Abstract:
A wind blade includes a self-supporting structural framework, having a span-wise member, a plurality of chord-wise members, a fabric skin, and at least one of a stiffener and a mechanical element. The plurality of chord-wise members is coupled to the span-wise member and each chord-wise member and the span-wise member maintains an aerodynamic contour of the wind blade. Further, the fabric skin is disposed over the self-supporting structural framework. The stiffener and/or the mechanical element are coupled to the self-supporting structural framework, and are operable to provide a relative movement to the self-supporting structural framework for adjusting the aerodynamic contour and provide pretension to the fabric skin.
Abstract:
A rotor blade for a wind turbine includes an internal support structure including a plurality of fixed, spaced support members extending in a chord-wise and span-wise direction and defining a generally aerodynamic contour of the rotor blade. A plurality of the support members have an outer surface with a longitudinally extending slot defined therein. A plurality of fabric strips are attached over the internal support structure in a tensioned state and define an aerodynamic outer skin. The fabric strips extend over and are attached to the support members with a longitudinally extending insert member that presses the fabric strips into the slot and lockingly engages within the slot.
Abstract:
A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade having surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a blade tip and a blade root. The surfaces are constructed of a polymeric composite material. The rotor blade assembly also includes a protection cap arranged adjacent to one or more of the surfaces of the rotor blade so as to cover at least a portion of the one or more surfaces of the rotor blade. The protection cap includes a body defining an overall length. Further, at least a first segment of the protection cap is constructed of a tungsten-based metal. Thus, the protection cap is configured to reduce erosion and resist corrosion of the rotor blade caused by particle or liquid impact.
Abstract:
A wind blade includes a self-supporting structural framework, having a span-wise member, a plurality of chord-wise members, a fabric skin, and at least one of a stiffener and a mechanical element. The plurality of chord-wise members is coupled to the span-wise member and each chord-wise member and the span-wise member maintains an aerodynamic contour of the wind blade. Further, the fabric skin is disposed over the self-supporting structural framework. The stiffener and/or the mechanical element are coupled to the self-supporting structural framework, and are operable to provide a relative movement to the self-supporting structural framework for adjusting the aerodynamic contour and provide pretension to the fabric skin.
Abstract:
A method for depositing a metal layer on a component includes applying an electrically conductive coating composition comprising a resin and metal particles on a coating region of the component and partially curing the resin to a gel state to form an electrically conductive coating. The method also includes applying additional metal particles to the partially cured resin in the gel state and depositing, via an electrodeposition process, a metal layer on the electrically conductive coating.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a blade structure includes providing the blade structure comprising an outer surface having an aerodynamic profile. The method also includes applying one or more shape memory alloys to the outer surface of the blade structure so as to form an outer protection layer on at least a portion of the blade structure. Moreover, the method includes securing the one or more shape memory alloys to the blade structure.
Abstract:
A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade having surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a blade tip and a blade root. The surfaces are constructed of a polymeric composite material. The rotor blade assembly also includes a protection cap arranged adjacent to one or more of the surfaces of the rotor blade so as to cover at least a portion of the one or more surfaces of the rotor blade. The protection cap includes a body defining an overall length. Further, at least a first segment of the protection cap is constructed of a tungsten-based metal. Thus, the protection cap is configured to reduce erosion and resist corrosion of the rotor blade caused by particle or liquid impact.
Abstract:
A rotor blade for a wind turbine includes an internal support structure extending span-wise from a blade root to a blade tip. A plurality of ribs are fixed to and spaced along the internal support structure, with each rib extending in a generally chord-wise direction and having a generally aerodynamic blade contour. A plurality of chord-wise oriented fabric strips are affixed to the ribs in a tensioned state, wherein the fabric strips define an aerodynamic outer skin of the rotor blade.
Abstract:
A component includes a metal layer disposed over an electrically conductive coating. The component includes a non-woven fiber layer disposed on a coating region of the component. The electrically conductive coating includes a resin with metal particles dispersed therein. The electrically conductive coating is disposed on the non-woven fiber layer. The metal layer is disposed on the electrically conductive coating.
Abstract:
A method for depositing a metal layer on a component includes applying an electrically conductive coating composition comprising a resin and metal particles on a coating region of the component and partially curing the resin to a gel state to form an electrically conductive coating. The method also includes applying additional metal particles to the partially cured resin in the gel state and depositing, via an electrodeposition process, a metal layer on the electrically conductive coating.