Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Segment Alignment Using Electromagnetic Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in assembling segmented rotor blades for wind turbines is ensuring precise alignment of the rotor blade segments before connection, as existing methods rely on mechanical connections with large tolerances and complex alignment processes.
Innovation Solution
A method using signal transmitting and receiving devices inserted into bushings on the rotor blade segments to emit and receive electromagnetic signals, allowing for precise alignment of the segments by ensuring coaxiality of the bushing axes, thereby facilitating a reliable and efficient assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical connections with large tolerances are used to join rotor blade segments, then the assembly process is simpler, but the alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces bushings as intermediary alignment elements that are precisely positioned within the rotor blade segments. These bushings serve as mediators between the segments, providing precise alignment references that overcome the tolerance issues of direct mechanical connections while maintaining assembly simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with an electromagnetic signal-based alignment system. Signal transmitting and receiving devices emit and detect electromagnetic signals through the bushings to determine alignment status, substituting complex mechanical alignment procedures with a more precise and manageable electromagnetic measurement system
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment methods are implemented, then the alignment precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alignment system into separate functional components: signal transmitting devices, signal receiving devices, and processing units. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex system more manageable and easier to implement while achieving high alignment precision
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is designed to be self-aligning through the electromagnetic signal transmission through the bushings. The system automatically determines alignment status and provides feedback without requiring complex external measurement equipment or manual adjustment procedures, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high precision
3Measurement precision
If signal transmitting and receiving devices are inserted into bushings, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bushings with integrated signal transmitting and receiving devices are pre-installed into the rotor blade segments before the final assembly. This preliminary action ensures that the measurement system is already in place and ready for use, eliminating the need for complex on-site installation procedures and making the actual alignment operation simpler and more straightforward
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 method enables a high-precision and repeatable alignment of rotor blade segments, reducing the load on connection bolts and ensuring a reliable assembly process, even in field conditions with varying sizes and configurations of rotor blades.
Implementation Method 1
inserting a signal transmitting device into the first bushing, inserting a signal receiving device into the second bushing, emitting an electromagnetic signal by the signal transmitting device, and aligning the first rotor blade segment and the second rotor blade segment relative to each other, depending on a reception of the electromagnetic signal by the signal receiving device
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method of connecting two rotor blade segments (132, 134) of a wind turbine rotor blade (110), comprising the steps of: - providing a first rotor blade segment (132) with a first bushing (140) and a second rotor blade segment (134) with a second bushing (142), - inserting a signal transmitting device (156) into the first bushing (140) and inserting a signal receiving device (174) into the second bushing (142), - emitting an electromagnetic signal by the signal transmitting device (156), and - aligning the first rotor blade segment (132) and the second rotor blade segment (134) relative to each other, - removing both the signal transmitting device (156) from the first rotor blade segment (132) and the signal receiving device (174) from the second rotor blade segment (134), and - tightly interconnecting the first bushing (140) and second bushing (142). The invention also refers to a signal transmitting device (156) and a signal receiving device (174).