Wind Turbine Blade Shell Assembly System With Moveable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling wind turbine blade shells require significant vertical clearance and multiple steps, including moving shell halves from moulds to separate assembly systems, which increases space requirements and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system with a first support structure divided into a stationary and a moveable portion, where the moveable portion supports one wind turbine blade shell half and is moved between positions to assemble the shell halves, reducing the mass to be moved and eliminating the need for intermediate supports and steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the entire support structure is moved when assembling shell halves, then the shell halves can be assembled, but the vertical clearance required increases to 20 meters or more
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into a stationary base portion and a moveable upper portion. Only the upper portion needs to be moved during assembly, while the base remains fixed. This segmentation reduces the vertical clearance requirement from 20+ meters to a manageable height, as the moveable portion can be pivoted or translated within a limited space above the stationary base.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates moveable portions that can be dynamically positioned between a retracted position (reducing vertical clearance) and an extended position (providing support for shell halves). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its vertical footprint during different operational phases, minimizing space requirements when not in use.
2Ease of manufacture
If the entire support structure is moved, then assembly can be performed, but the mass to be moved increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support structure into stationary and moveable portions, only the essential upper components need to be moved. This reduces the mass of the moveable object significantly compared to moving the entire support structure, making the assembly process more efficient and requiring less powerful moving equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stationary base portion is extracted from the moveable system, leaving only the necessary upper support components to be moved. This extraction eliminates the weight of the base structure from the moving mass, reducing the energy and equipment requirements for the moving mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If shell halves are moved from moulds to separate assembly systems, then assembly can be performed, but the number of steps and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mould and assembly system are merged into a single integrated support structure. The shell halves are manufactured in the mould portion and then assembled in the same system without requiring transfer to a separate assembly facility. This combination eliminates intermediate handling steps and reduces operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the manufacturing mould and the assembly support system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated assembly equipment and reduces the number of operational steps required to complete the blade shell assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for assembling a wind turbine blade shell. The system comprises a first support structure comprising a stationary portion and a moveable portion, the moveable portion being adapted to support a first wind turbine blade shell half; a second support structure adapted to support a second wind turbine blade shell half; moving means attached to the moveable portion and configured to move the moveable portion between: i) a first position in which the moveable portion is positioned above the stationary structure, and ii) a second position in which the moveable portion is positioned above the second support structure, wherein when the moveable portion is in the second position, a first wind turbine blade shell half supported by the moveable portion and a second wind turbine blade shell half supported by the second support structure are assembled, forming the wind turbine blade shell.