Fluid-Actuated Wind Turbine Blade Flap for Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine blade flap regulation methods face challenges such as high operational loads, limited regulation speed, wear on pitch actuator systems, and vulnerability to lightning due to complex electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
A non-electrical method using a fluid to expand an actuating element and deploy a flap, altering aerodynamic properties to reduce loads, which eliminates the need for electrical systems and reduces wear by using a simple, shape-changing actuation body integrated into the flap structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cyclic blade pitch is used to reduce operational loads, then load reduction is achieved, but pitch actuator systems experience wear and regulation speed is limited due to large inertial masses and frictional moments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the blade into segments by introducing a flap that can be independently actuated at the trailing edge, separating the pitch control function from the flap control function. This allows the flap to be regulated independently without moving the entire blade mass, thereby reducing wear on pitch actuators while maintaining load reduction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic or hydraulic actuators to deploy the flap, replacing traditional electrical actuation systems. This provides faster response times and eliminates the wear associated with electrical motors and bearings, while the fluid pressure system offers smooth, wear-free actuation of the flap mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If electrical actuator systems are used for flap regulation, then precise control is achieved, but vulnerability to lightning damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces electrical actuator systems with pneumatic or hydraulic actuation mechanisms. This substitution eliminates vulnerable electrical components from the flap control system while maintaining precise control through fluid pressure regulation, thereby removing the lightning damage vulnerability associated with electrical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces fluid pressure as an intermediary medium between the control system and the flap actuation mechanism. This intermediary allows precise control to be transmitted without direct electrical connections to the flap, eliminating lightning vulnerability while preserving control precision through regulated fluid pressure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex electrical actuators are used for flap deployment, then actuation capability is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses simple pneumatic or hydraulic actuators instead of complex electrical actuator systems. The fluid pressure system provides reliable actuation capability through straightforward pressure control, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, and control electronics, thereby significantly reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining full actuation capability.
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
This solution provides faster regulation speed, reduces operational loads, and eliminates the risk of lightning damage by replacing complex electrical actuators with a fluid-based system that is more robust and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid is used for reversibly expanding an actuating element acting on a movable part of the flap by varying the fluid pressure in the actuating element
Implementation Method 2
When no pressure is applied to the actuating element, the flap is, e.g. elastically, restored to its neutral position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method of actuating a flap (9) in a wind turbine rotor blade is provided wherein a fluid is used for reversibly expanding an actuating element (16) acting a movable part (13) of the flap by varying the fluid pressure in the actuating element (16). Further, a wind turbine rotor with a rotor blade comprising a flap (9) and a flap actuating system, where the flap comprises a fixed part (12) that is fixed to the rotor blade and a movable part (13) that is movable relative to the fixed part (12), is disclosed, in which the flap actuating system comprises an actuating element (16) with a reversible changeable volume located between the movable part (13) of the flap and the fixed part (12) of the flap, a fluid within the actuating element (16) the pressure of which is settable and a pressure setting device which is designed to press fluid into or release fluid from the element (16) as to change its volume.