. By controlling the blade's angular position and rotation speed, the system achieves precise positioning and wrapping of the add-on device without requiring external equipment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A method is provided for installing a continuous pliant add-on device (e.g., a vibration suppression device) onto a blade of a wind turbine, wherein the blade is mounted to a rotor that is atop a tower. The method includes, with the rotor, positioning the blade to a first position. A first end of the add-on device is fixed to a first end of the blade. The blade is then rotated with a pitch control system while supplying the add-on device in a first direction along a span of the rotating blade to wrap the add-on device around the blade towards an opposite second end of the blade in a first wrap pattern.