Modular wind turbine blades
US11028825B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A modular wind turbine blade is described. The modular wind turbine blade comprises first and second blade modules having spar caps embedded within their outer shells. The spar caps taper in thickness resulting in tapered recesses being defined in the outer shells. The tapered recesses in the first and second blade modules are aligned when the modules are placed end-to-end to form a continuous double-tapered channel. A connecting member having a double-tapered structure is bonded in the channel to connect the modules together. The invention also provides a mould for making the blade modules in which the mould surface includes a protruding elongate feature having a tapered portion configured to form the recesses in the outer shells. During layup and moulding of the outer shells, spar caps are supported on top of the tapered portion of the elongate feature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.