Modular Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large wind turbine rotor blades are difficult to produce and transport due to their length and weight, and they are subjected to significant dynamic stresses, making them challenging to maintain and repair effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular rotor blade design comprising multiple blade modules with detachable butt-joints and inlays made of fiber composite materials, allowing for easier assembly, transportation, and maintenance, with the ability to replace individual modules for aerodynamic optimization and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotor blades are made as single large pieces to maintain structural integrity, then strength and reliability are improved, but production difficulty and transportation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade is divided into multiple blade modules that can be produced separately and then assembled together. Each module maintains structural integrity through its own internal design, while the overall blade benefits from modular construction that simplifies production and transportation.
2Productivity
If rotor blades are made as single large pieces to ensure aerodynamic performance, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but transportation and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is segmented into modules with standardized connection interfaces that maintain the overall aerodynamic profile. The segmentation allows for simplified transportation and assembly while preserving aerodynamic performance through careful design of the module connections and airfoil continuity.
3Strength
If rotor blades are made as single large pieces to maintain structural strength, then strength under dynamic stress is improved, but ease of repair and maintenance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade is divided into multiple replaceable modules connected by detachable joints. This allows individual damaged modules to be replaced without affecting the structural integrity of the entire blade, as the detachable connections maintain sufficient strength while enabling easy module replacement for maintenance and repair.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rotor blades are designed as fixed single pieces to ensure structural stability, then stability is improved, but adaptability for aerodynamic optimization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design enables dynamic reconfiguration of the rotor blade by allowing different module combinations. Modules with varying aerodynamic characteristics can be assembled to optimize performance for different operating conditions, while the standardized connection system maintains structural stability during operation.
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A blade module (100) of a modular rotor blade (5) comprising a hollow fiber composite body (150) which extends along a longitudinal blade axis and at least one inlay (10) located at or near a longitudinal end of the fiber composite body (150) is provided. The inlay (10) includes a receptacle (11) which is adapted to receive a threaded fastener (80) and an anchoring portion (12) anchored to the fiber composite body (150). Further, a modular wind turbine rotor blade (5) which includes at least two blade modules (100, 200) and a method for assembling a modular wind turbine rotor blade (5) are provided.