Composite Wind Turbine Blade Joint Using Folded Fiber Connecting Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connection joints for sectional wind turbine blades face challenges in accommodating increased loading while maintaining structural integrity and cost-effectiveness, particularly as blade lengths increase, leading to concerns about the strength and logistics of large blades.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine rotor blade design featuring integrated connecting elements with eyes formed by folded fiber rovings and cross pins, which are non-metallic and composite-based, providing a strong and cost-effective connection joint that transfers loads efficiently across the joint interface without compromising the blade's structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the blade length is increased to generate more power, then the power generation capacity is improved, but the structural integrity and logistics handling become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into multiple sections that can be manufactured separately and then connected using connection joints with integrating elements. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and handling of individual sections while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the complete blade through properly designed connection joints that transfer loads between sections.
2Strength
If connectors are added at the joint interface to provide positive coupling, then the connection strength is improved, but the blade material at the joint interface decreases and structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrating elements are merged directly into the blade sections during the molding process, becoming an integral part of the blade structure. This eliminates the need for separate connectors that would remove material from the joint interface, as the integrating elements are formed as part of the blade material itself, maintaining structural integrity while providing the necessary connection functionality.
3Force
If numerous and sizeable connectors are used at the joint interface to withstand mid-span loads, then the connection strength is improved, but the amount of blade material at the joint interface significantly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrating elements are strategically positioned and dimensioned to provide localized reinforcement at the joint interface where loads must be transferred. The elements have varying cross-sections and are placed at specific locations to optimize load transfer while minimizing material removal from the blade sections, ensuring sufficient material remains to maintain structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine blade includes a first blade section and a second blade section configured to be coupled together at a joint interface. The blade further includes a connection joint for coupling the first and second blade sections together. The connection joint includes a plurality of connecting elements integrated into the first and second blade sections at the first and second blade interfaces. The connection joint further includes cross pins and fasteners for making the connection. A method of making a wind turbine blade section and a wind turbine blade made from such sections are also disclosed.