Blade insert for a wind turbine rotor blade and related methods

Abstract

A blade insert for coupling a first blade segment to a second blade segment is disclosed. The blade insert may include an aerodynamic body extending between a first end configured to be coupled to the first blade segment and a second end configured to be coupled to the second blade segment. The aerodynamic body may include a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. In addition, the aerodynamic body may define a chord, wherein the chord at the first end is substantially equal to the chord at the second end.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present subject matter relates generally to wind turbines and, more particularly, to a blade insert for extending the length of a wind turbine rotor blade.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Wind power is considered one of the cleanest, most environmentally friendly energy sources presently available, and wind turbines have gained increased attention in this regard. A modern wind turbine typically includes a tower, generator, gearbox, nacelle, and one or more turbine blades. The turbine blades capture kinetic energy from wind using known foil principles and transmit the kinetic energy through rotational energy to turn a shaft coupling the rotor blades to a gearbox, or if a gearbox is not used, directly to the generator. The generator then converts the mechanical energy to electrical energy that may be deployed to a utility grid.[0003]To ensure that wind power remains a viable energy source, efforts have been made to increase energy outputs by modifying t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent will explain a new invention and its advantages. The technical effects of the invention will be explained in detail through the description and practice of the invention.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, longer rotor blades may be subject to increased deflection forces, particularly when a wind turbine is operating in high-speed wind conditions.

These increased deflection forces not only produce fatigue on the rotor blades and other wind turbine components but may also increase the risk of the rotor blades striking the tower.

However, due to the fact that a portion of the rotor blade must be cut-off and because the elongated rotor blade will be subjected to increased loads, the tip extension must be significantly longer than the actual increase in rotor blade length that can be achieved by installing the extension.

As such, due to their length, the costs of manufacturing and transporting conventional tip extensions can be prohibitively expensive.

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