Composite Hinge Trailing Edge for Passive Gust Load Shedding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wind turbine blades face challenges in balancing aerodynamic efficiency, structural integrity, and response to gust loads, leading to increased fatigue and structural stress.

Innovation Solution

A composite structure with two layers of different elasticity parameters, coupled by an adhesive layer, allows for controlled deformation and buckling, acting as a passive load controller and shape restorer, enhancing aerodynamic performance and reducing structural stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional wind turbine blade designs are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but aerodynamic efficiency and response to gust loads deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidaerodynamic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The blade trailing edge is segmented into multiple layers with different elasticity parameters. The first layer has a first elasticity parameter and the second layer has a second elasticity parameter different from the first, allowing each layer to contribute differently to structural integrity and aerodynamic performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material structure with at least two layers of different elasticity parameters coupled by an adhesive layer. This composite structure provides both structural strength and controlled flexibility for aerodynamic efficiency and passive load shedding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional blade structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but response to severe gust loads deteriorates causing increased fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidresponse to gust loads

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-layer composite structure provides dynamic response to gust loads through controlled deformation. The layers with different elasticity parameters allow the structure to adapt its stiffness characteristics based on loading conditions, improving reliability without complex active control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the elasticity parameters across different layers of the trailing edge structure. By varying the elasticity parameter from the first layer to the second layer, the structure achieves optimized response to gust loads while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If passive load shedding is implemented, then aerodynamic performance is optimized, but structural stress control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidstructural stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The trailing edge structure implements local quality variations through different elasticity parameters in different layers. This allows the structure to provide passive load shedding where needed while maintaining appropriate structural stress distribution across the blade

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composite structure effectively manages gust loads by deferring buckling until a controlled yield point, restoring to its original shape, thus optimizing efficiency and reducing fatigue.

Implementation Method 1

A composite structure with two layers of different elasticity parameters, coupled by an adhesive layer, allows for controlled deformation and buckling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The composite structure with two layers of different elasticity parameters, coupled by an adhesive layer, allows for controlled deformation and buckling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuckling:

Data Source

PatentUS20250305477A1Passive trailing edge including composite hinge

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 GULF WIND TECHNOLOGY

AI summary

A multi-layer composite body that includes a first composite layer having a first elasticity parameter and a second composite layer mechanically coupled with the first composite layer. The second composite layer may have a second elasticity parameter that is different from the first elasticity parameter of the first composite layer. The first composite layer may include at least two transverse parts joined by a flexible folding zone such that the at least two transverse parts and the folding zone form a reversibly foldable and substantially two-dimensional homogenous structure. Further, the first composite layer and the second composite layer may respond to a common external mechanical force in a different manner.