Wind Turbine Trailing Edge Assembly with Inflatable Chord Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbine rotor blades face challenges in achieving optimal aerodynamic efficiency due to structural constraints and manufacturing limitations, particularly in longer blades that require a narrow root design to withstand high wind loads, which compromises their energy extraction capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A chord-adjustable trailing edge assembly for wind turbine rotor blades, comprising an inflatable support structure, flexible material, and volume control means, allowing the chord length to be altered to optimize aerodynamic performance by inflating or deflating the trailing edge assembly based on operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a wide airfoil is used in the root region to maximize energy extraction, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but structural strength and stability deteriorate under high wind loads
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing edge assembly is made dynamically adjustable through an inflation system that can change the chord length of the airfoil in real-time. During normal operation, the assembly is inflated to provide a wide airfoil for maximum energy extraction. During high wind conditions, the assembly can be deflated or adjusted to reduce the chord length, thereby reducing aerodynamic loads on the blade structure while maintaining the ability to generate power when conditions are favorable
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of chord length dynamically by controlling the volume of the inflatable trailing edge assembly. The volume control means adjusts the amount of air or gas in the inflatable structure, directly changing the chord length parameter of the airfoil section. This allows the blade to transition between different aerodynamic configurations to optimize both energy extraction and structural loading conditions
2Stability of the object's composition
If a narrow root design is used to withstand high wind loads, then structural stability is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing edge assembly provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the blade to switch between narrow and wide configurations. The inflatable structure can be deployed during high wind conditions to maintain a narrow effective chord for structural stability, and retracted or inflated during normal conditions to provide a wide airfoil for optimal aerodynamic performance and energy extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention dynamically changes the chord length parameter of the airfoil by controlling the inflation state of the trailing edge assembly. This parameter change allows the blade to optimize its aerodynamic characteristics for different operating conditions, transitioning from a narrow configuration that prioritizes structural stability to a wide configuration that maximizes aerodynamic performance
3Productivity
If a wide airfoil is used to maximize energy extraction, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and transportation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing edge assembly is designed as a nested structure where the inflatable elements are contained within a housing or fairing that integrates with the blade structure. When deflated, the assembly occupies minimal space within the blade, facilitating easier manufacturing and transportation. When inflated, it extends to provide the wide airfoil configuration for maximum energy extraction, effectively nesting the large aerodynamic structure within a compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the effective size parameter of the airfoil dynamically rather than requiring a permanently large structure. The inflatable trailing edge assembly allows the blade to achieve a wide chord length during operation for optimal energy extraction, while maintaining a compact, transport-friendly configuration during manufacturing and shipping phases
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
Enhances aerodynamic performance by dynamically adjusting the chord length, improving energy extraction efficiency and structural stability under varying wind conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable support structure; and a volume control means realised to adjust the volume of the inflatable support structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention describes a wind turbine rotor blade (2) comprising a root end (2R), an airfoil (2A), and a transition region (2SC) extending between the root end (2R) and the airfoil (2A), further comprising a chord-adjustable trailing edge assembly (1) extending over at least a portion of the transition region (2SC), which chord-adjustable trailing edge assembly (1) comprises an inflatable support structure (10); a flexible material (11) arranged to cover the inflatable support structure (10); and an interface (135) to a volume control means (13) realised to adjust the volume of the inflatable support structure (10) to extend a chord length (Cext) of the transition region (2SC).