Wind Turbine Blade Shear Web Alignment Using Spacer Jigs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aligning shear web panels in wind turbine blades is a time-consuming process, especially at the root section, where the large size of the panels makes it impractical to use connecting elements, and this alignment is critical during the final stages of assembly when multiple processes are being undertaken simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method using jigs with spacer elements to align and restrain shear web panels, allowing them to maintain alignment when inserted into the blade, which includes applying adhesive or clamping forces to prevent separation and using lightweight materials for spacers to avoid adding unnecessary weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If connecting elements are used between shear web panels, then alignment is maintained, but the arrangement becomes too large to be practical at the blade root
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment function from the complex connecting element (top hat arrangement) and implements it through separate spacer elements. These spacers are positioned between the shear web panels to maintain alignment without requiring the panels to form a large top hat structure, thus solving the contradiction between maintaining alignment and reducing overall arrangement size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the alignment function into multiple spacer elements distributed between the shear web panels rather than using a single large connecting element. This segmentation allows each spacer to be smaller and more manageable, enabling practical implementation at the blade root while collectively maintaining the alignment of the entire shear web assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If shear web panels are aligned during final assembly stages, then alignment can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming when multiple processes are occurring simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning spacer elements between the shear web panels before the final assembly operation. The spacers are already in place to maintain alignment, so when the panels are installed in the blade, they remain aligned without requiring time-consuming alignment operations during the critical final assembly stages when multiple processes are occurring simultaneously.
3Strength
If larger shear web panels are used near the blade root, then structural requirements are met, but alignment becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spacer elements as intermediary components between the large shear web panels near the blade root. These spacers act as mediators that maintain the alignment of the large panels without requiring complex alignment operations. The spacers are positioned to accommodate the structural requirements of large panels while simplifying the alignment process through their spacing and positioning functions.
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
This method simplifies the alignment process, reducing the time required for shear web panel alignment and ensuring accurate positioning without the need for complex alignment methods during blade construction, thereby improving efficiency and reducing assembly time.
Implementation Method 1
applying adhesive or clamping forces to prevent separation
Implementation Method 2
applying adhesive or clamping forces to prevent separation
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method of aligning shear webs for the construction of a wind turbine blade is provided. The method comprises providing one or more jigs (402), each configured to receive one or more spacer elements (701) and providing one or more spacer elements (701). First and second shear web panels are placed on the one or more jigs (402) to align them. The first and second shear web panels are restrained relative to each other and are separated by the one or more spacer elements. The first and second shear web panels are then removed together with the one or more spacer elements from the jig. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.