Method for transporting wind turbine blades

Abstract

Method for transporting a wind turbine blade (3), comprising: a) providing (S1) a blade (103) having a flexible portion (21) forming a flexure hinge (22) for bending around a bending axis (B1, B2) arranged perpendicular to a length direction (R) of the blade (103); b) transporting (S4) the blade (103) along a curved transport path (8); and c) reinforcing (S5) the flexible portion (21). Thus, the blade is provided with a deflection that facilitates transport on a curved transport path, such as a highway or railway. Thus, even very long blades can be transported on the land in a single piece by a road vehicle or train.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for transporting wind turbine blades. Background Art

[0002] One way to generate more electricity using wind turbines under given wind conditions is to increase the size of the blades. Currently, blades with lengths of 50 to 100 meters or more are manufactured. However, due to the increasing blade length, transporting wind turbine blades is becoming increasingly difficult. Wind turbine blades are transported overland, for example, by road vehicles or trains, from the blade's manufacturing site to the wind turbine erection site or port. However, the curvature of roads and railways presents a challenge for transporting long blades.

[0003] One approach to addressing the difficulties associated with manufacturing and transporting large blades is to manufacture the blades in segments and assemble the segments on-site. US 2016 / 369771 A1 discloses a wind turbine blade having a primary blade module and a secondary blade module, as well as a system for transporting the primary blade module. However, joining the pre-manufactured blade segments (so as to provide sufficient strength at the joint) is a difficult and expensive process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for transporting wind turbine blades.

[0005] Accordingly, a method for transporting a wind turbine blade is provided. The method comprises:

[0006] a) providing a blade having a compliant portion, the flexible portion forming a flexure hinge for bending about a bending axis, the bending axis being arranged perpendicular to the length direction of the blade,

[0007] b) transporting the blades along a curved transport path, and

[0008] c) Strengthen the flexible part.

[0009] By providing the blade with a flexible portion forming a flexure hinge, the blade is provided with a flexibility that facilitates transport of the blade on curved transport paths (i.e., transport paths having a bend), such as roads or railways. Due to the flexibility, even very long blades having a length of more than 50 to 80 meters can be transported overland by road vehicles or trains.

[0010] In particular, a bending of the blade within the flexible portion is possible by deforming the material of the blade in the flexible portion.

[0011] The flexure hinge is in particular a flexible hinge. The flexure hinge allows the rigid blade sections to move relative to each other, said rigid blade sections being connected to each other via the flexure hinge (e.g. in the longitudinal direction of the blade). In this context, "rigid blade sections" means that these blade sections are more rigid and / or stiffer than the flexible hinge.

[0012] The stiffness of the blade inside the flexible portion (in the transport state) is in particular less than the stiffness of the blade outside the flexible portion. In other words, around the joint, the flexible portion has a lower flexural rigidity (also known as "bending rigidity") than the rigid blade portions connected to each other via the flexible portion.

[0013] The lower stiffness of the flexible portion compared to the stiffness of the rigid blade portion is achieved in particular by different physical dimensions of the cross section of the flexible portion compared to the cross section of the rigid blade portion.

[0014] The higher deflection of the blade in the flexible portion is provided for example by configuring the blade (in the transport state) with a thinner (smaller cross-sectional area) portion in the flexible portion than portions of the blade outside the flexible portion.

[0015] The blade provided in step a) is a blade prepared for transportation (e.g., overland transport). Therefore, the blade in steps a) and b) is in a transport state. In particular, the blade in steps a) and b) is not yet ready for installation at the hub of a wind turbine. Only after the flexible portion of the blade is reinforced in step c) is the blade ready for installation at the hub of a wind turbine.

[0016] The transport path along which the blades are transported during step b) may, for example, comprise a road or railroad. The transport path may, for example, include one or more curves. The blades are transported during step b) by, for example, a road vehicle, such as a truck, or by train. Furthermore, during step b), the blades are transported, for example, from a departure location to an arrival location.

[0017] For rail transport, the blade is for example fixed to two or more railcars.During rail transport, the railcars move relative to each other, causing the blade to bend at its flexible hinge.

[0018] For road transport, the blade is for example fixed to two or more trailers of a tractor-trailer (semi-trailer).During road transport, the trailers move relative to each other, causing the blade to bend at its flexible hinge.

[0019] In an embodiment, the flexible hinge may include one or more actuators to actively bend the blade at its flexible hinge.

[0020] Strengthening the flexible portion in step c) is for example performed on arrival.After strengthening the flexible portion in step c), the blade is for example ready to be lifted to a rotor hub of a wind turbine.

[0021] The arrival location is, for example, the erection location of the wind turbine. However, the arrival location may also be an intermediate station, from which the blades are transported by other means, for example after step c), to the final destination (i.e., the erection location). The arrival location may, for example, be a port location, from which the blades are transported by ship overseas.

[0022] The transported blade is, for example, an entire blade extending from its root portion to its tip portion.

[0023] The length direction of the blade is specifically the direction from the root portion to the tip portion of the blade.

[0024] The length of the blade is in particular the distance from the root portion to the tip portion of the blade. The length of the blade is, for example, 50 meters or more, 70 meters or more, 90 meters or more and / or 100 meters or more.

[0025] The method may also be performed for transporting lengthwise wind turbine blade sections (instead of entire wind turbine blades).

[0026] The wind turbine blade is configured to become a component of the wind turbine's rotor after step c). A wind turbine is a device that converts the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy. A wind turbine, for example, includes a rotor having one or more blades, each connected to a hub, a nacelle including a generator, and a tower holding the nacelle at its top end. The wind turbine's tower can be connected to a foundation of the wind turbine, such as a monopile in the seabed, a floating foundation anchored to the seabed, or a concrete foundation, via a transition piece.

[0027] A wind turbine blade, such as its root section, is configured for fixed or rotatable connection to a hub. Aside from the (cylindrical) root section and the flexible portion before reinforcement, the wind turbine blade is aerodynamically designed. For example, the wind turbine blade includes a pressure side and a suction side. The pressure and suction sides are connected at a leading edge and a trailing edge. The pressure and suction sides, as well as the leading and trailing edges, define the airfoil of the wind turbine blade.

[0028] Wind turbine blades comprise a shell made, for example, of a fiber-reinforced laminate.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the blade comprises a remaining structure extending through the flexible portion and a recessed structure having at least one notch in the flexible portion.

[0030] Thus, the flexure hinge is achieved by providing at least one notch in the recessed structure of the blade in the flexible portion, so that the remaining structure is the only structure of the blade remaining in and extending through the flexible portion.

[0031] In other words, the flexure hinge is formed in the flexible portion by not yet providing all the necessary structural elements of the blade.

[0032] The blade comprises the remaining structure and the recessed structure, in particular in the transport state of the blade. Furthermore, the remaining structure and the recessed structure are configured to remain in the blade after transport and for operation of the wind turbine. The structural element missing from the recessed structure of the blade is provided in step c).

[0033] The remaining structure extends, for example, from the root portion of the blade to the tip portion of the blade along more than 50% of the blade length, more than 70% of the blade length, more than 90% of the blade length and / or along the entire blade. Additionally or alternatively, the remaining structure extends, for example, outside the flexible portion along at least a portion of the blade.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the blade comprises at least two blade parts which are connected to each other by a flexure hinge, the flexure hinge being configured to move the blade parts relative to each other by bending the flexure hinge about a bending axis.

[0035] For example, the flexure hinge is configured to tilt the blade portions relative to each other by bending the flexure hinge about a bending axis.

[0036] The blade parts are in particular not completely separated from each other but are connected to each other by the remaining structure of the blade.The blade parts in particular (eg due to their physical dimensions, in particular due to their larger cross-sectional area) have a greater stiffness than the flexible part.

[0037] The flexure hinge connects blade parts (eg rigid blade parts) to each other such that a portion of the flexure hinge is formed by the structure of the blade remaining in the blade after manufacture and transport of the blade is completed.

[0038] The blade parts (eg rigid blade parts) are in particular longitudinal blade parts arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the blade. The blade parts (eg rigid blade parts) comprise, for example, an inner blade part and an outer blade part.

[0039] By bending the flexure hinge, and thereby deforming the material of the flexure hinge, movement of the blade parts, eg rigid blade parts, relative to each other is possible.

[0040] Additionally, during transport of the blade, the flexure hinge bends according to the curvature of the transport path.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the blade parts are moved (eg tilted) relative to each other by bending the flexure hinges according to the curvature of the transport path.

[0042] Thus, even long blades can be transported along curved transport paths.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the bending axis is arranged perpendicular or parallel to the chord line of the blade.

[0044] The blade is transported in a horizontal position. The horizontal position of the blade includes an orientation of the blade such that: i) the chord line of the blade is arranged parallel (e.g. substantially parallel) to the plane of the loading layer of the transport vehicle, the plane of the transport path and / or the ground; and / or ii) the angle between the chord line and the plane is 60° (i.e. 60 degrees) or less, 45° or less and / or 30° or less; or iii) the chord line is arranged perpendicular (e.g. substantially perpendicular) to the plane.

[0045] Orientations i) and ii) are used, for example, for road transport of blades. Orientation iii) is used, for example, for rail transport of blades.

[0046] Having the bending axis of the flexure hinge arranged perpendicular to the chord line of the blade is particularly advantageous for transport (eg road transport) of blades in orientations i) and ii).

[0047] Furthermore, having the bending axis of the flexure hinge arranged parallel to the chord line of the blade is particularly advantageous for transport of the blade in orientation iii), for example rail transport.

[0048] The chord line of a blade is in particular an imaginary line connecting the leading edge and the trailing edge of the blade as seen in cross section.

[0049] Arranging the bending axis perpendicular to the chord line includes, for example, that the bending axis is arranged parallel to a direction pointing from the pressure side to the suction side of the blade.

[0050] In an embodiment, the bending axis is arranged quasi-perpendicular to a chord line of the blade comprising an angle between the bending axis and the chord line in the range of 80° to 100° and / or 85° to 95°.

[0051] In an embodiment, the bending axis is arranged quasi-parallel to a chord line of the blade comprising an angle between the bending axis and the chord line in the range of 10° to -10° and / or 5° to -5°.

[0052] According to another embodiment, the flexible part and / or the remaining structure of the blade comprises at least one spar, a spar cap and / or a shear web of the blade.

[0053] The at least one spar, spar cap and / or shear web of the blade is in particular a load-bearing structure and / or a reinforcing spar of the blade.

[0054] Shear webs connect the pressure-side and suction-side blade shells within the blade's interior. They provide shear strength to the blade. A wind turbine blade can also include more than one shear web. For each shear web, for example, two spar caps can be provided, one of which is arranged on the pressure-side shell and one on the suction-side shell.

[0055] Thus, for transport of the blade, the at least one spar, spar cap, and / or shear web of the blade is already provided in its completed state. Consequently, interruptions to the at least one spar, spar cap, and / or shear web are avoided. Furthermore, after transport of the blade, the at least one spar, spar cap, and / or shear web of the blade does not need to be reinforced and / or repaired. Consequently, bonding of the at least one spar, spar cap, and / or shear web of the blade is avoided, so that the at least one spar, spar cap, and / or shear web of the blade retains its structural efficiency and strength.

[0056] According to another embodiment, the blade comprises a recessed structure having at least one recess in the flexible portion, and the recessed structure comprises a shell, a pressure side shell and / or a suction side shell of the blade.

[0057] For example, the recessed structure comprises at least a portion of a shell, a pressure side shell and / or a suction side shell of the blade.

[0058] This allows configuring the flexible portion such that it can advantageously be used to transport the blade in orientation i) and / or orientation ii) (see above).

[0059] At least one recess is provided for realizing the flexible portion. By providing at least one recess in the shell of the blade, rather than providing at least one recess in the load-bearing structure (such as the beam, spar cap and / or web of the blade), in step c), at least one or more recesses in the corresponding shell have to be filled with material and bonded. Thus, bonding of the largest load-bearing structure is avoided.

[0060] According to another embodiment, the flexible portion of the blade and / or the remaining structure comprises a pressure side shell or a suction side shell of the blade.

[0061] This allows configuring the flexible portion such that it can be advantageously used to transport the blade in orientation iii) (see above).

[0062] Furthermore, during operation of the turbine, the suction side shell of the blade is loaded primarily in tension, which is substantially more demanding with respect to fatigue strength. Therefore, in this case, the remaining structure of the blade advantageously comprises the suction side shell, while the recessed structure comprises the pressure side shell.

[0063] According to another embodiment, the blade comprises a recessed structure having at least one notch in the flexible portion, and the recessed structure comprises a shear web and / or a spar cap of the blade.

[0064] In the case where one of the suction side and the pressure side forms the remaining structure and the other of the suction side and the pressure side comprises at least one notch, the spar cap associated with the other of the suction side and the pressure side may also comprise at least one notch. Furthermore, the shear web may also have a corresponding notch in the flexible portion.

[0065] According to another embodiment,

[0066] The flexible portion is arranged at a distance from the root portion of the blade of at least 10% of the blade length, at least 20% of the blade length, at least 30% of the blade length and / or at least 50% of the blade length, and / or

[0067] The flexible portion is arranged at a distance from the root portion of the blade of at most 90% of the blade length, at most 80% of the blade length, at most 70% of the blade length and / or at most 50% of the blade length.

[0068] Having a flexible portion arranged approximately midway between the root portion and the tip portion of the blade (i.e. arranged at a distance of between approximately 30% and 70% of the blade length from the root portion and / or at a distance of approximately 50% of the blade length from the root portion) allows transport of the blade through narrower bends of a transport path.

[0069] Having a flexible portion arranged in an outer part of the blade, i.e. arranged at a distance between approximately 50% and 90% of the blade length from the root portion and / or at a distance between approximately 70% and 90% of the blade length from the root portion, is advantageous for the structural stability of the blade during transport.

[0070] According to another embodiment, reinforcing the flexible portion comprises arranging one or more pre-cast elements in the flexible portion and bonding the one or more pre-cast elements to the remaining structure and / or the recessed structure of the blade.

[0071] The one or more pre-cast elements are bonded to the remaining structure and / or recessed structure of the blade, for example by means of adhesive and / or laminate bonding.Laminate bonding comprises providing a fibre lay-up in the connection area, infusing and / or injecting the fibre lay-up with resin and curing the resin.

[0072] According to another embodiment, reinforcing the flexible portion comprises arranging a fiber layup in the flexible portion, infusing and / or injecting the fiber layup with resin and curing the resin to provide a laminate bond with the remaining structure and / or the recessed structure of the blade.

[0073] For example, the fiber layup may include fibers in a dry condition (ie without any resin), semi-dry fibers and / or pre-infused fibers (prepreg material).

[0074] The fiber plies include, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers and / or natural fibers.

[0075] The fiber layup may comprise a core material such as wood, balsa, PET foam and / or PVC foam. The core material may be sandwiched between layers of fiber so as to obtain a fiber-reinforced resin laminate having a core structure. The fiber layup may also comprise a pultruded profile.

[0076] The resin is infused into the fiber layup, for example, using vacuum assistance. For example, the fiber layup is covered with one or more vacuum bags, and a vacuum is created in the space covered by the vacuum bags. The resin is then infused into this space due to the vacuum created, thereby wetting the fibers. However, the resin can also be applied to the individual layers using manual lamination techniques, for example using rollers.

[0077] Resins include, for example, thermosets, thermoplastics, epoxies, polyurethanes, vinyl esters, and / or polyesters.

[0078] The resin is cured, for example by applying heat.The result is a fiber-reinforced resin laminate.

[0079] According to another embodiment, one or more pre-cast elements and / or fiber plies are arranged in at least one recess of the recessed structure and bonded to the recessed structure.

[0080] According to another embodiment, the method includes:

[0081] Fixing a stiffening element to the blade to temporarily stiffen the flexible portion to facilitate lifting and / or handling of the blade, and / or

[0082] The hardening element is removed before step b).

[0083] The stiffening element is in particular releasably fixed to the blade. The stiffening element is fixed to the blade, for example, by means of a screw connection, screws, nuts and the like.

[0084] The stiffening element temporarily provides the blade with increased stiffness for handling. The stiffening element is typically attached to the blade for handling the blade before the flexible portion has been reinforced in step c). For example, the stiffening element allows the blade to be lifted onto a loading area / area of ​​a transport vehicle, e.g., before step b), or to be lifted off a loading area / area of ​​a transport vehicle (e.g., onto the ground), e.g., after step b).

[0085] According to another embodiment, the deflection of the flexure hinge is monitored during transport of the blade.

[0086] By monitoring the deflection of the flexure hinge of the blade during transport of the blade, the strain of the flexure hinge can be monitored.

[0087] Other possible implementations or alternative solutions of the present invention also include combinations of features described above or below for the embodiments, which are not explicitly mentioned herein. Those skilled in the art can also add independent or separate aspects and features to the most basic form of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] Further embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description and dependent claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0089] Figure 1 illustrates a wind turbine according to an embodiment;

[0090] Figure 2 The diagram shows the transport status Figure 1 An embodiment of a blade for a wind turbine, the blade comprising a flexible portion in the transport state;

[0091] Figure 3 Pictured Figure 2 Detailed view of the part;

[0092] Figure 4 The diagram shows Figure 2 A similar view, but with a stiffening element fixed to the blade to temporarily stiffen the flexible portion;

[0093] Figure 5 Illustration of the arrangement on the transport vehicle Figure 4 blades in which the hardened elements are removed;

[0094] Figure 6 Pictured Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a blade, the cross section being along Figure 5 Obtained by the line VI-VI in;

[0095] Figure 7 The diagram shows a transport state and arranged on a transport vehicle according to another embodiment. Figure 1 blades of wind turbines;

[0096] Figure 8 Pictured Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a blade, the cross section being along Figure 7 Obtained by the line VIII-VIII in;

[0097] Figure 9 The curved transport path from above is shown, with the Figure 2 The position of the blades;

[0098] Figure 10 The method steps for reinforcing the flexible portion of the blade after transport of the blade are shown;

[0099] Figure 11 Pictured Figure 7 Detailed view of the blade further illustrating the method steps of reinforcing the flexible portion of the blade after transporting the blade; and

[0100] Figure 12 The diagram shows a method for transporting Figure 1 Flowchart of a method for providing a wind turbine blade for a wind turbine.

[0101] In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate similar or functionally equivalent elements, unless otherwise indicated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0102] Figure 1 The figure shows a wind turbine 1 according to an embodiment. Wind turbine 1 includes a rotor 2 having one or more blades 3 connected to a hub 4. Hub 4 is connected to a generator (not shown) disposed inside a nacelle 5. During operation of wind turbine 1, blades 3 are driven to rotate by the wind, and the kinetic energy of the wind is converted into electrical energy by the generator in nacelle 5. Nacelle 5 is disposed at the upper end of a tower 6 of wind turbine 1. Tower 6 stands on a foundation 7, such as a monopile or concrete foundation. Foundation 7 is connected to and / or driven into the ground or seabed.

[0103] Hereinafter, the improved method for transporting a wind turbine blade 3 according to an embodiment is referred to as Figures 2 to 12 And describe.

[0104] The method is particularly suitable for transporting goods along a curved transport path 8 ( Figure 9 ) transporting large wind turbine blades in single pieces 103 ( Figure 2 The transport path 8 is located in particular onshore. In other words, the proposed method is a method for onshore transport of blades 103. The transport path 8 may be a road 9 ( Figure 5) or Railway 10( Figure 7 ). Therefore, the transport vehicle for transporting the blade 103 may be a road vehicle 11 ( Figure 5 ) or train 35( Figure 7 ).

[0105] The wind turbine blades 103 are, for example, transported from the manufacturing location of the blades 103 to the erection location of the wind turbine 1 or to an intermediate station on the way to the erection location. For example, in the case of an onshore wind turbine 1, the blades 103 can be transported directly to the onshore erection location of the wind turbine 1 using the described method. Alternatively, in the case of an offshore wind turbine 1, the blades 103 can be transported, for example, to a port location using the described method.

[0106] In a first step S1 of the method, a blade 103 is provided in a transport state 12 ( Figure 2 The transport state 12 is one in which the blade 103 can be moved along the curved path 8 without damaging the blade 103 ( Figure 9 ) is transported in a single piece. In the transport state 12, the blade 103 is not yet finished for operation.

[0107] As in Figure 2 , the blade 103 comprises a root portion 13 and a tip portion 14. The root portion 13 of the blade 103 is fixedly or rotatably connected to the hub 4 ( Figure 1 The length L between the root portion 13 and the tip portion 14 of the blade 103 is, for example, greater than 50 meters and / or greater than 80 meters.

[0108] The blade 103 comprises a shell 15 which defines the outer shape of the blade 103. The shell 15 is made of a fiber-reinforced laminate, for example. Apart from the cylindrical root section 13 and apart from the flexible portion 21, the blade 103 has an aerodynamic outer shape. In particular, the blade 103 comprises a pressure side 16 and a suction side 17 ( Figure 2 and Figure 6 ). In other words, the shell 15 includes a pressure side shell 16 and a suction side shell 17. The pressure side 16 and the suction side 17 are connected to each other at a leading edge 18 and a trailing edge 19. A chord line 20 connects the leading edge 18 and the trailing edge 19.

[0109] exist Figure 2 Also illustrated in FIG. 1 is a coordinate plane having an X direction arranged parallel to the chord line 20 , a Y direction arranged parallel to the length direction R of the blade 103 , and a Z direction arranged perpendicular to the chord line 20 .

[0110] Figure 3 Pictured Figure 2 A partial perspective view of blade 103 is shown.

[0111] In a first step S1 of the method, the blade 103 is provided as in Figure 2 The flexible portion 21 is shown in FIG. The flexible portion 21 forms a flexure hinge 22 that can bend about a bending axis B1. The bending axis B1 is arranged perpendicular to the length direction R of the blade 103. Thus, the flexure hinge 22 allows the blade 103 to bend along a curved transport path 8 ( Figure 9 ) for easier transport of the blade 103 on the flexure hinge 22. The flexure hinge 22 is bent in particular by deforming the material of the flexure hinge 22. It should be noted that the flexible portion 21 / flexure hinge 22 is only very schematically shown in FIG. Figure 9 (basically only one box is shown as a placeholder). Details of the features and embodiments of the flexible portion 21 / flexure hinge 22 will be described in detail in Figures 2 to 8 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 Figure 2, and reference Figures 2 to 8 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 describe.

[0112] Furthermore, the blade 103 comprises an inner blade portion 23 and an outer blade portion 24, which are connected to each other by a flexure hinge 22. By bending the flexure hinge 22 about the bending axis B1, the inner blade portion 23 and the outer blade portion 24 can move relative to each other. In particular, the blade portions 23, 24 can be tilted relative to each other ( Figure 9 ).

[0113] exist Figure 2 In the example, in addition to being arranged perpendicular to the length direction R of the blade 103, the bending axis B1 is also perpendicular to the chord line 20 of the blade 103 (parallel to Figure 2 Arrow 25 indicates the movement of the outer blade portion 24 relative to the inner blade portion 23 during bending of the flexure hinge 22.

[0114] In other examples ( Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 11 ), in addition to being arranged perpendicular to the length direction R of the blade 103, the bending axis B2 can also be arranged parallel to the chord line 20 of the blade 103.

[0115] As in Figure 2 , the flexible portion 21 is for example arranged at a distance D from the root portion 13 of the blade 103 of at least 30% of the blade length L. In other words, the flexible portion 21 may also be arranged at another distance D from the root portion 13 .

[0116] In order to provide the flexible portion 21 with the flexure hinge 22, the blade 103 comprises, in the transport state 12, a recessed structure 26 having at least one notch 27. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , the recessed structure 26 includes a shell 15, in particular, a pressure side shell 16 and a suction side shell 17 ( Figure 3 ). Furthermore, the blade 103 comprises, in the transport state 12, a residual structure 28 which extends through the flexible portion 21. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 1 , the remaining structure 28 comprises a spar cap 29 arranged on the pressure side 16, a spar cap 30 arranged on the suction side 17, and a shear web 31 connecting the spar caps 29, 30 to each other ( Figure 6 ).

[0117] In addition, Figure 2 In the example of FIG, the remaining structure 28 (e.g., spar caps 29, 30 and shear web 31) extends along the inner portion 23 of the blade 103 and along the outer portion 24 of the blade 103. For example, the blade 103 includes a single-piece spar cap 29, a single-piece spar cap 30, and / or a single-piece shear web 31, wherein one, more, or all of them extend through the blade 103 (e.g., through the entire blade 103), which includes the flexible portion 21.

[0118] In an optional second step S2 of the method, one or more stiffening elements 32 are fixed to the blade 103 to temporarily stiffen the flexible portion 21, as in Figure 4 By using the stiffening element 32, the flexible portion 21 of the blade 103 can be temporarily stiffened for better handling of the blade 103. The stiffening element 32 is used, for example, when lifting the blade 103 to the loading level / area 33 ( Figure 5 ) is fixed to the blade 103 before.

[0119] In an optional third step S3 of the method, the stiffening element or elements 32 are removed again. Figure 5 The blade 103 is shown with a flexible portion 21 (ie a flexure hinge 22), which is arranged on a loading level / area 33 of a transport vehicle 11. The stiffening element 32 is Figure 5 has been removed.

[0120] Figure 6 The diagram follows Figure 51. In this example, the blade 103 is arranged in an orientation on the load layer / area 33 of the vehicle 11 with an angle α between the load layer / area 33 and the chord line 20 of the blade 103. In preferred orientations for transport on the highway 9, the angle α has a value of 60° or less, a value of 45° or less, a value of 30° or less, and / or 0° (an angle α of 0° corresponds to a situation in which the chord line 20 of the blade 103 is arranged parallel to the plane of the load layer / area 33 of the transport vehicle 11).

[0121] However, in other examples, such as Figure 8 As shown in FIG, the blades 103, 203 can also be arranged on the loading layer / area 34 of the transport vehicle 35 so that the chord line 220 of the blade 203 is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the loading layer / area 34. That means that the angle β between the plane of the loading layer / area 34 and the chord line 220 is, for example, between 80° and 100°, between 85° and 95°, and / or is 90°. This is the preferred orientation for transport by train 35 (railway transport).

[0122] In a fourth step S4 of the method, the blade 103 is transported along a curved transport path 8, as in the case of the blade 103. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown in FIG, and as for blade 203 in Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in the picture.

[0123] During transport of the blade 103, the flexible portion 21 with the flexure hinge 22 is flexed according to the curvature 36 ( Figure 9 ) and bend. In addition, by bending the flexure hinge 22, the inner blade portion 23 and the outer blade portion 24 move relative to each other; in particular, they are tilted relative to each other through the angle γ.

[0124] The deflection of the flexure hinge 22 may for example be monitored during transport of the blade 103. The deflection of the flexure hinge 22 may for example be determined by means of one or more strain gauges or other suitable deflection sensors (not shown).

[0125] Optionally, after transporting the blade 103 in step S4, steps S2 and S3 may be performed (e.g., performed again) at the arrival location (e.g., the erection location of the wind turbine 1 or an intermediate station where the transport means are changed). In particular, after transporting the blade 103 from the transport vehicle 11, 35 ( Figure 5 、 Figure 7 ) Before unloading, the hardening element 32 ( Figure 4) may be attached to the blade 103 (S2) in order to temporarily stiffen the flexible portion 21 to lift the blade 103. After unloading the blade 103, the stiffening element 32 may be removed from the blade 103 again (S3).

[0126] In a fifth step S5 of the method, the flexible portion 21 is reinforced, as in Figure 10 Strengthening the flexible portion 21 comprises, for example, repairing the flexible portion 21. By strengthening (eg, repairing) the flexible portion 21, the blade 103 is changed from the transport state 12 ( Figure 2 ) transitions to the completed state ( Figure 1 ), in the completed state it is ready to run.

[0127] exist Figure 10 In FIG. 1 , both the arrangement of pre-cast elements 37 and the arrangement of fiber layups 38 in the flexible portion 21 of the blade 103 are exemplarily shown.

[0128] As in Figure 10 , one or more pre-cast elements 37 may be arranged in one or more recesses 27 of the recessed structure 26 of the blade 103. Additionally, the one or more pre-cast elements 37 are then bonded to the remaining structure 28 of the blade 103 and / or to the recessed structure 26 of the blade 103 in order to reinforce the flexible portion 21. The bonding process may include the application of an adhesive 39, or creating a laminate bond by arranging fiber plies in the connection area, infusing the fiber plies with resin, and curing the resin.

[0129] As in Figure 10 As further illustrated in FIG, in addition to or in lieu of using pre-cast elements 37, reinforcing the flexible portion 21 may also include placing a fiber ply 38 in the flexible portion 21 (e.g., in one or more recesses 27). The fiber ply 38 is then infused with resin 40. By curing the resin 40, a fiber-reinforced structure is created to reinforce (e.g., repair) the blade 103 (e.g., to fill one or more recesses 27). Through the resin infusion and curing of the fiber ply 38, the fiber ply 38 also bonds with the remaining structure 28 and / or the recessed structure 26 of the blade 103.

[0130] Figure 7 、 Figure 8 and Figure 11 Another embodiment of a blade 203 is shown having a flexible portion 221 forming a flexure hinge 222. The blade 203 is Figure 7 is shown as being on a transport vehicle 35, in Figure 8 China and Israel along Figure 7 The cross section of line VIII-VIII in FIG is shown and Figure 11The blade 203 is shown in perspective. The blade 203 includes an inner portion 223 and an outer portion 224, which are connected to each other by a flexure hinge 222. Reference numeral 216 represents the pressure side shell, reference numeral 217 represents the suction side shell, reference numeral 218 represents the leading edge and reference numeral 219 represents the trailing edge. In addition, the chord line 220 of the blade 203 is also Figure 8 and Figure 11 In display.

[0131] exist Figure 11 In the example of FIG, a remaining structure 228 extending through the flexible portion 221 is formed by the suction side shell 217. In addition, the recessed structure 226 includes, for example, a recessed pressure side shell 216, a recessed spar cap 229 at the pressure side 216, and a recessed shear web 231. The recessed structure 226 may optionally further include a recessed spar cap 230 (e.g., a partially recessed spar cap 230) at the suction side 217.

[0132] The flexure hinge 222 of the blade 203 is configured to enable the blade 203 to bend about a bending axis B2, which is perpendicular to the length direction R of the blade 203 and parallel to the chord line 220. Figure 8 It is advantageous to transport the blade 203 in the orientation shown in FIG.

[0133] exist Figure 11 2 is further illustrated in step S5 of reinforcing the blade 203 after the transport in step S4. By way of example, pre-cast elements 237, 237' and 237" are shown, which are used to fill the corresponding recesses 227 of the recessed structure 226 (e.g., the recessed shell 216, the recessed spar caps 229, 230 and / or the recessed shear web 233).

[0134] Thus, by providing the blade 103 , 203 with the described flexure hinge 21 , 221 , the blade 103 , 203 has sufficient flexibility to allow overland transport on curved transport paths 8 by road vehicles 11 or trains 35 even for large blades 103 , 203 .

[0135] While the invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications are possible in all embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for transporting a wind turbine blade (3), comprising: a) providing (S1) a blade (103) having a flexible portion (21), said flexible portion (103) forming a flexure hinge (22) for bending about a bending axis (B1, B2), said bending axis (B1, B2) being arranged perpendicular to a length direction (R) of said blade (103), b) transporting (S4) the blade (103) along a curved transport path (8), wherein the flexure hinge (22) bends according to the curvature (36) of the transport path (8), and c) reinforcing (S5) the flexible portion (21).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the blade (103) comprises a remaining structure (28) and a recessed structure (26), wherein the remaining structure (28) extends through the flexible portion (21) and the recessed structure (26) has at least one notch (27) in the flexible portion (21).

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the blade (103) comprises at least two blade parts (23, 24), and the at least two blade parts (23, 24) are connected to each other by the flexure hinge (22), and the flexure hinge (22) is configured to move the blade parts (23, 24) relative to each other by bending the flexure hinge (22) around the bending axis (B1, B2).

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein: During transport of the blade (103), the blade parts (23, 24) move relative to each other by bending the flexure hinge (22) according to the curvature (36) of the transport path (8).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bending axis (B1, B2) is arranged perpendicular or parallel to a chord line (20) of the blade (103).

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flexible portion (21) and / or the remaining structure (28) of the blade (103) comprises at least one beam (29, 30, 31), a spar cap (29, 30) and / or a shear web (31) of the blade (103).

7. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the blade (103) comprises a recessed structure (26) having at least one notch (27) in the flexible portion (21), and the recessed structure (26) comprises a shell (15), a pressure side shell (16) and / or a suction side shell (17) of the blade (103).

8. The method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the flexible portion (221) and / or the remaining structure (228) of the blade (203) comprises a pressure side shell (216) or a suction side shell (217) of the blade (203).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the blade (203) comprises a recessed structure (226) having at least one notch (227) in the flexible portion (221), and the recessed structure (226) comprises a shear web (231) and / or a spar cap (229, 230) of the blade (203).

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein The flexible portion (21) is arranged at a distance (D) from the root portion (13) of the blade (103) of at least 10% of the blade length (L), at least 20% of the blade length (L), at least 30% of the blade length (L) and / or at least 50% of the blade length (L), and / or The flexible portion (21) is arranged at a distance (D) from the root portion (13) of the blade (103) of at most 90% of the blade length (L), at most 80% of the blade length (L), at most 70% of the blade length (L) and / or at most 50% of the blade length (L).

11. The method according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein reinforcing the flexible portion (21) comprises arranging one or more pre-cast elements (37) in the flexible portion (21) and combining the one or more pre-cast elements (37) with the remaining structure (28) and / or the recessed structure (26) of the blade (103).

12. The method according to claim 1 , wherein reinforcing the flexible portion ( 21 ) comprises arranging a fiber layup ( 38 ) in the flexible portion ( 21 ), infusing the fiber layup ( 38 ) with a resin ( 40 ) and curing the resin ( 40 ) to provide a laminate bond with the remaining structure ( 28 ) and / or the recessed structure ( 26 ) of the blade ( 103 ).

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the one or more pre-cast elements (37) and / or the fiber ply (38) are arranged in the at least one recess (27) of the recessed structure (26) and are bonded to the recessed structure (26).

14. The method according to one of claims 1 to 13, comprising: A stiffening element (32) is fixed (S2) at the blade (103) to temporarily stiffen the flexible portion (21) to lift and / or carry the blade (103) and / or the stiffening element (32) is removed (S3) before step b).

15. Method according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the deflection of the flexure hinge (22) is monitored during transport of the blade (103).

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