Wind Turbine Blade Support Tool With Adjustable Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of supporting large wind turbine blades during post-moulding operations is complicated by varying cross-sections, leading to difficulties in accessing all areas, increased safety hazards from overhead cranes, and prolonged manufacturing times due to scaffold assembly and disassembly, especially with larger blades.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a base and support structure that adjusts to fit the blade's outer surface, allowing secure support and adjustable height, reducing the need for overhead cranes and simplifying scaffold use, while enabling easier access and safer operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If scaffolds are assembled to support and secure the wind turbine blade during post-moulding operations, then accessibility to the blade is improved, but the manufacturing time increases due to assembly and disassembly operations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is pre-configured with adjustable height mechanisms and positioning features that allow it to be quickly deployed and adjusted to the required blade position before operations begin, eliminating time-consuming assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable height components that can be dynamically modified during operations to accommodate different blade positions and operational requirements, replacing the need for complete scaffold assembly and disassembly
2Ease of operation
If the wind turbine blade is rotated about its longitudinal axis to facilitate access to different areas, then accessibility to all blade areas is improved, but safety hazards increase due to overhead crane operations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as an intermediary device that holds the blade in safe, accessible positions without requiring overhead cranes to suspend and rotate the blade, thereby eliminating the safety hazards associated with crane operations while maintaining operational accessibility
3Power
If larger wind turbine blades are manufactured to increase capacity, then energy production is improved, but the complexity of support operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed as a universal system that can accommodate blades of various sizes through adjustable height and positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for different support systems for different blade lengths and reducing operational complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
In a first aspect, a tool for supporting a wind turbine blade in a post-moulding position is provided. The tool comprises a base configured to rest on a ground; a support structure configured to receive a region of the wind turbine blade when a leading edge of the wind turbine blade faces the ground, wherein the support structure comprises a supporting surface configured to receive and support an outer surface of the region of the blade; and a lifting mechanism configured to move the support structure relative to the base. In a further aspect, a supporting assembly for supporting a wind turbine blade in a post-moulding position is provided. In yet a further aspect, a method for supporting a wind turbine blade during post-moulding operations is provided.