Wind Turbine Rotor Cable Attachment Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine rotor assemblies face inefficiencies in absorbing blade deformation and load resistance due to limitations in cable systems, which often require auxiliary structures and result in a heavier, more complex design.
Innovation Solution
A rotor assembly with a central hub and blades featuring a cable system with specific attachment points and configurations that allow cables to attach closer to the blade's longitudinal axis, reducing the need for additional support structures and enabling more efficient deformation absorption and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If cables are attached to the central hub via an auxiliary wheel to provide a wider base, then the forces in the cables are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the auxiliary wheel from the cable system. Instead of routing cables through an auxiliary wheel to widen the attachment base, the cables are directly attached to the central hub at strategically positioned points. This extraction of the auxiliary wheel simplifies the device while maintaining structural integrity through optimized cable routing and attachment point selection.
2Device complexity
If cables are attached to nearby blades to widen the base, then the structure is simplified, but the deformation absorption efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning cable attachment points at specific locations on the blade structure - particularly at the blade root and along the span - to optimize deformation absorption. The cables are attached to the central hub at points that provide maximum leverage for absorbing blade deformation, rather than uniformly distributing attachments. This localized optimization ensures efficient deformation absorption while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Strength
If rod structures are used to extend from the spreader to the central hub, then pressure forces can be absorbed, but the length is limited and the distance from the spreader to the central rotation axis is constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid rod structures with flexible cable systems. Instead of using rods that extend from the spreader to the central hub and are limited in length, the invention uses cables that can be routed along the blade span and attached to the central hub at optimal positions. This substitution allows for greater flexibility in positioning attachment points, enabling the spreader to be located at a more optimal distance from the central rotation axis without being constrained by rod length limitations.
4Strength
If a traditional cable system with auxiliary structures is used, then load resistance is improved, but the blade structure becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes auxiliary support structures from the blade design, relying instead on an optimized cable system directly attached to the central hub. By eliminating unnecessary auxiliary components and using strategically positioned cable attachments, the blade structure is simplified and weight is reduced while maintaining adequate load resistance through proper cable tensioning and attachment point selection.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wind turbine, more specifically a rotor assembly for a wind turbine. The rotor assembly comprises blades with an advantageous cable system.