Jointed Wind Turbine Blade Tip Servicing Without Ground Cranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Servicing segmented rotor blades of wind turbines is complex, expensive, and time-consuming due to the need for large ground cranes, especially when removing and installing tip sections.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving a blade tip support element and lift-support elements, along with a lifting line, are used to suspend and manipulate the tip section of a jointed rotor blade, allowing for servicing and installation without cranes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a jointed rotor blade design is used to reduce vibration and improve fatigue life, then the reliability and duration of action are improved, but the device complexity and ease of repair deteriorate due to additional joints and seals
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade is divided into multiple blade elements connected by joints, allowing each segment to move independently to reduce vibration and fatigue loads while maintaining overall blade functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A service platform is introduced as an intermediary structure that provides access to the blade joints without requiring full blade removal, simplifying maintenance operations while preserving the jointed blade design benefits
2Reliability
If a jointed rotor blade design is used to reduce vibration and improve fatigue life, then the reliability and duration of action are improved, but the ease of repair worsens due to complex joint and seal components
Solution Approach 1:
The service platform is pre-installed on the blade structure with positioning features that guide maintenance personnel and equipment, enabling straightforward access and alignment during repair operations without complex setup procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The service platform acts as an intermediary that simplifies access to complex joint components, allowing maintenance personnel to reach seals and joint mechanisms without disassembling the entire blade structure
3Ease of repair
If the rotor blade is removed from the hub for joint servicing, then the ease of repair is improved, but the loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to extensive disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The service platform provides direct access to blade joints while the blade remains installed on the hub, eliminating the time-consuming process of complete blade removal and reinstallation while still enabling effective maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The service platform is pre-configured with positioning features and access points that enable maintenance personnel to quickly locate and service joints without extensive disassembly procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for servicing a jointed rotor blade of a wind turbine. The jointed rotor blade is positioned in a six o'clock position and a blade tip support element is secured to a tip section of the jointed rotor blade. A lift-support element is secured at a mounting location above the blade tip support element. A lifting line is coupled between the lift-support element and the blade tip support element. The tip section is separated from the root section of the jointed rotor blade such that the tip section is suspended above a support surface of the wind turbine via the blade tip support element and the lifting line. The tip section of the jointed rotor blade is serviced.