electrically conductive connection

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrically conductive connection between a carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) element, which is electrically conductive and has a surface, and one or more down conductor, comprising an interface conductive patch arranged on the surface of the CFRP element for electrically connecting the CFRP element with the interface conductive patch, which is electrically connected with the one or more down conductor.

Description

[0001] manual

[0002] The present invention relates to a conductive connector between a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) element and one or more down conductors.

[0003] CFRP elements are incorporated in many applications and buildings, primarily as structural components to enhance the strength and stiffness of buildings while still optimizing the building's weight.

[0004] CFRP components are conductive, therefore, when these components are used in buildings susceptible to lightning strikes, they need to be protected by a lightning protection system to control the current guided through the CFRP components and to prevent arcing caused by internal differential voltage.

[0005] Therefore, lightning protection coordination is achieved through a combination of insulation, separation, and equipotentialization of conductive materials in the building. Because CFRP elements are optimized for their intended use and strength, it is often difficult to provide conductive connections between the CFRP elements and the down conductors without compromising the strength of the CFRP elements.

[0006] The object of this invention is to overcome, in whole or in part, the shortcomings and drawbacks of the prior art described above. More specifically, the object is to provide an improved conductive connection between a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) element and one or more down conductors without compromising the strength of the CFRP element.

[0007] According to the solution of the invention, the above-mentioned objectives, along with many other objectives, advantages and features, as will become apparent from the following description, are achieved by a conductive connector between a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) element and one or more down conductors, wherein the CFRP element is conductive and has a surface, and the conductive connector includes an interface conductive patch disposed on the surface of the CFRP element for electrically connecting the CFRP element to the interface conductive patch, which is electrically connected to one or more down conductors.

[0008] Many buildings incorporate CFRP elements to enhance their strength. Therefore, CFRP elements are integral structural components of a building, and because they are made of conductive CFRP, they can conduct lightning currents, potentially compromising their strength and adhesion to other building components. This invention addresses this problem by ensuring a conductive connection between the CFRP element and the down conductor without interfering with the structure and strength of the CFRP element.

[0009] In addition, a conductive coating can be applied to a portion of the surface, which is applied as an intermediate layer between the surface and the interface conductive patch.

[0010] Furthermore, the conductive coating can be applied by electroplating.

[0011] In addition, conductive coatings can be applied by brushing, spraying, dipping or similar methods.

[0012] In addition, conductive coatings may include metals.

[0013] In one embodiment, the conductive coating may include graphene.

[0014] In addition, the conductive coating can be configured to ensure proper conductivity between the CFRP element and the interface conductive patch.

[0015] Furthermore, the interface conductive patch can be arranged opposite the conductive coating and secured to the conductive coating by providing a structured layer of carbon fibers on the interface conductive patch.

[0016] The structured layer can be GFRP Biax (bidirectional glass fiber reinforced polymer). The structured layer and / or GFRP Biax can be configured to assist in the transfer of current from the interface conductive patch to the surface, or vice versa.

[0017] In addition, the interface conductive patch can be provided by adhering the interface conductive patch to the surface using a conductive adhesive disposed between the surface and the interface conductive patch.

[0018] Alternatively, interface conductive patches can be provided by arranging interface conductive patches on a surface and applying a structured layer of carbon fiber to the surface and the interface conductive patches.

[0019] In addition, the interface conductive patch can be provided by sandwiching the interface conductive patch between a first structured layer and a second structured layer of carbon fiber, with the first structured layer applied to the surface.

[0020] Furthermore, the structured layers of carbon fibers can include woven and / or nonwoven layers.

[0021] In one implementation, the woven and / or nonwoven layers may include CFRP Biax, Triax, or similar woven materials.

[0022] In one implementation, the woven and / or nonwoven layers may include a CFRP / GFRP hybrid material in a Biax, Triax, or similar woven configuration.

[0023] In addition, the interface conductive patch may include metal.

[0024] In addition, the metal can be copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), or any alloy thereof.

[0025] In addition, the interface conductive patch can be made of non-metallic materials, such as composite materials or fibers.

[0026] Furthermore, the interface conductive patch can be a woven patch mesh or an expanded metal patch foil.

[0027] Furthermore, the interface conductive patch may have a first portion configured to be connected to the surface and a second portion located outside the surface. The first portion and the second portion may be electrically connected.

[0028] Additionally, the down conductor may include sheet material and / or cable.

[0029] In addition, the sheet material can be expanded metal foil or woven metal mesh.

[0030] The sheet can be made of conductive material.

[0031] Furthermore, the conductive material of the sheet can be a metal, such as aluminum, copper, steel, or related alloys.

[0032] In addition, the conductive material of the sheet can be non-metallic, such as composite materials or fibers.

[0033] Alternatively, the down conductor can be a cable or a rod made of a conductive material such as metal.

[0034] In one embodiment, the interface conductive patch may include conductive connection patch points configured to electrically connect the interface conductive patch to a down conductor.

[0035] In addition, the conductive connection patch points can be made of metal or other conductive materials or combinations thereof.

[0036] The metal can be tin (Sn), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), brass, silver (Ag), gold (Au), or any alloy thereof.

[0037] Furthermore, the conductive connection patch may include a first disk and a second disk. The first disk may be disposed on a first side of the interface conductive patch, and the second disk may be disposed on a second side of the conductive patch opposite to the first disk, with the first and second disks connected together.

[0038] In addition, the interface conductive connection patch can be mechanically and electrically connected to the interface conductive patch.

[0039] In addition, conductive connection points can be adhered to conductive patches using conductive adhesive.

[0040] In one implementation, threads may be provided at the conductive connection patch point.

[0041] In addition, conductive connection patch points can be arranged on the interface conductive patch, at a distance from the connection part on the surface.

[0042] The sheet may include one or more conductive connection points on the sheet.

[0043] Furthermore, the conductive connection points can be made of metal or other conductive materials or combinations thereof.

[0044] In addition, the metal can be tin (Sn), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), brass, silver (Ag), gold (Au), or any alloy thereof.

[0045] Additionally, the conductive connection sheet may include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may be made of a first material, and the second layer may be made of a second material.

[0046] Furthermore, the first material may be different from the second material.

[0047] In addition, conductive connection sheet points can be directly or indirectly connected to conductive connection patch points.

[0048] Furthermore, each conductive connection patch point and / or conductive connection sheet point can have a geometry exhibiting an external closed curvature, wherein the minimum radius of curvature is between 3 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 100 mm.

[0049] In addition, conductive connection patch points and / or conductive connection sheet points may have a semi-major axis and a semi-minor axis.

[0050] Furthermore, the semi-major axis and semi-minor axis can be equal, thus providing a circular outer perimeter.

[0051] Furthermore, the semi-major axis and semi-minor axis can be different, thus providing an oval or elliptical periphery.

[0052] Furthermore, the semi-major axis can be oriented at a predetermined angle relative to a predetermined axis of the CFRP element.

[0053] The preset angle can be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0054] In addition, the conductive connection patch points and / or conductive connection sheet points can be partially or entirely circular or oval.

[0055] In addition, conductive connection patch points and / or conductive connection sheet points can have asymmetrical shapes.

[0056] Furthermore, the periphery of the conductive connection patch point and / or conductive connection sheet point can be defined by curves and straight lines.

[0057] In addition, the conductive connection patch points and / or conductive connection sheet points may have a thickness greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1.0 mm.

[0058] Furthermore, the thickness of the conductive connection patch point and / or conductive connection sheet point can extend in two directions relative to the thickness of the patch and / or sheet.

[0059] In addition, conductive connection points on the sheet can be mechanically connected to the sheet.

[0060] In addition, conductive connection points on the sheet can be adhered to the sheet using conductive adhesive.

[0061] Furthermore, the receiver base bolt can be tightened through the conductive connection sheet point and into the conductive connection patch point of the interface conductive patch.

[0062] Threads can be provided at the points of conductive connection sheets.

[0063] In addition, the intermediate cable can connect the conductive connection patch point and the conductive connection sheet point.

[0064] In addition, CFRP elements can be structural elements.

[0065] Moreover, CFRP elements can be spars or spars set in wind turbine blades.

[0066] In addition, CFRP elements can be masts or parts of masts.

[0067] In one embodiment, the CFRP element may include a pultruded carbon component.

[0068] The present invention also relates to a lightning protection system including conductive connectors as described above.

[0069] The present invention also relates to a wind turbine blade comprising a lightning protection system as described above.

[0070] The present invention also relates to a method for providing a conductive connection between a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) element and one or more down conductors, the CFRP element being conductive, the method comprising:

[0071] - Provide CFRP elements with surfaces,

[0072] - Provides conductive interface patches

[0073] - Apply an interface conductive patch to the surface of the CFRP element to ensure electrical connection between the CFRP element and the conductive patch.

[0074] Furthermore, the conductive coating can be applied to the surface before the interface conductive patch is applied to the conductive coating, and the conductive coating is applied by electroplating, brushing, spraying, dipping or similar application methods.

[0075] Alternatively, the surface can be cleaned and / or sanded before applying the conductive coating.

[0076] Furthermore, electroplating can be performed through the following steps:

[0077] - Provide CFRP elements as cathodes

[0078] - Provide coating solutions,

[0079] -Provide sacrificial anode,

[0080] - Apply current through an external power source.

[0081] In addition, the method may also include:

[0082] - Position the area to be coated on the surface.

[0083] - Use a coating solution to saturate the brush / cloth / sponge.

[0084] Connect the external power supply to the anode of the contact brush / cloth / sponge.

[0085] Apply a saturated brush / cloth / sponge to the area.

[0086] The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which, for illustrative purposes, illustrate some non-limiting embodiments, and in the drawings...

[0087] Figure 1 An embodiment of the conductive connector according to the present invention is shown.

[0088] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the conductive connector according to the present invention is shown.

[0089] Figure 3 One embodiment of the interface conductive patch is shown.

[0090] Figure 4 An interface conductive patch for connecting to a CFRP element is shown.

[0091] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows an interface conductive patch that connects to a drop conductor via a connecting block and a connection point connector.

[0092] Figures 7 to 9 Different implementations of conductive connection points are shown.

[0093] Figures 10 to 13 Different shapes of conductive connection points are shown.

[0094] Figure 14 The diagram schematically illustrates CFRP elements arranged in wind turbine blades and lightning protection systems.

[0095] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view through the wind turbine blades is shown, and

[0096] Figure 16 A wind turbine with three wind turbine blades is shown.

[0097] All accompanying drawings are highly schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale, and for the purpose of illustrating the invention, they show only those necessary components while omitting or only suggesting other components.

[0098] Figure 1 A conductive connector 1 is shown between a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) element 2 and one or more down conductors (not shown). The CFRP element 2 is conductive and has a surface 3. The conductive connector 1 includes an interface conductive patch 4 disposed on the surface 3 of the CFRP element 2 for electrically connecting the CFRP element 2 to the interface conductive patch 4, which is electrically connected to one or more down conductors (not shown).

[0099] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the interface conductive patch 4 is provided by sandwiching the interface conductive patch 4 between a first structured layer 5 and a second structured layer 6 of carbon fiber. The first structured layer 5 is applied on the surface 3, and the second structured layer 6 is applied on the first structured layer 5 and the interface conductive patch 4.

[0100] The interface conductive patch 4 can also be provided by arranging the interface conductive patch 4 on the surface 3 and applying a first structured layer 5 of carbon fiber on the surface 3 and the interface conductive patch 4.

[0101] The structured layers 5 and 6 of the carbon fiber may include woven layers and / or nonwoven layers. The woven and / or nonwoven layers may include CFRP Biax, Triax, or similar woven materials. Alternatively, hybrid layers or stacks comprising a mixture of carbon fibers and glass fibers may be used.

[0102] By arranging the structured layer on the interface conductive patch 4, it is ensured that the interface conductive patch 4 is firmly held relative to the CFRP element, and appropriate conductivity between the CFRP element and the interface conductive patch is obtained.

[0103] In another embodiment, not shown, the interface conductive patch can be provided by adhering the interface conductive patch to the surface using a conductive adhesive disposed between the surface and the interface conductive patch.

[0104] exist Figure 2 Another embodiment of the conductive connector 1 is shown in the figure. In this embodiment, a conductive coating 7 is applied to a portion of the surface 3, and the conductive coating 7 is applied as an intermediate layer 7 between the surface 3 and the interface conductive patch 4. The CFRP element 2 in this embodiment is composed of three pultruded carbon components; however, in other embodiments, a different number of pultruded carbon components may be used.

[0105] The conductive coating 7 can be applied by brushing, spraying, dipping or similar application methods.

[0106] Additionally, the interface conductive patches are arranged such that only a portion of the surface is coated with the area that connects to the surface. Multiple areas can be coated along the CFRP element, allowing multiple interface conductive patches to be arranged along the extension of the CFRP element.

[0107] Furthermore, the conductive coating 7 can be applied using electroplating techniques. This conductive coating can then include a metal, such that the applied coating can be a metal plating arranged to be connected to surface 3. The metal can be copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), or any alloy thereof.

[0108] The conductive coating 7 or plating is configured to ensure proper and enhanced conductivity between the CFRP element 2 and the interface conductive patch 4 without interfering with the structure and strength of the CFRP element.

[0109] By coating or plating the surface of CFRP elements, a higher degree of conductivity is achieved between the carbon fibers of the CFRP element and the coating or plating, which again provides a higher degree of conductivity for the interface conductive patch, and thus provides a higher degree of conductivity for the down conductor.

[0110] In addition, the interface conductive patch 4 is arranged in a manner similar to... Figure 2 The conductive coating shown is opposite, and can subsequently be fastened to the conductive coating or plating by providing a structured layer of carbon fibers on the interface conductive patch (not shown).

[0111] The present invention also relates to a method of providing a conductive connection between a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) element and one or more down conductors, the CFRP element being conductive, the method comprising:

[0112] - Provide CFRP elements with surfaces,

[0113] - Provides conductive interface patches

[0114] - Apply an interface conductive patch to the surface of the CFRP element to ensure electrical connection between the CFRP element and the conductive patch.

[0115] As described above, the conductive coating can be applied to the surface before the interface conductive patch is applied to the conductive coating, and the conductive coating is applied by electroplating, brushing, spraying, dipping or similar application methods.

[0116] Surfaces can be cleaned and / or sanded or machined to remove any residue or contaminants before applying a conductive coating, thereby providing enhanced adhesion of the coating or plating.

[0117] As mentioned above, a conductive coating can be applied to a surface by electroplating. In one embodiment, electroplating can be performed by the following steps:

[0118] - Provide CFRP elements as cathodes

[0119] - Provide coating solutions,

[0120] -Provide sacrificial anode,

[0121] - Apply current through an external power source.

[0122] In addition, electroplating processes may include:

[0123] - Position the area to be coated on the surface.

[0124] - Use a coating solution to saturate the brush / cloth / sponge.

[0125] Connect the external power supply to the anode of the contact brush / cloth / sponge.

[0126] Apply a saturated brush / cloth / sponge to the area.

[0127] This method is advantageous when only a small area of ​​a large CFRP element is electroplated.

[0128] As those skilled in the art will understand, other electroplating processes can be applied depending on the size and processing of the CFRP element.

[0129] Furthermore, the conductive coating may include graphene.

[0130] like Figure 2 As shown, the interface conductive patch 4 may have a first portion 8 configured to be connected to the surface 3 and a second portion 9 located outside the surface 3. The first portion 8 and the second portion 9 are electrically connected.

[0131] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the interface conductive patch 4 includes conductive connection patch points 10 configured to electrically connect the interface conductive patch 4 to a down conductor (not shown). Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the conductive connection patch 10 is arranged to connect with the second part 9 of the interface conductive patch 4.

[0132] Figure 3 An embodiment of an interface conductive patch is shown. The interface conductive patch 4 can be made of a sheet comprising metallic or non-metallic materials (such as composite materials or fibers).

[0133] When the interface conductive patch 4 is made wholly or partially of metal, the metal is preferably copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), gold (Au), or any alloy thereof.

[0134] In addition, the interface conductive patch 4 can be a woven patch mesh or an expanded metal patch foil used to ensure proper conductivity in the interface conductive patch 4.

[0135] The interface conductive patch 4 can have a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0136] The conductive connection patch 10 is arranged to connect with the interface conductive patch 4. The conductive connection patch 10 may be made of metal or other conductive materials or combinations thereof.

[0137] The metal of the conductive connection patch 10 can be tin, aluminum, copper, brass, silver, gold or any alloy thereof.

[0138] The conductive connection patch 10 may include a first tray 11 and a second tray 12. The first tray 11 may be disposed on a first side of the interface conductive patch 4, and the second tray 12 may be disposed on a second side of the conductive patch 4 opposite to the first tray 11, with the first and second trays connected together. In a preferred embodiment, a solder pad (not shown) is arranged around the mesh of the interface conductive patch 4 to enhance the conductivity between the mesh and the tray.

[0139] In addition, the interface conductive connection patch 10 can be mechanically and electrically connected to the interface conductive patch 4.

[0140] Furthermore, the conductive connection patch 10 can be adhered to the interface conductive patch using conductive adhesive.

[0141] In addition, threads may be provided in the conductive connection patch 10 to facilitate the connection of cables or other conductive components to the conductive connection patch 10.

[0142] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As can be seen, the conductive connection patch 10 can be arranged on the interface conductive patch 4, and is a certain distance away from the connection part of the surface 3.

[0143] The invention will be further described below in conjunction with a lightning protection system for wind turbine blades. However, the invention can also be applied in conjunction with other CFRP elements, such as, for example, a mast comprising one or more CFRP elements, which can be subjected to lightning strikes.

[0144] Therefore, CFRP elements can be structural elements, such as, for example, spars or spars arranged in wind turbine blades.

[0145] In addition, CFRP elements may include, for example Figure 2 The pultruded CFRP element seen.

[0146] like Figure 5 As seen, the interface conductive patch 4 is electrically connected to the CFRP element 2. The interface conductive patch 4 has a cable connector 13, which is again connected to the intermediate cable 14, which in turn is connected to the intermediate connecting block 15. Therefore, the current traveling in the CFRP element 2 can be conveniently guided to the intermediate connecting block 15. The intermediate connecting block 15 can be connected to the sheet-like down conductor 16 via conductive connection sheet points 18.

[0147] As described above, the down conductor may include a sheet, or it may be a cable or a rod. When the down conductor is a cable, the cable can be directly connected to the interface conductive patch via a cable connector.

[0148] Sheet 17 may be an expanded metal foil or a woven metal mesh. The sheet is made of a conductive material, such as a metal, for example aluminum, copper, steel, or an associated alloy.

[0149] When the down conductor is a cable or a rod, it can be made of a conductive material such as metal.

[0150] Figure 6 An interface conductive patch 4 is shown. The interface conductive patch 4 has a cable connector 13 that is electrically connected to a cable 19. The cable 19 electrically connects the cable connector 13 to a connection point connector 20. The connection point connector 20 connects to conductive connection sheet points 18 arranged in a sheet 17. Thus, a flexible connection is achieved.

[0151] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram illustrates how the connection point connector 20 connects to the conductive connection sheet point 18. A first connection disc 11 is arranged on one side of the conductive connection sheet point 18, and a second connection disc 12 is arranged on the opposite side of the conductive connection point, thereby enclosing the conductive connection sheet point 18. As previously described, the conductive connection sheet point 18 is electrically connected to the sheet 17. In this embodiment, the first connection disc 11 and the second connection disc 12 are connected by means of a connecting bolt 21, as... Figure 8 What I saw.

[0152] Figure 9 The cable connector 13 of the interface conductive patch 4 is shown. The cable 19 is connected to the cable connector via a bolt head 22. This implementation helps ensure that the cable 19 can overcome any manufacturing tolerances.

[0153] As mentioned above, when the down conductor is a sheet, one or more conductive connection points on the sheet can be arranged in the sheet to achieve conductivity.

[0154] Similar to conductive connection pads, conductive connection pads can be made of metal or other conductive materials or combinations thereof. The metal can be tin, aluminum, copper, brass, silver, gold, or any alloy thereof.

[0155] The conductive connection sheet may include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may be made of a first material, and the second layer may be made of a second material. The first material may be different from the second material.

[0156] In addition, conductive connection sheet points can be directly or indirectly connected to conductive connection patch points.

[0157] Figure 10 An embodiment of conductive connection patch point 10 or conductive connection sheet point 18 is shown. Each point 10, 18 may have a geometry that presents an external closed curve 23, wherein the minimum radius of curvature is between 3 mm and 200 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 100 mm.

[0158] Additionally, points 10 and 18 have the following characteristics: Figure 10 The semi-major axis 24 and semi-minor axis 25 are shown. When the semi-major axis 24 and semi-minor axis 25 are of equal length, a circular outer periphery is provided for the conductive connection point, as shown in the figure. Figure 10 As shown.

[0159] When the semi-major axis 24 and the semi-minor axis 25 are different, provide an oval or elliptical outer periphery for points 10 and 18, such as Figure 11 As shown. Furthermore, the semi-major axis 24 can be oriented at a predetermined angle α relative to the longitudinal axis 26 of the wind turbine blade. The predetermined angle α can be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0160] Therefore, points 10 and 18 can be partially or completely circular or oval.

[0161] Furthermore, points 10 and 18 can have asymmetrical shapes.

[0162] Furthermore, the perimeter of points 10 and 18, 27, can be defined by curves and straight lines, such as... Figure 12 As shown.

[0163] like Figure 13As can be seen, points 10 and 18 may have a thickness t greater than 0.5 mm, preferably greater than 1.0 mm. The thickness t of points 10 and 18 may extend in two directions relative to the thickness of sheet 17.

[0164] Providing conductive connection patch points and / or conductive connection sheet points to patches or sheets, such as expanded foil or mesh, can be done through the following steps:

[0165] -Melting conductive materials,

[0166] - Apply a liquid molten conductive material to surround the expanded foil or mesh.

[0167] - This allows the molten material to harden to provide a mechanically conductive connection between the point and the expanded foil or mesh.

[0168] Providing conductive connection patch points and / or conductive connection sheet points to patches or sheets, such as expanded foil or mesh, can be done through the following steps:

[0169] - Two solid disks are provided.

[0170] Arrange these two solid discs on each side of the patch or sheet.

[0171] - Solder two solid discs to a patch or sheet.

[0172] The melting of materials can be achieved through induction heating or resistance heating.

[0173] Molten bonding material can be applied by pouring it into a mold arranged to connect with an expanded foil or mesh. The mold defines the outer perimeter of the point. The conductive material can be a metal, such as tin.

[0174] Providing conductive connection patch points and / or conductive connection sheet points to patches or sheets, such as expanded foil or mesh, can also be done through the following steps:

[0175] -Provide molded conductive materials,

[0176] - Apply the molded conductive material to the expanded foil or mesh.

[0177] - Weld the molded conductive material to provide a mechanically conductive connection between the point and the expanded foil or mesh.

[0178] Providing conductive connection patch points and / or conductive connection sheet points to the patch or sheet, such as expanded foil or mesh, can be done additionally through the following steps:

[0179] - Provide at least two disks made of conductive material.

[0180] - Arrange the two discs on opposite sides of the expansion foil or mesh.

[0181] - These discs are fastened together using an expansion foil or mesh between them to provide a conductive connection between the discs.

[0182] The discs can be fastened to each other by mechanical connections.

[0183] In another embodiment, the discs can be fastened together by plastic deformation by pressing and cold forging two discs together around an expansion foil or mesh.

[0184] In addition, the discs can be fastened together by spot welding.

[0185] Moreover, the discs can be fixed together by pulse melting.

[0186] Alternatively, the discs can be fastened together by applying a conductive adhesive between them and holding the discs in place until the adhesive cures.

[0187] Figure 14 A lightning protection system 100 is schematically shown. The lightning protection system 100 includes a first down conductor 28 extending from the tip 101 of a wind turbine blade 102 to a top connection block 103 disposed at a predetermined distance from the tip, the single down conductor 28 being electrically connected to the top connection block 103.

[0188] Furthermore, the second lead conductor 16 extends from the top connecting block 103 located between the CFRP structural element 2 and the pressure side toward the root connecting block 104 arranged at the root end 105.

[0189] In addition, the third lead conductor ( Figure 14 (Not shown) Extends from the top connecting block located between the structural element and the suction side toward the root connecting block.

[0190] The second down conductor includes a first sheet, and the third down conductor includes a second sheet, the first and second sheets being made of a conductive material used as the down conductor.

[0191] The first sheet and the second sheet include a plurality of conductive connecting sheet points 18, which are arranged near the top connecting block 103 and the root connecting block 104 and are electrically connected to the top connecting block and the root connecting block, respectively.

[0192] Therefore, the top connecting block 103 serves as an interface from the tip of the wind turbine blade 102 to a single down conductor 28 between the first and second sheets in each blade housing, which act as down conductors for the top portion of the CFRP spar or beam. Additionally, bonding or equipotentialization between the pressure-side down conductor (i.e., the first sheet) and the suction-side down conductor (i.e., the first sheet) is performed in a single unit. Simultaneously, the second and third down conductors act as receiver bases for lightning strikes, attached to the top of the sheets. Component 103 is carefully designed to handle the full lightning current and avoid interception failure due to its insulating casting.

[0193] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a wind turbine blade 102 is shown. The wind turbine blade 102 has a pressure side 111 and a suction side 110, which are the outer surfaces of the wind turbine blade 102. The wind turbine blade 102 also has a leading edge 106 and a trailing edge 107. The wind turbine blade 102 has a CFRP structural element 2 extending along a longitudinal axis, which is a conductive sparsity or beam. The CFRP sparsity or beam strengthens the wind turbine blade 102. This embodiment shows the CFRP element 2 arranged in the housing of the wind turbine blade 102. The CFRP element can be connected via a web of a sandwich structure, for example, made of GFRP and a core material (PVC foam or cork).

[0194] Figure 16 A wind turbine 150 is shown, comprising a tower 151, a nacelle 152, and three wind turbine blades 102. Each wind turbine blade 102 has a root end 105 and a tip end 101 connected to a hub 153. The wind turbine blade 101 has a longitudinal axis 26 extending from the root end 102 to the tip end 103.

[0195] Although the invention has been described above in conjunction with preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that several modifications may be conceived without departing from the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A conductive connector located between a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) element and one or more down conductors, the CFRP element being conductive and including surfaces, the conductive connector comprising: An interface conductive patch disposed on the surface of the CFRP element is used to electrically connect the CFRP element to the interface conductive patch, the interface conductive patch being electrically connected to one or more down conductors. Wherein, the one or more down conductors include down conductors of sheet and / or cable, wherein the interface conductive patch includes conductive connection patch points configured to electrically connect the conductive connection patch to the down conductor including the sheet and / or cable; and The conductive connection patch includes a first disk and a second disk, wherein the first disk and the second disk are arranged on opposite sides of the interface conductive patch, and the first disk and the second disk are connected to each other.

2. The conductive connector according to claim 1, wherein, A conductive coating is applied to a portion of the surface, the conductive coating being applied as an intermediate layer between the surface and the interface conductive patch.

3. The conductive connector according to claim 2, wherein, The conductive coating is applied by electroplating, brushing, spraying, or dipping.

4. The conductive connector (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The conductive coating is configured to ensure proper conductivity between the CFRP element and the interface conductive patch.

5. The conductive connector according to claim 2, wherein, The interface conductive patch is arranged opposite the conductive coating and secured to the conductive coating by providing a carbon fiber structured layer on the interface conductive patch.

6. The conductive connector according to claim 1, wherein, The conductive interface patch is provided by sandwiching the conductive interface patch between a first structured layer and a second structured layer of carbon fiber, wherein the first structured layer of carbon fiber is applied to the surface.

7. The conductive connector according to claim 1, wherein, The interface conductive patch comprises metal.

8. The conductive connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The interface conductive patch is a woven patch mesh or an expanded metal patch foil.

9. The conductive connector according to claim 1, wherein, The interface conductive patch includes a first portion configured to be connected to the surface and a second portion located outside the surface, the first portion and the second portion being electrically connected.

10. The conductive connector according to claim 1, wherein, The sheet material is an expanded metal foil or a woven metal mesh.

11. The conductive connector according to claim 1, wherein, The sheet includes one or more conductive connection points.

12. The conductive connector according to claim 1, wherein, The CFRP element is a structural element.

13. The conductive connector according to claim 1, wherein, The CFRP element is a spar or spars arranged in the blades of a wind turbine.

14. The conductive connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The CFRP element includes a pultruded carbon component.

15. A lightning protection system, comprising a conductive connector, the conductive connector comprising: An interface conductive patch is disposed on the surface of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) element for electrically connecting the CFRP element to the interface conductive patch, the interface conductive patch being electrically connected to one or more down conductors; Wherein, the one or more down conductors include down conductors of sheet and / or cable, wherein the interface conductive patch includes conductive connection patch points configured to electrically connect the conductive connection patch to the down conductor including the sheet and / or cable; and The conductive connection patch includes a first disk and a second disk, wherein the first disk and the second disk are arranged on opposite sides of the interface conductive patch, and the first disk and the second disk are connected to each other.

16. A wind turbine blade, comprising a lightning protection system, the lightning protection system including a conductive connector, the conductive connector comprising: An interface conductive patch is disposed on the surface of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) element for electrically connecting the CFRP element to the interface conductive patch, the interface conductive patch being electrically connected to one or more down conductors; Wherein, the one or more down conductors include down conductors of sheet and / or cable, wherein the interface conductive patch includes conductive connection patch points configured to electrically connect the conductive connection patch to the down conductor including the sheet and / or cable; and The conductive connection patch includes a first disk and a second disk, wherein the first disk and the second disk are arranged on opposite sides of the interface conductive patch, and the first disk and the second disk are connected to each other.

17. A method of providing a conductive connection between a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) element and one or more down conductors, wherein the conductive connection comprises: An interface conductive patch is disposed on the surface of a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) element for electrically connecting the CFRP element to the interface conductive patch, the interface conductive patch being electrically connected to one or more down conductors; Wherein, the one or more down conductors include down conductors of sheet and / or cable, wherein the interface conductive patch includes conductive connection patch points configured to electrically connect the conductive connection patch to the down conductor including the sheet and / or cable; and The conductive connection patch includes a first disk and a second disk, wherein the first disk and the second disk are arranged on opposite sides of the interface conductive patch, and the first disk and the second disk are connected to each other. The method includes: - Provide the CFRP element including the surface, - Provide the aforementioned conductive patch for the interface. - The interface conductive patch is applied to the surface of the CFRP element to ensure electrical connection between the CFRP element and the interface conductive patch.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The conductive coating is applied to the surface before the interface conductive patch is applied to the conductive coating and the surface. The conductive coating is applied by electroplating, brushing, spraying or dipping.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Clean and / or polish the surface before applying the conductive coating.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The electroplating is performed through the following steps: - Provide the CFRP element as a cathode; - Provide coating solution; - Provide sacrificial anode; and - Apply current through an external power source.

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