Anti-ovalization Tool for Wind Turbine Blade Root
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine blade roots often deform due to incomplete curing and shrinkage of composite materials, leading to ovalization, which complicates the mounting process and can result in a vulnerable attachment to the hub, potentially shortening the blades' lifetime.
Innovation Solution
An anti-ovalization tool comprising two or more rigid bodies connected along their side edges with adjustable distances, forming a substantially cylindrical body that can be introduced into the blade root to exert pressure and maintain its circular shape, reducing deformation and enhancing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the blade root is removed from the mould quickly to accelerate manufacturing, then productivity is improved, but the blade root deforms due to incomplete curing and shrinkage
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-ovalization tool is introduced into the blade root before the resin is fully cured and while the blade is still in the mould. This preliminary action provides support to the blade root during the critical curing phase, preventing deformation from occurring in the first place, thus allowing quick removal without sacrificing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-ovalization tool acts as an intermediary element between the blade root and the mould. It provides mechanical support and maintains the circular geometry of the blade root during curing, enabling the blade to be removed quickly while preserving manufacturing precision
2Adaptability or versatility
If the blade remains in storage for extended periods before installation, then adaptability is improved, but the blade root ovalizes due to the blade's weight
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-ovalization tool is installed in advance before the blade enters long-term storage. This preliminary protective measure counteracts the deforming effect of the blade's weight during storage, maintaining the blade root's circular shape throughout the storage period regardless of duration
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-ovalization tool serves as a mechanical intermediary that supports the blade root structure during storage. It distributes and counteracts the gravitational load, preventing the blade root from ovalizing under the blade's weight, thus preserving geometric integrity during extended storage
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid anti-ovalization tool is introduced into the blade root, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-ovalization tool is segmented into multiple rigid bodies (typically three or more) that are distributed around the blade root circumference. Each rigid body independently maintains contact with the blade root inner wall, collectively providing circularity support. This segmentation simplifies the introduction process and reduces the complexity of any single component
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid bodies are positioned at specific locations around the blade root where they provide localized support against ovalization. Each rigid body is strategically placed to counteract deformation tendencies at critical positions, providing precision where needed without requiring a completely rigid and complex structure throughout
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 tool accelerates the manufacturing process, maintains the circular geometry of the blade root, improves alignment and centering of mounting holes, and extends the blades' lifetime by minimizing ovalization and deformation.
Implementation Method 1
the rigid bodies can subsequently be arranged against an inner wall of the blade root. Such a rigid tool may exert some pressure against the inner wall of the blade root which provides the blade root with extra rigidity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Anti-ovalization tool for introduction into a wind turbine blade root comprising two or more rigid bodies connected to one another along their side edges with distances in between them and together forming a substantially cylindrical body, wherein the distances between the rigid bodies are adjustable. The invention is further related to the method of reducing ovalization of a wind turbine blade root and to the use of a tool comprising two or more rigid bodies as an anti-ovalization tool.