Split Rotor Blade Segmentation for Wind Turbine Joint Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern wind turbine rotor blades, designed as segmented structures for transport, face a contradiction between structural strength and aerodynamic efficiency, particularly at the connection points where increased thickness for strength compromises aerodynamics and reduced thickness for aerodynamics weakens the joint.
Innovation Solution
The rotor blade is segmented into sections with a common outer contour that transitions from a double-curved to a single-curved shape in the segmentation area, allowing for optimized structural reinforcement and efficient incorporation of connecting elements without significant installation space loss, using a simple curvature and constant pre-bend along the longitudinal axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the rotor blade cross-section is increased to improve joint strength, then the strength of the rotor blade connection is improved, but the aerodynamic properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade cross-section thickness is increased locally only in the segmentation region where connections are required, while maintaining the original aerodynamic profile in the remaining blade areas. This allows the connection regions to have enhanced structural properties without compromising the overall aerodynamic performance of the blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The double-curved outer contour is transformed into a single-curved contour in the segmentation region, creating additional design freedom to accommodate connection elements while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. This dimensional simplification allows for optimized placement of connecting components without significant aerodynamic penalty.
2Shape
If the thickness of the rotor blade cross-section is reduced to improve aerodynamic properties, then the aerodynamic properties are improved, but the strength of the joint deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade cross-section thickness is increased locally only in the segmentation region where connections are required, while maintaining the original aerodynamic profile in the remaining blade areas. This allows the connection regions to have enhanced structural properties without compromising the overall aerodynamic performance of the blade.
3Strength
If structural reinforcement is added to the segmented areas to improve strength, then the strength of the rotor blade is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structural reinforcement elements are integrated into the existing blade structure during the manufacturing process, combining the reinforcement function with the blade shell formation. This merging approach avoids adding separate complex reinforcement structures and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced strength in the segmentation regions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a split rotor blade (110) for a wind turbine (100), which, with respect to a longitudinal axis (120) of the rotor blade (110), is formed by at least a first rotor blade segment (132) and a second rotor blade segment (134), wherein the first rotor blade segment (132) has a first connection area (154) along the longitudinal axis (120) at a first connection end (136), and the second rotor blade segment (134) has a second connection area (156) along the longitudinal axis (120) at a second connection end (138) associated with the first connection end (136), the two connection areas (154, 156) being connected at a division point (130) of the rotor blade (110) and forming a common segmentation area (160), in the segmentation area (160) of the rotor blade (110) a connection is formed by the connection of both rotor blade segments. (132, 134) formed common outer contour (152) of the rotor blade (110) is simply curved.The invention also relates to a rotor blade segment (132).