Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Trailing Edge Segment Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of wind turbine rotor blades with increased profile depth at the root for improved efficiency leads to logistical challenges during transport, particularly for larger turbines, due to high loads and complex, costly connection methods between the trailing edge segment and inner blade section.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine rotor blade design featuring a trailing edge segment section with strategically positioned attachment portions and stiffening ribs, allowing selective load transfer and decoupling from the inner blade section, reducing stress and material costs while maintaining aerodynamic integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the trailing edge segment is attached to the inner blade section along its entire length, then the loads on the inner blade are transferred to the trailing edge segment, but the connection area becomes complex and costly with high quantity of connecting materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous attachment connection into discrete segmental connections. Instead of attaching the trailing edge segment along its entire length, the connection is made at specific discrete locations (fastening sections), reducing the complexity and material quantity while maintaining load transfer capability through strategic positioning of these connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the connection function at specific locations rather than distributing it uniformly. The fastening sections are strategically positioned to achieve optimal load transfer, and the connection structure varies locally to match the specific loading conditions at each position, reducing overall complexity.
2Productivity
If the maximum chord is located very close to the blade's root to increase profile depth, then vortex generation is reduced and efficiency increases, but transport problems arise due to the large chord length reaching five meters or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the rotor blade into modular components that can be transported separately and assembled at the installation site. The trailing edge segment can be attached at the installation site rather than being permanently fixed during manufacturing, allowing the blade to be transported in a more compact configuration while achieving the desired profile depth at the root for improved efficiency.
3Strength
If the trailing edge segment is attached along its entire length, then loads are transferred to the trailing edge segment, but the quantity of required connecting materials such as adhesives or other fasteners is very high resulting in high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the quantity of connecting materials by segmenting the continuous attachment into discrete fastening sections. Instead of using adhesives or fasteners along the entire length of the trailing edge segment, connections are made at specific strategic locations, significantly reducing the total quantity of connecting materials required while maintaining adequate connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing connections only where necessary for load transfer rather than along the entire length. The fastening sections are positioned to achieve the required structural performance with minimal material usage, avoiding excessive connection material in areas where full coverage is not needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rotor blade of a wind turbine system. The rotor blade comprises a blade root for connecting the rotor blade to a rotor hub, an inner blade section which extends from the blade root in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rotor blade, at least one trailing edge segment section of a trailing edge segment for increasing the profile depth of the rotor blade at the blade root, and at least one first and second securing section for securing the at least one trailing edge segment section of the trailing edge segment to the inner blade section. The first securing section is arranged at a specified distance from the second securing section in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rotor blade, and the at least one trailing edge segment section of the trailing edge segment is secured to the inner blade section such that loads occurring on the inner blade section are transmitted onto the at least one trailing edge segment section of the trailing edge segment at points via the first and the second securing section.