Segmented Wind Turbine Spoiler with Inflatable Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spoilers for wind turbine blades are complex in construction, difficult to install, and do not adapt effectively to different aerodynamic states, leading to unsatisfactory results under various conditions.
Innovation Solution
An adaptable spoiler system for wind turbine blades featuring a segmented airfoil element and base element with an inflatable container, allowing for easy installation and adjustment of the spoiler's position, orientation, and shape without the need for additional tools or components, using an interlocking mechanism and elastic adhesives for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional spoilers are used for wind turbine blades, then aerodynamic flow regulation is achieved, but the construction becomes complex and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler is divided into a base element and a separate airfoil element that can be attached and detached. This segmentation simplifies the overall construction by allowing each element to be optimized independently and facilitates easier installation and maintenance while maintaining aerodynamic effectiveness
2Reliability
If conventional spoilers are installed on wind turbine blades, then flow control is provided, but installation and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the spoiler into a base element (attached to the blade) and a removable airfoil element, the system enables easy installation and maintenance. The airfoil element can be detached and replaced without affecting the base structure, significantly improving accessibility for repair operations
Solution Approach 2:
The airfoil element is extracted as a separate, removable component from the traditional integrated spoiler design. This extraction allows the airfoil element to be easily removed, replaced, or maintained independently, greatly simplifying installation and repair processes while preserving flow control functionality
3Reliability
If conventional spoilers are used, then aerodynamic influence is provided, but adaptation to different states becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spoiler design enables dynamic adaptation through the ability to adjust the airfoil element's position, orientation, and shape relative to the base element. This dynamic configuration allows the spoiler to adapt to different aerodynamic states and operating conditions, enhancing versatility while maintaining reliable aerodynamic influence
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 adaptable spoiler system simplifies installation and maintenance, allows for precise aerodynamic control, and enhances the wind turbine's performance by enabling flexible adaptation to different aerodynamic states, improving efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable container (141), arranged at least partly between the base element (105) and the airfoil element (109) and configured to be expanded to change position and/or orientation and/or shape of at least a portion of the airfoil shaped surface (111) of the airfoil element (109)
Data Source
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AI summary
It is described an adaptable spoiler (100, 200, 300, 400, 00, 600) for a wind turbine rotor blade (103), comprising: a base element (105) adapted to be connected at or integrated with a rotor blade (103); an airfoil element (109) being attachable to the base element (105) and having an airfoil shaped surface (111) to be exposed to an air flow (113).