Segmented Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Long, slim rotor blades for wind turbines increase moment of inertia, making gusts less usable and result in high manufacturing and maintenance costs, while blade tip noises cannot be suppressed.
Innovation Solution
Designing rotor blades with a smaller diameter at the wing root that increases to a larger diameter towards the end, featuring a curved leading and trailing edge with varying camber heights and optional winglets, made from aluminum or composite materials, to reduce material usage and maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If long and slender rotor blades are used to achieve higher power outputs, then the rotor diameter increases, but the moment of inertia increases making gusts less usable and blade tip noise cannot be suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade is divided into multiple longitudinal elements (stringers) that are arranged along the blade length. These elements are connected by transverse ribs, creating a segmented structure that reduces the moment of inertia while maintaining structural integrity and power generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a solid monolithic blade structure to a lattice-like framework structure by introducing longitudinal elements and transverse ribs. This dimensional change creates a lighter, more flexible structure that reduces moment of inertia and allows better utilization of gusts
2Power
If long rotor blades are used to achieve higher power outputs, then the rotor diameter increases, but manufacturing and maintenance costs remain very high
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is constructed from discrete longitudinal elements and transverse ribs that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing processes, reduced material costs, and easier maintenance or replacement of individual components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the structural parameters from solid cross-section to a lattice framework, significantly reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the required mechanical properties and power output capability
3Power
If long rotor blades are used to achieve higher power outputs, then the rotor diameter increases, but blade tip noise cannot be suppressed
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented structure with multiple longitudinal elements and transverse ribs creates a more flexible blade that can better adapt to aerodynamic loads, reducing turbulence and noise generation at the blade tips while maintaining power output
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the structural parameters to a lattice framework, the blade achieves reduced mass and adjusted flexibility characteristics that suppress blade tip noise while preserving the power generation capability
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
The solution results in a more efficient and cost-effective rotor blade design that utilizes material more efficiently, reduces noise, and enhances performance by optimizing the curvature and shape of the rotor blades, thereby improving usability and reducing maintenance expenses.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor blade has a wing root attached to a hub with a specific first diameter, and a rotor blade tip opposite the wing root with a specific second diameter. The rotor blade also has a trailing edge and a leading edge with respect to the cutting direction, i.e., the direction in which the rotor blade rotates during operation, the leading edge and the trailing edge each having a curvature.
Data Source
Figure 1~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to a rotor blade (1) and a corresponding rotor for a wind turbine having a reduced rotor diameter and improved performance. The rotor blade (1) for a wind turbine has a blade root (3) with a defined first diameter as an attachment to a hub, and a rotor blade end (2), with a second defined diameter, opposite the blade root. The rotor blade (1) also has a trailing edge (7) and a leading edge (8) in relation to the direction of rotation of the rotor blade (1) during operation. The leading edge (8) and the trailing edge (7) each have a curvature. The first diameter is smaller than the second diameter.