Tapered FRP Reinforcement for Wind Turbine Blade Root Stress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind turbine blade reinforcement techniques fail to adequately address stress concentration at the blade root portion, particularly in the flap direction, leading to potential deformation and fatigue issues due to sharp thickness variations where reinforcing ribs are added.

Innovation Solution

A Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) reinforcing layer is applied to the outer surface of the blade root portion, featuring tapered laminated fiber layers to maintain a gradual thickness profile, reducing stress concentration and incorporating an intermediate multidirectional fiber layer for enhanced bonding and load distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If reinforcing ribs are added to the blade root portion, then the blade root portion is reinforced against deflection and deformation, but the thickness varies sharply at the boundary between reinforced and non-reinforced areas, causing stress concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade root portion strengthVSAvoidstress concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing layer is divided into multiple fiber layers (first through fifth fiber layers) with different orientations and reinforcement directions. Each layer targets specific stress components, creating a graduated reinforcement structure that transitions smoothly from the blade root to the non-reinforced area, eliminating sharp thickness variations and stress concentration points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different fiber layers are applied to different regions of the blade root portion based on local stress requirements. The first and second fiber layers address stresses in one direction, while the third, fourth, and fifth layers address stresses in perpendicular directions. This localized quality approach ensures reinforcement is applied precisely where needed without creating abrupt transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If circular-arc-shaped reinforcing ribs are added around the blade root portion, then the blade root portion is reinforced, but no measures are provided against loads acting in the flap direction, leaving the blade vulnerable to fatigue damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade root portion strengthVSAvoidfatigue resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing layer structure is designed to handle multiple types of loads simultaneously. The fiber layers are arranged to resist both radial stresses (from circumferential reinforcement) and flap-direction loads (from longitudinal fiber orientations). This multi-functional design ensures comprehensive protection against various loading conditions including fatigue damage from flap-direction forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcement transitions from two-dimensional circular-arc-shaped ribs to a three-dimensional laminated fiber structure. Multiple fiber layers are stacked with different orientations (0 degrees, 90 degrees, and intermediate angles) to create a volumetric reinforcement system that addresses loads from all directions, including the previously unprotected flap direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 FRP reinforcing layer effectively suppresses stress concentration at the blade root portion, enhancing the wind turbine blade's durability and fatigue resistance while allowing for smooth attachment to the hub without obstructing bolt holes.

Implementation Method 1

an FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) reinforcing layer formed so as to cover at least a part of an outer surface of the blade root portion of the blade main body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiber Reinforcement:

Implementation Method 2

a resin with which the plurality of fiber layers is impregnated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResin Impregnation:

Data Source

PatentUS10514022B2Wind turbine generator system, wind turbine blade, and reinforcing method for wind turbine blade
Publication Date: 2019.12.24 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD
  • US10514022B2 patent drawing
  • US10514022B2 patent drawing
  • US10514022B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A wind turbine blade is reinforced while suppressing possible stress concentration resulting from a load imposed on a blade root portion of the wind turbine blade in a flap direction. The wind turbine blade includes a blade main body extending from the blade root portion toward a blade tip portion and an FRP reinforcing layer formed so as to cover at least a part of the outer surface of the blade root portion of the blade main body. The FRP reinforcing layer includes a plurality of laminated fiber layers and a resin with which the plurality of fiber layers is impregnated. The FRP reinforcing layer is formed such that, in a cross section along a longitudinal direction of the blade main body, both ends of the plurality of laminated fiber layers in the longitudinal direction are tapered.