Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Laminate Transition via Split Core
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of wind turbine rotor blades experiences a mechanical discontinuity at the transition region where the inner laminate ends and the outer laminate begins, leading to reduced mechanical stability and restricted load transfer due to the strength of the core material.
Innovation Solution
A split core element is introduced, where one core element is divided by a slit, allowing the inner laminate to seamlessly transition into the outer laminate, maintaining continuous mechanical stability and simplifying the production process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the inner laminate is ramped down and the outer laminate is ramped up in the transition region, then the blade can accommodate the geometry change from inner to outer laminate, but the mechanical stability of the blade gets worse due to the discontinuity and restricted load transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The core element is segmented into two separate parts by introducing a slit, which allows the laminate to continuously transition from inner to outer position without discontinuity. This segmentation enables the laminate to maintain structural continuity while adapting to the changing blade geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The slit acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the smooth transition of the laminate from the inner to the outer position. By providing a dedicated transition path through the slit, the design eliminates the mechanical discontinuity that would otherwise occur at the interface between inner and outer laminate regions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the transition region is made longer to accommodate laminate transition, then the laminate can properly transition from inner to outer position, but the overall blade length increases and mechanical influence in the transition area increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the core element into two parts through a slit, the transition region is condensed into a localized area rather than extending along the blade length. This segmentation approach allows the laminate to transition efficiently within a compact space, reducing the overall transition region length while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Strength
If the core material strength is increased to improve load transfer, then the mechanical stability improves, but the ability to accommodate laminate transition from inner to outer position is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The core element is divided into two separate parts by the slit, creating a structure that can accommodate the laminate transition while maintaining sufficient strength. The segmentation allows the core material to provide structural support in both the inner and outer laminate regions independently, enabling adaptability during the transition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The slit serves as an intermediary feature that allows the laminate to transition from inner to outer position without requiring excessive core material strength. By providing a dedicated transition path, the slit enables the laminate to reposition itself while the core material maintains its load-bearing function in the remaining structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
Rotor blade for a wind turbine (15), with a trailing edge (5) comprising a trailing edge core (6) having several core elements (7) arranged side by side, and with an inner and an outer laminate (10), wherein one core element (7a) is split into two element parts (8a, 8b) separated by a slit (9), whereby, seen in the direction from a blade root (2) to a blade tip (3), the inner laminate (10a) runs into and through the slit (9) and becomes the outer laminate (10b).