Wind Turbine Blade Installation Guiding Element Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing size and weight of modern wind turbines make blade installation challenging due to aerodynamic forces causing oscillations, requiring manual assistance and increasing the risk of damage and costs, especially in offshore installations where traditional tagline systems are inadequate.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a guiding element attached to the rotor hub and a stabilization beam on the blade holder, which reduces oscillations by providing a rigid support during installation, allowing for easier and safer attachment of the blade to the hub, with optional telescopic or actuated guiding elements for improved control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the blade is hoisted towards the rotor hub using conventional lifting equipment, then the blade can be positioned for installation, but aerodynamic forces cause oscillations and sudden movements that complicate the installation process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of blade installationVSAvoidblade stability during hoisting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A stabilization beam is introduced as an intermediary element between the blade and the rotor hub. The stabilization beam contacts the guiding element on the hub, acting as a mediator that transmits stabilizing forces to the blade while allowing controlled positioning during the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizing function is extracted from the main lifting equipment and implemented as a separate stabilization beam system. This allows the lifting equipment to focus on positioning while the stabilization beam specifically addresses oscillation control, dividing the complex stabilization task into manageable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If manual aid is used to control blade oscillations during installation, then the blade can be positioned more accurately, but the risk of injury to operators increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade positioning accuracyVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization beam system enables the blade to stabilize itself through passive contact with the guiding element. The blade's own weight and the mechanical contact with the guiding element create automatic stabilization without requiring active human intervention, allowing accurate positioning while eliminating the need for operators to manually control oscillations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If tagline systems are used to prevent blade oscillations, then some control is achieved, but the ropes may be cut by sharp edges or damage the blade by rubbing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade oscillation controlVSAvoiddamage to blade from control ropes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization beam replaces the vulnerable tagline ropes with a more robust mechanical element. The beam is designed to withstand contact with the guiding element and can be easily replaced if needed, providing durable oscillation control without the cutting and rubbing problems that affect soft ropes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The soft mechanical system of tagline ropes is replaced with a rigid mechanical system using the stabilization beam and guiding element. This substitution provides more reliable oscillation control through direct mechanical contact while eliminating the harmful effects of rope friction and cutting on the blade.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the installation process is delayed due to oscillation control issues, then safety can be improved, but the installation cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation safetyVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization beam is pre-positioned and the guiding element is prepared on the rotor hub before the blade hoisting operation begins. This preliminary setup ensures that stabilization is immediately available when the blade arrives, preventing oscillation-related delays while maintaining safe installation conditions throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2927478B1Installing a blade in a wind turbine and wind turbines

Publication Date: 2018.10.17 GE RENEWABLE TECH WIND BV

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

Methods of installing a blade in a wind turbine are provided, the wind turbine comprising a tower, a nacelle and rotor hub, the rotor hub comprising a guiding element. The method includes providing a blade holder, wherein the blade holder comprises a beam, the beam being attached to the blade holder. The method further includes providing lifting equipment for lifting the blade holder, attaching the blade holder to the blade, wherein the blade comprises a mount for mounting the blade to the rotor, connecting the lifting equipment to the blade holder, hoisting the blade holder with the blade towards the rotor hub, arranging the beam near the guiding element, bringing the guiding element and the beam in contact with each other and attaching the blade mount to the rotor hub. Wind turbines comprising a rotor hub, the rotor hub comprising a guiding element are also disclosed.