Cable-Stayed Wind Turbine Rotor Repowering for Larger Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbines face challenges in increasing rotor diameter to capture more energy due to limitations in blade length and weight, which result in higher loads and structural constraints, making repowering operations complicated and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method to increase rotor diameter by attaching blade connecting members, such as cables or composite rods, between wind turbine blades, distributing loads and allowing for a cable-stayed rotor configuration, with optional extensions and hub adjustments to support the increased diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the rotor diameter is increased to capture more energy from the wind, then the energy capture capability is improved, but the blade loads increase and structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The blade structure is segmented into multiple sections with different functions: the main blade structure captures wind energy, while separate connecting members (cables or rods) are attached to specific segments to provide additional load support. This segmentation allows the blade to be designed with optimized energy capture surfaces while distributing structural loads through multiple components rather than relying on a single monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs composite construction by combining different materials with complementary properties: the blade uses aerodynamic materials for energy capture, while connecting members use tensile-strength materials (such as steel cables or composite rods) to handle mechanical loads. This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both high energy capture and reduced blade loads.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the rotor diameter is increased, then the energy capture capability is improved, but the weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor system is segmented into standard blade components and separate connecting member components. This modular segmentation allows the blade structure to maintain standard designs for energy capture while adding only the necessary connecting members to handle increased loads, rather than redesigning the entire rotor structure for larger diameter operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Connecting members act as intermediary elements between the blade and the hub structure. These intermediaries (cables or rods) transfer loads from the blade tips to the hub without requiring direct reinforcement of the blade root or hub structure, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while enabling larger rotor diameter.
3Power
If new power-generating components are exchanged for existing components, then the power generation capability is improved, but the operation time is reduced due to complicated uncoupling and exchanging operations
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is segmented into modular components that can be independently replaced. The connecting members are designed as separate, interchangeable components that can be attached or detached from standardized connection points on the blades, enabling rapid replacement of power-generating components without complicated uncoupling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting members are pre-configured with standardized connection fixtures and attachment mechanisms that are prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces allows for quick assembly and disassembly of power-generating components, minimizing downtime during replacement operations.
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of repowering a horizontal-axis wind turbine The wind turbine comprises a rotor rotatably mounted to a nacelle, the rotor comprising a plurality of used first wind turbine blades connected to a hub, and each blade comprising a blade shell. Each blade extends in a radial direction from a blade root to a blade tip and in a chordwise direction between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The rotor defines a rotor axis and a first rotor diameter. The method comprises increasing the rotor diameter such that the rotor defines a second rotor diameter that is greater than the first rotor diameter. The method further comprises attaching a connecting fixture to each blade, each connecting fixture defining a connection point for connecting a blade connecting member to the blade. The method further comprises connecting a blade connecting member between corresponding connection points of a pair of wind turbine blades such that each blade is connected to at least one other blade by a blade connecting member.