Tool for supporting wind turbine blade

Abstract

In a first aspect, a tool for supporting a wind turbine blade in a shaped position is provided. The tool includes: a base configured to rest on the ground; a support structure configured to receive a region of the wind turbine blade when the leading edge of the wind turbine blade faces ground, where the support structure includes a support surface configured to receive and support an outer surface of the region of the blade; and a lifting mechanism configured to move the support structure relative to the base. In another aspect, a support assembly for supporting a wind turbine blade in a post-formed position is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of supporting a wind turbine blade during post-forming operations is provided.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of European patent application EP22177428 filed on June 7, 2022. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to tools and support assemblies for supporting a wind turbine blade, and methods for supporting a wind turbine blade in a post-formed position. Background Art

[0003] Modern wind turbines are commonly used to supply electricity to an electrical grid. This type of wind turbine generally includes a rotor having a rotor hub and a plurality of blades. The rotor rotates under the influence of the wind on the blades. The rotation of the rotor shaft drives the generator rotor either directly ("direct drive") or through the use of a gearbox. The gearbox (if present), generator and other systems are typically mounted in a nacelle on top of the wind turbine tower.

[0004] A wind turbine blade has a root portion for attachment to a rotor hub and a tip portion at the opposite end. The root portion of a wind turbine blade typically has a generally circular cross-section. Some other regions, such as the profile portion or airfoil portion farthest from the rotor hub, have a cross-section with an aerodynamic profile.

[0005] Wind turbine blade manufacturing may include several operations or stages, such as molding. Post-molding operations may be performed after molding in a manufacturing plant. Wind turbine blades may be molded using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). For example, post-molding operations may include installing aerodynamic devices or additional features, repairing of the blade (including grinding or polishing), scanning the wind turbine blade, and / or finishing operations (such as painting the wind turbine blade).

[0006] The wind turbine blade may be positioned substantially horizontally to facilitate handling after forming. For this reason, the wind turbine blade must be properly supported, for example by a support.

[0007] Access to all areas of a wind turbine blade for post-forming operations may be difficult. In the case of large blades with relatively large cross-sections, it may be even more difficult. The wind turbine blade may be rotated about its longitudinal axis to facilitate access to different areas of the wind turbine blade where post-forming operations are intended to be performed. However, since the cross-section of the wind turbine blade varies along the length of the blade, at some rotational positions the clearance between the wind turbine blade and the ground may increase towards the tip portion. As a result, despite the rotation of the wind turbine blade about its longitudinal axis, some areas of the tip portion may still remain at a significantly higher altitude than the root portion.

[0008] The brackets are generally assembled to support and secure the wind turbine blades during operation after forming. The brackets also serve to provide a working platform for operators. However, these brackets must be disassembled to allow the blades to be rotated at the desired rotation angle. During rotation, the wind turbine blades are generally suspended from above using a bridge crane or some rotating or rotating device. After rotation of the blade, the brackets must then be reassembled. These tasks are repeated each time the wind turbine blade is rotated.

[0009] The use of a bridge crane for hanging wind turbine blades during assembly and disassembly of the support can present safety hazards. For example, the bridge crane may fail or the suspended load may fall. This can result in serious injuries and damage. For this reason, workers are usually prohibited from working under the suspended load. Therefore, post-forming operations on unfinished wind turbine blades while the blades are hung by a bridge crane are avoided.

[0010] Larger wind turbine blades may involve taller brackets. Assembling and disassembling taller brackets may generally involve assembling and disassembling more parts before and after rotation. This may mean longer manufacturing time.

[0011] In recent years there has been a trend towards increasing the size of wind turbine blades. Producing relatively long wind turbine blades may increase the problems mentioned above.

[0012] The present disclosure provides examples of tools, systems, and methods that at least partially address some of the aforementioned shortcomings. Summary of the invention

[0013] In a first aspect, a tool for supporting a wind turbine blade in a post-forming position is provided. The tool includes a base configured to rest on the ground, and a support structure configured to receive a region of the wind turbine blade when the leading edge of the wind turbine blade faces the ground. The support structure includes a support surface configured to receive and support an outer surface of the region of the wind turbine blade. In addition, the tool includes a lifting mechanism configured to move the support structure relative to the base.

[0014] According to this aspect, the tool may support a wind turbine blade in a post-forming position. The post-forming position is a position of the blade at which post-forming operations may be performed. In the post-forming position, the leading edge substantially faces the ground to allow a worker to perform post-forming operations on a relatively large area of ​​the blade. For example, post-forming operations may be performed on opposite sides extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge (i.e., the suction side and / or the pressure side). The suction side may be referred to as the downwind side, and the pressure side may be referred to as the upwind side.

[0015] Furthermore, the support structure and thus the support surface may be lowered or raised to bring a region of the wind turbine blade to a desired height. The distance from the ground to the support surface may be adjusted during the post-forming operation. Accordingly, a region of the wind turbine blade (e.g., a tip portion of the wind turbine blade) may be raised or lowered. Thus, the operating height on the wind turbine blade may be adjustable during the post-forming operation.

[0016] The bearing surface cooperates or engages with the outer surface of the zone of the wind turbine blade. The wind turbine blade can thus be fixed at a desired rotation angle. Undesired vibrations, oscillations or rotations of the wind turbine blade about its longitudinal axis can thus be prevented. Accordingly, lowering and lifting of the zone of the blade can be performed safely.

[0017] Since the gap between the wind turbine blade and the ground can be reduced, the accessibility of the wind turbine blade can be improved. Since the wind turbine blade can be more accessible, the complexity of the post-forming tool can be reduced.

[0018] Additionally, since the tool is configured to support the wind turbine blade when the leading edge of the wind turbine blade faces the ground, accessibility to the leading edge of the wind turbine blade may be improved. Accordingly, post-forming operations related to the leading edge, such as installing a leading edge protection element, may thus be performed more easily.

[0019] If a bracket is used, the height of the bracket can be reduced. Therefore, the tasks of assembling and dismantling the bracket can be easier and / or faster. This can also mean that the manufacture of the wind turbine blade can be faster.

[0020] The tool can be placed underneath a wind turbine blade so that the wind turbine blade can be lifted and supported from below. The use of bridge cranes in the manufacturing plant can be reduced. Thus, work under suspended loads can be reduced or even avoided. Thus, the risk of accidents can be minimized. Furthermore, the wind turbine manufacturing time can be shortened.

[0021] In another aspect, a support assembly for supporting a wind turbine blade in a post-formed position is provided. The support assembly comprises a tool according to any example disclosed herein. The support assembly comprises a rotation system configured to rotate the wind turbine blade about its longitudinal axis.

[0022] Advantages obtained from this aspect may be similar to those mentioned with respect to the previous aspect.

[0023] In yet another aspect, a method for supporting a wind turbine blade during a post-forming operation is provided. The method includes positioning a leading edge of the wind turbine blade to face the ground. The method further includes raising a support structure of a tool for supporting a wind turbine blade to receive a region of the wind turbine blade. Additionally, the method includes receiving and supporting an outer surface of the region of the wind turbine blade using a support surface of the support structure. The method further includes lowering the support structure to lower the region of the wind turbine blade.

[0024] Advantages obtained from this aspect may be similar to those mentioned with respect to the previous aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a wind turbine according to one example; Figure 2 shows a simplified interior view of a nacelle of a wind turbine according to one example; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a wind turbine blade according to one example; Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a wind turbine blade; Figure 5 schematically illustrates a front view of a tool supporting a wind turbine blade in a post-forming position according to an example of the present disclosure; Figure 6 A tool with a support structure in a lower position is shown according to one example of the present disclosure; Figure 7 Shown with the support structure in a high position Figure 6 tools; Figure 8 A wind turbine blade receiving apparatus at an operating height is shown. Figure 6 A perspective view of the supporting structure in FIG. Fig. 9 Schematically illustrates a tool according to an example of the present disclosure; Fig.10 schematically illustrates a partial view of a tool according to an example of the present disclosure; Fig.11 schematically shows a partial and perspective view of a support structure according to one example of the present disclosure; Figure 12 to Figure 14 Schematically shows an example of the present disclosure Figure 6 A view of the assembly of the tool in FIG. 1 ; and Fig.15is a block diagram of a method for supporting a wind turbine blade during post-forming operations according to an example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In these figures, the same reference symbols are used to indicate matching elements.

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a wind turbine 1 is shown. As shown, the wind turbine 1 includes a tower 2 extending from a supporting surface 3, a nacelle 4 mounted on the tower 2, and a rotor 5 coupled to the nacelle 4. The rotor 5 includes a rotatable hub 6 and at least one rotor blade 7 coupled to the rotor hub 6 and extending outwardly from the rotor hub 6. For example, in the example shown, the rotor 5 includes three wind turbine blades 7. However, in alternative embodiments, the rotor 5 may include more or less than three blades 7. Each wind turbine blade 7 may be spaced apart from the rotor hub 6 to facilitate rotation of the rotor 5 so that the kinetic energy of the wind can be converted into usable mechanical energy and subsequently into electrical energy. For example, the rotor hub 6 may be rotatably coupled to a generator 10 ( 100 kW) positioned within or forming part of the nacelle 4. Figure 2 ), to allow the generation of electrical energy.

[0028] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 1 is a simplified interior view of an example of a nacelle 4 of a wind turbine 1. As shown, a generator 10 may be disposed within the nacelle 4. Generally, the generator 10 may be coupled to the rotor 5 of the wind turbine 1 to generate electricity from rotational energy generated by the rotor 5. For example, the rotor 5 may include a main rotor shaft 8 coupled to a hub 6 for rotation therewith. The generator 10 may then be coupled to the rotor shaft 8 such that rotation of the rotor shaft 8 drives the generator 10. For example, in this figure, the generator 10 includes a generator shaft 11 rotatably coupled to the rotor shaft 8 through a gearbox 9. In other examples, the generator may be directly coupled to the rotor hub or the rotor shaft.

[0029] It should be appreciated that the rotor shaft 8 , gearbox 9 and generator 10 may generally be supported within the nacelle 4 by a bedplate or support frame 12 positioned at the top of the tower 2 .

[0030] The nacelle 4 is rotatably coupled to the tower 2 via a yaw system 20. The yaw system includes a yaw bearing (at Figure 21 and 2. The yaw bearing 20 is a yaw bearing having two bearing members configured to rotate relative to each other (not visible in FIG. 1 ). The tower 2 is coupled to one of the bearing members, and the bedplate or support frame 12 of the nacelle 4 is coupled to the other bearing member. The yaw system 20 includes a yaw ring gear 21 and a plurality of yaw drives 22 having an electric motor, a gearbox and pinions for meshing with the ring gear to rotate one of the bearing members relative to the other.

[0031] The blade 7 is coupled to the rotor hub 6 using a pitch bearing 31 located between the blade 7 and the rotor hub 6. The pitch bearing 31 comprises an inner ring and an outer ring (shown). The wind turbine blade may be attached to the inner bearing ring or the outer bearing ring, while the hub is connected to the other. When the pitch system 30 is actuated, the blade 7 may perform a relative rotational movement relative to the rotor hub 6. Thus, the inner bearing ring may perform a rotational movement relative to the outer bearing ring. Figure 2 The pitch system 30 comprises a pinion gear 32 which meshes with a pitch ring gear 33 provided on the inner bearing ring to start the rotation of the wind turbine blades.

[0032] Figure 3 An example of a wind turbine blade is shown. The wind turbine blade 7 extends from a root end 71 to a tip end 72 in a longitudinal direction. The blade 7 comprises a blade root region or portion 50 closest to the rotor hub, a profile portion or airfoil portion 52 farthest from the rotor hub, and a transition portion 51 between the blade root portion 50 and the airfoil portion 52. The blade 7 comprises a leading edge 53 facing the direction of rotation of the blade 7 when mounted on the rotor hub, and a trailing edge 54 facing in the opposite direction of the leading edge 53.

[0033] In the example herein, the length of the wind turbine blade 7 from the root end 71 to the tip end 72 is more than 80 meters, for example more than 100 meters. However, wind turbine blades 7 of any length may be used.

[0034] The airfoil portion 52 has a shape designed to generate lift, while the blade root portion 50 has a circular or elliptical cross section for structural considerations and to facilitate mounting the blade to the rotor hub. The diameter or chord of the blade root portion 50 may be constant along the entire root portion 50. At the transition portion 51, the profile gradually changes from the circular or elliptical cross section of the blade root portion 50 to the airfoil profile of the airfoil portion 52.

[0035] The wind turbine blade 7 comprises a blade shell 73. The blade shell may comprise two blade shell parts, such as a pressure side blade shell and a suction side blade shell. The pressure side blade shell may be joined (e.g. glued or bonded) to the suction side blade shell along a joining line along the leading edge 53 and the trailing edge 54. The blade shell 73 comprises an outer side or outer surface defining an outer shape of the blade, such as an outer shape at a blade root portion and an outer shape at an airfoil portion. The blade shell 73 also comprises an inner side or inner surface ( Figure 3 ). The blade shell 73 may be made of a fiber reinforced polymer (eg, glass fiber and / or carbon fiber).

[0036] The blade root portion 50 includes a blade root attachment portion 55 configured to attach the blade root portion to the rotor hub. The blade root attachment portion may include a plurality of fastening components distributed along the root end. In some examples, the blade root end includes a blade flange facing the first bearing member. The blade root end may include a structural reinforcement member, such as a reinforcement plate or a reinforcement ring, located at the blade root attachment portion to increase the structural resistance of the blade root portion.

[0037] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A suction side 57 and a pressure side 56 extend from a leading edge 53 to a trailing edge 54. The wind turbine blade 7 further comprises a chord line 38 between the leading edge 53 and the trailing edge 54.

[0038] The wind turbine blade 7 includes a load-bearing structure that provides stiffness to the wind turbine blade. In this example, the load-bearing structure includes shear webs 42, such as leading edge shear webs and trailing edge shear webs. The load-bearing structure of the figure also includes a first spar cap 74 arranged at the pressure side 56 and a second spar cap 76 arranged at the suction side 57. In some examples, the shear web 42 may be a spar box having a spar side, such as a trailing edge spar side and a leading edge spar side.

[0039] Figure 5 A front view of a tool 100 supporting a wind turbine blade in a post-forming position according to an example of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 5 The tool 100 comprises a base 110 configured to rest on the ground G. The tool 100 further comprises a support structure 120 configured to receive a zone of a wind turbine blade 7 when the leading edge 53 of the wind turbine blade 7 faces the ground. The support structure 120 comprises a support surface 121 configured to receive and support an outer surface of the zone of the blade. The support surface 121 cooperates with the outer surface of the zone of the blade.

[0040] In the example of the figure, the bearing surface 121 engages the leading edge 53 of the wind turbine blade. In addition, the bearing surface 121 engages the area of ​​the pressure side 56 and the area of ​​the suction side 57. In this example, the pressure side engagement surface 122 engages the area of ​​the pressure side 56, and the suction side engagement surface 123 engages the area of ​​the suction side. In this example, the bearing surface 121 extends continuously from the pressure side engagement surface 122 to the bottom portion engagement surface 181 and from the bottom portion engagement surface 181 to the suction side engagement surface 123. The bearing surface 121 of the figure includes a U-shaped configuration to engage the cross-sectional profile of the outer surface of the leading edge 53.

[0041] In this example, the cross section of the wind turbine blade is in an upright position, i.e., the chord line 38 is substantially perpendicular to the ground G. However, in other examples, the chord line 38 may form an acute angle relative to the ground G. In some examples, the chord line 38 may form an angle between 45° and 90° relative to the ground G when the blade is in the post-molding position.

[0042] exist Figure 5 , some dimensions of the support structure 120 are shown. Although the dimensions have been Figure 5 , but the dimensions may also correspond to other examples disclosed herein.

[0043] It can be seen that dimension D is the distance between the pressure side mating surface 122 and the suction side mating surface 123. Dimension D is measured, for example, between 1.2m and 1.5m. Dimension H corresponds to the distance between the bottom portion mating surface 181 and the uppermost end of the pressure side mating surface 122 or the suction side mating surface 123. Dimension H is measured, for example, between 1.5m and 1.8m. Dimension R corresponds to the radius of the cross-sectional profile of the bottom portion mating surface 181. For example, dimension R is measured between 120mm and 130mm.

[0044] The dimensions may allow the bearing surface 121 to mate with the outer surface of the leading edge 53. The dimensions substantially correspond to the outer shape of the leading edge at a position between half the length of the wind turbine blade and the tip end of the wind turbine blade. Thus, the tool may be arranged between half the length of the wind turbine blade and the tip end. In some examples, the tool may be arranged between the third of the length of the wind turbine blade closest to the tip end and the tip end. For example, for a 70-120 meter wind turbine blade, the bottom portion mating surface 181 may mate with a region of the leading edge arranged at a distance between 60-100 meters from the root end.

[0045] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the tool 100 further includes a lifting mechanism 130 configured to move the support structure 120 relative to the base 110, such as moving it upward or downward.

[0046] The base 110 , the support structure 120 , and the lifting mechanism 130 may be made of any material suitable for bearing a load, such as a metal material.

[0047] Since the tool 100 supports the wind turbine blade in the post-molding position, post-molding operations may be performed while the tool 100 supports the wind turbine blade 7. Post-molding operations may be performed in a wind turbine blade manufacturing plant after the wind turbine blade is molded and before the blade is shipped from the manufacturing plant. In the present disclosure, post-molding operations refer to mounting and / or finishing operations performed on a wind turbine blade after the blade shell has been substantially cured and removed from the blade mold.

[0048] Examples of post-forming operations that may be performed while the wind turbine is held by tool 100 may include at least scanning or inspection operations (e.g., ultrasonic scanning and / or optical inspection), surface finishing operations (e.g., polishing and / or painting), installation of aerodynamic features (e.g., vortex generators, T-spoilers, and / or serrated features), installation of auxiliary systems (e.g., installation of lightning receptors and / or blade sensors), installation of reinforcements (e.g., leading edge and / or trailing edge reinforcements), or any suitable non-destructive testing activities.

[0049] The tool 100 may allow performing operations on a wind turbine blade after a curing step of the wind turbine blade or a wind turbine blade shell by using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding (VARTM).

[0050] Figure 5 The length of the support structure 120 may be defined between the root side and the tip side of the support structure 120. This length of the support structure 120 may measure between 1 m and 1.8 m. When the wind turbine blade is received by the support structure 120, this length follows a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade.

[0051] Some wind turbine blades may include reinforcements extending a certain length in the length direction of the wind turbine blade. In some examples, the length of the support structure 120 may substantially correspond to the length of the reinforcement of the blade. The reinforcement material may be some additional structure or additional fiber sheet placed inside the wind turbine blade that partially increases the stiffness of the wind turbine blade. The wind turbine blade 7 may be joined by the tool 100 at the location where the reinforcement is arranged.

[0052] However, the tool 100 may be configured to receive a blade at a different location along the length of a wind turbine blade 7 having suitable strength or resistance. In some examples, the support surface may fit a region of the wind turbine blade including between half of the length of the wind turbine blade and the tip end. In some examples, the tool 100 may be configured to receive a cross-section of a blade having a longitudinal reinforcement.

[0053] The support structure 120 of the tool 100 can be raised and / or lowered relative to the ground G by the action of the lifting mechanism. Therefore, the distance from the ground to some parts of the wind turbine blade can be adjusted to a predetermined height. For example, the tip end 72 of a wind turbine blade exceeding 100 meters can be lowered from a first height of about 5 meters to a second height of less than 2 meters, specifically less than 1.6 meters. The accessibility of the wind turbine blade for performing post-forming operations is greatly improved.

[0054] Figure 6 , 7 8 show some examples of support structures 120 positioned at different heights relative to the ground. Figure 6 A tool 100 is shown with a support structure 120 in a low position according to one example of the present disclosure. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the wind turbine blade 7 is not supported by the support structure 120 , so the wind turbine blade 7 is supported by any other suitable means, such as by a support frame.

[0055] Figure 7 Shown with the support structure in a high position Figure 6 Tools. Figure 7 In FIG. 1 , the support surface 121 engages a region of the wind turbine blade 7 . In this figure, the wind turbine blade 7 is at least partially supported by the tool 100 . Figure 7 The height of the tip end 72 is above 5 meters.

[0056] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the support structure 120 and thus the wind turbine blade 7 have been Figure 7 The high position is reduced to Figure 8 The height of the tip end 72 in the figure is below 2 meters, specifically below 1.6 meters. Figure 8 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the lowered wind turbine blades 7 may be more easily accessible to personnel.

[0057] exist Figure 6-8In the example of the figures, the outer surface of the region of the wind turbine blade 7 includes the leading edge 53. Therefore, the support surface 121 is configured to engage at least a portion of the leading edge 53 of the wind turbine blade 7 when the wind turbine blade is in the post-molding position. The support surface 121 of these figures includes a bottom portion mating surface 181. The bottom portion mating surface 181 includes a shape that mates or engages the outer shape of the leading edge. The blade can thus be fixed at a specific angle or orientation. The post-molding position of these figures is an upright position, in which the leading edge 53 faces the ground G and the chord is substantially perpendicular to the ground. Accordingly, the support surface 121 may be configured to engage the outer shape of a portion of the leading edge 53 when the cross-section of the wind turbine blade 7 is in the upright position. In other examples, when the chord of the blade forms an acute angle relative to the ground, the support surface may include a shape that engages a portion of the leading edge.

[0058] In these examples, the bearing surface 121 is further configured to engage a region of the pressure side 56 and a region of the suction side 57 of the wind turbine blade 7. In some examples, the bearing surface 121 may be configured to engage a region of the pressure side or a region of the suction side. The bearing surface 121 in these figures includes a pressure side engagement surface 122 that engages a region of the pressure side, and a suction side engagement surface 123 that engages a region of the suction side 57. The bottom portion engagement surface 181 is arranged between the pressure side engagement surface 122 and the suction side engagement surface 123.

[0059] Thus, the bearing surface 121 of these examples includes a generally U-shaped profile. In these examples, there is a gap between the pressure side mating surface 122 and the bottom portion mating surface 181, and between the suction side mating surface 123 and the bottom portion mating surface 181. In other examples, the pressure side mating surface 122 may be connected to the suction side mating surface through the bottom portion mating surface 181.

[0060] The bottom portion mating surface 181 of these figures engages a region of the leading edge of a wind turbine blade. The bottom portion mating surface 181 comprises a curved shape and substantially defines a U-shaped cross section.

[0061] In some examples, the bearing surface 121 may include a pad and / or a portion of a band. The bearing surface 121 of these examples includes a set of pads, for example three pads. The three pads may respectively engage a portion of the suction side, a portion of the leading edge and a portion of the pressure side of the blade. In other examples, a single pad may cover an extension of the bearing surface 121, for example an extension extending continuously from a pressure side engagement surface to a suction side engagement surface. One or more pads may be arranged to contact an outer surface of a zone of the wind turbine blade 7. One or more pads may be made of rubber or the like.

[0062] The support structure 120 of these figures comprises a bracket. The bracket comprises an opening 190 for receiving a region of a wind turbine blade 7. A support surface 121 may be arranged at the opening of the bracket. The bracket may comprise a substantially U-shaped cross section.

[0063] exist Figure 6 , 7 In the examples of the tool 100 and 8, the base 110 includes a connection structure 111 configured to face the leading edge 53 of the wind turbine blade 7. The connection structure 111 in these figures includes a lifting hole 184 configured to receive the fork of a forklift. The lifting hole 184 can be arranged in a manner so that when the wind turbine blade is received by the tool 100, the lifting hole 184 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the wind turbine blade 7. The lifting hole 184 can also be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA when the wind turbine blade is received by the tool 100.

[0064] In these examples, the base 110 further includes a pressure side column 112 and a suction side column 113 configured to be removably attached to the connection structure 111. The pressure side column 112 and the suction side column 113 can be placed opposite each other relative to the support structure 120. When the wind turbine blade 7 is received by the support surface 121, the pressure side column 112 and the suction side column 113 can be placed opposite each other relative to the longitudinal axis LA. Therefore, when the blade is received by the tool, the pressure side column 112 is adjacent to the pressure side of the wind turbine blade, and the suction side column 113 is adjacent to the suction side of the wind turbine blade. Therefore, a cross-section of the wind turbine blade can be arranged between these side columns.

[0065] Since the pressure side column and the suction side column are detachably connected to the connection structure 111, the connection structure 111 can be first positioned below the wind turbine blade and then the side columns can be attached to the connection structure 111. Positioning the tool to receive the blade is thus simplified.

[0066] The pressure-side columns 112 and the suction-side columns 113 may be configured to guide the lifting and lowering movement of the support structure 120 .

[0067] The lifting mechanism 130 of these examples includes a pressure side drive unit 131 associated with the pressure side column 112 and a suction side drive unit 132 associated with the suction side column 113. These drive units 131, 132 are configured to drive the lifting and lowering movement of the support structure 120. In these examples, the lifting mechanism further includes a lifting control unit 133 configured to control the operation of the drive units. Therefore, the operation of the pressure side drive unit 131 and the suction side drive unit 132 can be synchronized. Therefore, the pressure side drive unit 131 and the suction side drive unit can be operated substantially simultaneously. The lifting control unit 133 can control the operation of the drive units 131, 132 in a manner so that the support structure 120 is lifted or lowered within a predetermined height range. The lifting control unit 133 can be arranged in any suitable position in the tool 100. In an example, the lifting control unit 133 can be a separate unit that communicates data with the rest of the tool 100.

[0068] In some examples, the lifting mechanism may include a screw jack associated with the pressure side column 112 and a screw jack associated with the suction side column 113. The screw jacks may be operably connected to the drive units 131, 132 and the support structure 120. In other examples, the lifting mechanism may include other suitable configurations, such as hydraulic and / or pneumatic actuators.

[0069] In this figure, the base 110 includes a pressure side support leg 114 hingedly attached to the pressure side column 112, and a suction side support leg 115 hingedly attached to the suction side column 113 in a manner such that the support legs 114, 115 can be moved from a folded position to a deployed position in which the distal ends 116 of the support legs 114, 115 rest on the ground. The pressure side support legs 114 and the suction side support legs 115 in the deployed position can improve the stability of the tool 100. In some examples, the support legs 114, 15 can be telescopic such that the distal ends 116 can be retracted in the folded position of the support legs 114, 115 and can be extended in the deployed position.

[0070] although Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The base of the example has two pressure-side support legs 114 and two suction-side support legs 115, but the number of support legs 114, 115 may vary depending on the situation. Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , one pressure side support leg 114 and one suction side support leg 115 face the tip end 72 , and one pressure side support leg 114 and one suction side support leg 115 face the root end 71 .

[0071] In some examples, the support surface 121 may include a portion of the pad 124 and / or the belt 125. This may be shown schematically in the tool according to one example of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 Although Fig. 9 The example includes a pad 124 and a portion of a belt 125, but the pad 124 may be arranged in any of the examples of the support surface 121 disclosed herein.

[0072] As explained above, a single pad 124 may cover an extension of the support surface 121. In some examples, the support surface 121 may include a group of pads 124 arranged on the support surface 121. The pad 124 may be arranged to contact the outer surface of a region of the wind turbine blade 7. The pad 124 may be made of rubber or the like.

[0073] exist Fig. 9 In the example of , the support surface 121 comprises a portion of a band 125 extending from a support structure suction side 126 to a support structure pressure side 127. The shape of the band may be adapted to the shape of the zone of the blade to be received. This allows the same band to be used at different lengths of wind turbine blades. The portion of the band 125 may be arranged in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the wind turbine blade 7.

[0074] The belt 125 can be rolled up or swung out around a reel 128 at the support structure suction side 126 or the support structure pressure side 127. If the belt is rolled up, the wind turbine blade 7 can be lifted, whereas if the belt is swung out, the wind turbine blade 7 can be lowered.

[0075] One end of the belt may be attached to the support structure 120 by a releasable fastener, such as a hook 129. The releasable fastener may be disposed at the fastening end opposite the reel end of the belt. The reel 128 and hook 129 may be located in the support structure suction side 126 or the support structure pressure side 127, respectively.

[0076] Fig. 9 The tool 100 in FIG. 1 also has a pressure side column 112 and a suction side column 113 . The support structure 120 and thus the belt 125 can be raised and / or lowered by a lifting mechanism 130 .

[0077] Fig.10 A partial view of a tool according to one example of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Fig.10The support structure 120 in FIG. 1 has a pressure side seat 182 facing the pressure side 56 of the blade, and a suction side seat 183 facing the suction side 57 of the blade. The pressure side seat 182 and the suction side seat 183 are oriented opposite to each other. The pressure side seat 182 and the suction side seat 183 have corresponding parts of the support surface 121 to support the pressure side 56 and the suction side 57. Therefore, the pressure side seat 182 and the suction side seat 183 may act as a clamp-like structure on the wind turbine blade 7. The wind turbine blade 7 may be held in place relative to the longitudinal axis LA by means of the pressure side seat 182 and the suction side seat 183. For the sake of clarity, a gap or void between the wind turbine blade 7 and the pressure side seat 182 and the suction side seat 183 is shown. However, such a gap or void may be avoided in use.

[0078] exist Fig.10 , a band 125 configured to receive and support a wind turbine is positioned between the wind turbine blade 7 and the pressure side seat 182 and the suction side seat 183. The bearing surface 121 on the pressure side seat 182 engages the pressure side 56, and the bearing surface on the suction side seat 183 engages the suction side 57. The leading edge 53 is engaged by the band 125.

[0079] Fig.11 Schematically shown is a partial and perspective view of a support structure 120 according to an example of the present disclosure. Fig.11 The tool 100 comprises a plurality of strips 125 arranged along the length direction from the root side 185 to the tip side 186 of the support structure 120. The strips 125 are arranged one after another along the length direction in such a way that the support surface 121 of the strip 125 can support and receive the outer surface of a portion of the wind turbine blade 7. Fig.11 The tool 100 in FIG. 1 includes two belts 125 , but the number of belts 125 may vary.

[0080] Fig.11 The strap 125 in FIG. 1 is fixed or attached to the support structure 120 by both ends of the strap 125 .

[0081] exist Fig. 9 , 10 In the example of 11, the belt 125 is configured to achieve the above reference when the front edge 53 is engaged by the support surface 121. Figure 5 The dimensions described in the examples.

[0082] Figure 12-14 Schematically shows a Figure 6 FIG. 1 is an assembled view of the tool 100 .

[0083] exist Fig.12 , 13A support assembly 300 for supporting a wind turbine blade 7 in a post-forming position is disclosed in the specification. The support assembly 300 includes a tool 100 according to any example disclosed herein and a rotation system 400 configured to rotate the wind turbine blade 7 about its longitudinal axis LA. The rotation system 400 is configured to be arranged between the tool 100 and the tip end 72 of the wind turbine blade 7. The root end 71 may be supported by a root support. In some examples, the rotation system 400 may also be arranged between the root end 71 and the tool 100.

[0084] exist Fig.12 As can be seen in FIG, the connection structure 111 of the base 110 of the tool is arranged to face the leading edge 53 of the wind turbine blade 7. In this example, the support structure 120 rests on the connection structure 111 and both are positioned at a predetermined position below the wind turbine blade 7. The predetermined position may correspond to a reinforcement of the wind turbine blade 7 as described above. Fig.12 In the example of FIG. 1 , a forklift has been used to transport and place the support structure 120 and the connecting structure 111 .

[0085] The pressure side column 112 and the suction side column 113 may be removably attached to the connection structure 111. Fig.13 , arrow A indicates the direction along which the pressure side column 112 and the suction side column 113 are attached to the connection structure 111. The pressure side column 112 and the suction side column 113 can be engaged with the connection structure 111, for example, by mating parts. The pressure side column 112 and the suction side column 113 can be carried by a forklift or a self-propelled modular transporter and positioned at both sides of the support structure 120.

[0086] In some examples, a bridge crane may be used to transport and place the support structure 120 and the connecting structure 111. In such examples, the support structure 120, the connecting structure 111, and other parts such as the pressure side column 112 and the suction side column 113 may have hooks to be suspended by the bridge crane.

[0087] In some examples, the pressure side column 112 and the suction side column 113 can be coupled to the connection structure 111 in a manner such that the lifting mechanism 130 can be operably connected to the support structure 120. In an example, a screw jack can be operably connected to the support structure 120.

[0088] exist Fig.14 , the tool 100 is shown with the pressure side column 112 and the suction side column 113 removably attached to the connection structure 111. Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the pressure side support legs 114 and the suction side support legs 115 are shown in a folded position. Figure 7Once the pressure side column 112 and the suction side column 113 are removably attached to the connecting structure 111 , the pressure side support legs 114 and the suction side support legs 115 may be in a deployed position with the distal ends 116 contacting the ground G.

[0089] The tool 100 may be disassembled in the reverse order to that described thus far. The pressure side column 112 and the suction side column 113 may be removed from the connection structure 111.

[0090] Fig.15 is a block diagram of a method 200 for supporting a wind turbine blade during post-forming operations according to an example of the present disclosure. The method 200 may be implemented by any of the examples of the tool 100 disclosed herein.

[0091] The method 200 for supporting a wind turbine blade 7 during post-forming operations includes positioning 201 a leading edge 53 of the wind turbine blade 7 facing the ground G. Figure 6 It can be seen that the leading edge 53 is positioned facing the ground.

[0092] In some examples, positioning 201 the leading edge 53 of the wind turbine blade 7 to face the ground G may include rotating the wind turbine blade 7 about its longitudinal axis LA. After forming, the wind turbine blade 7 may be positioned so that the pressure side 56 or the suction side 57 faces the ground G. The wind turbine blade 7 may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise about its longitudinal axis. The rotation may encompass any suitable angle, such as 90 degrees. The rotation may be performed by the rotation system 400.

[0093] The method further comprises lifting 202 a support structure 120 of a tool for supporting a wind turbine blade 7 to receive a region of the wind turbine blade, and receiving and supporting 203 an outer surface of the region of the wind turbine blade using a support surface of the support structure. Figure 7 1, the support surface 121 has been raised to receive and support the outer surface of the zone. The lifting mechanism 130 can be actuated to raise the support structure 120 until the support surface 121 reaches the outer surface of the wind turbine blade 7. In the example, the lifting control unit 133 can control the synchronous operation of the drive units 131, 132 to lift the support structure 120.

[0094] The method also includes lowering 204 support structure 120 to lower the area of ​​the wind turbine blade. Figure 8 , the support structure 120 and thus the support surface 121 have been lowered. The wind turbine blade 7 has also been lowered and accessibility may be improved. The support structure 120 may be lowered by actuating the drive units 131 , 132 as described above. The support structure 120 may be lowered to a predetermined height.

[0095] In some examples, the method 200 may include arranging the connection structure 111 of the base 110 of the tool to face the leading edge 53 of the wind turbine blade 7. This may be Fig.12 Seen in.

[0096] The method 200 may further include removably attaching the pressure side column 112 and the suction side column 113 to the connecting structure 111. The attachment may be Fig.13 Seen in the direction indicated by arrow A.

[0097] According to some examples, method 200 may include arranging tool 100 at a location between half the length of wind turbine blade 7 and tip end 72 of wind turbine blade 7. In this way, a clear path from tool 100 to tip end 72 may be defined.

[0098] The method 200 may include removing a rotation system 400 configured to rotate the wind turbine blade 7 about its longitudinal axis LA. In some examples, removing the rotation system may include moving the rotation system 400 toward the tip end 72 of the wind turbine blade 7. The rotation system may be maneuvered along a defined clear path all the way to the tip end 72.

[0099] The tool 100 may adjust the height of the wind turbine blade 7, such as the height of the tip end 72, to a predetermined position to allow removal of the rotation system 400. In this way, the use of a bridge crane (not shown) may be reduced or even avoided, for example in a manufacturing plant.

[0100] This written description uses examples to disclose the present invention, including preferred embodiments, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the present invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patentable scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the written language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the written language of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described and other known equivalents of each such aspect may be mixed and matched by a person skilled in the art to constitute additional embodiments and techniques according to the principles of the present application. If reference marks relating to the drawings are placed in brackets in the claims, they are used only to attempt to increase the intelligibility of the claims and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A tool (100) for supporting a wind turbine blade (7) in a formed position, comprising: a base (110) configured to rest on the ground (G); a support structure (120) configured to receive a region of the wind turbine blade (7) when the leading edge (53) of the wind turbine blade (7) faces the ground, wherein the support structure (120) comprises a support surface (121) configured to receive and support an outer surface of the region of the wind turbine blade (7); a lifting mechanism (130) configured to move the support structure (120) upward and / or downward relative to the base (110); The base (110) comprises: a connection structure (111) configured to face a leading edge (53) of the wind turbine blade; as well as A pressure side column (112) and a suction side column (113) are configured to be removably attached to the connection structure (111).

2. The tool (100) of claim 1, wherein the bearing surface (121) is configured to engage a leading edge (53) of the wind turbine blade (7).

3. The tool (100) of claim 2, wherein the bearing surface (121) is further configured to fit a region of a pressure side (56) and / or a region of a suction side (57) of the wind turbine blade (7).

4. The tool (100) according to claim 3, wherein the support surface (121) includes a pressure side mating surface (122) that mates with a zone of the pressure side (56), and a suction side mating surface (123) that mates with a zone of the suction side (57).

5. The tool (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bearing surface (121) comprises a portion of a pad (124) and / or a belt (125).

6. The tool (100) according to claim 5, comprising: A plurality of straps (125) are arranged along the length direction from the root side (185) to the tip side (186) of the support structure (120).

7. The tool (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support structure (120) comprises a bracket having an opening (190) for receiving a region of the wind turbine blade (7), and wherein the support surface is arranged at the opening (190) of the bracket.

8. The tool (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pressure side column (112) and the suction side column (113) are configured to guide the lifting / lowering movement of the support structure (120).

9. The tool (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lifting mechanism (130) comprises: a pressure-side drive unit (131) associated with the pressure-side column (112) and a suction-side drive unit (132) associated with the suction-side column (113), the drive units (131, 132) being configured to drive movement of the support structure (120); A lifting control unit (133) configured to control the operation of the driving unit.

10. The tool (100) according to claim 9, wherein the lifting mechanism (130) includes a screw jack associated with the pressure side column (112) and a screw jack associated with the suction side column (113), and the screw jacks are operably connected to the drive unit (131, 132) and the support structure (120).

11. The tool (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the base (110) comprises: A pressure side support leg (114) is hingedly attached to the pressure side column (112), and a suction side support leg (115) is hingedly attached to the suction side column (113), so that the support legs (114, 115) can be moved from a folded position to an unfolded position, in which the distal ends (116) of the support legs (114, 115) rest on the ground.

12. A support assembly (300) for supporting a wind turbine blade in a post-formed position, the support assembly include: A tool (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and A rotation system (400) is configured to rotate the wind turbine blade (7) about its longitudinal axis (LA).

13. A method (200) for supporting a wind turbine blade during post-forming operations, the method comprising: Positioning (201) the leading edge of the wind turbine blade to face the ground; arranging a connection structure of a base of the tool to face a leading edge of the wind turbine blade; connecting structure to removably connect the pressure side column and the suction side column to the tool; raising (202) a support structure of the tool for supporting the wind turbine blade to receive a region of the wind turbine blade; receiving and supporting (203) an outer surface of a region of the wind turbine blade using a support surface of the support structure; The support structure is lowered (204) to lower the area of ​​the wind turbine blade.

14. The method (200) according to claim 13, comprising: The tool is arranged at a position between half the length of the wind turbine blade and a tip end of the wind turbine blade.

15. The method (200) according to any one of claims 13 to 14, comprising: A rotation system configured to rotate the wind turbine blade about its longitudinal axis is removed.

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