Lightning receptor bracket

Abstract

The disclosed component is a support element for a lightning protection system for wind turbine blades. The support element includes: a first surface configured to face the suction side or pressure side of the wind turbine blade; a second surface opposite to the first surface; a root-side surface configured to face the root of the wind turbine blade; and a tip-side surface configured to face the tip of the wind turbine blade. The first surface includes a first receiver base recess configured to receive a first receiver base for connection with a first receiver of the lightning protection system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to brackets for supporting lightning protection components, such as lightning receivers and / or lightning cables for wind turbine blades. Background Technology

[0002] As wind turbines and their blades increase in size, the risk of lightning strikes on wind turbines also increases. Therefore, there is growing interest in providing wind turbines with lightning protection, and particularly wind turbine blades.

[0003] It is known to provide a lightning receiver to the blades of a wind turbine, the lightning receiver being inside the blade and electrically connected to a metal lightning arrester capable of connecting the lightning current to the ground.

[0004] Wind turbine blades are typically assembled from many components. For example, a typical wind turbine blade is manufactured by molding individual shell halves, shear webs, etc.

[0005] Fiber-reinforced polymer wind turbine blades, and particularly the aerodynamic casing of wind turbine blades, are typically manufactured in a mold where the pressure and suction sides of the blade are manufactured separately by arranging glass fiber mats and / or other fiber reinforcement materials (such as carbon fibers) in each of two mold sections. The two halves are then positioned on top of each other and glued together. The blade sections can be positioned on top of each other by rotating and repositioning the entire half mold.

[0006] After the two blade sections are assembled, a lightning receiver can be attached to the wind turbine blade. For example, an access point to a bracket connected to the lower guide cable is obtained by drilling a hole through the casing. Such a bracket can be a metal assembly attached to the shear web. See, for example, EP1664528B1. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide, in a more advantageous manner, elements and methods for supporting and / or installing receivers for lightning protection systems.

[0008] Therefore, support elements are disclosed, such as support elements for lightning protection systems for wind turbine blades extending from the root to the tip, the wind turbine blades including a root region, an airfoil region with a tip, a pressure side, a suction side, and a chord extending between the leading and trailing edges. The support element is configured to support one or more elements of the lightning protection system, such as one or more receiver bases in the airfoil region of the wind turbine blade.

[0009] The support element includes a first surface configured to face the suction side or pressure side of the wind turbine blade. The first surface has a first leading edge and a first trailing edge opposite to the first leading edge. The first surface also has a pointed first edge and a root first edge opposite to the pointed first edge.

[0010] The support element includes a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface has a second front edge and a second rear edge opposite to the second front edge. The second surface also has a pointed second edge and a root second edge opposite to the pointed second edge.

[0011] The support element includes a root side surface configured to face the root of the wind turbine blade and extend between a first root edge and a second root edge.

[0012] The support element includes a tip side surface configured to face the tip of the wind turbine blade and extend between a first tip edge and a second tip edge.

[0013] The first surface includes a first receiver base recess configured to receive a first receiver base for connection with a first receiver of a lightning protection system.

[0014] A method for supporting one or more elements of a lightning protection system in a wind turbine blade extending from its root to its tip is also disclosed. The wind turbine blade includes a root region, an airfoil region with a tip, a pressure side, a suction side, and a chord extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The method includes providing support elements, such as those disclosed above.

[0015] The support element includes a first surface configured to face the suction side or pressure side of the wind turbine blade. The first surface has a first leading edge and a first trailing edge opposite to the first leading edge. The first surface also has a pointed first edge and a root first edge opposite to the pointed first edge.

[0016] The support element includes a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface has a second front edge and a second rear edge opposite to the second front edge. The second surface also has a pointed second edge and a root second edge opposite to the pointed second edge.

[0017] The support element includes a root side surface configured to face the root of the wind turbine blade and extend between a first root edge and a second root edge.

[0018] The support element includes a tip side surface configured to face the tip of the wind turbine blade. The tip surface extends between a first tip edge and a second tip edge.

[0019] The first surface includes a first receiver base recess, the first receiver base recess being configured to receive a first receiver base for connection with a first receiver.

[0020] The method includes inserting a first receiver base into a first receiver base recess in a support element.

[0021] The method includes positioning a support element within an internal cavity of a wind turbine blade between the pressure side and the suction side. The support element may be glued to components of the wind turbine blade. The support element may be glued to a trailing edge shear web. The support element may be glued to the pressure side of the blade. The support element may be glued to the suction side of the blade. The support element may be glued to one or more of the trailing edge shear web, the pressure side of the wind turbine blade, and / or the suction side of the wind turbine blade.

[0022] The method includes providing holes through the pressure side and / or suction side to access a first receiver base positioned in a support element. The holes can be provided by drilling through a wind turbine blade (such as the housing of a wind turbine blade, such as the housing on the pressure side and / or suction side). Providing the holes may include providing cavities in the first receiver base and / or the second receiver base. Alternatively, providing the holes may include providing through holes in the first receiver base and / or the second receiver base. Providing the holes may include providing threaded holes, such as threaded through holes or threaded cavities, in the first receiver base and / or the second receiver.

[0023] The method includes connecting a first receiver to a first receiver base through a hole. Optionally or additionally, the method may include connecting a second receiver to a second receiver base.

[0024] The first receiver and the first receiver base may be threadedly engaged. For example, the first receiver may include an external thread configured to engage an internal thread on the first receiver base, such as an internal thread provided during the provision of a hole through the pressure side and / or suction side. The second receiver and the second receiver base may also be threadedly engaged. For example, the second receiver may include an external thread configured to engage an internal thread on the second receiver base, such as an internal thread provided during the provision of a hole through the pressure side and / or suction side.

[0025] Also disclosed is a wind turbine blade extending from its root to its tip. The wind turbine blade includes a root region, an airfoil region with a tip, a pressure side, a suction side, and a chord extending between its leading and trailing edges. The wind turbine blade includes support elements, such as those disclosed above. The support elements are configured to support one or more elements of a lightning protection system.

[0026] The support element includes a first surface configured to face the suction side or pressure side of the wind turbine blade. The first surface has a first leading edge and a first trailing edge opposite to the first leading edge. The first surface also has a pointed first edge and a root first edge opposite to the pointed first edge.

[0027] The support element includes a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface has a second front edge and a second rear edge opposite to the second front edge. The second surface also has a pointed second edge and a root second edge opposite to the pointed second edge.

[0028] The support element includes a root side surface configured to face the root of the wind turbine blade and extend between a first root edge and a second root edge.

[0029] The support element includes a tip side surface configured to face the tip of the wind turbine blade and extend between a first tip edge and a second tip edge.

[0030] The first surface includes a first receiver base recess configured to receive a first receiver base for connection with a first receiver of a lightning protection system.

[0031] The advantage of this disclosure is that it provides a lightweight support element that is easy to position within the wind turbine blade and does not require drilling through the shear web (which could compromise the structural strength of the shear web) to secure it to the shear web. Therefore, this disclosure can provide increased strength of the shear web and a reduced likelihood of mechanical failure, as well as faster blade assembly. The support element supports cables communicating with the receiver and / or receiver base and the down conductor, thus providing increased strength of the cable and down conductor and a reduced likelihood of mechanical failure.

[0032] The support element may include a plurality of receiver base recesses. For example, a first surface may include a plurality of first receiver base recesses (including a first receiver base recess) configured to receive a first receiver base for coupling with a first receiver of one or more receivers. A second surface may include a second receiver base recess configured to receive a second receiver base for coupling with a second receiver of one or more receivers. Alternatively or additionally, the second surface may include one or more second receiver base recesses, such as a plurality of second receiver base recesses (including a second receiver base recess), configured to receive a second receiver base for coupling with a second receiver of one or more receivers.

[0033] The first surface may include a first first-level receiver cable tray. The first surface may include one or more first receiver cable trays, such as a first plurality of receiver cable trays. The first plurality of receiver cable trays may include the first first-level receiver cable tray. The first first-level receiver cable tray may be configured to receive at least a first-level portion of a first receiver cable used to connect the base of a first receiver to a lower conductor cable.

[0034] The first-stage receiver cable groove can communicate with the first receiver base recess of the support element. For example, the first receiver base recess can communicate with the first-stage receiver cable groove.

[0035] The first primary receiver cable tray may extend from the first primary cable point to the first secondary cable point (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the first front edge). Alternatively, the first primary receiver cable tray may extend from the first primary cable point to the first secondary cable point in a direction forming a first primary slot angle with the first front edge. The first primary slot angle may be between 20 and 90 degrees, such as between 30 and 60 degrees. For example, the first primary slot angle may be 45 degrees.

[0036] The second surface may include a second first-stage receiver cable tray. The second surface may include one or more second receiver cable trays, such as a plurality of second receiver cable trays. The plurality of second receiver cable trays may include second first-stage receiver cable trays. The second first-stage receiver cable tray may be configured to receive at least a first-stage portion of a second receiver cable used to connect the base of the second receiver to the lower conductor cable.

[0037] The first and / or second primary receiver cable trays may have dimensions that allow the first or second receiver cable to be supplied within the trays. For example, the first and / or second primary receiver cable trays may have a width between 10 and 20 mm.

[0038] The second first-stage receiver cable tray can communicate with the second receiver base recess of the support element. For example, the second receiver base recess can communicate with the second first-stage receiver cable tray.

[0039] The second first-level receiver cable tray may extend from the second first-level cable point to the second second-level cable point (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the second front edge). Alternatively, the second first-level receiver cable tray may extend from the second first-level cable point to the second second-level cable point in a direction forming a second first-level slot angle with the second front edge. The second first-level slot angle may be between 20 and 90 degrees, such as between 30 and 60 degrees. For example, the second first-level slot angle may be 45 degrees.

[0040] The support element may include a leading edge surface extending between a first leading edge and a second leading edge. The leading edge surface may be configured for attachment to a shear web or spars side extending between the suction and pressure sides of a wind turbine blade. For example, a support element (such as the leading edge surface of a support element) may be configured for attachment to a trailing edge shear web or trailing edge spars side.

[0041] The support element can be configured to be positioned in a rear edge cavity (such as between the rear edge and the rear edge shear web or the side of the spar). The support element can be shaped to fit into the rear edge cavity (such as at a specific location along the longitudinal direction of the rear edge cavity).

[0042] The support element may include a rear edge surface extending between a first rear edge and a second rear edge. The rear edge surface may be configured for attachment to a shear web or spar side extending between the suction and pressure sides of a wind turbine blade. For example, a support element (such as the rear edge surface of a support element) may be configured for attachment to a leading edge shear web or leading edge spar side.

[0043] Support elements can be configured to be positioned within a front edge cavity, such as between the front edge and the front edge shear web or spar side. Support elements can be shaped to fit into the front edge cavity (e.g., at a specific location along the longitudinal direction of the front edge cavity).

[0044] The front edge surface and / or rear edge surface may include a first-stage lower conductor groove. The first-stage lower conductor groove may be configured to receive at least a first-stage portion of the lower conductor cable. The first-stage lower conductor groove may have dimensions such that the first-stage portion of the lower conductor cable can be provided within the groove. For example, the first-stage lower conductor groove may have a width between 15 and 30 mm.

[0045] The first-stage lower conductor groove may extend from the first lower conductor point to the first-stage lower conductor point (e.g., on the leading edge surface and / or the trailing edge surface). The first-stage lower conductor groove may extend from the first lower conductor point to the first-stage lower conductor point along the longitudinal axis L of the wind turbine blade. Alternatively, the first-stage lower conductor groove may extend along a direction from the first lower conductor point to the first-stage lower conductor point, thereby forming a first-stage lower conductor angle with the longitudinal axis L of the wind turbine blade in the plane of the leading edge surface and / or the trailing edge surface. The first-stage lower conductor angle may be between 10 and 45 degrees, such as between 15 and 30 degrees. For example, the first-stage lower conductor angle may be 20 degrees.

[0046] The front edge surface and / or rear edge surface may include a second-stage lower conductor groove. The second-stage lower conductor groove may be configured to receive at least a second-stage portion of the lower conductor cable. The second-stage lower conductor groove may have dimensions such that a second-stage portion of the lower conductor cable can be provided within the groove. For example, the second-stage lower conductor groove may have a width between 15 and 30 mm.

[0047] The second-stage lower conductor groove may extend (e.g., on the leading edge surface and / or the trailing edge surface) along a direction from the first lower conductor point to the second-stage lower conductor point. The second-stage lower conductor groove may extend along the longitudinal axis L of the wind turbine blade from the first lower conductor point to the second-stage lower conductor point. Alternatively, the second-stage lower conductor groove may extend along a direction from the first lower conductor point to the second-stage lower conductor point, thereby forming a second-stage lower conductor angle with the longitudinal axis L of the wind turbine blade in the plane of the leading edge surface and / or the trailing edge surface. The second-stage lower conductor angle may be between 10 and 45 degrees, such as between 15 and 30 degrees. For example, the second-stage lower conductor angle may be 20 degrees.

[0048] The front and / or rear edge surfaces may include first and second-level receiver cable slots. The front and / or rear edge surfaces may include second-level receiver cable slots. The front and / or rear edge surfaces may include multiple second-level receiver cable slots (e.g., including first and / or second-level receiver cable slots and / or second-level receiver cable slots). The first and second-level receiver cable slots may be configured to receive at least a second-level portion of a first receiver cable used to connect the base of a first receiver to a lower conductor cable. The second and second-level receiver cable slots may be configured to receive at least a second-level portion of a second receiver cable used to connect the base of a second receiver to a lower conductor cable.

[0049] The first and / or second receiver cable trays may have dimensions that allow the first or second receiver cable to be supplied within the trays. For example, the first and / or second receiver cable trays may have a width between 10 and 20 mm.

[0050] The first and second stage receiver cable trays may be connected to the first stage lower conductor tray. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second stage receiver cable trays may be connected to the second stage lower conductor tray. The second stage receiver cable tray may be connected to the first stage lower conductor tray. Alternatively or additionally, the second stage receiver cable tray may be connected to the second stage lower conductor tray.

[0051] Support elements can be made of lightweight materials. Support elements can be made of foam. Support elements can be made of polymers (such as polyethylene, such as low-density polyethylene). Support elements can be made of polymer foam. Support elements can be made of low-density polyethylene foam.

[0052] The support element may include one or more directional pockets. The support element may include a first directional pocket and / or a second directional pocket. The support element may include multiple directional pockets (e.g., including a first directional pocket and / or a second directional pocket). The first directional pocket may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the recessed portion of the first receiver base. The second directional pocket may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the recessed portion of the second receiver base.

[0053] The first and / or second orientation notches may be configured to receive magnetic elements, such as a first magnetic element and / or a second magnetic element. Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second orientation notches may include magnetic elements, such as a first magnetic element and / or a second magnetic element. The support element may be made of a non-magnetic material and / or a material less affected by magnetic fields than the magnetic elements (such as the first and / or second magnetic elements).

[0054] A first oriented notch may be provided in a first surface. A second oriented notch may be provided in a second surface.

[0055] Providing an oriented notch at a predetermined distance from the receiver base recess facilitates the process of correctly providing through-holes in the blades for attaching the receiver to the receiver base. For example, the position of the first receiver base in the support element can be positioned before providing holes through the pressure side and / or the suction side. Positioning the first receiver base may include positioning a magnetic element within an oriented notch in the support element through the pressure side and / or the suction side.

[0056] The support element may include a rear edge surface extending between a first rear edge and a second rear edge. Alternatively, the first rear edge may form a second rear edge. Alternatively, the first and second rear edges may form two separate edges.

[0057] At the first rear edge and / or the second rear edge and / or the first front edge and / or the second front edge, the surface of the support element may be inclined. This surface may be inclined, for example, to a profile that does not follow the suction side and / or pressure side. Thus, a drainage cavity can be formed between these edges and the suction side and / or pressure side. The drainage cavity can be configured to allow water accumulated inside the wind turbine blade to flow in the longitudinal direction of the wind turbine blade for drainage through drainage holes. The cross-section of the drainage cavity can be, for example, circular, elliptical, rectangular, or triangular.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the inclined surface of the support element may allow for spacing of structural elements for the blade, such as flanges or caps of the spars or shear webs. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate one mode of carrying out the invention and are not to be construed as limiting other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0060] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a wind turbine as shown in the illustration. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a wind turbine blade, as shown in the illustration. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of a wind turbine blade, as shown in the illustration. Figure 4 The illustration is a schematic diagram of a cross-section of an example wind turbine blade, including example support elements. Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of an example of a lightning protection system. Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration. Figure 6b This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration. Figure 11a This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration. Figure 11b This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration. Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of the support element in the illustration. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration. Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the support element shown in the illustration, and Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for supporting components in a lightning protection system. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Figure 1 The illustration depicts a conventional modern upwind turbine 2 based on the so-called "Danish concept," which has a tower 4, a nacelle 6, and a rotor with a substantially horizontal rotor shaft. The rotor includes a hub 8 and three blades 10 extending radially from the hub 8, each blade having a blade root 16 closest to the hub and a blade tip 14 furthest from the hub 8.

[0062] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example wind turbine blade 10 is shown. The wind turbine blade 10 has the shape of a conventional wind turbine blade, having a root end 17 and a tip end 15, and including a root region 30 closest to the hub, a profile region or airfoil region 34 furthest from the hub, and a transition region 32 between the root region 30 and the airfoil region 34. The blade 10 includes a leading edge 18 facing the direction of rotation of the blade 10 when the blade is mounted on the hub, and a trailing edge 20 facing the direction opposite to the leading edge 18.

[0063] The airfoil region 34 (also called the profile region) has an ideal or near-ideal blade shape for generating lift, while the root region 30 has a substantially circular or elliptical cross-section for structural reasons, which, for example, makes mounting the blade 10 to the hub easier and safer. The diameter (or chord) of the root region 30 can be constant along the entire root region 30. The transition region 32 has a transition profile that gradually changes from the circular or elliptical shape of the root region 30 to the airfoil profile of the airfoil region 34. The chord length of the transition region 32 generally increases with increasing distance r from the hub. The airfoil region 34 has an airfoil profile with a chord extending between the leading edge 18 and the trailing edge 20 of the blade 10. The width of the chord decreases with increasing distance r from the hub.

[0064] The shoulder 40 of the blade 10 is defined as the position where the blade 10 has its maximum chord length. The shoulder 40 is typically provided at the boundary between the transition region 32 and the airfoil region 34.

[0065] It should be noted that the chords of different sections of the blade are usually not located in a common plane because the blade can be twisted and / or bent (i.e., pre-bent). Therefore, it is most common to provide a chord plane with a corresponding tendency to twist and / or bend in order to compensate for the local velocity of the blade that depends on the radius from the hub.

[0066] The wind turbine blade 10 includes a blade shell, which may include two blade shell portions, a first blade shell portion 24 and a second blade shell portion 26, typically made of fiber-reinforced polymer. The first blade shell portion 24 is typically a pressure-side or upwind blade shell portion. The second blade shell portion 26 is typically a suction-side or downwind blade shell portion. The first blade shell portion 24 and the second blade shell portion are typically bonded together along a joint line or adhesive joint 28 extending along the trailing edge 20 and the leading edge 18 of the blade 10. Typically, the root ends of the blade shell portions 24 and 26 have a semi-circular or semi-elliptical external cross-sectional shape.

[0067] Wind turbine blades 10 extend along a longitudinal axis L. Root tips 17 extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L within a root tip plane. One or more receivers (such as a first receiver 72 and / or a second receiver 72') are distributed along the surface of the blade (such as on the suction side 26 and / or the pressure side 24). Each of the receivers 72, 72' is connected to a corresponding receiver cable 89. Each receiver cable 89 is connected to a lower conductor 42. The lower conductor 42 extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis L.

[0068] Figure 3 The illustrated example shows a wind turbine blade 10 (such as...). Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the airfoil region of a wind turbine blade 10. The wind turbine blade 10 includes a trailing edge 20, a leading edge 18, a pressure side 24, a suction side 26, shear webs 41 (such as trailing edge shear webs 41a and leading edge shear webs 41b), and a chord 38 extending from the leading edge 18 to the trailing edge 20. In alternative wind turbine blades, the shear webs 41 can be replaced by the sides of a spars. Therefore, although examples of wind turbine blades including shear webs are provided below, these can be replaced by the sides of a spars.

[0069] Figure 4 The illustrated example shows a wind turbine blade 10 (such as...). Figure 2 or Figure 3A schematic diagram of the cross-section of the airfoil region of a wind turbine blade. The wind turbine blade includes an example support element 50. The wind turbine blade includes a trailing edge 20, a leading edge 18, a pressure side 24, a suction side 26, and a shear web 41. The support element 50 is fitted into the wind turbine blade 10 in a region of the trailing edge 20 (e.g., between the trailing edge shear web 41a and the trailing edge 20). The support element 50 is attached to the shear web 41, such as the trailing edge shear web 41a. In another example of a wind turbine blade, the support element may additionally or alternatively be attached to the leading edge shear web 41b, for example, to be positioned between the leading edge shear web 41b and the leading edge 18. The support element 50 can be attached, for example, by gluing the support element 50 to the shear web 41 and / or the pressure side 24 and / or the suction side 26.

[0070] The support element 50 includes a first surface 52 facing the suction side 26. The first surface 52 has a first leading edge 53 facing the leading edge 18 of the wind turbine blade 10 and a first trailing edge 63 facing the trailing edge 20 of the wind turbine blade 10. The first surface 52 further includes a root first edge 57 facing the root region of the wind turbine blade 10 and a tip first edge 59 facing the tip of the blade. The support element 50 has a second surface 54 opposite to the first surface 52 and facing the pressure side 24 of the wind turbine blade 10. In an alternative example, the support element 50 may be rotated top-down such that the first surface 52 faces the pressure side 24 and the second surface 54 faces the suction side 26 of the blade. The second surface 54 includes a second leading edge 55 facing the leading edge 18 of the wind turbine blade 10 and a second trailing edge 64 facing the trailing edge of the blade. The support element 50 further includes a root side surface 56 facing the root region of the blade and a tip side surface 58 opposite the root side surface 56 and facing the tip of the wind turbine blade 10. The root side surface 56 extends between the first root edge 57 and the second root edge 67.

[0071] The support element 50 further includes a first receiver base recess 76, which is configured to receive a first receiver base 74 for connection with a first receiver 72 of a lightning protection system for the blade (see, for example). Figure 5 The first receiver base recess 76 communicates with the first first-stage receiver cable groove 80, which can receive the first-stage portion 81 of the first receiver cable 89 for connection with the first receiver base 74 (see, for example, see...). Figure 5 The support element 50 further includes a first directional recess 90, which may include a magnet and / or a magnetic element. The second surface 54 of the support element 50 (see, for example) Figure 10The second surface 54 may also include a second receiver base recess 76' for receiving a second receiver base 74' for coupling with the second receiver 72'. The second surface 54 may also include a second first-stage cable groove 80' communicating with the second receiver base recess 76'. The second surface 54 may also include a second directional notch 90'.

[0072] exist Figure 4 A support element 50 is positioned within the wind turbine blade 10 such that a first surface 52 contacts the suction side 26 of the wind turbine blade 10 and a second surface 54 contacts the pressure side 24 of the wind turbine blade. At the first trailing edge 63, the second trailing edge 64, the first leading edge 53, and the second leading edge 55, the surfaces of the support element are inclined, such as not following the contours of the suction side 26 and the pressure side 24, to form a drainage cavity 44. The drainage cavity 44 is configured to allow any water that accumulates internally within the wind turbine blade 10 to flow in the longitudinal direction of the wind turbine blade 10 for drainage through drainage holes.

[0073] Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram illustrating an example of a lightning protection system. The lightning protection system includes components comprising at least a first receiver base 74. The first receiver 74 base is configured to connect to a first receiver 72, wherein the first receiver 72 is... Figure 5 The receiver base 74 is further connected to the receiver cable 89. The receiver cable 89 has a first stage portion 81 and a second stage portion 83. The receiver base 74 is connected to the first stage portion 81 of the receiver cable 89. The receiver cable 89 is connected to the lower conductor 42. The lower conductor has a first stage portion 85 and a second stage portion 87. The first stage portion 85 of the lower conductor 42 can be connected to the receiver cable 89 and extends toward the root of the wind turbine blade. The second stage portion 87 of the lower conductor 42 can be connected to the receiver cable 89 and extends toward the root of the wind turbine blade. The receiver cable 89 and the lower conductor 42 can be connected to a support element (such as...) Figure 4The slots on the support element 50 shown engage at the intersection. The lower conductor 42 is configured to direct potential lightning strikes to the ground. Additionally, as illustrated, the lightning protection system may further include receiver bases, such as a second receiver base 74' configured to connect to the second receiver 72', a third receiver base 74'' configured to connect to the third receiver 72'', a fourth receiver base 74''' configured to connect to the fourth receiver 72''', a fifth receiver base 74''' configured to connect to the fifth receiver 72''', and / or a sixth receiver base 74'''' configured to connect to the sixth receiver 72''''. The second receiver base 74', third receiver base 74'', fourth receiver base 74''', fifth receiver base 74''', and sixth receiver base 74'' can be connected to the lower conductor 42 in a similar manner to that described for the first receiver base 74.

[0074] Figure 6a The support element 50 shown in the illustration (such as in...) Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the support element 50 shown is included. The support element 50 includes a first surface 52, which is used, for example, to face as in... Figure 4 The suction side is illustrated in the diagram. The first surface 52 has a first leading edge 53 facing the leading edge of the blade and a first trailing edge 63 facing the trailing edge of the blade. The first surface 52 further includes a tip first edge 59 facing the tip of the blade and a root first edge 57 facing the root region of the blade. The first trailing edge 63 and the second trailing edge 64, as illustrated, may be two separate edges, or they may form an overlapping edge. The support element 50 includes a root side surface 56 facing the root region of the blade. The root side surface 56 extends between the root first edge 57 and the root second edge 67.

[0075] The support element 50 includes a first receiver base recess 76 configured to receive a first receiver base for connection to a first receiver of a lightning protection system for wind turbine blades. The first receiver base recess 76 is provided in a first surface 52. The first receiver base recess 76 communicates with a first first-stage receiver cable groove 80, which can receive a portion (such as a first-stage portion) of a first receiver cable for connection to the first receiver base in the first receiver base recess 76. The first first-stage receiver cable groove 80 is provided in the first surface 52.

[0076] The support element 50 includes a first oriented recess 90 provided in a first surface 52. The first oriented recess 90 may include a magnet and / or a magnetic element. For example, attaching a receiver to a receiver base positioned in the support element 50 may include providing a hole in the housing for the passage of a wind turbine blade. Therefore, at the location where the first receiver base is positioned, and thus where the location for providing a through hole in the housing is positioned, the magnetic element provided in the support element 50 at a predetermined distance and orientation relative to the receiver base can facilitate the process of correctly providing a through hole for attaching the receiver to the receiver base.

[0077] The support element further includes a first-stage lower conductor slot 84 and a second-stage lower conductor slot for receiving the lower conductor of the lightning protection system.

[0078] Figure 6b This is a schematic diagram of a support element 50 (such as the support element 50 shown in the preceding figures). The support element 50 includes a second surface 54, for example, facing the pressure side. The second surface 54 has a second leading edge 55 facing the leading edge of the blade and a second trailing edge 64 facing the trailing edge of the blade. The second surface 54 further includes a tip second edge 69 facing the tip of the blade and a root second edge 67 facing the root region of the blade. The first trailing edge 63 and the second trailing edge 64, as illustrated, can be two separate edges, or they can form an overlapping edge.

[0079] The support element 50 includes a second receiver base recess 76' configured to receive a second receiver base for connection to a second receiver of a lightning protection system for wind turbine blades. The second receiver base recess 76' is provided in a second surface 54. The second receiver base recess 76' communicates with a second first-stage receiver cable groove 80', which can receive a portion (such as a first-stage portion) of a second receiver cable for connection to the second receiver base in the second receiver base recess 76'. The second first-stage receiver cable groove 80' is provided in the second surface 54.

[0080] The support element 50 includes a second oriented recess 90' provided in the second surface 54. The second oriented recess 90' may include a magnet and / or a magnetic element. For example, attaching a receiver to a receiver base positioned in the support element 50 may include providing a hole in the housing for the passage of a wind turbine blade. Therefore, in the process of positioning the second receiver base and thus positioning the location for providing a through hole in the housing, the magnetic element provided in the support element 50 at a predetermined distance and orientation relative to the receiver base can facilitate the process of correctly providing a through hole for attaching the receiver to the receiver base.

[0081] The support element further includes a first-stage lower conductor slot and a second-stage lower conductor slot 86 for receiving the lower conductor of the lightning protection system.

[0082] The support element 50 includes a tip side surface 58 that is opposite to the root side surface and faces the tip of the blade. The tip side surface 58 extends between the first tip edge 59 and the second tip edge 69.

[0083] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a support element 50 (such as the support element 50 shown in the preceding figures). The support element 50 includes a first surface 52 extending between a first leading edge 53 and a first trailing edge 63. The first surface 52 includes a first directional notch 90, a first receiver base recess 76, and a first first-stage receiver cable groove 80 communicating with the first receiver base recess 76. The support element 50 includes a root side surface 56 facing the root region of the wind turbine blade. The root side surface 56 extends between a first root edge 57 and a second root edge 67.

[0084] The support element 50 further includes a leading edge surface 60 extending between the first leading edge 53 and the second leading edge 55, facing the leading edge of the wind turbine blade. The leading edge surface 60 can be formed as a flat surface, a curved surface, or a surface with multiple surface portions. For example, as in... Figure 7 As illustrated, the leading edge surface 60 may include a first leading edge surface portion 60', a main leading edge surface portion 60'', and a second leading edge surface portion 60'''. The leading edge surface portions 60', 60'', and 60''' may be non-parallel. The leading edge surface 60 includes a first and second stage receiver cable groove 82, which extends from a first stage receiver cable groove 80 for receiving receiver cables (such as a second stage portion of a first receiver cable). The leading edge surface 60 includes a second stage receiver cable groove 82' for receiving receiver cables (such as a second stage portion of a second receiver cable). The leading edge surface 60 includes a first stage lower conductor groove 84 for receiving the lower conductor (such as a first stage portion of a lower conductor) of a lightning protection system for the blade. The leading edge surface 60 includes a second stage lower conductor groove 86 for receiving the lower conductor (such as a second stage portion of a lower conductor) of a lightning protection system for the blade. Receiver cable slots 82, 82' and lower conductor slots 84, 86 may be joined at slot intersection 88. (One or more) receiver cables and lower conductors may be joined at slot intersection 88, for example by exothermic welding, such as cadwelding.

[0085] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of a support element 50 (such as the support element 50 shown in the foregoing figures). The support element 50 includes a first surface 52 extending between a first leading edge 53 and a first trailing edge 63. The first surface 52 includes a first directional notch 90 and a first receiver base recess 76. The first receiver base recess 76 communicates with a first first-stage receiver cable groove 80. The support element 50 further includes a root side surface 56 facing the root region of the wind turbine blade. The root side surface 56 extends between a first root edge 57 and a second root edge 67. The first first-stage receiver cable groove 80 extends from a first first-stage cable point p11 to a second first-stage cable point p21. The first first-stage receiver cable groove 80 extends in a direction forming a first first-stage groove angle α11 with the first leading edge 53. The first first-stage groove angle α11 may be 90 degrees or between 20 and 90 degrees, such as 45 degrees. Figure 17 Another example of a support element 50 is shown, having a first-stage slot angle α11 that is different from 90 degrees.

[0086] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a support element 50 (such as the support element 50 shown in the foregoing figures). The support element 50 includes a front edge surface 60 extending between a first front edge 53 and a second front edge 55. The support element 50 includes a first second-level receiver cable groove 82 extending from a first first-level receiver cable groove, and a second second-level receiver cable groove 82' extending from a second first-level receiver cable groove. The support element 50 includes a first-level lower conductor groove 84 and a second-level lower conductor groove 86 for receiving the lower conductor of a lightning protection system for wind turbine blades. The first second-level receiver cable groove 82, the second second-level receiver cable groove 82', the first-level lower conductor groove 84, and the second-level lower conductor groove 86 may engage at a groove intersection 88.

[0087] Figure 10This is a schematic diagram of a support element 50 (such as the support element 50 shown in the foregoing figures). The support element 50 includes a first surface 52 facing the suction side. The first surface 52 may alternatively be configured to face the pressure side. The first surface 52 has a first leading edge 53 facing the leading edge of the blade and a first trailing edge 63 facing the trailing edge of the blade. The support element 50 includes a first receiver base recess 76 configured to receive a first receiver base for connection to a first receiver of a lightning protection system for wind turbine blades. The first receiver base recess 76 communicates with a first first-stage receiver cable groove 80, which may receive a portion of a first receiver cable for connection to the first receiver base positioned in the first receiver base recess 76. The support element 50 further includes a first directional recess 90, which may include a magnet and / or a magnetic element.

[0088] The support element 50 has a second surface 54 opposite the first surface 52, facing the pressure side of the wind turbine blade. The second surface 54 may alternatively be configured to face the suction side. The second surface 54 includes a second leading edge 53 facing the leading edge of the wind turbine blade and a second trailing edge 64 facing the trailing edge of the wind turbine blade. The first trailing edge 63 and the second trailing edge 64 may be, for example, in… Figure 10 The two separate edges, or they may form an overlapping edge. The second surface 54 of the support element 50 includes a second receiver base recess 76' for receiving a second receiver base for coupling with a second receiver. The second surface 54 includes a second first-stage cable groove 80' communicating with the second receiver base recess 76' and the second directional recess 90'.

[0089] Figure 11aThis is a schematic diagram of a support element 50 (such as the support element 50 shown in the preceding figures). The support element 50 has a first second-level receiver cable groove 82 extending from a first third-level cable point p13 to a first fourth-level cable point p14 on its leading edge surface 60. The first second-level receiver cable groove 82 extends in a direction forming a second first-level groove angle α21 with respect to a longitudinal axis L (such as the longitudinal axis of a wind turbine blade). For example, the first-level groove angle α21 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The support element 50 includes a second second-level receiver cable groove 82' extending from a second third-level cable point p23 to a second fourth-level cable point p24. The second second-level receiver cable groove 82' extends in a direction forming a second second-level groove angle α22 with respect to the longitudinal axis L. For example, the second second-level groove angle α22 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. Alternatively, the second first-level groove angle α21 and / or the second second-level groove angle α22 may be between 20 and 90 degrees, such as 45 degrees. In this example, the second first-level slot angle α21 and the second second-level slot angle α22 are the same, but in (such as in Figure 11b In other examples of support elements, the second first-level slot angle α21 and the second second-level slot angle α22 can be different.

[0090] The support element 50 includes a first-stage lower conductor groove 84 extending along a longitudinal axis L on the front edge surface 60 from a first lower conductor point pd1 to a first-stage lower conductor point pdp. The first-stage lower conductor groove 84 may alternatively form a first-stage lower conductor angle φ1 (e.g., between 10 and 30 degrees, such as 20 degrees) extending in the direction from the first lower conductor point pd1 to the first-stage lower conductor point pdp.

[0091] Support element 50 includes a second-stage lower conductor groove 86 extending from a first lower conductor point pd1 to a second-stage lower conductor point pdp. The second-stage lower conductor groove 86 forms a second-stage lower conductor angle φ2 with the longitudinal axis L in the plane of the leading edge surface 60. The second-stage lower conductor angle φ2 is between 10 and 45 degrees, such as 20 degrees. Alternatively, the second-stage lower conductor groove 86 may extend from the first lower conductor point pd1 to the second-stage lower conductor point pds along the longitudinal axis L of the wind turbine blade. Therefore, the second-stage lower conductor angle φ2 may be 0 degrees. The bending radius of the first and / or second lower conductor grooves is provided according to the specifications of the lower conductor, such as the stiffness of the lower conductor. The bending radius may be a minimum of 300 mm, such as 330 mm.

[0092] Figure 11bThis is a schematic diagram of a support element 50 (such as the support element 50 shown in one or more of the foregoing figures). The support element 50 has a first second-level receiver cable groove 82 extending from a first third-level cable point p13 to a first fourth-level cable point p14 on a front edge surface 60. The first second-level receiver cable groove 82 extends in a direction forming a second first-level groove angle α21 with the longitudinal axis L. The support element includes a second second-level receiver cable groove 82' extending from a second third-level cable point p23 to a second fourth-level cable point p24 in a direction forming a second second-level groove angle α22.

[0093] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a support element 50 (such as the support element 50 shown in the foregoing figures) illustrated in the figures. The support element 50 includes a first surface 52 facing the suction side of the wind turbine blade. The first surface 52 may alternatively be configured to face the pressure side. The first surface 52 has a first leading edge 53 facing the leading edge of the blade and a first trailing edge 63 facing the trailing edge of the blade. The support element 50 includes a first receiver base recess 76 configured to receive a first receiver base for connection to a first receiver of a lightning protection system for the wind turbine blade. The first receiver base recess 76 communicates with a first first-stage receiver cable groove 80, which may receive a portion of a first receiver cable for connection to the first receiver base in the first receiver base recess 76. The support element further includes a first directional recess 90, which may include a magnet and / or a magnetic element.

[0094] The support element 50 has a second surface 54 opposite the first surface 52, facing the pressure side of the blade. The second surface 54 may alternatively be configured to face the suction side. The second surface 54 includes a second leading edge 55 facing the leading edge of the blade and a second trailing edge 64 facing the trailing edge of the blade. The first trailing edge 63 and the second trailing edge 64 may be two separate edges as illustrated, or they may form an overlapping edge. The second surface 54 of the support element 50 includes a second receiver base recess 76' for receiving a second receiver base for coupling with a second receiver. The second surface 54 includes a second first-stage cable groove 80' communicating with the second receiver base recess 76' and the second directional recess 90'.

[0095] Slots 80, 82, 80', and 82' are provided to facilitate bending of the corresponding receiver cable according to its specifications. The bending radius may correspond to the stiffness of the first receiver cable. The bending radius may be, for example, a minimum of 50 mm.

[0096] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the support element 50' shown in the illustration. The support element 50' includes the same features as described with respect to the example support element 50 in the foregoing figures, however, it has different dimensions.

[0097] Figure 15-17 This is a schematic diagram of the example support element 50''. The support element 50'' includes the same features as described with respect to the example support element 50 in the foregoing figures. However, the example support element 50'' has different dimensions and grooves that are angled differently.

[0098] The first-level receiver cable tray 80 extends from the first-level cable point p11 to the first-level cable point p12. The first-level receiver cable tray 80 extends in a direction forming a first-level tray angle α11 with the first front edge 53. The first-level tray angle α11 can be between 20 and 90 degrees, such as 45 degrees. Alternatively, the first-level receiver cable tray 80 can be, for example, in... Figure 8 In the direction perpendicular to the first front edge 53, it extends from the first first-level cable point p11 to the first second-level cable point p12.

[0099] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 200 for supporting components of a lightning protection system.

[0100] The method includes providing a 202 support element, such as the support element shown in the foregoing figures. The support element includes a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a tip-side surface, wherein the first surface includes a first receiver base recess.

[0101] Method 200 includes inserting a first receiver base 204 into a first receiver base recess in a support element. The receiver base can be secured by, for example, gluing or welding the receiver base to the receiver base recess.

[0102] Method 200 further includes positioning a support element 206 within an internal cavity of a wind turbine blade between the pressure side and the suction side. The support element may be glued to a shear web or sparsity side, such as a trailing edge shear web or a trailing edge sparsity side. The support element may also, or alternatively, be glued to the pressure side or the suction side, or both.

[0103] Method 200 includes providing 208 holes through the pressure side and / or suction side to access a first receiver base positioned in a support element. One or more holes may be drilled, for example, through the housing (one or more) of the blade. Providing 208 holes through the pressure side may include providing holes in the first receiver base positioned in the support element, for example, holes that may be drilled through the housing and through the receiver base. Providing 208 holes may include providing holes, for example, the housing and / or the first receiver base, said holes having internal threads, such as to allow a receiver with external threads to be fastened in the hole (one or more).

[0104] Method 200 includes connecting a first receiver 210 to a receiver base via a hole. The hole may include internal threads such that a receiver with external threads can engage with the hole in a threaded configuration.

[0105] Optionally, method 200 includes positioning the location of the first receiver base 212 in the support element before providing the hole 208 through the pressure side and / or the attraction side. Positioning the first receiver base 212 may include positioning a magnetic element in an oriented notch in the support element through the pressure side and / or the attraction side. The oriented notch may be positioned at a predetermined distance and orientation from the receiver base recess, such that positioning the oriented notch by tracing the magnetic element provides information about where the receiver base recess is located.

[0106] The term "receiver" should be understood as an electrically conductive object configured for the purpose of capturing and conducting lightning currents.

[0107] The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, and variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0108] List of reference numerals 2. Wind turbine 4 towers 6. Cabin 8 hubs 10 blades 14. Blade tip 15. Tip / End 16. Leaf base 17. Root tip 18. Front edge 20th anniversary edge 24 First blade shell section (pressure side) 26 Second blade shell section (suction side) 28. Bonding wire / adhesive joint 30 Root region 32 Transition Zone 34. Airfoil region 36 Tips 38 chords 41 Shear Web 41a Rear Edge Shear Web 41b Front edge shear web 42 Lower conductor 44 Drainage cavity 50 Supporting elements 52 First Surface 53 First leading edge 54 Second Surface 55 Second Anterior Edge 56. Root side surface 57. First edge of the root 58 Tip side surface 59 Tip First Edge 60 Leading edge surface 62 Rear edge surface 63 First Post-Edge 64 Second rear edge 67. Second edge of the root 69 Tip Second Edge 72 First Receiver 72' Second Receiver 72'' Third receiver 72''' Fourth receiver 72'''' Fifth receiver 72''''' Sixth Receiver 74 First receiver base 74' Second receiver base 74'' Third receiver base 74''' Fourth receiver base 74'''' Fifth receiver base 74''''' Sixth receiver base 76 First receiver base recess 76' Second receiver base recess 80 First-level receiver cable tray 81 First receiver cable, first stage section 82 First and Second Stage Receiver Cable Tray 83 The second stage of the first receiver cable 80' Second and First Stage Receiver Cable Tray 81' First stage of the second receiver cable 82' Second Stage Receiver Cable Tray 83' Second receiver cable, second stage section 84 First-stage lower conductor groove 85. First stage of the conductor cable 86 Second-stage lower conductor groove 87. Second stage of the lower conductor cable 88 slot intersection 89 Receiver cable 90 First directional notch 90' Second directional notch L longitudinal axis p11 First Level Cable Point p12 First and second level cable points p13 First and third level cable points p14 First and fourth level cable points p21 Second Level Cable Point p22 Second-level cable point p23 Second and third level cable points p24 Second and fourth level cable points α11 First-level slot angle α12 First and second level slot angles α21 Second first-level slot angle α22 Second-level slot angle pd1 First lower conductor point pdp first-level lower conductor point PDS Level 2 Lower Conductor Point φ1 First stage lower conductor angle φ2 Second stage lower conductor angle.

Claims

1. A support element for a lightning protection system for a wind turbine blade extending from its root to its tip, the wind turbine blade including a root region, an airfoil region having the tip, a pressure side, a suction side, and a chord extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the support element being configured to support one or more elements of the lightning protection system, the support element being made of a polymer and comprising: - A first surface, the first surface being configured to face the suction side or the pressure side of the wind turbine blade, the first surface having a first leading edge and a first trailing edge opposite to the first leading edge, the first surface having a tip first edge and a root first edge opposite to the tip first edge; - A second surface opposite to the first surface, the second surface having a second front edge and a second rear edge opposite to the second front edge, the second surface having a pointed second edge and a root second edge opposite to the pointed second edge; - Root side surface, the root side surface being configured to face toward the root of the wind turbine blade and extending between the first edge of the root and the second edge of the root; as well as - A tip side surface, the tip side surface being configured to face the tip of the wind turbine blade and extending between the first edge of the tip and the second edge of the tip; The first surface includes a first receiver base recess, which is configured to receive a first receiver base for connection with a first receiver of the lightning protection system.

2. The support element of claim 1, wherein the second surface includes one or more second receiver base recesses, the one or more second receiver base recesses including a second receiver base recess configured to receive a second receiver base for second receiver coupling with the one or more receivers.

3. The support element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first surface includes a first first-stage receiver cable groove, the first first-stage receiver cable groove being configured to receive at least a first-stage portion of a first receiver cable for connecting the base of the first receiver to a lower conductor cable.

4. The support element according to claim 3, wherein the first first-level receiver cable groove extends from the first first-level cable point to the first second-level cable point in a direction forming a first first-level groove angle with the first front edge, wherein the first first-level groove angle is between 20 and 90 degrees.

5. The support element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support element includes a front edge surface extending between the first front edge and the second front edge.

6. The support element of claim 5, wherein the leading edge surface is configured for attachment to a shear web or spar side extending between the suction side and the pressure side of the wind turbine blade.

7. The support element of claim 5, wherein the leading edge surface includes a first-stage lower conductor groove configured to receive at least a first-stage portion of a lower conductor cable, wherein the first-stage lower conductor groove extends along the longitudinal axis L of the wind turbine blade from a first lower conductor point to a first-stage lower conductor point on the leading edge surface.

8. The support element of claim 5, wherein the front edge surface includes a second-stage lower conductor groove configured to receive at least a second-stage portion of a lower conductor cable, wherein the second-stage lower conductor groove extends in the plane of the front edge surface along a direction from a first lower conductor point to a second lower conductor point that forms a second lower conductor angle with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the wind turbine blade, wherein the second lower conductor angle is between 10 and 45 degrees.

9. The support element of claim 5, wherein the front edge surface includes a first and second stage receiver cable groove, the first and second stage receiver cable groove being configured to receive at least a second stage portion of a first receiver cable for connecting the receiver base to a lower conductor cable.

10. The support element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support element is made of low-density polyethylene foam.

11. The support element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support element includes a first directional notch positioned at a predetermined distance from the base recess of the first receiver.

12. The support element of claim 11, wherein the first directional notch is configured to receive a first magnetic element and / or wherein the first directional notch includes a first magnetic element.

13. The support element according to claim 4, wherein the first first-stage groove angle is 45 degrees.

14. The support element according to claim 8, wherein the angle of the second-stage lower conductor is 20 degrees.

15. A method for supporting one or more elements of a lightning protection system in a wind turbine blade extending from its root to its tip, the wind turbine blade including a root region, an airfoil region having the tip, a pressure side, a suction side, and a chord extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the method comprising: - A support element is provided, the support element being made of a polymer and comprising: a first surface configured to face the suction side or the pressure side of the wind turbine blade, the first surface having a first leading edge and a first trailing edge opposite to the first leading edge, the first surface having a tip first edge and a root first edge opposite to the tip first edge; a second surface opposite to the first surface, the second surface having a second leading edge and a second trailing edge opposite to the second leading edge, the second surface having a tip second edge and a root second edge opposite to the tip second edge; a root side surface configured to face the root of the wind turbine blade and extending between the root first edge and the root second edge; and a tip side surface configured to face the tip of the wind turbine blade and extending between the tip first edge and the tip second edge; wherein the first surface includes a first receiver base recess configured to receive a first receiver base for coupling with a first receiver. - Insert the base of the first receiver into the recess of the first receiver base of the support element. - Position the support element within the internal cavity of the wind turbine blade between the pressure side and the suction side. - Provide holes through the pressure side and / or the suction side to access the base of the first receiver positioned in the support element. - The first receiver is connected to the base of the first receiver through the hole.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising positioning the first receiver base in the support element prior to providing the hole through the pressure side and / or the suction side, wherein positioning the first receiver base comprises positioning a magnetic element in an oriented notch of the support element through the pressure side and / or the suction side.

17. A wind turbine blade extending from a root to a tip, the wind turbine blade including a root region, an airfoil region having the tip, a pressure side, a suction side, and a chord extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge, the wind turbine blade including a support element configured to support one or more elements of a lightning protection system, the support element being made of a polymer and comprising: - A first surface, the first surface being configured to face the suction side or the pressure side of the wind turbine blade, the first surface having a first leading edge and a first trailing edge opposite to the first leading edge, the first surface having a tip first edge and a root first edge opposite to the tip first edge; - A second surface opposite to the first surface, the second surface having a second front edge and a second rear edge opposite to the second front edge, the second surface having a pointed second edge and a root second edge opposite to the pointed second edge; - Root side surface, the root side surface being configured to face toward the root of the wind turbine blade and extending between the first edge of the root and the second edge of the root; as well as - A tip side surface, the tip side surface being configured to face the tip of the wind turbine blade and extending between the first edge of the tip and the second edge of the tip; The first surface includes a first receiver base recess, which is configured to receive a first receiver base for connection with a first receiver of the lightning protection system.

Images