Wind Turbine Pneumatic Actuation Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling humidity in wind turbine compressed gas circuits face challenges due to environmental risks, energy consumption, and operational limitations, particularly with hydraulic and electric actuation systems, and existing dehumidifiers are not suitable for operation within the hub of a wind turbine.
Innovation Solution
A pressure supply system for pneumatic actuators in wind turbine blades that includes a compressor, a pressure reservoir, a return line with negative relative pressure, a regeneration line with a desiccant for humidity management, and an initialization bypass to reduce energy consumption and maintain system pressure, allowing for efficient pneumatic actuation while minimizing water content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If hydraulic actuation is used for aerodynamic devices, then actuation force and control precision are improved, but environmental risk increases due to oil leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic actuation with pneumatic actuation, substituting oil-based fluid with compressed air. This eliminates the environmental risk of oil leakage while maintaining actuation capability through pressure-driven diaphragm or bellows mechanisms that can still generate sufficient force for aerodynamic device control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a pneumatic actuation system using compressed air stored in reservoirs within the blade structure. The system uses pressure differential to drive flexible membranes or bellows that translate into mechanical motion for aerodynamic devices, providing a clean alternative to hydraulic systems.
2Ease of operation
If electric drive is used for aerodynamic devices, then control precision and responsiveness are improved, but reliability decreases due to lightning strike vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric motors and actuators with purely pneumatic actuation mechanisms. Compressed air is stored in reservoirs and released to move aerodynamic devices through pressure differential, eliminating electrical components that are vulnerable to lightning strikes while maintaining control capability through pressure-regulated flow control valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic system uses the compressed air itself to provide both the actuation force and the control mechanism. Pressure-regulated valves automatically modulate air flow to the actuators based on system pressure, providing responsive control without electrical sensors or motors that could fail from lightning damage.
3Quantity of substance
If pressure condensation or membrane water separators are used for dehumidification, then humidity control is improved, but energy consumption increases due to high pressure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic dehumidification cycle where compressed air is alternately directed through desiccant beds for drying, then through cooling coils for condensation. The system switches between drying and cooling phases, allowing the desiccant to regenerate periodically while maintaining continuous humidity control without requiring sustained high pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transition of water vapor to liquid water through cooling coils after partial dehumidification by desiccant. This two-stage approach (adsorption then condensation) removes moisture more efficiently than pressure condensation alone, reducing the energy required while achieving the same dew point.
4Quantity of substance
If existing dehumidifiers are installed in the hub, then humidity control is improved, but operational reliability decreases due to temperature range and rotation limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates dehumidification components directly within the blade structure itself, nesting desiccant chambers and cooling coils inside the blade's internal framework. This eliminates the need for separate hub-mounted dehumidifiers that are subject to hub rotation and temperature extremes, as the dehumidification system moves with the blade and operates in the blade's thermal environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The dehumidification system is segmented into distributed units within each blade rather than a centralized hub system. Each blade contains its own desiccant chambers and cooling coils, allowing independent operation that is not affected by hub rotation or centralized temperature control limitations.
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
This solution reduces energy consumption by up to 90% compared to membrane dehumidifiers and pressure condensation methods, effectively managing humidity without continuous energy input and maintaining efficient operation within the wind turbine hub.
Implementation Method 1
the return line comprising a return reservoir having a negative relative pressure
Implementation Method 2
Other potential solutions such as pressure condensation or membrane water separators require a pressure significantly higher than what is needed and desirable in the actuators
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine including:a pressure supply system for operating the actuator of at least an aerodynamic device by means of a pressurized gas, wherein the pressure supply system includes:a pressure generator for pressurizing the pressurized gas,a pressure supply line connecting the pressure generator and the pneumatic actuator for providing the pressurized gas to the pneumatic actuator, the pressure supply line including a pressure reservoir,a return line connecting the pressure generator and the pneumatic actuator for returning the pressurized gas to the pressure generator, the return line including a return reservoir having a negative relative pressure, is provided.