Method for manipulating shape and / or position of wind turbine rotor blade shell member

Abstract

A method for manipulating the shape and / or position of a wind turbine rotor blade shell member, where the wind turbine rotor blade shell member has a connection section and an insert having a connection surface, the insert being adapted to be spirally connected to another element of a wind turbine rotor, the method comprises the steps of:-providing a tensioning block having a contact surface,-mounting the tensioning block to the wind turbine rotor blade shell member with a threaded bolt screwed into the insert and pre-tensioned such that the contact surface of the tensioning block is pressed against the connection surface of the insert by a pre-tensioning force,-mounting the tensioning block to the wind turbine rotor blade shell member with the threaded bolt screwed into the insert and pre-tensioned such that the contact surface of the tensioning block is pressed against the connection surface of the insert by the pre-tensioning force. Applying a transverse operating force to the tensioning block wherein the pre-tensioning force is selected such that an interference fit is obtained between the connection surface of the insert and the contact surface of the tensioning block, the interference fit being sufficiently strong to transfer the transverse operating force to the wind turbine rotor blade shell member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for manipulating the shape and / or position of a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component. Background Art

[0002] Over the past decades, the size of wind turbine rotor blades has continued to grow, making it more difficult to handle wind turbine rotor blades and wind turbine rotor blade elements during production and transportation. Whenever it becomes necessary to place or hold a wind turbine rotor blade shell component precisely in a desired position and / or shape, this may require the application of considerable forces, which is difficult due to the complex shape of the wind turbine rotor blade shell component and there is always a risk of damaging the structure of the wind turbine rotor blade shell component.

[0003] This is particularly true when attempting to repair a wind turbine rotor blade whose wind turbine rotor blade shell components (particularly half shells, sometimes referred to as wind turbine rotor blades with "overbite") were not perfectly aligned during initial assembly. Although such production failures are rare, it is highly desirable to find a suitable way to repair such wind turbine rotor blades, since in the alternative one may have to discard the entire wind turbine rotor blade.

[0004] Another problem that may arise, particularly for large wind turbine rotor blades that undergo extended storage periods, is slight deviations from their desired shape, often referred to as "ovalization". A wind turbine rotor blade that deviates from its desired, e.g. circular shape may cause problems when mounting the wind turbine rotor blade to the hub, or when in operation. For example, the pitch bearing may experience excessive wear. Summary of the invention

[0005] Starting from this, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manipulating the shape and / or position of a shell component of a wind turbine rotor blade.

[0006] This object is solved by the method of claim 1. Advantageous aspects are given in the dependent claims.

[0007] The method for manipulating the shape and / or position of a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component, wherein the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component has a connection section and a first insert having a connection surface and arranged in the connection section, the first insert being adapted to be screwed to another element of a wind turbine rotor, the method comprising the following steps:

[0008] providing a first tensioning block having a contact surface,

[0009] mounting a first tensioning block to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component with a threaded bolt which is screwed into the first insert and is pretensioned such that a contact surface of the first tensioning block is pressed against a connection surface of the first insert by the pretensioning force,

[0010] Apply lateral control force to the first tensioning block,

[0011] • wherein the pre-tensioning force is selected such that an interference fit is obtained between a connecting surface of the first insert and a contact surface of the first tensioning block, the interference fit being strong enough to transfer lateral handling forces to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component.

[0012] The wind turbine rotor may have a horizontal axis. The first wind turbine rotor blade shell component may be a wind turbine rotor blade half shell or another element of a wind turbine rotor blade, the wind turbine rotor blade comprising two or more parts connected to each other to form the entire rotor blade shell. However, when manufactured as a single piece, or when firmly assembled from two or more parts manufactured separately, the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component may also refer to the wind turbine rotor blade shell as a whole. The first wind turbine rotor blade shell component may extend over the entire length of the wind turbine rotor blade from the root to the tip. However, the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component may also be a longitudinal section of the wind turbine rotor blade shell component or the entire wind turbine rotor blade shell.

[0013] The term "connection section" refers to a section of a first wind turbine rotor blade shell member that is suitable for connection to another element of a wind turbine rotor. This other element may be, for example, a wind turbine rotor hub or an extension disposed between a wind turbine rotor blade root and the wind turbine rotor hub. The other element may also be another element of a wind turbine rotor blade, in particular when the wind turbine rotor blade is assembled from two or more longitudinal sections. In this case, the connection section may be an end section of a first longitudinal section of a rotor blade shell member, the end section facing another longitudinal section of the same wind turbine rotor blade shell member. Regardless of which other element of the wind turbine rotor the first wind turbine rotor blade shell member will be connected to, the connection surface of the first insert arranged in the connection section will face the other element of the wind turbine rotor.

[0014] The first insert has an internal thread into which a threaded bolt can be screwed. In particular, the first insert can be a sleeve with a circular circumferential outer surface. However, this is not mandatory and the first insert can also have another cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape can vary or be constant along the longitudinal direction of the first insert. The first insert can be rotationally symmetrical. In particular, the first insert can be made of a metal, such as steel.

[0015] According to the invention, a first tensioning block is provided and mounted to a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component. As will be discussed later, the first tensioning block does not have to be block-shaped and in fact may have any other shape as long as the first tensioning block provides a contact surface adapted to be pressed against a connecting surface of the first insert when the first tensioning block is mounted to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component by means of threaded bolts. The first tensioning block is mounted to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component by means of threaded bolts which are screwed into the first insert. An outer end or section of the threaded bolt which is not screwed into the first insert is connected to (or formed integrally with) the first tensioning block.

[0016] When the threaded bolt is prestressed, the contact surface of the first tensioning block is pressed against the connecting surface of the first insert by the prestressing force. After mounting the first tensioning block in this way, the first tensioning block is firmly attached to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component and an interference fit is obtained between the connecting surface of the first insert and the contact surface of the first tensioning block. The strength of the interference fit depends on the prestressing force. The prestressing force is selected so that the interference fit is strong enough to transmit the lateral operating forces applied to the first tensioning block. Applying a force to the first tensioning block in a lateral direction means in a direction that is angled with reference to the longitudinal axis of the first insert and / or its internal thread. The angle may be essentially a right angle, however, any operating force that deviates from this angle by 60° or less, in particular 30° or less, may also be considered to be lateral.

[0017] An important advantage of the method according to the invention is that the lateral handling forces are transferred to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component via the interference fit between the connecting surface of the first insert and the contact surface of the first tensioning block. This eliminates the risk of any structural damage to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component, to the embedded insert or to the threaded bolt. In particular, the internal threads of the threaded bolt and the first insert do not receive substantial loads deviating from their longitudinal direction. As a result, substantial lateral forces can be applied to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component without causing any damage.

[0018] At the same time, the method is particularly easy to implement and does not require any complex components or complicated procedures, especially when comparing the method of the invention with other conceivable methods for transferring lateral forces to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component, such as by attaching flexible or rigid strips or beams to the outer surface of the wind turbine rotor blade shell component.

[0019] In one aspect, the method for manipulating the shape and / or position of a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component with reference to a second wind turbine rotor blade shell component, wherein the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component has a connection section and a second insert having a connection surface and arranged in the connection section, the second insert being adapted to be screwed to said further element of the wind turbine rotor, and the method comprises the following additional steps:

[0020] providing a second tensioning block having a contact surface,

[0021] mounting a second tensioning block to the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component with a threaded bolt which is screwed into the second insert and is pretensioned such that a contact surface of the second tensioning block is pressed against a connection surface of the second insert with a pretensioning force,

[0022] Apply lateral control force to the second tensioning block,

[0023] wherein the pretensioning force applied to the threaded bolt screwed into the second insert is selected such that an interference fit is obtained between the connecting surface of the second insert and the second tensioning block, the interference fit being strong enough to transfer lateral handling forces applied to the second tensioning block to the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component,

[0024] Wherein the lateral operating force is applied by means of a tensioning element connected to the first tensioning block and the second tensioning block.

[0025] In other words, the method of claim 1 is applied in conjunction with a second wind turbine rotor blade shell component having a second insert, and the second tensioning block is mounted to the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component in the same manner as explained above with respect to the first tensioning block and the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component. Furthermore, the lateral steering force is applied to the two tensioning blocks by means of a tensioning element connected to the two tensioning blocks. The tensioning element may in particular comprise a tensioning belt guided around the two tensioning blocks or otherwise connected to the two tensioning blocks. The lateral steering force applied to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component may be a reaction force to the lateral steering force applied to the second tensioning block. By means of the lateral steering force, the relative position of the two wind turbine rotor blade shell components may be modified or maintained. It is also possible to modify or maintain the shape of one or both of the wind turbine rotor blade shell components. Essentially the same method may be implemented with a single wind turbine rotor blade shell component comprising a first insert and a second insert. Then, by mounting the two tensioning blocks and applying the lateral force with the tensioning element, the specific shape of the single wind turbine rotor blade shell component may be modified or maintained.

[0026] In one aspect, the threaded bolt screwed into the respective insert has a design pretension, when this insert is screwed to said respective other element of the wind turbine rotor by means of the threaded bolt, the design pretension will be applied, and the pretensioning force applied by the respective tensioning block is selected in the range of 50% to 100% of the design pretension. Within this range, a strong interference fit can be obtained without the risk of exceeding the relevant design load.

[0027] In one aspect, the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component and the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component comprise a plurality of inserts arranged on a circle, and the tensioning blocks and the tensioning elements are arranged such that the lateral force is applied substantially in a radial direction with reference to the circle. The lateral force is then well suited for correcting misalignments or deformations in the radial direction.

[0028] In one aspect, the method is applied to repair a wind turbine rotor blade, the wind turbine rotor blade comprising a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component and a second wind turbine rotor blade shell component, wherein a lateral maneuvering force is applied until a final position in which the two wind turbine rotor blade shell components are correctly aligned is obtained. This aspect particularly addresses the problem of two wind turbine rotor blade half shells having an "overbite". In particular, when two such misaligned wind turbine rotor blade half shells have been connected to each other, it may become necessary to remove the adhesive between the two half shells, i.e. to remove the adhesive along the leading edge and / or the trailing edge of the wind turbine rotor blade. Once the adhesive has been removed, the method of the invention may be applied to obtain the desired alignment.

[0029] In one aspect, the wind turbine rotor blade shell components are connected to each other in the final position by means of an adhesive. Once the adhesive cures, the wind turbine rotor blade shell components are fixed in their desired position relative to each other and no lateral steering forces need to be applied any more.

[0030] In one aspect, the method is applied to prevent deformation of a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component and / or a second wind turbine rotor blade shell component, wherein the lateral steering forces applied to the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component are applied such that the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component is maintained in a desired shape. A typical deformation that can be counteracted by the method of the invention is the so-called ovalization of wind turbine rotor blades, which may occur after the wind turbine rotor blade shell components are removed from their manufacturing molds and before the wind turbine rotor blades are provided with additional reinforcement components (e.g. ribs or plates, or steel rings of pitch bearings).

[0031] In one aspect, the first tension block and / or the second tension block have an axisymmetric shape. For example, a sleeve or a thick disc or plate may be used. The respective tension block may comprise a central threaded blind hole or a through hole with or without inner threat.

[0032] In one aspect, the first insert and / or the second insert are embedded in the laminate of the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component. The respective insert is then fixedly connected in the wind turbine rotor blade shell component. In an alternative, the insert may be mounted in the inner hole of the wind turbine rotor blade shell component by means of an adhesive.

[0033] In one aspect, the first tensioning block and / or the second tensioning block are mounted to the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component by means of an outer thread of a respective threaded bolt, wherein the outer thread is guided through a through hole of the respective tensioning block and fixed with a threaded nut. This is a simple and efficient way of connecting the tensioning block to the bolt. The desired pre-tensioning force can be applied by tightening the nut to the desired level.

[0034] In one aspect, the first tensioning block and / or the second tensioning block are mounted to the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component by means of an outer thread of a respective threaded bolt, wherein the outer thread is screwed into an inner thread of the respective tensioning block. In this respect, no additional nut is required for mounting the tensioning block. The threaded bolt is pre-tensioned by turning the tensioning block. For this purpose, the tensioning block may comprise a hexagonal head or another specific profile, making it easy to apply a tightening tool.

[0035] The internal thread can be formed in the respective tensioning block at a distance from the contact surface of the respective tensioning block so that a section of a threaded bolt of sufficient length (wherein this section of the threaded bolt may or may not have an external thread) remains free and provides extensibility for the desired pretensioning force.

[0036] In one aspect, the first tensioning block and / or the second tensioning block are mounted to the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component by means of at least one additional threaded bolt which is screwed into an additional insert of the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component. Thus, for the threaded bolt which is screwed into the first insert, the additional threaded bolt can be pre-tensioned as described above, thereby obtaining an even stronger interference fit. In this way, particularly strong lateral handling forces can be applied without the risk of damaging the structure of the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component.

[0037] In one aspect, the first tension block and / or the second tension block and the respective threaded bolt are manufactured in one piece or are securely assembled. In this respect, no separate threaded bolt is required to mount the respective tension block to the wind turbine rotor blade shell component.

[0038] In one aspect, the first and / or second tensioning block has a longitudinal section with an outer surface adapted to receive the connecting section of the tensioning element. This outer surface can be provided, for example, by a circumferential groove of the tensioning block. This makes it easy to maintain the desired position of the tensioning element.

[0039] In one aspect, the outer surface is rotatably mounted to the respective tensioning block. For example, the outer surface may be the outer surface of an annular element which is connected to the remainder of the respective tensioning block via a roller bearing. Thus, the respective lateral maneuvering forces will be applied to the tensioning block in a smooth and symmetrical manner, in particular when a tensioning belt is used as the tensioning element and is guided around several tensioning blocks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram shows a first tensioning block mounted to a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component,

[0042] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 A cross section of the tension block along its longitudinal axis is shown in

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of Figure 1 and the tension block of Figure 2,

[0044] Figure 4 A schematic diagram shows two wind turbine rotor blade shell components with four tensioning blocks and tensioning elements,

[0045] Figure 5 Two other wind turbine rotor blade shell components with four tensioning blocks and tensioning elements mounted thereon are shown in schematic form,

[0046] Figure 6 A schematic diagram shows a wind turbine rotor blade shell component having two tensioning blocks mounted thereon, the two tensioning blocks being connected by a tensioning element,

[0047] Figure 7 Two wind turbine rotor blade shell components are shown in schematic form, with a tensioning block fastened to each of the two wind turbine rotor blade shell components by two threaded bolts;

[0048] Figure 8 The enlarged view shows Figure 7 One of the tensioning blocks, and

[0049] Fig. 9 Another tensioning block is shown in a schematic sectional view,

[0050] Fig.10 A schematic diagram shows a tensioning block with a rotatable outer surface,

[0051] Fig.11 The schematic diagram shows the tension block mounted with a nut.

[0052] Fig.12 A schematic diagram shows two wind turbine rotor blade shell components with four tensioning blocks and tensioning elements,

[0053] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the tension block,

[0054] Fig.14 A schematic diagram shows two wind turbine rotor blade shell components with six tensioning blocks and tensioning elements,

[0055] Fig.15a A schematic diagram shows a tensioning element with a hook mounted to a tensioning block with a lug,

[0056] Fig.15b Two schematic diagrams show a tension block mounted to a tension block with lugs,

[0057] Fig.15c A schematic diagram shows another tensioning block mounted to the tensioning element, and

[0058] Fig.16 A wind turbine rotor blade is shown in a schematic perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Figure 1 A first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 is shown, wherein only its connection section 12 is included in the view. The connection section 12 comprises a laminate 14 having a laminate thickness 16, the laminate 14 consisting of a fiber reinforced composite material. A first insert 18 is embedded in the laminate 14. The first insert 18 is an axisymmetric sleeve having a contact surface 20 and an internal thread 22. The first insert 18 is suitable for being screwed to another element of the wind turbine rotor, which is not shown in the figure and can be, for example, a wind turbine rotor hub. In this case, the connection section 12 is a root section of the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10.

[0060] The threaded bolt 24 has an external thread 26 and is screwed into the internal thread 22 of the first insert 18 .

[0061] exist Figure 1 On the left side, a first tensioning block 28, also in the form of a sleeve, can be seen. It comprises an internal thread 30 and a hexagonal head 32. At the opposite end, the first tensioning block 28 comprises a contact surface 34 abutting against the connecting surface 20 of the first insert 18.

[0062] The threaded bolt 24 is pre-tensioned by screwing the first tensioning block 28 onto the threaded bolt 24 by means of a suitable tool connected to the hexagonal head 32. Thereby, the contact surface 34 is pressed against the connection surface 20 with a pre-tensioning force.

[0063] After the first tension block 28 is mounted to the first insert 18 as described, a lateral operating force is applied to the first tension block 28 using the tensioning element 38, such as Figure 1 The tensioning element 38 can be a tensioning belt which is guided around the first tensioning block 28 in a longitudinal section of the first tensioning block 28 having a circumferential groove 40 .

[0064] By means of the pre-tensioning force applied to the threaded bolts 24 an interference fit between the connecting surface 20 and the contact surface 34 is obtained which is strong enough to transfer lateral handling forces applied with the tensioning element 38 to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 .

[0065] The first insert 18 , the threaded bolt 24 and the first tensioning block 28 each have a longitudinal axis, wherein these axes are all aligned and correspond to the longitudinal direction of the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 .

[0066] Figure 2a The first tensioning block 28 is shown in cross section. Figure 2a The internal thread 30 can be seen on the left side of the first tensioning block 28 and extends approximately slightly less than 50% of the entire length of the first tensioning block 28. The remaining longitudinal section 42 of the first tensioning block 28 does not have an internal thread, so that the threaded bolt 24 inserted into the first tensioning block 28 in this longitudinal section 42 is free to provide the desired pretensioning force. The groove 40 is arranged in the longitudinal section 42 relatively close to the contact surface 34. The bottom of the groove 40 provides an outer surface 44 around which the tensioning element 38 can be guided.

[0067] Figure 2b The perspective view of FIG. 1 clearly shows the groove 40 and the hexagonal head 32 of the first tensioning block 28 .

[0068] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Shows something like Figure 2a and Figure 2b Another clamping block 28 of the clamping block 28 has a hexagonal head 32 , an internal thread 30 and a longitudinal section 42 . Figure 3a and Figure 3b The tensioning block 28 has two grooves 40 arranged side by side, so that two tensioning elements 38 can be connected, in particular in order to obtain a cross tensioning.

[0069] Figures 4 to 7The illustrations illustrate how the method may be applied to manipulate the shape and / or position of a wind turbine rotor blade shell component.Each figure shows a wind turbine rotor blade root section as seen from the hub.

[0070] exist Figure 4 , a second wind turbine rotor blade shell component 46, i.e. a second half shell, is placed on top of a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10, which is also a half shell. It is assumed that the two wind turbine rotor blade shell components 10, 46 are initially connected to each other incorrectly aligned so that in the area indicated by the two arrows 50, the wind turbine rotor blade has an "overbite". The adhesive provided between the two wind turbine rotor blade shell components 10, 46 at the relevant sections with the overbite has been removed. The first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 comprises two first inserts 18. A first tensioning block 28 is mounted to each of these first inserts 18.

[0071] The second wind turbine rotor blade shell component 46 comprises two second inserts 48, to each of which a second tensioning block 52 is mounted. The first insert 18 and the second insert 48, as well as possibly further inserts of the wind turbine rotor blade shell component not shown in the figure, are arranged on a circle having a centre 54. A tensioning element 38 in the form of a tensioning band is guided around the two first tensioning blocks 28 and the two second tensioning blocks 52, such that a lateral force applied by the tensioning element 38 to the tensioning blocks 28, 52 is aligned substantially in a radial direction with respect to the circle.

[0072] The maneuvering forces applied to the respective tensioning blocks 28 , 52 are transferred to the wind turbine rotor blade shell components 10 , 46 , in particular so that the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component 46 will be correctly aligned with reference to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 , and vice versa.

[0073] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the first insert 18 and the second insert 48 are arranged close to a connection plane 56 between two wind turbine rotor blade shell components. The connection plane 56 is aligned substantially horizontally.

[0074] exist Figure 5 , two similar wind turbine rotor blade shell components 10, 46 are shown, also having a connection plane 56 and a first insert 18 and a second insert 48 arranged on a circle having a center 54. Also similar to Figure 4 In the case of the first tension block 28 or the second tension block 52, the corresponding first tension block 28 or the second tension block 52 is mounted to each of these first inserts 18 and second inserts 48. Figure 4In contrast, the first insert 18 is arranged at the lowest position of the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 and the second insert 48 is arranged at the highest position of the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component 46, so that the tensioning elements 38 guided around the corresponding first and second tensioning blocks 28, 52 are arranged substantially vertically. Thus, applying a lateral steering force by means of the tensioning elements 38 will press the incorrectly connected edges of the wind turbine rotor blade shell components 10, 46 against each other, as illustrated by arrows 50.

[0075] Figure 6 Another application of the method to a single first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 is shown. This first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 can also be a wind turbine rotor blade half shell. It comprises a plurality of inserts 18 arranged on a circle. At the top left, the wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 comprises a first insert 18 with a threaded bolt 24, to which a first tensioning block 28 is mounted. At the top right, the wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 comprises a second insert 48 with a threaded bolt 24, to which a second tensioning block 52 is mounted. A tensioning element 38 is connected to the first tensioning block 28 and the second tensioning block 52 and applies lateral control forces to the tensioning blocks 28, 52. These lateral control forces can be used to prevent the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 from deforming during storage and thus to maintain the desired shape of the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10.

[0076] exist Figure 7 , another pair of a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 and a second wind turbine rotor blade shell component 46 arranged on top of the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 is shown. The first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 comprises two first inserts 18, to each of which a first tensioning block 28 is mounted. The second wind turbine rotor blade shell component 46 comprises two second inserts 48, to each of which a second tensioning block 52 is mounted. In this embodiment, a deflection disc 58 that is larger than the first tensioning block 28 is pushed onto the two first tensioning blocks 28. Similar deflection discs 58 are pushed onto the two second tensioning blocks 52. The tensioning element 38 is guided around the two deflection discs 58 so that the lateral steering force is applied to the respective first tensioning block 28 and the second tensioning block 52 via the deflection discs 58.

[0077] Figure 8 Shows Figure 7 6. An enlarged view of the deflection disc 58 of FIG. The deflection disc 58 is a thick circular disc having a circumferential groove 60 and two receiving portions 62, each receiving portion receiving a corresponding one of the first tensioning block 28 or the second tensioning block 52.

[0078] Another option for distributing the lateral operating forces of the tensioning element 38 to the respective inserts 18, 48 is to use one larger tensioning block 64 which is mounted to the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10, 46 by means of two or more inserts 18, 48 and two or more threaded bolts 24. These larger tensioning blocks 64 may be shaped, for example, similar to the deflection disc 58 and will be pressed against the two respective inserts 18, 48 by means of respective screw connections.

[0079] Fig. 9 An example of such a larger tensioning block 64 is shown in side view. It will be appreciated that the circumferential groove 60 is adapted to receive the tensioning element 38. The larger tensioning block 64 is mounted to the two first inserts 18 by means of two threaded bolts 24, each threaded bolt being guided through a through hole in the larger tensioning block 64 and pretensioned with a nut 66.

[0080] The deflection disc 28 and the larger tensioning block 64 ensure an even load transfer to the two threaded bolts 24 or inserts 18 , 48 , in particular if the tensioning element 38 does not pass through the center of the rotor blade cross section.

[0081] Fig.10 Another first tensioning block 28 is shown mounted to the first insert 18 with a threaded bolt 24, which is integrally formed with the first tensioning block 28. The threaded bolt 24 is screwed into the first insert 18. The first tensioning block 28 is provided with an annular element 68 having a groove 40 and an outer surface 44. The annular element 68 is rotatably mounted to the first tensioning block 28.

[0082] exist Fig.11 , a further first tensioning block 28 is shown which is mounted to a wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 by means of a threaded bolt 24 having an external thread 36. The external thread 36 is guided through a through hole of the tensioning block 28 and fixed with a threaded nut 66.

[0083] Fig.12 Shows something like Figure 4 Another example of using this method to correct an overbite is the placement of Figure 4 , two first tensioning blocks 28 are mounted to two first inserts 18 of a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10, and two second tensioning blocks 52 are mounted to two second inserts 48 of a second wind turbine rotor blade shell component 46. Each of the tensioning blocks 28, 52 is provided with an annular element 68 having a groove 40 and an outer surface 44 and rotatably mounted to the respective tensioning block 28, 52, as already described with reference to Fig.10 As explained.

[0084] Fig.13Shows Fig.12 FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first tensioning block 28 (area marked “A”). It can be seen that the annular element 68 is connected to the core segment 70 of the first tensioning block 28 via roller bearings 72. A tensioning element in the form of a tensioning band 38 is guided around the outer surface 44.

[0085] Fig.14 Shows something like Figure 7 Another arrangement of a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10 and a second wind turbine rotor blade shell component 46 in the case of FIG. Three first tension blocks 28 are mounted to the three first inserts 18 of the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component 10; three second tension blocks 52 are mounted to the three second inserts 48 of the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component 46. A tensioning element 38 in the form of a tensioning band connects the first tensioning blocks 28 and the second tensioning blocks 52 in a zigzag pattern. A first end 74 of the tensioning element 38 is connected to the first tensioning block 28, and an opposite second end 76 of the tensioning element 38 is connected to the second tensioning block 52. An intermediate portion 82 of the tensioning element 38 is connected to the remaining tensioning blocks 28, 52.

[0086] like Fig.15a As shown in FIG. 1 , the first end 74 and the second end 76 of the tensioning element 38 each include a hook 78 that hooks into a lug 80 formed on the respective tensioning block 28 , 52 .

[0087] Fig.15b Shows Fig.14 , how the middle section 82 of the tensioning element 38 can be connected to the remaining tensioning blocks 28, 52. These tensioning blocks 28, 52 are also provided with lugs 80, and the corresponding middle section 82 of the tensioning element 38 is guided through the lugs 80. Fig.15b On the left side this is shown in cross section and on the right side in side view.

[0088] Fig.15c Shows the Fig.14 , another way of connecting the middle section 82 of the tensioning element 38 to the remaining tensioning blocks 28, 52 is shown. In this case, the tensioning blocks 28, 52 are provided with an annular element 68, which is rotatably mounted to the core segment 70 of the tensioning blocks 28, 52 via roller bearings 72. The annular element 68 is provided with a lug 80, through which the middle section 82 of the tensioning element 38 is guided.

[0089] Fig.16A wind turbine rotor blade 84 is shown in a perspective schematic view. It comprises a first longitudinal section 86 comprising a wind turbine rotor blade root 88 and a second longitudinal section 90 comprising a wind turbine rotor blade tip 92. The two longitudinal sections 86, 90 have a common longitudinal axis 94. The wind turbine rotor blade 84 also has an aerodynamic profile 96, which is rounded at the wind turbine rotor blade root 88. The first longitudinal section 86 and the second longitudinal section 90 each comprise one or more wind turbine rotor blade shell components, such as a pressure side half shell and a suction side half shell.

[0090] The first longitudinal section 86 has a connection section 12 at a wind turbine rotor blade root 88. This connection section 12 is suitable for fastening to a wind turbine rotor blade hub (not shown). At its opposite end, the first longitudinal section 86 has another connection section 12 suitable for fastening to a longitudinal section 90.

[0091] The second longitudinal section 90 has a connecting section 12 at its end remote from the wind turbine rotor blade tip 92. This connecting section 12 is adapted to be fastened to the first longitudinal section 86.

[0092] Each of these connecting sections 12 comprises a combination of inserts and / or threaded bolts, which is only Fig.16 Indicated schematically in .

[0093] Reference numerals list

[0094] 10First wind turbine rotor blade shell component

[0095] 12 Connection section

[0096] 14 Laminates

[0097] 16 Laminate thickness

[0098] 18 First Insert

[0099] 20 Connecting Surfaces

[0100] 22 Internal thread

[0101] 24 Threaded bolt

[0102] 26 External thread

[0103] 28 First tension block

[0104] 30 Internal thread

[0105] 32 Hexagonal Head

[0106] 34 Contact surface

[0107] 36 External thread

[0108] 38 tensioning element

[0109] 40 grooves

[0110] 42 longitudinal section

[0111] 44 External surface

[0112] 46 Second wind turbine rotor blade shell member

[0113] 48 Second insert

[0114] 50 Arrow

[0115] 52 Second tension block

[0116] 54 Center

[0117] 56 Connection plane

[0118] 58 Deflection disc

[0119] 60 grooves

[0120] 62 Receiving part

[0121] 64 tensioning block

[0122] 66 Nut

[0123] 68 Ring element

[0124] 70 core sections

[0125] 72 Roller bearings

[0126] 74 First end

[0127] 76 Second end

[0128] 78 Hook

[0129] 80 Lug

[0130] 82 middle section

[0131] 84 Wind turbine rotor blades

[0132] 86 first longitudinal section

[0133] 88 Wind turbine rotor blade root

[0134] 90 second longitudinal section

[0135] 92 Wind turbine rotor blade tips

[0136] 94 longitudinal axis

[0137] 96 Aerodynamic Profile

Claims

1. A method for manipulating the shape and / or position of a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10), wherein the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10) has a connection section (12) and a first insert (18), the first insert having a connection surface (20) and arranged in the connection section (12), the first insert (18) being adapted to be screwed to another element of a wind turbine rotor, the method comprising the following steps: providing a first tensioning block (28) having a contact surface (34), mounting the first tensioning block (28) to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10) by means of a threaded bolt (24), the threaded bolt (24) being screwed into the first insert (18) and being pretensioned such that the contact surface (34) of the first tensioning block (28) is pressed against the connection surface (20) of the first insert (18) with a pretensioning force, Applying a lateral operating force to the first tensioning block (28), wherein the pre-tensioning force is selected such that an interference fit is obtained between a connection surface (20) of the first insert (18) and a contact surface (34) of the first tensioning block (28), the interference fit being sufficiently strong to transmit the lateral steering force to the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10).

2. The method according to claim 1 for manipulating the shape and / or position of a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10) with reference to a second wind turbine rotor blade shell component (46), wherein the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component (46) has a connection section (12) and a second insert (48), the second insert having a connection surface (34) and being arranged in the connection section (12), the second insert (48) being adapted to be screwed to the further element of the wind turbine rotor, the method comprising the following additional steps: providing a second tensioning block (52) having a contact surface (34), mounting the second tensioning block (52) to the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component (46) by means of threaded bolts (24) which are screwed into the second insert (48) and are pretensioned such that a contact surface (34) of the second tensioning block (52) is pressed against the connection surface (20) of the second insert (48) with a pretensioning force, Applying a lateral operating force to the second tensioning block (52), wherein the pre-tensioning force applied to the threaded bolt (24) screwed into the second insert (48) is selected such that an interference fit is obtained between the connecting surface (34) of the second insert (48) and the second tensioning block (52), the interference fit being strong enough to transfer the lateral steering force applied to the second tensioning block (52) to the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component (46), The lateral operating force is applied by means of a tensioning element (38) connected to the first tensioning block (28) and the second tensioning block (52).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The threaded bolt (24) screwed into the respective insert (18, 48) has a design pretension which is applied when the insert (18, 48) is screwed to the respective other element of the wind turbine rotor by means of the threaded bolt (24), and the pretensioning force applied by the respective tensioning block (28, 52) is selected in the range of 50% to 100% of the design pretension.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The first wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10) and the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component (46) comprise a plurality of inserts (18, 48) arranged on a circle, and the tensioning blocks (28, 52) and the tensioning elements (38) are arranged such that the lateral steering force is applied substantially in a radial direction with reference to the circle.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The method is applied to repair a wind turbine rotor blade comprising a first wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10) and a second wind turbine rotor blade shell component (46), wherein the lateral maneuvering force is applied until a final position is obtained in which the two wind turbine rotor blade shell components (10, 46) are correctly aligned.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The wind turbine rotor blade shell components (10, 46) are connected to each other in a final position by means of an adhesive.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The method is applied to prevent deformation of the first wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10) and / or the second wind turbine rotor blade shell component (46), wherein a lateral control force applied to the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10, 46) is applied such that the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10, 46) is maintained in a desired shape.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The first tensioning block (28) and / or the second tensioning block (52) has an axisymmetric shape.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first insert (18) and / or the second insert (48) are embedded in a laminate (14) of a respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10, 46).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The first tensioning block (28) and / or the second tensioning block (52) are mounted to the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10, 46) by means of an outer thread (36) of a respective threaded bolt (24), wherein the outer thread (36) is guided through a through hole of the respective tensioning block (28, 52) and fixed with a threaded nut (66).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The first tensioning block (28) and / or the second tensioning block (52) are mounted to a respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10, 46) by means of an outer thread (36) of a respective threaded bolt (24), wherein the outer thread (36) is screwed into an inner thread (30) of the respective tensioning block (28, 52).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The first tensioning block (28) and / or the second tensioning block (52) are mounted to the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10, 46) by means of at least one additional threaded bolt (24) which is screwed into an additional insert of the respective wind turbine rotor blade shell component (10, 46).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The first tensioning block (28) and / or the second tensioning block (52) and the corresponding threaded bolt (24) are manufactured in one piece or are firmly assembled.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The first tensioning block (28) and / or the second tensioning block (52) has a longitudinal section (42) with an outer surface (44) adapted to receive a connecting section of the tensioning element (38).

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the outer surface (44) is rotatably mounted to a respective tensioning block (28, 52).

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