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Wind turbine component having a lightweight structure

Inactive Publication Date: 2013-02-07
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention describes a wind turbine component that has a lightweight structure. This is achieved by creating a cavity within a metallic matrix and filling it with metallic foam. A solidification metallurgical bond is then formed at the interface between the metallic matrix and the foam as the molten metallic material cools. The method can also involve shaping the mold cavity, filling it with molten metallic material and a foaming agent, and using an opening to enclose the cavity. Overall, the invention allows for the creation of wind turbine components that are lightweight and have improved mechanical properties.

Problems solved by technology

Wind turbine powertrain components are often subject to large vibrational stresses.
These vibrations can lead to premature failure of powertrain components and significant noise generation.

Method used

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  • Wind turbine component having a lightweight structure
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  • Wind turbine component having a lightweight structure

Examples

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Embodiment Construction

[0020]In accordance with aspects, a vibration damping noise reduction lightweight structure is provided for use as a multi-ton component of various types of apparatuses. These apparatuses may include, for example, wind turbines and similar components of power generation plants. The lightweight structure may include, for example, hollow tubing and / or castings of metallic materials filled by foams of metallic materials with a solidification metallurgical bond formed at an entire interface between the metallic materials and the foams.

[0021]With reference now to FIG. 1, a wind turbine component configured to have a lightweight structure 10 to provide vibration damping and noise reduction is provided. The lightweight structure 10 includes a metallic matrix 20 formed to define a cavity 21, metallic foam 30 enclosed within the cavity 21 and a solidification metallurgical bond 40. The metallic matrix 20 may include any metal or metal alloy, such as, for example, aluminum, magnesium, iron, n...

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Abstract

A wind turbine component having a lightweight structure is provided and includes a metallic matrix defining a cavity, metallic foam enclosed within the cavity and a solidification metallurgical bond formed at an entire interface between the metallic matrix and the metallic foam.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims the benefit of priority of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 204,386, which was filed on Aug. 5, 2011. The entire contents of U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 204,386 are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a wind turbine component and, more particularly, to a wind turbine component having a lightweight structure.[0003]Wind turbine powertrain components are often subject to large vibrational stresses. These vibrations can lead to premature failure of powertrain components and significant noise generation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION[0004]According to one aspect of the invention, a wind turbine component having a lightweight structure is provided and includes a metallic matrix defining a cavity, metallic foam enclosed within the cavity and a solidification metallurgical bond formed at an entire interface between the metallic m...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): B22D25/02B22C9/00
CPCB22D19/02B22D15/00
Inventor PAROLINI, JASON ROBERTPARK, JUNYOUNG
Owner GENERAL ELECTRIC CO