Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Pressure Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal-axis wind turbines face stress and failure due to cyclical gravitational and edgewise loading, leading to delamination and instability in rotor blades, which existing reinforcement methods have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A rotor blade structure with an encapsulated interior volume containing a fluid under pressure, managed by a valve system to maintain an interior fluid pressure different from ambient pressure, which includes a hydraulic injector pump, fluid pressure sensor, and processing structure for pressure regulation and alert systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rotor blades are made to traverse fluid environments with cyclical gravitational and edgewise loading, then wind energy conversion efficiency is improved, but stress concentration and delamination occur leading to blade failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning member positioned between the rotor blade and the supporting structure to absorb and distribute cyclical gravitational and edgewise loading before stress concentration occurs. This cushioning member acts as a protective element that prevents direct transmission of harmful stresses to the blade, thereby preventing delamination and structural failure while maintaining energy conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cushioning member between the rotor blade and the supporting structure. This intermediary element serves as a stress distribution medium that mediates the cyclical loading forces, preventing direct stress concentration at the blade-support interface and thereby maintaining blade structural integrity during operation.
2Strength
If existing reinforcement methods are applied to rotor blades, then some stress resistance is improved, but adequate protection against delamination and breathing-induced failures is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning member is positioned in advance between the rotor blade and supporting structure to prevent stress concentration before delamination occurs. This prior cushioning approach addresses the inadequate protection of existing reinforcement methods by actively preventing the breathing effect that leads to delamination, rather than merely reinforcing after stress application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the cushioning member specifically at the critical interface between the rotor blade and supporting structure, where stress concentration and delamination most readily occur. This localized approach provides targeted protection against breathing-induced failures rather than requiring comprehensive reinforcement of the entire blade structure.
3Device complexity
If rotor blades operate without internal pressure management systems, then structural simplicity is maintained, but early warning of potential failures is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure sensor that provides feedback on the internal pressure state of the rotor blade. This feedback mechanism enables early detection of pressure anomalies that may indicate developing failures or delamination, allowing for proactive maintenance while maintaining relatively simple overall structure through the use of a single sensing element.
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 extends the life of rotor blades, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances operational efficiency by providing early warning of potential failures and allowing for optimized pressure management, leading to longer warranties and lower operational costs for wind farms.
Implementation Method 1
encapsulating at least one interior volume containing an interior fluid exerting an interior fluid pressure that is different from the ambient fluid pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A structure adapted to traverse a fluid environment exerting an ambient fluid pressure is provided. The structure includes an elongate body extending from a root to a wingtip and encapsulating at least one interior volume containing an interior fluid exerting an interior fluid pressure that is different from the ambient fluid pressure. A method of retrofitting a structure adapted to traverse a fluid environment exerting an ambient fluid pressure, the structure comprising an elongate body extending from a root to a wingtip and having at least one interior volume is also provided. The method includes sealing the elongate body to encapsulate the at least one interior volume containing an interior fluid; associating at least one valve with the at least one interior volume; and modifying interior fluid content via the at least one valve to produce an interior fluid pressure that is different from the ambient fluid pressure.