Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Winglet Load Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine rotor blades face increased loading and fatigue due to longer lengths, leading to potential catastrophic failures, and existing load control methods like active pitch control and retractable extensions can compromise aerodynamic performance and generate noise.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of pivotally connected winglets on wind turbine rotor blades that can transition from an in-line to an articulated position, with a deployable sleeve providing an aerodynamic surface to reduce sweep length and load, using actuating mechanisms and biasing devices to control the winglet's position, and optionally incorporating sensors and lock mechanisms for controlled operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the length and surface area of rotor blades are increased to increase energy output, then the energy capture capability is improved, but the loading and fatigue on the rotor blades and components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade incorporates an extendable section that can dynamically change the effective blade length between a first position (extended) for maximum energy capture and a second position (retracted) for reduced loading. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between productivity and strength requirements based on operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor blade is divided into a base blade segment and a separate extendable section that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the extendable section to be deployed or retracted without affecting the structural integrity of the base blade, enabling load management while maintaining full blade length when needed.
2Strength
If a retractable extension is provided on the base blade segment to reduce effective length in high load conditions, then the load control is improved, but open sections along the blade edge are created which produce noise and adversely affect aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible cover member is provided that can move between a first position covering the open section when the extendable section is retracted and a second position exposing the open section when the extendable section is extended. This flexible shell maintains aerodynamic continuity and reduces noise when the blade is in the load-reduced configuration, while not interfering with the extendable section when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cover member acts as an intermediary element between the extendable section and the surrounding air. It fills the gap created by the retracted extendable section, providing a smooth aerodynamic surface that prevents turbulence and noise generation while allowing the structural reconfiguration for load control.
3Reliability
If the rotor blade effective length is reduced to minimize fatigue and load, then the operational safety is improved, but the energy capture capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade system dynamically adjusts its effective length based on real-time operating conditions, wind speed, and load requirements. This allows the system to maximize energy capture during low-load conditions while minimizing exposure and fatigue during high-load conditions, optimizing both reliability and productivity across different operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of blade effective length in response to varying operational parameters such as wind speed and turbulence. By adjusting the extendable section position, the system adapts the blade characteristics to match current conditions, ensuring safe operation during storms while maintaining maximum efficiency during calm periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine includes a plurality of rotor blades, with each blade having a root portion connected to a rotor hub and an airfoil portion extending radially outward from the rotor hub. The airfoil portion further includes a main foil section and a winglet pivotally connected to the main foil section so as to pivot from an in-line position wherein the rotor blade has a first sweep length to an articulated position wherein the rotor blade has a second sweep length. In the articulated position, the winglet may pivot to not more than 90 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the main foil section. A deployable sleeve may be connected to the winglet so as to extend between the winglet and the main foil section in the articulated position of the winglet. The sleeve is stowable within either or both of the main foil section or the winglet in the in-line position of the winglet.