Methods for manufacturing wind turbine rotor blades and components thereof
US10830206B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present disclosure is directed to methods for manufacturing wind turbine rotor blades and components thereof, e.g. using 3D printing. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a rotor blade structure having a first surface and an opposing, second surface, the first and second surfaces being substantially flat. Another step includes printing a leading edge segment of the rotor blade onto the first surface, wherein heat from the printing bonds the leading edge segment to the first surface. The method also includes rotating the rotor blade structure having the leading edge segment attached thereto. A further step includes printing a trailing edge segment of the rotor blade onto the second surface, wherein heat from the printing bonds the trailing edge segment to the second surface. Another step includes securing one or more fiber-reinforced outer skins to the leading and trailing edge segments so as to complete the rotor blade.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.