Clamped Wind Turbine Blade Sectioning for In-Place Decommissioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for decommissioning wind turbine blades require demounting, which is time-consuming, costly, and inefficient due to the large size of the blades.
Innovation Solution
A blade decommissioning tool that allows for cutting and manipulating wind turbine blades in situ, using cutting means to divide the blade transversally, lowering means to detach the distal part, and clamping means to secure the tool to the blade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If prior demounting of the wind turbine blade is performed, then the blade can be disposed of or recycled, but the process requires great deal of work, time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The blade decommissioning tool is divided into multiple functional segments: cutting means for severing the blade, lowering means for controlling the descent of the distal part, support means for structural stability, and clamping means for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complete demounting of the blade from the turbine.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade decommissioning tool acts as an intermediary device between the installed wind turbine blade and the ground. It enables cutting and lowering operations while the blade remains in its installed position, eliminating the need for demounting and complex ground-based handling equipment.
2Ease of manufacture
If prior demounting of the wind turbine blade is performed, then the blade can be disposed of or recycled, but the process requires great deal of work, time and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The blade decommissioning tool integrates multiple functions into a single device: it can clamp onto the blade, cut through the composite materials, lower the distal part, and support the proximal part. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate demounting equipment and simplifies the overall decommissioning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to be self-supporting while attached to the blade, with its own clamping, cutting, and lowering mechanisms. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external support structures or complex ground-based equipment, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If the wind turbine blade is cut in situ, then the decommissioning process is simplified, but the tool must be able to support and lower the blade parts at height
Solution Approach 1:
The lowering means function as a counterweight system, using controlled descent mechanisms to counteract the weight of the distal blade part. This allows the tool to safely lower heavy blade sections at height without requiring external crane or lifting equipment, maintaining support capacity while enabling rapid decommissioning.
4Ease of operation
If the wind turbine blade is cut in situ, then the decommissioning process is simplified, but the tool must be able to secure itself to the blade
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping means are designed with curved or spherical contact surfaces that conform to the cylindrical shape of the wind turbine blade. This curvature-based design distributes clamping force evenly around the blade, providing secure attachment while minimizing the total clamping force required and preventing damage to the blade structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a blade decommissioning tool for decommissioning an installed wind turbine blade. The blade decommissioning tool comprises cutting means for cutting through the wind turbine blade in a transversal direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction L of the wind turbine blade to form a proximal and distal part of the wind turbine blade; lowering means for lowering the distal part of the wind turbine blade relative to the proximal part; support means for supporting the cutting means and the lowering means; and clamping means for clamping the support means to wind turbine blade.