Split Rotor Blade Groove Connection for Weight Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large wind turbines with increased rotor diameters face challenges in connecting rotor blade sections due to higher forces and moments, leading to heavier and more complex connections that are maintenance-intensive, and existing solutions are not cost-effective or lightweight enough.
Innovation Solution
A method for producing and connecting divided rotor blades using grooves and connecting pieces that allow for easy assembly and alignment, reducing the weight and complexity of connections by using adhesive processes and materials like glass fiber-reinforced plastic, with grooves designed to minimize the connection area and facilitate aerodynamic integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional technical measures (large number of longitudinal bolts and cross bolts) are used to connect rotor blade sections, then the required strength is guaranteed, but the connection becomes complex and results in higher weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical connection system (multiple bolts and fasteners) with a groove-based connection system where connecting pieces fit into grooves cut into the rotor blade sections. This substitution maintains connection strength while significantly reducing structural complexity and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor blade is divided into multiple sections that can be connected through grooves. The grooves are strategically positioned to allow segmentation of the blade into transportable sections while maintaining overall structural integrity through the groove-based connection system.
2Strength
If conventional technical measures (extensive connection area with multiple bolts) are used to ensure strength at connection points, then structural integrity is maintained, but the weight of the rotor blade increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical fastening systems with a lighter groove-based connection system. The grooves allow connecting pieces to engage with the blade sections in a way that maintains structural integrity without requiring the extensive material and weight of conventional bolted connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameters by using grooves with specific geometries (depth, width, orientation) that optimize the connection strength-to-weight ratio. The groove dimensions and positioning are carefully selected to achieve the required structural integrity with minimal additional weight.
3Weight of moving object
If known lightweight connection types (such as gluing) are used to reduce weight, then weight savings are achieved, but the cost-effectiveness decreases due to high costs and time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex adhesive bonding processes with a simpler groove-based mechanical connection system that can be manufactured and assembled more efficiently. The groove system allows for standardized production and faster assembly compared to precision gluing operations, improving cost-effectiveness while maintaining lightweight design.
4Device complexity
If rotor blades are designed as one-piece structures, then structural simplicity is maintained, but transport to installation sites becomes difficult for large longitudinal dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade is segmented into multiple sections that can be transported separately to installation sites. The groove-based connection system allows these sections to be assembled on-site, enabling transport of shorter, more manageable components while maintaining the functionality of a complete rotor blade structure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing a split rotor blade (200), a method for connecting a split rotor blade (200), a rotor blade (200), a rotor blade segment, a rotor, a wind power plant, and a production device for producing rotor blades. The invention particularly relates to a method for producing a split rotor blade (200), comprising: providing a rotor blade (200) having a spar cap (230, 231) and an extension in the longitudinal direction (L) from a blade root region (202) to a blade tip (204); making at least one groove (400, 410) in the spar cap (230, 231), the groove (400, 410) being arranged in a first connection region (300, 300', 300'') of the rotor blade (200), and a portion of the main extension direction of the groove (400, 410) being oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction (L); splitting the rotor blade (200), in the first connection region (300, 300', 300''), into a rotor blade section (210) facing the blade root and a rotor blade section (220) facing away from the blade root, a first groove section (400a) being arranged in the rotor blade section (210) facing the blade root and a second groove section (400b) being arranged in the rotor blade section (220) facing away from the blade root.