Abstract:
An insertion tool for performing an operation on equipment, the insertion tool including: a plurality of segments, each segment of the plurality of segments including a body including: a first hinge; a second hinge, the first and second hinge members pivotally coupling adjacent segments of the plurality of segments together; and a cavity extending along the body of the segment, the cavity exiting the body at a plurality of exit locations, wherein at least one of the plurality of exit locations is disposed adjacent to the first hinge; and a selectively rigidizable strength member disposed within the cavity.
Abstract:
A deployable aerodynamic component configured to be mounted to a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade. The deployable aerodynamic component configured to be positioned in front of an inner portion of the at least one rotor blade, and is structurally configured to cover a substantial portion of the inner portion of the at least one rotor blade in a wind direction during deployment of the deployable aerodynamic component and to allow the passage therethrough of an incoming wind when non-deployed. Further described is a wind turbine including the above-described deployable aerodynamic component and method for aerodynamic performance enhancement of an existing wind turbine, wherein the method includes mounting the above-described deployable aerodynamic component to a wind turbine.
Abstract:
A compressor assembly for a turbomachine includes a compressor wall including circumferentially spaced stator vanes defining at least one row of stator vanes. The at least one row of stator vanes defines at least one stator passage therein. Each stator vane includes a leading edge, an opposite trailing edge defining an axial chord distance, and a pressure side. The compressor assembly also includes, at least one bleed opening defined within the compressor wall and disposed adjacent the pressure side in the at least one stator passage within a range from approximately 20% the axial chord distance upstream of the leading edge to approximately 20% the axial chord distance downstream of the trailing edge. The compressor assembly further includes at least one bleed arm extending from the at least one bleed opening with at least a portion of compressor airflow extractable through the at least one bleed arm.
Abstract:
A virtual aerodynamic component for a wind turbine including at least one rotor blade connected to a hub. The at least one rotor blade defines an inner portion and a profiled outer portion. The virtual aerodynamic component includes one or more air-blowing units configured to provide a flow of air substantially opposed to an incoming wind. The flow of air defines the virtual aerodynamic component in front of the inner portion of the at least one rotor blade and provides for redirection of the incoming wind toward the profiled outer portion of the at least one rotor blade in an operational state and allows the incoming wind to flow toward the inner portion of the at least one rotor blade in a non-operational state. Further described is a wind turbine including the above-described virtual aerodynamic component and method for aerodynamic performance enhancement of an existing wind turbine.
Abstract:
A virtual aerodynamic component for a wind turbine including at least one rotor blade connected to a hub. The at least one rotor blade defines an inner portion and a profiled outer portion. The virtual aerodynamic component includes one or more air-blowing units configured to provide a flow of air substantially opposed to an incoming wind. The flow of air defines the virtual aerodynamic component in front of the inner portion of the at least one rotor blade and provides for redirection of the incoming wind toward the profiled outer portion of the at least one rotor blade in an operational state and allows the incoming wind to flow toward the inner portion of the at least one rotor blade in a non-operational state. Further described is a wind turbine including the above-described virtual aerodynamic component and method for aerodynamic performance enhancement of an existing wind turbine.
Abstract:
A compressor assembly for a turbomachine includes a compressor wall including circumferentially spaced stator vanes defining at least one row of stator vanes. The at least one row of stator vanes defines at least one stator passage therein. Each stator vane includes a leading edge, an opposite trailing edge defining an axial chord distance, and a pressure side. The compressor assembly also includes, at least one bleed opening defined within the compressor wall and disposed adjacent the pressure side in the at least one stator passage within a range from approximately 20% the axial chord distance upstream of the leading edge to approximately 20% the axial chord distance downstream of the trailing edge. The compressor assembly further includes at least one bleed arm extending from the at least one bleed opening with at least a portion of compressor airflow extractable through the at least one bleed arm.
Abstract:
An insertion tool for performing an operation on equipment, the insertion tool including: a plurality of segments, each segment of the plurality of segments including a body comprising: a first hinge; and a second hinge, the first hinge of a first segment being coupled to the second hinge of a second segment adjacent to the first segment through an interface, wherein the interface comprises a powder gap, a multi-modal interface, a compliance feature, a displace-to-lock configuration, an interference fit, or any combination thereof, wherein the insertion tool is configured to be selectively rigidizable using a strength member interfacing with the plurality of segments.
Abstract:
A deployable aerodynamic component configured to be mounted to a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade. The deployable aerodynamic component configured to be positioned in front of an inner portion of the at least one rotor blade, and is structurally configured to cover a substantial portion of the inner portion of the at least one rotor blade in a wind direction during deployment of the deployable aerodynamic component and to allow the passage therethrough of an incoming wind when non-deployed. Further described is a wind turbine including the above-described deployable aerodynamic component and method for aerodynamic performance enhancement of an existing wind turbine, wherein the method includes mounting the above-described deployable aerodynamic component to a wind turbine.