Reinforcing structure for a wind turbine blade
US11752709B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 2017 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.