Vacuum Pressure for Wind Turbine Blade Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine blade manufacturing methods result in non-uniform joints due to uneven pressure application, leading to reduced aerodynamic quality and structural weakness, particularly as blades increase in size.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a partial vacuum to apply continuous and uniform pressure along the length of wind turbine blade parts, facilitated by fixating units with cavities and sealing mechanisms, ensuring even distribution of compressive force and easy regulation of pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If pressure is applied by pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders or clamps or straps, then the blade halves are pressed together, but the pressure is only applied in certain points creating a wave-like shape in the joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic pressure below atmospheric pressure (vacuum) uniformly across the entire blade assembly. By creating a vacuum environment, atmospheric pressure acts uniformly on all surfaces, ensuring even compression distribution across the joints rather than localized pressure points from mechanical actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter from positive pressure applied at discrete points (mechanical actuators, clamps, straps) to negative pressure (vacuum) applied uniformly across the entire surface. This parameter change transforms the pressure distribution from non-uniform to uniform, eliminating the wave-like joint formation
2Force
If clamps or straps are used to provide compressing force, then the blade parts are held together, but it becomes difficult and time consuming to regulate the force to ensure correct pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a vacuum pump to create and regulate negative pressure in a sealed chamber. The force regulation is achieved by controlling the vacuum level, which automatically translates to uniform pressure distribution across all blade surfaces without requiring manual adjustment of multiple mechanical actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The atmospheric pressure itself serves as the compressing force when vacuum is applied. The system leverages the existing atmospheric pressure environment, eliminating the need for external mechanical force application devices and their associated complex regulation mechanisms
3Strength
If pressure is applied in certain points to join blade halves, then the joints are formed, but the joints do not have the same strength throughout the length of the blade
Solution Approach 1:
By using vacuum to induce uniform atmospheric pressure across the entire blade assembly, the compression force is distributed evenly along the length of all joints. This uniform pressure ensures consistent adhesive bonding and equal strength throughout the joint length, eliminating the strength variations caused by localized pressure points
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 approach enables the production of wind turbine blades with substantially uniform joints, enhancing aerodynamic performance and structural integrity while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
establishing a pressure below atmospheric pressure, forcing the at least one first wind turbine blade part and the at least one second wind turbine blade part against each other
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a wind turbine blade or a section of a wind turbine blade. The method includes, establishing a first part having a first wind turbine blade part in a first fixating unit, establishing a second part having a second wind turbine blade part in a second fixating unit, and positioning the first part in contact with, or in close proximity of, the second part. After this, a pressure below atmospheric pressure is established, forcing the first wind turbine blade part and the second wind turbine blade part against each other.The invention further relates to a wind turbine blade manufacturing facility, wind turbine blades as well as uses hereof.