Flexible Sleeve Mitigating Wind Turbine Blade Vibrations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine blades experience excessive vibrations during installation, commissioning, and maintenance, leading to stress and potential damage due to varying wind conditions when the turbine is parked, which can compromise performance and reduce lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sleeve with removable attachment points and airflow modifying elements is wrapped around the blade, positioned at the leading edge, to mitigate vibrations by altering airflow patterns and reducing aerodynamic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wind turbine blades are made increasingly longer to capture more wind energy, then the energy conversion capability is improved, but the blades become more flexible and more prone to excessive vibrations that can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing vibration mitigation devices (such as dampers or structural modifications) on the blades before they are exposed to harmful vibrations during parked conditions. This preventive measure addresses vibrations before they can cause damage, allowing the blades to be made longer for energy capture without compromising their strength and durability.
2Reliability
If the wind turbine is parked with blades exposed to varying wind conditions, then the turbine is stationary and safe from operational loads, but the blades experience vortex-induced and stall-induced vibrations that stress and may damage components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of wind-induced vibrations into a beneficial outcome by using the same wind flow that causes vibrations to trigger passive vibration mitigation mechanisms. For example, the airflow activates dampers or modifies flow patterns to reduce vibrations, thereby protecting components while the turbine remains parked and exposed to varying wind conditions.
3Ease of operation
If auxiliary drive systems such as pitch or yaw systems are operated to reduce or change loads on blades during operation, then vibrations are counteracted, but these systems are unavailable when the turbine is parked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing passive vibration mitigation devices that automatically adapt to varying wind conditions without requiring active control systems. These devices dynamically respond to changes in wind speed and direction, maintaining vibration protection throughout the entire parked period regardless of how long the turbine remains stationary or what wind conditions prevail.
4Ease of manufacture
If an incomplete rotor is installed during installation or commissioning, then the rotor can be partially assembled, but the incomplete rotor in standstill is more susceptible to vibrations from varying wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing vibration mitigation devices that are specifically designed to protect blades during the installation and commissioning phase when the rotor is incomplete. These devices are installed on the blades before the full rotor assembly is complete, providing immediate protection against vibrations from varying wind conditions during this vulnerable period.
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 solution effectively reduces vortex-induced and stall-induced vibrations, protecting the blades and turbine components during non-operational periods without affecting performance when the turbine is operational.
Implementation Method 1
The device comprises one or more airflow modifying elements attached to the flexible base... effectively reduces vortex-induced and stall-induced vibrations
Implementation Method 2
The device comprises one or more airflow modifying elements attached to the flexible base... effectively reduces vortex-induced and stall-induced vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to wind turbine blades, devices and methods for reducing vibrations in wind turbines, particularly during installation. In an aspect, a device for mitigating vibrations of a blade of a wind turbine during standstill is provided. The device comprises a flexible base having a first connection area and a second connection area, the first connection area being configured to be attached to the second connection area to form a removable attachment. The device further comprises one or more airflow modifying elements attached to the flexible base. The flexible base is configured to fit around a portion of the rotor blade such that the removable attachment is positioned substantially at a leading edge of the blade. The present disclosure further relates to methods for mitigating vibrations in a parked wind turbine blade and to sleeves for wrapping around a portion of a wind turbine blade.