Method of manufacturing wind turbine blade component

Abstract

In a first aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade component is provided. The method includes providing a first sheet including a first edge region defining a first edge. The first sheet further includes an overlap tolerance indicator disposed in the first edge region for positioning the second sheet relative to the first sheet. The overlap tolerance indicator includes a first marker located at a maximum expected overlap distance from the first edge and a second marker located at a minimum expected overlap distance from the first edge. The method further includes providing a second sheet including a second edge region defining a second edge. The method further includes arranging the second sheet with the first sheet such that a second edge region of the second sheet overlaps a first edge region of the first sheet and a second edge of the second sheet is located between the first and second indicia of the overlap tolerance indicator such that the overlap tolerance indicator is partially covered by the second sheet. When the overlap tolerance indicator is only partially covered by the second sheet, the overlap tolerance indicator provides a visual indication that the degree of overlap of the sheets is within a predetermined tolerance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wind turbine blades and, more particularly, to a method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade component. Background Art

[0002] Manufacturing components for wind turbine blades, such as blade shells and / or shear webs, typically involves a molding process. The molding process, such as vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), typically involves arranging a plurality of sheets on a mold surface. For example, the component may be a laminated composite component including a plurality of layers of reinforcement material. The layers may be formed by arranging a plurality of sheets of reinforcement material on the mold surface. Additionally or alternatively, the molding process may involve arranging a plurality of sheets of consumable material, such as a release material or a transfer film.

[0003] In each example, arranging the sheets generally involves overlapping edge regions of the sheets. For example, overlapping the sheets of reinforcement material provides a continuous load path for distributing the loads experienced by the wind turbine blade component in use. In addition, overlapping the sheets of consumable material can help control the flow of resin during the molding process, or ensure that the wind turbine blade component can be completely released from the mold and / or other consumable materials, for example. Therefore, overlapping the sheets is generally advantageous during the manufacturing process of the wind turbine blade component.

[0004] However, greater overlap between sheets of reinforcing material increases the amount of such material required to manufacture the blade component, thereby increasing the mass of the component. Greater overlap between sheets of consumable material also increases the amount of material used, which increases cost and waste, and in some examples, may also restrict the flow of resin during the molding process. Therefore, the sheets must be arranged so that the overlap is within a predetermined overlap tolerance.

[0005] Therefore, laying out the sheets requires careful placement of the sheets on the mold surface and also requires measuring the overlap to ensure that the overlap is within a specified overlap tolerance. Manually laying out and especially measuring and verifying the overlap between sheets can be time consuming and inefficient.

[0006] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed. Summary of the invention

[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade component is provided. The method includes providing a first sheet, the first sheet including a first edge region defining a first edge. The first sheet also includes an overlap tolerance indicator disposed in the first edge region, the overlap tolerance indicator for positioning a second sheet relative to the first sheet. The overlap tolerance indicator includes a first mark located at a minimum expected overlap distance from the first edge and a second mark located at a maximum expected overlap distance from the first edge. The method also includes providing a second sheet, the second sheet including a second edge region defining a second edge. The method also includes arranging the second sheet with the first sheet such that the second edge region of the second sheet overlaps the first edge region of the first sheet, and the second edge of the second sheet is located between the first mark and the second mark of the overlap tolerance indicator, such that the overlap tolerance indicator is partially covered by the second sheet. When the overlap tolerance indicator is only partially covered by the second sheet, the overlap tolerance indicator provides a visual indication that the overlap degree of the sheets is within a predetermined tolerance.

[0008] The method facilitates quick and easy verification of the overlap between the first sheet and the second sheet to ensure that the overlap is within a predetermined overlap tolerance.

[0009] In some examples, the first marking of the overlap tolerance indicator can be spaced apart from the first edge.For example, the first marking of the overlap tolerance indicator can specify that the second sheet must overlap the first sheet to a certain extent when the second sheet is properly arranged relative to the first sheet.

[0010] In some examples, at least one of the sheets can be a consumable material sheet. In addition, in some examples, both the first sheet and the second sheet can be consumable material sheets. For example, the sheet can be a transfer film sheet, a peeling layer sheet, or a release material sheet. In some examples, the first sheet and the second sheet can each be a sheet of different materials. Therefore, the overlap tolerance indicator can facilitate the rapid and accurate placement of consumable materials during the manufacturing process of the wind turbine blade component.

[0011] In some examples, the wind turbine blade component may be a laminated composite component. In such examples, the first sheet and the second sheet may form at least a portion of a laminate layer of the wind turbine blade component. The method facilitates precisely arranging the first sheet and the second sheet to ensure that a minimum overlap is achieved, thereby providing a suitable load path for the loads experienced by the component in use, while also ensuring that the overlap is not too large, thereby ensuring that the mass of the component is not unnecessarily increased.

[0012] The method may further include providing a mold defining a mold surface. Arranging the second sheet with the first sheet may include arranging the first sheet and the second sheet on the mold surface. In some examples, the mold may be a male mold. Thus, the mold surface may be a male mold surface.

[0013] In some examples, the second sheet may be manually arranged with the first sheet. The method is particularly advantageous for manual lay-up forming processes because the overlap tolerance indicator facilitates quick and accurate verification of the position of the second sheet relative to the first sheet using an indicator clearly visible to the technician.

[0014] In some examples, the overlap tolerance indicator may include a straight line extending between a first mark and a second mark of the overlap tolerance indicator. Such a configuration may make the overlap tolerance indicator more visible, thereby making verification of the overlap easier.

[0015] In some examples, the method may further include: projecting a guide line. For example, the method may include projecting the guide line using a laser. The method may further include: arranging the first sheet with the projected guide line so that the overlap tolerance indicator is aligned with the guide line. This makes the initial arrangement of the first sheet particularly simple and fast, and can help ensure that the first sheet is accurately arranged before the second sheet is arranged relative to the first sheet.

[0016] In some examples, the method may further include verifying the correct placement of the second sheet with the first sheet by using a camera to view the overlap tolerance indicator in an automated process and assessing whether the second edge is disposed between the first mark and the second mark of the overlap tolerance indicator. This may help reduce the likelihood of human error and / or also increase the speed of verifying the positioning of the second sheet.

[0017] In some examples, the first mark can define a first end of the overlap tolerance indicator. In some examples, the second mark can define a second end of the overlap tolerance indicator. In this way, the overlap tolerance indicator can have a length equal to the total overlap tolerance. Using an overlap tolerance indicator configured in this manner can make it particularly simple to identify whether the overlap is within a predetermined overlap tolerance.

[0018] In some examples, the first sheet may also include a third edge region defining a third edge extending transversely to the first edge. The second sheet may include a fourth edge region defining a fourth edge extending transversely to the second edge. The first sheet may also include a second overlap tolerance indicator disposed in the third edge region. The second overlap tolerance indicator may include a first mark located at a minimum expected overlap distance from the third edge. In addition, the second overlap tolerance indicator may include a second mark located at a maximum expected overlap distance from the third edge.

[0019] The method may further include arranging the second sheet with the first sheet such that the fourth edge region overlaps at least a portion of the third edge region and partially covers the second overlap tolerance indicator. For example, the fourth edge may be arranged between the first mark and the second mark of the second overlap tolerance indicator such that the second overlap tolerance indicator provides a visual indication that the degree of overlap between the fourth edge of the second sheet and the third edge of the first sheet is within a predetermined tolerance. Use of the second overlap tolerance indicator may facilitate verification of the position of the second sheet in two separate directions.

[0020] In some examples, the or each overlap tolerance indicator may be applied to the first sheet during a mating process in which the first sheet is cut to size. For example, the first sheet may be cut to size using an automated (i.e., computer numerically controlled) cutting device. In a preferred example, the cutting device may be configured to apply the overlap tolerance indicator to the first sheet.

[0021] In a preferred example, the overlap tolerance indicator may be marked or printed onto the first sheet.

[0022] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a wind turbine blade half shell manufactured using the method described herein.

[0023] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a wind turbine blade shear web manufactured using the method described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Examples of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of a wind turbine blade;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded view of a mold and a plurality of sheets for arrangement in a process for manufacturing a wind turbine blade component;

[0027] Figure 3a is a schematic perspective view of a first sheet and a second sheet arranged on a mold, wherein an edge region of the second sheet overlaps an edge region of the first sheet;

[0028] Figure 3b is an enlarged view showing an overlap tolerance indicator disposed in an edge region of a first sheet for positioning a second sheet relative to the first sheet; and

[0029] Figure 4 is a plan view of an arrangement of a first sheet and a second sheet in an example in which the first sheet includes both a first overlay tolerance indicator and a second overlay tolerance indicator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of a wind turbine blade 10. The blade 10 extends in a spanwise direction (S) between a blade root 12 and a blade tip 14, the blade root being configured to attach the blade 10 to a hub of the wind turbine. The blade 10 extends in a chordwise direction (C) between a leading edge 16 and a trailing edge 18 to define an aerodynamic outer profile configured to generate lift from wind incident on the blade 10 in use.

[0031] The wind turbine blade 10 comprises an outer shell, and the outer shell may be formed from two half shells 20a, 20b, for example Figure 1 As shown. The shell may be a composite part, for example, the half shells 20a, 20b forming the shell may be laminated composite parts. Thus, each half shell 20a, 20b may include a plurality of laminated layers, for example layers of fiber reinforcement material fixed in a polymer resin matrix.

[0032] Still refer to Figure 1 In some examples, the wind turbine blade 10 may further include a shear web 22 extending longitudinally within the shell. The shear web 22 may be configured to provide structural support for the shell in use. In some examples, the shear web 22 may be a laminated composite component. As such, the shear web 22 may include a plurality of laminated layers, such as layers of fiber reinforcement material fixed in a polymer resin matrix.

[0033] The shear web 22 and the outer shell or half shells 20a, 20b of the outer shell are examples of wind turbine blade components that can be manufactured using the method described below with reference to the remaining figures. Although the following description will be provided with reference to the method of manufacturing the shear web 22, it should be understood that, in the absence of any contrary statement, the following description is equally applicable to manufacturing other wind turbine blade components, such as half shells 20a, 20b.

[0034] First refer to Figure 2 , manufacturing a wind turbine blade component, such as a shear web 22, involves arranging a plurality of sheets of material. It will be appreciated that the method may involve arranging more than two sheets, however, for ease of reference, the manufacturing method will be described with respect to a first sheet 24a and a second sheet 24b. In some examples, the sheets 24a, 24b may be consumable materials, such as sheets of transfer film or release material used in manufacturing wind turbine blade components. Alternatively, the sheets 24a, 24b may form at least a portion of a laminate layer of the wind turbine blade component. Thus, the sheets 24a, 24b may be sheets of reinforcement material, for example, the sheets 24a, 24b may include reinforcement fibers such as glass fibers and / or carbon fibers.

[0035] Wind turbine blade components may be manufactured using the mold 26 . Figure 2 A male mold 26 is shown, i.e., a mold defining a male mold surface 28, which is configured to form the shear web 22. The first sheet 24a and the second sheet 24b may be arranged on the mold surface 28, such as Figure 2 Preferably, the first sheet 24a is first arranged on the mold surface 28, and then the second sheet 24b is arranged on the mold surface 28. The first sheet 24a includes a first edge region 30a defining a first edge 32a, and the second sheet 24b includes a second edge region 30b defining a second edge 32b.

[0036] See also Figure 3a , the second sheet 24b is arranged with the first sheet 24a so that the second edge region 30b overlaps the first edge region 30a. In order to provide a visual indication of the degree of overlap of the sheets 24a, 24b, the first sheet 24a also includes an overlap tolerance indicator 34 disposed in the first edge region 30a for positioning the second sheet 24b relative to the first sheet 24a, such as at Figure 3b As shown more clearly in the enlarged view of FIG.

[0037] Reference Figure 3a and Figure 3b , the overlap tolerance indicator 34 includes a first mark 36 located at the minimum expected overlap distance from the first edge 32a and a second mark 38 located at the maximum expected overlap distance from the first edge 32a. The difference between the maximum expected overlap distance and the minimum expected overlap distance can be referred to as the overlap tolerance. It should be understood that when the second sheet 24b is correctly arranged relative to the first sheet 24a, the edge 32b of the second sheet 24b is located between the first mark 36 and the second mark 38 of the overlap tolerance indicator 34, that is, between the minimum expected overlap distance and the maximum expected overlap distance. Therefore, when the overlap degree of the sheets 24a, 24b is within a predetermined tolerance, the overlap tolerance indicator 34 is partially covered by the second sheet 24b, that is, at least the first mark 36 of the tolerance indicator 34 is covered by the second sheet 24b.

[0038] In particular, when the second sheet 24b is correctly arranged with the first sheet 24a, the overlap tolerance indicator 34 is only partially covered by the second sheet 24b. For example, at least the second mark 38 of the overlap tolerance indicator 34 should remain visible, i.e., not covered by the second sheet 24b. If the second sheet 24b is arranged to overlap the first sheet 24a by more than the maximum expected overlap distance, the second mark 38 of the overlap tolerance indicator 34 will be covered, indicating that the overlap is outside the predetermined overlap tolerance.

[0039] Thus, manufacturing a wind turbine blade component may involve a simple overlap verification step. Such an overlap verification step may be accomplished by visually observing the overlap tolerance indicator 34 to give the technician an immediate indication of the accuracy in the positioning of the second sheet 24b. The overlap verification step may involve the following simple determination process: if the first mark 36 is visible, the overlap is too small; if both the first mark 36 and the second mark 38 are covered, the overlap is too large; and if the first mark 36 is covered and the second mark 38 is visible, the overlap is within a predetermined overlap tolerance.

[0040] Thus, the overlap tolerance indicator 34 provides a clear visual reference for locating the edge 32b of the second sheet 24b relative to the first sheet 24a. By providing such an indicator 34, the accuracy and speed of arranging the sheets 24a, 24b are improved. In particular, the overlap tolerance indicator 34 facilitates quick and easy verification that the second sheet 24b overlaps with the first sheet 24a as expected, because the overlap can be visually verified as being within tolerance or outside tolerance, and there is no need to measure the overlap after arranging the sheets 24a, 24b.

[0041] In many examples, it can be provided that there is at least a certain degree of overlap between the first sheet 24a and the second sheet 24b. As such, the minimum expected overlap distance from the first edge 32a can be greater than 0 mm, and the first mark 36 of the overlap tolerance indicator 34 can be spaced apart from the first edge 32a. For example, for a sheet including 1000 g / m 2 The expected overlap of the sheets 24a, 24b of biaxial glass fiber may be 75 mm with a tolerance of + / - 25 mm. In such an example, the first mark 36 may be located up to 50 mm from the first edge 32a.

[0042] like Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, in some examples, the first mark 36 can define a first end of the overlap tolerance indicator 34. Similarly, the second mark 38 can define a second end of the overlap tolerance indicator 34. Therefore, in some examples, the length of the overlap tolerance indicator 34 can be equal to the total overlap tolerance, that is, the difference between the maximum expected overlap distance and the minimum expected overlap distance. Configuring the overlap tolerance indicator 34 in this manner provides a clear indication of the degree of overlap that can be quickly identified by viewing the indicator.

[0043] like Figure 3b As particularly shown in FIG. 1 , in some examples, the overlap tolerance indicator 34 includes a straight line extending between the first mark 36 and the second mark 38. Such a configuration can be used for the initial placement of the first sheet 24a, i.e., for positioning the first sheet 24a relative to the mold 26, and also provides a particularly clear and easily verifiable indication of the degree of overlap when the second sheet 24b is placed.

[0044] In addition, if Figure 3a As shown, the method may include projecting a guide line 40 when manufacturing the wind turbine blade component. As one possible example, a laser may be used to project the guide line 40 onto the mold surface 28. The first sheet 24a may be positioned on the mold surface 28 by arranging the first sheet 24a with the projected guide line 40 so that the overlap tolerance indicator 34 is aligned with the guide line 40. This may involve aligning the first mark 36 and the second mark 38 of the overlap tolerance indicator 34 with the guide line 40. In some preferred examples, as described above, the overlap tolerance indicator 34 may include a straight line extending between the first mark 36 and the second mark 38, and such an indicator 34 may be particularly easy to align with the projected guide line 40.

[0045] See now Figure 4 , which shows a plan view of the arrangement of the first sheet 24a and the second sheet 24b, in some examples, the first sheet 24a may also include a third edge region 30c, which defines a third edge 32c extending transversely to the first edge 32a. In a similar manner, the second sheet 24b may include a fourth edge region 30d, which defines a fourth edge 32d extending transversely to the second edge 32b. In such an example, the first sheet 24a may include another overlap tolerance indicator 34i disposed in the third edge region 30c and configured to position the fourth edge 32d of the second sheet 24b relative to the first sheet 24a.

[0046] Where a second overlap tolerance indicator 34i is included, the second overlap tolerance indicator 34i may be constructed in substantially the same manner as the previously described first overlap tolerance indicator 34. Likewise, the description of the first overlap tolerance indicator 34 provided previously is similarly applicable to the second overlap tolerance indicator 34i, and equivalent features will not be described in detail herein to avoid repetition. For the sake of completeness, it should be understood that the second overlap tolerance indicator 34i may include a first mark 36i located at a minimum expected overlap distance from the third edge 32c and a second mark 38i located at a maximum expected overlap distance from the third edge 32c.

[0047] Similar to the process previously described with reference to the first overlap tolerance indicator 34, in the example where the first sheet 24a includes the second overlap tolerance indicator 34i, the method of manufacturing the wind turbine blade component may include overlapping the third edge region 30c and the fourth edge region 30d. For example, the method may include arranging the second sheet 24b with the first sheet 24a so that the fourth edge region 30d overlaps at least a portion of the third edge region 30c and partially covers the second overlap tolerance indicator 34i. When the second sheet 24b is correctly positioned, the fourth edge 32d is preferably arranged between the first mark 36i and the second mark 38i of the second overlap tolerance indicator 34i. Therefore, the second overlap tolerance indicator 34i can provide a visual indication that the degree of overlap between the fourth edge 32d and the first sheet 24a is within a predetermined tolerance. Providing the second overlap tolerance indicator 34i can facilitate the accurate arrangement of the second sheet 24b relative to the first sheet 24a in two separate directions, such as in both the spanwise direction (S) and the chordwise direction (C).

[0048] Although not shown in the drawings, in some examples, the method may further include using a camera to verify the arrangement of the second sheet 24b with the first sheet 24a. The camera may be used in an automated process to observe the overlap tolerance indicator 34, 34i or each overlap tolerance indicator 34, 34i, and assess whether the edge 32b, 32d of the second sheet 24b is arranged between the corresponding first mark 36, 36i and the second mark 38, 38i of the corresponding overlap tolerance indicator 34, 34i. As such, the camera may be used to assess the accuracy of the arrangement of the second sheet 24b relative to the first sheet 24a. In particular, the use of the camera for verification may provide real-time feedback on sheet positioning. In some examples, the camera may be configured to simultaneously assess multiple overlap tolerance indicators 34, 34i, thereby providing a real-time assessment of the overall positioning of the second sheet 24b relative to the first sheet 24a. When the second sheet 24b is correctly arranged to overlap with the first sheet 24a within a predetermined overlap tolerance indicated by the or each overlap tolerance indicator 34, 34i, a positive confirmation signal such as a green light may be provided.

[0049] The methods described herein and in particular the use of the overlap tolerance indicator 34 are particularly advantageous in examples where the second sheet 24b is manually arranged with the first sheet 24a. Manually laying out the sheets 24a, 24b in the molding process introduces the possibility of human error in the accuracy of the laying, and previously required time-consuming measurement and verification steps to ensure that the sheets 24a, 24b are correctly arranged. The overlap tolerance indicator 34 provides a simple and effective visual reference to assist the technician when manually arranging the sheets 24a, 24b. The overlap tolerance indicator 34 shows the technician where to place the second sheet 24b, and the overlap verification step previously described can be used to verify the accuracy of the arrangement of the second sheet 24b.

[0050] Although the above description and drawings are provided with reference to an example in which the wind turbine blade component is a shear web 22, it should be understood that the method is equally applicable to manufacturing other wind turbine blade components. In particular, the above method can also be used to form wind turbine blade half shells 20a, 20b. However, it should be understood that in order to form the half shells 20a, 20b, the mold 26 can be a negative mold, that is, the mold surface 28 can be a concave mold surface 28.

[0051] In the method described above by way of example, the first sheet 24a and the second sheet 24b are arranged to form at least a portion of a laminate layer of a composite wind turbine blade component. The method may also include arranging additional sheets of material on top of the first sheet 24a and the second sheet 24b to form additional layers of the composite wind turbine blade component. It is also useful to use an overlap tolerance indicator 34 in the first composite layer (e.g., on the first sheet 24a) when arranging sheets of subsequent laminate layers on top of the first sheet 24a and the second sheet 24b. For example, using the overlap tolerance indicator 34 as a reference can help ensure that subsequent sheets arranged on top of the first sheet 24a and the second sheet 24b are arranged to overlap so that their respective edges are spaced apart from the overlap between the first sheet 24a and the second sheet 24b. In this way, the overlap between sheets of different laminate layers can be staggered to reduce the risk of stress concentrations forming in the composite wind turbine blade component.

[0052] As previously mentioned, in other examples, sheets 24a, 24b may be consumable material sheets. In other examples, one of sheets 24a or 24b may be a reinforcing material sheet, while the other sheet 24b or 24a may be a consumable material sheet. Similarly, the overlap tolerance indicator 34 may be used to position the consumable material sheet relative to the reinforcing material sheet.

[0053] While in some examples the use of projected guide lines 40 may be advantageous for aligning the first sheet 24a with the mold 26, it will be appreciated that in many examples, projected guide lines 40 may not be required. More specifically, a particular advantage of the methods described herein is that the use of the overlap tolerance indicator 34 facilitates accurate placement of the second sheet 24b relative to the first sheet 24a with the intended overlap without requiring a projection system (e.g., a laser system) to align the second sheet 24b. When arranging the second sheet 24b, the second sheet 24b may be aligned relative to the first sheet 24a simply by observing the overlap tolerance indicator 34 or each overlap tolerance indicator 34. This is particularly advantageous in examples where, for example, when manufacturing the shear web 22, the method includes arranging the sheets 24a, 24b on a convex mold surface 28. In such examples, an overhead projection system such as a laser may not be able to project guide lines onto the sides of the mold surface (i.e., a surface extending below a horizontal plane). In contrast, the overlap tolerance indicator 34 described above does not rely on such a projected guide line 40 and therefore can be used to place the sheets 24a, 24b in any position on any portion of the mold 26 with a desired overlap.

[0054] The overlap tolerance indicator 34 or each overlap tolerance indicator 34 can be arranged on the first sheet 24a in a variety of different ways without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the overlap tolerance indicator 34 as described above can be a separate component attached to the first sheet 24a. As a possible example, the overlap tolerance indicator 34 can include one or more adhesive tapes adhered to the first sheet 24a. Alternatively, in a particularly preferred example, the overlap tolerance indicator 34 can be printed or marked on the first sheet 24a. This helps to ensure that when the second edge region 30b of the second sheet 24b is arranged to overlap with the first edge region 30a and a part of the overlap tolerance indicator 34, the second edge region 30b of the second sheet 24b is not wrinkled or has no other folds. In a preferred example, the overlap tolerance indicator 34 can be applied to the first sheet 24a in a matching process, and the first sheet 24a is cut into a desired size in this matching process.

[0055] Finally, it should be understood that the expected overlap and the maximum and minimum expected overlap distances may be different for different materials. In addition, although an expected overlap of 75 mm with a tolerance of + / - 25 mm is provided above as for 1000 g / m 2 An example of a possible expected overlap for biaxial glass fibers, but it will be appreciated that in other examples using such materials, the expected overlap and tolerances may be different.

[0056] The description provided herein is used to illustrate multiple possible examples of the present invention. It should be understood that the features described with respect to any of the examples above can be easily combined with any other features described with reference to other examples without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade component, the method comprising: providing a first sheet, the first sheet comprising a first edge region defining a first edge, the first sheet further comprising an overlap tolerance indicator disposed in the first edge region, the overlap tolerance indicator for positioning a second sheet relative to the first sheet, the overlap tolerance indicator comprising a first mark located at a minimum expected overlap distance from the first edge and a second mark located at a maximum expected overlap distance from the first edge; providing a second sheet including a second edge region defining a second edge; Arranging the second sheet with the first sheet so that: a second edge region of the second sheet overlaps a first edge region of the first sheet, and a second edge of the second sheet is located between a first mark and a second mark of the overlap tolerance indicator, so that the overlap tolerance indicator is partially covered by the second sheet; Wherein, when the overlap tolerance indicator is only partially covered by the second sheet, the overlap tolerance indicator provides a visual indication that the degree of overlap of the sheets is within a predetermined tolerance.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: A first marking of the overlay tolerance indicator is spaced apart from the first edge.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sheet is a consumable material sheet, such as a transfer film sheet, a peeling layer sheet, or a release material sheet.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The wind turbine blade component is a laminate composite component and wherein the first sheet and the second sheet form at least part of a laminate layer of the wind turbine blade component.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The method further includes providing a mold defining a mold surface, and wherein arranging the second sheet with the first sheet includes arranging the first sheet and the second sheet on the mold surface.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The mould is a male mould and wherein the mould surface is a male mould surface.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second sheet is arranged manually with the first sheet.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The overlay tolerance indicator includes a straight line extending between a first mark and a second mark of the overlay tolerance indicator.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: For example, using lasers to project guide lines; and arranging the first sheet with the projected guide line such that the overlay tolerance indicator is aligned with the guide line.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: Correct placement of the second sheet with the first sheet is verified by viewing the overlay tolerance indicator using a camera in an automated process and assessing whether the second edge is arranged between the first mark and the second mark of the overlay tolerance indicator.

11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first mark defines a first end of the overlay tolerance indicator, and the second mark defines a second end of the overlay tolerance indicator.

12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first sheet further comprises a third edge region defining a third edge extending transversely to the first edge, wherein the second sheet comprises a fourth edge region defining a fourth edge extending transversely to the second edge, and wherein the first sheet further comprises a second overlap tolerance indicator disposed in the third edge region, the second overlap tolerance indicator comprising a first mark located at a minimum expected overlap distance from the third edge and a second mark located at a maximum expected overlap distance from the third edge, the method further comprising: The second sheet is arranged with the first sheet so that: the fourth edge region overlaps with at least a portion of the third edge region and partially covers the second overlap tolerance indicator, and the fourth edge is arranged between the first mark and the second mark of the second overlap tolerance indicator, so that the second overlap tolerance indicator provides a visual indication that the degree of overlap between the fourth edge of the second sheet and the third edge of the first sheet is within a predetermined tolerance.

13. A wind turbine blade half shell manufactured using the method of any of the preceding claims.

14. A wind turbine blade shear web manufactured using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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