公开(公告)号：US20160281680A1

公开(公告)日：2016-09-29

申请号：US15034733

申请日：2014-11-04

Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S

Inventor： Stephen Randall

IPC: F03D1/06 ,  F03D1/00

CPC classification number: F03D1/0675 ,  F05B2240/302 ,  F05B2280/6003 ,  Y02E10/721

Abstract: A modular wind turbine blade is described. The blade has at least a first blade module and a second blade module connected to end to end. An interface is defined between the respective modules. The blade further comprises at least one longitudinally extending spar structure that forms part of the outer shells of the first and second blade modules when the modules are connected. The or each spar structure is substantially continuous and extends across the interface between the first and second blade modules when the modules are connected. The or each spar structure is integrated with the first blade module and the spar structure is folded or coiled to facilitate transportation of the module. The second blade module includes channels defined in the outer shell for receiving the or each spar structure when the modules are connected. In this way the spar structures also form part of the outer shell of the second module. A method of assembling the modular blade and a method of installing a wind turbine having a modular blade are also described.

Abstract translation: 描述了模块化风力涡轮机叶片。 刀片具有至少第一刀片模块和第二刀片模块，其以端对端连接。 在各个模块之间定义接口。 所述刀片还包括至少一个纵向延伸的翼梁结构，当所述模块连接时，所述翼梁结构形成所述第一和第二叶片模块的外壳的一部分。 当所述模块连接时，所述或每个翼梁结构基本上连续并延伸穿过所述第一和第二叶片模块之间的界面。 所述或每个翼梁结构与第一叶片模块集成，并且翼梁结构被折叠或卷绕以便于模块的运输。 第二刀片模块包括限定在外壳中的通道，用于当模块连接时用于接收或每个翼梁结构。 以这种方式，翼梁结构还形成第二模块的外壳的一部分。 还描述了组装模块化叶片的方法和安装具有模块化叶片的风力涡轮机的方法。

公开(公告)号：US09120417B2

公开(公告)日：2015-09-01

申请号：US14369933

申请日：2012-12-20

Applicant: Vestas Wind Systems A/S

Inventor： Stephen Randall

IPC: B60P7/08 ,  B60P3/40 ,  B60P7/12 ,  F03D1/00

CPC classification number: B60P3/40 ,  B60P7/12 ,  F03D1/00 ,  F03D13/40

Abstract: A method of transporting a wind turbine blade with a curved central longitudinal axis includes loading the wind turbine blade onto a transportation device including first and second support bearings. The wind turbine blade is loaded in a first orientation in which the curved central longitudinal axis is located in a generally vertical plane. When the transportation device is preparing to turn, the wind turbine blade is rotated to a second orientation before or during turning such that the curved central longitudinal axis is located in a generally horizontal plane and bends around the turn. As a result, the curved wind turbine blade and transportation device can traverse tighter curves and turns during travel to an assembly site or quayside.

Abstract translation: 运输具有弯曲中心纵向轴线的风力涡轮机叶片的方法包括将风力涡轮机叶片装载到包括第一和第二支撑轴承的运输装置上。 风力涡轮机叶片以第一取向加载，其中弯曲的中心纵向轴线位于大​​致竖直的平面中。 当运输装置正在准备转动时，风车叶片在转动之前或期间转动到第二方向，使得弯曲的中心纵向轴线位于大​​致水平的平面中并围绕转弯弯曲。 结果，弯曲的风力涡轮机叶片和运输装置可以在行进到装配现场或码头区域期间横越更紧的曲线和转弯。

公开(公告)号：US20140369779A1

公开(公告)日：2014-12-18

申请号：US14369933

申请日：2012-12-20

Applicant: Vestas Wind Systems A/S

Inventor： Stephen Randall

IPC: B60P3/40 ,  F03D1/00

CPC classification number: B60P3/40 ,  B60P7/12 ,  F03D1/00 ,  F03D13/40

Abstract: A method of transporting a wind turbine blade with a curved central longitudinal axis includes loading the wind turbine blade onto a transportation device including first and second support bearings. The wind turbine blade is loaded in a first orientation in which the curved central longitudinal axis is located in a generally vertical plane. When the transportation device is preparing to turn, the wind turbine blade is rotated to a second orientation before or during turning such that the curved central longitudinal axis is located in a generally horizontal plane and bends around the turn. As a result, the curved wind turbine blade and transportation device can traverse tighter curves and turns during travel to an assembly site or quayside.

Abstract translation: 运输具有弯曲中心纵向轴线的风力涡轮机叶片的方法包括将风力涡轮机叶片装载到包括第一和第二支撑轴承的运输装置上。 风力涡轮机叶片以第一取向加载，其中弯曲的中心纵向轴线位于大​​致竖直的平面中。 当运输装置正在准备转动时，风车叶片在转动之前或期间转动到第二方向，使得弯曲的中心纵向轴线位于大​​致水平的平面中并围绕转弯弯曲。 结果，弯曲的风力涡轮机叶片和运输装置可以在行进到装配现场或码头区域期间横越更紧的曲线和转弯。

公开(公告)号：US11852118B2

公开(公告)日：2023-12-26

申请号：US18002571

申请日：2021-06-29

Applicant: Vestas Wind Systems A/S

Inventor： Stephen Randall ,  Andrea Attorni ,  Thomas Potentier ,  Francesco Grasso

IPC: F03D1/06

CPC classification number: F03D1/0641 ,  F05B2240/3042 ,  F05B2260/96

Abstract: A horizontal axis wind turbine comprising a rotor having a plurality of blades, the rotor having a radius R of at least 80 meters, the blades comprising: a root end and a tip end, the blades extending in a spanwise direction from the root end to the tip end; a leading edge and a trailing edge, the blades extending in a chordwise direction along a chord from the leading edge to the trailing edge; a shoulder between the root end and the tip end where a chord length defined between the leading edge and the trailing edge is at a maximum; the blades being twisted between the root end and the tip end and the twist is defined by a twist distribution curve along the spanwise direction of the blades, each blade further comprising: an inboard region between the root end of the blade and the shoulder of the blade; an outboard region between a rotor radius 0.9R and the tip end of the blade; and a mid-board region located between the inboard region and the outboard region; a noise reduction feature in the mid-board region of the blade, the noise reduction feature projecting from the trailing edge and extending from a first radial position R1 toward the tip end; wherein the twist distribution curve comprises a first inflection point in the vicinity of the first radial position R1.

公开(公告)号：US11752709B2

公开(公告)日：2023-09-12

申请号：US16349749

申请日：2017-11-15

Applicant: Vestas Wind Systems A/S

Inventor： Stephen Randall

IPC: B29D99/00 ,  B29C70/34 ,  B29C70/44 ,  B29C70/52 ,  B29C70/54 ,  F03D1/06 ,  B29L31/08 ,  B29C53/04

CPC classification number: B29C70/342 ,  B29C70/443 ,  B29C70/521 ,  B29C70/526 ,  B29C70/547 ,  B29D99/001 ,  B29D99/0028 ,  F03D1/0675 ,  B29C53/04 ,  B29L2031/085 ,  Y02E10/72 ,  Y02P70/50

Abstract: A reinforcing structure for a wind turbine blade A reinforcing structure for a wind turbine blade (12) is described. The reinforcing structure comprises one or more pultruded strips (42C) having spanwise grooves (54). The grooves (54) impart transverse flexibility to the strips (42C), allowing the strips (42C) to conform to the curvature of a wind turbine blade mould (44). An associated method of making a reinforcing structure for a wind turbine blade (12) is described. The method comprises providing an elongate mould (44) extending in a longitudinal direction and defining a mould surface at least part of which is concave-curved in transverse cross section. One or more pultruded strips (42C) with spanwise grooves (54) are arranged in the mould (44) to form the reinforcing structure. The pultruded strip(s) are bent along the grooves (54) so that they substantially conform to the transverse curvature of the mould surface. In preferred embodiments the reinforcing structure is a spar cap (36).

公开(公告)号：US20230235723A1

公开(公告)日：2023-07-27

申请号：US18002571

申请日：2021-06-29

Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S

Inventor： Stephen Randall ,  Andrea Attorni ,  Thomas Potentier ,  Francesco Grasso

IPC: F03D1/06

CPC classification number: F03D1/0641 ,  F05B2240/3042 ,  F05B2260/96

Abstract: A horizontal axis wind turbine comprising a rotor having a plurality of blades, the rotor having a radius R of at least 80 meters, the blades comprising: a root end and a tip end, the blades extending in a spanwise direction from the root end to the tip end; a leading edge and a trailing edge, the blades extending in a chordwise direction along a chord from the leading edge to the trailing edge; a shoulder between the root end and the tip end where a chord length defined between the leading edge and the trailing edge is at a maximum; the blades being twisted between the root end and the tip end and the twist is defined by a twist distribution curve along the spanwise direction of the blades, each blade further comprising: an inboard region between the root end of the blade and the shoulder of the blade; an outboard region between a rotor radius 0.9R and the tip end of the blade; and a mid-board region located between the inboard region and the outboard region; a noise reduction feature in the mid-board region of the blade, the noise reduction feature projecting from the trailing edge and extending from a first radial position R1 toward the tip end; wherein the twist distribution curve comprises a first inflection point in the vicinity of the first radial position R1.

公开(公告)号：US20230035429A1

公开(公告)日：2023-02-02

申请号：US17784201

申请日：2020-12-18

Applicant: Vestas Wind Systems A/S

Inventor： Stephen Randall

IPC: F03D7/02

Abstract: The invention provides a method for stabilising a wind turbine blade (106), the method comprising, attaching (S2) an air blowing arrangement (201) to the blade, detecting (S4) an oscillation of the blade, and operating (S5) the attached air blowing arrangement to provide a thrust to counteract the oscillation.

公开(公告)号：US11041477B2

公开(公告)日：2021-06-22

申请号：US15570491

申请日：2016-04-29

Applicant: Vestas Wind Systems A/S

Inventor： Steve Wardropper ,  Jonathan Smith ,  Andrew Hedges ,  Stephen Randall

IPC: B29C70/34 ,  F03D1/06 ,  B29D99/00 ,  B29L31/08 ,  B29K63/00 ,  B29K105/08

Abstract: A method of making an elongate reinforcing structure, such as a shear web, for a wind turbine blade is described. The reinforcing structure comprises a longitudinally-extending web and a longitudinally-extending flange. The flange extends along a longitudinal edge of the web and is arranged transversely to the web. The method involves providing a flange structure comprising a flange portion, and a projecting portion that extends along the length of the flange portion and projects transversely from a surface of the flange portion. The projecting portion is bonded between laminate layers of the web. The flange structure is preferably a pultruded component having a T-shaped cross-section. The method allows a simple, inexpensive and reconfigurable mould tool to be used. In preferred embodiments the mould tool has a flat surface without sidewalls.

公开(公告)号：US20150226178A1

公开(公告)日：2015-08-13

申请号：US14404372

申请日：2013-05-28

Applicant: Vestas Wind Systems A/S

Inventor： Stephen Randall

IPC: F03D1/00 ,  B29C70/34

CPC classification number: F03D13/10 ,  B29C70/34 ,  B29C70/68 ,  B29D99/0025 ,  B29K2063/00 ,  B29K2105/089 ,  B29K2309/08 ,  B29L2031/085 ,  F03D1/0675 ,  Y02E10/721 ,  Y02P70/523 ,  Y10T156/10

Abstract: A structural shell for a wind turbine blade is formed from one or more elongate reinforcing members, each in the form of a stack (3) of pultruded fibrous composite strips positioned between two layers of structural foam (4). The foam layers (4) have a thickness which is greater than that of the stack (3). The edges of the foam layers (4) are formed with a void (11). With the stack (3) and foam layers (4) positioned in a mould, a strip of pre-cured glass fibre (5) is placed on the stack (3) and the edges of the foam layers (4). A vacuum is applied to the stack (3) and the foam layers (4), causing the glass fibre strip (5) to press on the stack (3) and foam layers (4) and to conform to the underlying surfaces. As a result, the void (11) is reduced in size and the step-shaped transition between the surfaces of the stack (2) and the foam layers (4) transformed into a smooth transition, so as to reduce the stresses within the glass fibre strip (5) in the region of the abutment of the stack (3) and the foam layers (4). In other embodiments, the stepped transition is smoothened by replacing the upper-edge region of each foam layer (4) with a strip of low-stiffness foam.

Abstract translation: 用于风力涡轮机叶片的结构壳体由一个或多个细长的加强构件形成，每个细长的加强构件均为位于两层结构泡沫（4）之间的拉挤成型的纤维复合材料带的叠层（3）形式。 泡沫层（4）的厚度大于叠层（3）的厚度。 泡沫层（4）的边缘形成有空隙（11）。 通过将堆叠（3）和泡沫层（4）定位在模具中，将预固化的玻璃纤维（5）条放置在堆叠（3）和泡沫层（4）的边缘上。 将叠层（3）和泡沫层（4）施加真空，使得玻璃纤维带（5）压在叠层（3）和泡沫层（4）上并且与下面的表面一致。 结果，空隙（11）的尺寸减小，并且堆叠（2）和泡沫层（4）的表面之间的阶梯形过渡变成平滑过渡，以便减小玻璃内的应力 纤维条（5）在堆叠（3）和泡沫层（4）的邻接区域中。 在其他实施例中，通过用低刚度泡沫的条替代每个泡沫层（4）的上边缘区域来平滑阶梯式过渡。

公开(公告)号：US20240410332A1

公开(公告)日：2024-12-12

申请号：US18721937

申请日：2022-12-20

Applicant: Vestas Wind Systems A/S

Inventor： Stephen Randall

IPC: F03D1/06

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a wind turbine blade extending in a spanwise direction between a root and a tip, and in a chordwise direction between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The wind turbine blade has a spar cap comprising a plurality of strips of fibrous composite material. Each strip extends in the spanwise direction between a first end and a second end to define a length of the strip, and each strip has a width and a thickness, the width being less than the length, and the thickness being less than the width. Each strip has upper and lower major surfaces defined by the length and width dimensions. Each strip has side surfaces defined by the length and thickness dimensions. The plurality of strips includes a first strip and a second strip. The first strip has a tapered end portion in which the thickness of the first strip decreases towards the first end of the first strip. The tapered end portion defines a tapered end face inclined with respect to the upper and lower major surfaces of the first strip. The first and second strips are bonded together such that the first end of the first strip meets the upper or lower major surface of the second strip to define an interface between the first and second strips. The spar cap further comprises a patch arranged across the interface. The patch comprises a stack of fibrous plies.