Blade for wind turbine, wind turbine and method of manufacture

By using a fairing to cover the gaps in the connecting elements of wind turbine blades, logistical obstacles in blade transportation and manufacturing are solved, enabling convenient assembly and maintenance, and improving aerodynamic performance and protection capabilities.

CN121752809APending Publication Date: 2026-03-27SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY INNOVATION &TECH SL
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-08-14
Publication Date
2026-03-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the prior art, large wind turbine blades face logistical obstacles during transportation and manufacturing, and gaps or openings in connecting components need to be covered to ensure aerodynamic performance and protective functions.

Method used

Employing a fairing design, the fairing features an airfoil-shaped cross-section and openings that cover connecting elements, provide convenient access, and integrate electrical components. It is manufactured as a single, one-piece component using a molding process, and uses hatches and frames to reinforce the structure, ensuring aerodynamic performance and protective functions.

Benefits of technology

It enables convenient assembly and maintenance of blades, reduces the number of parts, improves aerodynamic performance, enhances protection against sand, rain, etc., and simplifies the manufacturing process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A blade for a wind turbine, a wind turbine and a method of manufacture. A blade (3) for a wind turbine (1), the blade comprising: a first blade section (7) and a second blade section (8), which are connected to each other using a connecting element (13); and a fairing (18) having a cross-section (19) in the shape of an airfoil and an opening (39, 40) for contacting the connecting element (13). By means of the opening, the fairing provides a convenient access to the connecting element. The operator may use this passageway during assembly and / or maintenance of the blade.
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a blade, a wind turbine, and a method for manufacturing the blade.

[0002] New wind turbines require blade designs with longer wingspans and chords to increase annual engine production. However, larger blades present logistical challenges in both transportation and manufacturing.

[0003] Segmented blades (also known as modular blades or split blades) have emerged as a solution. In these blades, the segments are connected to each other using connecting elements. Examples of known connecting elements are disclosed in US 2011 / 0293432 A1, US 2014 / 0334934 A1, and US 2022 / 0228554 A1. It is worth noting that from an aerodynamic and aeroacoustic point of view, a minimum number of blade segments is desirable. Fewer blade segments are also preferred to reduce design complexity and tolerance.

[0004] In the region where the connecting element links two adjacent blade segments, a gap or opening may exist between the two blade segments. This gap may have a width between, for example, 100 mm and 400 mm or greater along the longitudinal direction of the blade. This gap, including portions of the connecting element (such as bolts, bushings, etc.), needs to be covered. A suitable cover must provide aerodynamic shape and protection against sand, rain, hail, and other weather conditions during blade operation.

[0005] In this regard, EP 4 083 414 A1 discloses a fairing divided into at least two separate fairing sections configured to cover a gap, including portions of connecting elements disposed within the gap. Specifically, Figures 22-24 of the document disclose a first fairing portion 172 disposed on a blade segment 132, which is then connected to a blade segment 134. A gap 130 is formed between the connected blade segments 132 and 134, and the first fairing portion 172 is moved along the longitudinal direction of the blade to cover the gap 130. A second fairing portion 170 is then provided to cover the remainder of the gap 130. The first fairing portion 170 and the second fairing portion 172 are connected to each other and to the blade segments 132 and 134.

[0006] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved blade for a wind turbine and a corresponding method for manufacturing said blade.

[0007] According to a first aspect, a blade for a wind turbine is provided. The blade includes: a first blade segment and a second blade segment, which are connected to each other using connecting elements; and The fairing has an airfoil-shaped cross-section and openings for contacting connecting elements.

[0008] The opening provides convenient access to the connecting components. Operators can use this access during blade assembly and / or maintenance. Furthermore, other components, such as electrical components, can be accessed through this opening. Examples of such electrical components include elements of a lightning protection system, sensors, cables, etc.

[0009] For example, the first leaf segment and the second leaf segment are connected to each other along the longitudinal direction of the leaf using connecting elements. For example, the first leaf segment is an inner leaf segment, and the second leaf segment is an outer leaf segment. The inner leaf segment may include the base of the leaf. The outer leaf segment may include the tip of the leaf.

[0010] The connecting elements may include bolts, studs, bushings, threads, nuts, and other devices for connecting the first and second leaf segments to each other. In particular, the connecting elements are made partly or entirely of metal, especially steel.

[0011] For example, the openings in the fairing can be rectangular, elliptical, or circular in shape.

[0012] The airfoil shape of the fairing may include a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side, and / or a suction side. The airfoil shape may be made of a thin-walled material having a thickness of, for example, less than 10 mm, 5 mm, or 3 mm. The opening is preferably formed as a through-hole through the thin-walled material.

[0013] Preferably, a gap (preferably an air gap) is formed between the first and second blade segments. At least several portions of the connecting elements may be present in the gap. In particular, one or more connecting elements may be connected at one end to the first blade segment and at the other end to the second blade segment. Thus, a portion of the respective connecting element extends through the gap. One or more of the connecting elements may extend partially or completely parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blade. In one example, the longitudinal axis is the pitch path of the blade. The connecting elements may be accessible through an opening in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the opening is arranged on the suction side or pressure side of the airfoil-shaped cross-section.

[0015] In this way, the larger area can be used for openings, thus providing a convenient path to the connecting elements.

[0016] For example, the flow deflector may include two openings for contacting the connecting element. One opening may be arranged on the pressure side, and the other opening may be arranged on the suction side. This advantageously provides access from both sides to the connecting element, thereby making assembly and / or maintenance even easier.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the cross-section of the airfoil shape has a closed shape along its periphery.

[0018] The perimeter may include a trailing edge, a leading edge, a pressure side, and / or a suction side. In other words, the cross-section of the airfoil shape preferably extends completely around the longitudinal axis of the blade. In this way, the gap between the first and second blade segments can be completely covered by a single fairing.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the cross-section of the fairing or airfoil shape is formed as a single, integrated component.

[0020] This reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled during the manufacturing process. For example, a single, one-piece component can be manufactured by molding, such as molding in lamination or injection molding processes.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the blade further includes a hatch, wherein the opening is closed by the hatch, the hatch is preferably fastened to the fairing or frame, and preferably, a sealing element is arranged between the hatch and the fairing or frame.

[0022] When two or more openings exist, each opening can be closed by a hatch as described herein. Thus, one hatch can be located on the pressure side and one hatch can be located on the suction side.

[0023] The term "door" will be understood herein as an element that closes the opening, but may be removed if desired. Doors may be attached to the fairing or frame by mechanical and / or chemical means. For example, adhesives, tracks, grooves, screws, and / or bolts may be used to attach the door to the fairing or frame. More generally, receiving and engaging elements may be used to attach the door to the opening. Preferably, removal of the door does not require damage to the door, fairing, or frame. In one example, the door may be fastened to one or more connecting elements.

[0024] For example, the hatch may have a rectangular shape with long edges oriented in the transverse direction of the blade. The hatch may have a curved shape. The hatch may be partially or entirely made of a thin-walled material, preferably having a thickness of less than 10 mm, 5 mm, or 3 mm. The hatch may have a convex shape relative to the central longitudinal axis of the blade.

[0025] In this document, "frame" refers to a reinforcing element that extends wholly or partially around an opening. The frame may be integrally formed with the material of the fairing or may be provided as a separate component attached to the fairing, for example, by adhesives, screws, rivets or other joining techniques.

[0026] In one example, the hatch and fairing provide a continuous surface. For this purpose, the fairing and hatch can be surface-treated with putty and paint. For example, putty is filled into one or more gaps between the hatch and the fairing or frame. Once hardened and, if possible, sanded, the resulting surface is painted. This produces a surface with improved aerodynamic properties.

[0027] The fairing and / or hatch may be equipped with serrations, vortex generators, T-shaped spoilers or other aerodynamic enhancement devices or features.

[0028] Sealing elements may include, for example, adhesives or gaskets (particularly gaskets made of rubber). Sealing elements may be configured to prevent or reduce the ingress of sand, water, or other contaminants into the gap and / or into the connecting elements.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the fairing is connected to a first blade segment and / or a second blade segment. For example, the fairing is connected to the first blade segment at one end in the longitudinal direction and to the second blade segment at the other end in the longitudinal direction. The connection can be made by mechanical means (such as screws, bolts, etc.) and / or by chemical means such as using adhesives.

[0030] In one embodiment, the fairing is fixedly attached to the first blade segment. At the second blade segment, there is no fixed connection, thus allowing deformation of the blade during operation when it is mounted on the wind turbine, for example, to take into account effects related to heat or aging.

[0031] Particularly at the junction with the first and / or second leaf segments, the fairing can form a continuous surface with the outer surfaces of the first and / or second leaf segments. For this purpose, putty and paint can be used to fill any gaps, steps, etc., between the fairing and the first and / or second leaf segments (especially the outer surfaces of the corresponding shells of the first and / or second leaf segments). Therefore, the junction between the fairing and the first and / or second leaf segments is preferably indistinguishable to the naked eye.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the first leaf segment and / or the second leaf segment include a shoulder on its outer side, the shoulder receiving the fairing at one end of the fairing.

[0033] The shoulder or step is preferably formed inside the outer surface of the shell of the first and / or second blade segment. The height of the shoulder is preferably the same as the thickness of the fairing plus the adhesive or gasket. This creates a smooth outer surface at the junction between the fairing and the first and / or second blade segment.

[0034] The first and second leaf segments may each include a shoulder as described herein. Thus, the shoulder on the first leaf segment receives the fairing at one end of the fairing, and the shoulder on the second leaf segment receives the fairing at the other end of the fairing.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the first leaf segment and / or the second leaf segment are connected to the fairing using flexible and / or sealing elements, preferably at one end of the fairing.

[0036] Using flexible elements (such as rubber gaskets) allows for the consideration of relative movement, for example, as a result of temperature changes or aging. When sealing elements are provided, it is possible to prevent sand, water, moisture, or other substances from entering towards the connecting elements. Flexible and sealing elements can also be integrated into a single element (such as a rubber gasket). In this way, the number of parts is advantageously reduced.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the fairing, particularly its airfoil-shaped cross-section, and / or the hatch are partially or entirely made of composite materials, plastic materials, and / or metals.

[0038] As a composite material, fiber-reinforced plastic materials can be used. As the fiber, carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid fiber, or other fibers can be used. As the matrix in which the fibers are embedded, resins, such as epoxy resins, can be used. Therefore, the fairing and / or hatch can comprise multiple layers of laminated material. As a plastic material, polymers can be used. As a metal, aluminum, steel, etc., can be used.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the connecting element includes a threaded device, and the opening is configured to allow access for tightening or loosening the threaded device, and / or wherein electronic components connected to or integrated with the following components may be accessible through the opening: a first leaf segment and / or a second leaf segment or a connecting element.

[0040] For example, the opening may be large enough for an operator to move one hand, both hands, and / or tools used for tightening or loosening threaded devices through it. Threaded devices may include, for example, bolts, nuts, bolt heads, threaded bushings, threaded shanks, etc. Tools mentioned herein may include wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.

[0041] Examples of electronic components are elements, sensors, and / or cables in lightning protection systems.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the blade includes a leading-edge protector that partially covers the fairing.

[0043] Specifically, the fairing has a leading edge covered by a leading edge protector. Again, putty and paint can be used to create a smooth surface between the leading edge protector and the fairing.

[0044] According to another aspect, a wind turbine is provided, which includes blades as described above.

[0045] In another aspect, a method for manufacturing blades, particularly blades as described above, is provided. The blade comprises a first leaf segment and a second leaf segment connected to each other. The method includes: a) Provide a fairing having an airfoil-shaped cross-section and openings; and b) Connect the first and second segments using a connecting element by passing it through the opening to contact the connecting element.

[0046] According to another embodiment, the deflector is connected to the first leaf segment and / or the second leaf segment, followed by step b).

[0047] Preferably, the fairing is attached to the first blade segment. Then, the first blade segment and the second blade segment are connected according to step b). In a further step, the fairing is attached to the second blade segment, particularly in a flexible manner.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the fairing is sealed against the first and / or second leaf segments. For example, if the fairing is attached to the first leaf segment using an adhesive, the adhesive may also provide a sealing function. The same applies if the second leaf segment is adhesively attached to the fairing. In other cases, sealing elements may indeed be present, such as rubber gaskets introduced in the gap between the fairing and the second leaf segment (which still exists after step b).

[0049] In another embodiment, the method includes: after step b), closing the opening with a hatch.

[0050] For example, the hatch is fastened to one or more components of the blade, such as to a connecting element, a fairing, or its frame. Adhesives, screws, bolts, or other devices (mechanical and / or chemical means) can be used for this purpose.

[0051] According to another aspect, a method for maintaining blades as described above is provided. The method includes: removing a hatch, particularly in a destructive or non-destructive manner, to provide passage through an opening to a connecting element.

[0052] The embodiments and features described in the first aspect also apply to the other aspects described herein, and vice versa.

[0053] Other possible embodiments or alternative solutions of the present invention also encompass combinations of features described above or below with respect to embodiments that are not expressly mentioned herein. Those skilled in the art may also add individual or separate aspects and features to the most basic form of the invention.

[0054] Further embodiments, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and dependent claims, which are understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A perspective view shows a wind turbine according to an embodiment; Figure 2 Shown in perspective Figure 1 A portion of the leaf shown in the diagram; Figure 3 A perspective view shows a frame with an associated hatch, where the hatch has been removed from the frame; Figure 4 Showing from Figure 2 Section IV-IV; Figure 5 Showing from Figure 2 The cross-section VV; Figure 6 A method according to an embodiment is shown; and Figure 7 illustrates a method according to another embodiment.

[0055] In the figures, unless otherwise indicated, similar reference numerals denote similar or functionally equivalent elements.

[0056] Figure 1 A wind turbine 1 according to an embodiment is shown. The wind turbine 1 includes a rotor 2 having two or more blades 3 connected to a hub 4. The hub 4 is connected to a generator (not shown) arranged inside a nacelle 5. During operation of the wind turbine 1, the blades 3 are driven to rotate by wind, and the kinetic energy of the wind is converted into electrical energy by the generator in the nacelle 5. The nacelle 5 is arranged in the upper end of a tower 6 of the wind turbine 1. The tower may be connected to a monopile foundation or a concrete foundation in the ground or seabed.

[0057] Figure 2 Shown in perspective Figure 1 The illustration shows a portion of leaf 3. Leaf 3 includes a first leaf segment 7 and a second leaf segment 8. Figure 2Only a portion of the corresponding leaf segments 7 and 8 is shown. For example, the first leaf segment 7 is an inner leaf segment and may include the root of the leaf blade 3 (not shown). Further, the second leaf segment 8 may be an outer leaf segment and may include the tip of the leaf blade 3 (not shown).

[0058] Leaf segments 7 and 8 are connected to each other along the longitudinal axis A of the blade. The longitudinal axis A is, for example, also the pitch axis of blade 3. Additionally or alternatively, the longitudinal axis A passes through the geometric center of the airfoil-shaped cross-section 14 of the first leaf segment 7 and / or the geometric center of the airfoil-shaped cross-section (not shown) of the second leaf segment 8. The airfoil-shaped cross-section 14 has a leading edge 9, a trailing edge 10, a suction side 11, and a pressure side 12. The suction side 11 and the pressure side 12 connect the leading edge 9 and the trailing edge 10 along opposite sides of blade 3, respectively. The second leaf segment 8 has a corresponding cross-section, which (as mentioned) in... Figure 2 It is not shown in the text.

[0059] Each leaf segment 7, 8 can be made of fiber-reinforced material (laminated material). Different processes for manufacturing such leaf segments 7, 8 are known in the art. For example, a fiber layup can be placed on a mandrel inside a mold. The fiber layup is then infused with resin and cured. In another method, two half-shells made of fiber composite material are first manufactured in corresponding molds. For this purpose, fiber material is placed in the corresponding molds and infused with resin and cured. In a further step, the cured half-shells are joined to form… Figure 2 The closed outline seen in the image.

[0060] Figure 2 Leaf segments 7 and 8 are first manufactured separately (typically including curing) and then joined together using connecting element 13. Figure 2 The three connecting elements 13 are shown in the broken cross-section. Connecting elements 13 (e.g., threaded rods) extend parallel to the longitudinal axis A. Each threaded rod 13 includes a threaded portion at both ends. The threaded portions are screwed into corresponding threaded bushings 131, which are integrated (particularly glued) into blade segments 7, 8. The material of the blade segment 7 in which the bushings 131 are integrated (glued) is not shown. The bushings on the opposite sides (i.e., inside the blade segment 8) are not shown. Any other suitable connecting element may be used instead of connecting elements 13, 131.

[0061] Leaf segment 7 has an end 15 facing leaf segment 8. Leaf segment 8 has an end 16 facing leaf segment 7. An air gap 17 between ends 15 and 16 is covered by a shroud 18, through which a threaded rod 13 (or any other connecting element) extends.

[0062] The fairing 18 has an airfoil-shaped cross section 19 and can be reinforced by a web 57. The cross section 19 is formed, for example, by a leading edge 20, a trailing edge 21, a suction side 22, and a pressure side 23. The suction side 22 and the pressure side 23 connect the leading edge 20 and the trailing edge 21 on opposite sides of the blade 3, respectively.

[0063] The fairing 18 or cross-section 19 is preferably formed as a single, integral part. This means that the portions of the cross-section 19 constituting the leading edge 20, trailing edge 21, suction side 22, and pressure side 23 are formed as a continuous material part. For example, the fairing 18, and in particular its cross-section 19, is cast in a mold (not shown). Specifically, a fiber layup defining the entire cross-section 19 is placed in the mold, possibly on top of a mandrel (not shown), and resin is infused into the fiber layup and allowed to cure. In another embodiment, the fairing 18, and in particular the cross-section 19, is injection molded. In the latter case, the fairing 18, and in particular the cross-section 19, is made of a polymer.

[0064] The airfoil-shaped cross-section 19 has a closed shape along its perimeter 191. Preferably, the perimeter 191 does not extend radially further than the perimeter 141 of the cross-section 14 at the end 15. In other words, the cross-section 19 of the fairing 18 can be configured such that it does not extend radially further than the cross-section 14 of the blade segment 7 at the end 15. This feature can be as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 Obtained as shown in the diagram. Figure 4 Showing from Figure 2 Section IV-IV, and Figure 5 Showing from Figure 2 The cross-section VV.

[0065] exist Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a shell 24 for blade segment 7, which includes an end portion 15 of blade segment 7 and an outer surface 25. Shell 24 has a shoulder 26 formed therein. The end portion 27 of the fairing 18 facing blade segment 7 is received in the shoulder 26. The end portion 27 is bonded to the shoulder 26 using adhesive 28, thus preferably forming a rigid connection. Any remaining gaps are filled with putty 29 and then painted (not shown) to provide a smooth transition between the outer surface 25 of blade segment 7 and the outer surface 30 of fairing 18.

[0066] Figure 5The opposing ends 31 of the fairing 18 facing the blade segment 8 are received in the shoulder 32 of the shell 36 of the blade segment 8. A flexible sealing gasket 33 (e.g., made of rubber) seals the ends 31 of the fairing 18 against the shoulder 32 of the blade segment 8. Any remaining gaps are filled with putty 34 to provide a smooth surface transition between the outer surface 35 of the shell 36 and the outer surface 30 of the fairing 18. The gasket 33 allows the first blade segment 7 and the second blade segment 8 to move relative to each other and / or allows the fairing 18 to move relative to the second blade segment 8. Thus, for example, the effects of temperature and aging can be taken into account.

[0067] Return to Figure 2 The diagram shows two hatches 37 and 38. Each hatch 37 and 38 is shown in a state with corresponding openings 39 and 40 in their closed fairing 18. Opening 39 is formed in the suction side 22 of the fairing 18, and opening 40 is formed in the pressure side 23 of the fairing 18.

[0068] Figure 3 The illustration shows the hatch 37 in the state of being removed from the opening 39. The opening 39 is defined by a frame 41. The frame 41 acts as a reinforcement, which strengthens the fairing 18 to provide sufficient stability around the opening 39.

[0069] In the example, both the hatch 37 and the frame 41 have a rectangular shape and are each bent to define the suction side 22 of the fairing 18. The hatch 37 may be made of a fiber-reinforced material (laminated material) or a polymer, preferably cast in a mold, for example by a resin infusion process or by injection molding. The frame 41 may be made of a fiber-reinforced material, metal, or polymer.

[0070] The frame 41 is bonded to the corresponding opening 55 in the fairing 18 (shown in FIG. 7c) using adhesive. However, the frame 41 may also be attached to the fairing 18 by screws, rivets, or other means, or may be integrally formed with the fairing 18. According to the example, the hatch 37 includes a plurality of holes 42 and is threaded (screws not shown) to the frame 41 and is in its closed state by using threaded holes 43 formed inside the frame 41.

[0071] Alternatively, or as an alternative to screws or other connecting devices, the hatch 37 may be sealed against the frame 41 or, in other embodiments, directly against the fairing 18. For this purpose, a sealing member 44 is provided between the hatch 37 and the frame 41 or fairing 18. For example, a rubber seal 44 ( Figure 3 (Only a portion of it is shown in the image) It extends along the inner circumference 45 of the frame 41. The hatch 37 is sealed against the rubber seal 44 in its closed position. The hatch 37 can be bonded to the frame 41 using a sealing adhesive or directly to the fairing 18, instead of using the seal 44.

[0072] Return to Figure 2 The gap formed between the hatch 37 and the frame 41 is indicated by reference numeral 46. This gap 46 may be filled with putty and covered with paint to provide a smooth surface transition between the outer surface 30 of the fairing 18 and the outer surface 47 of the hatch 37. The explanation already given regarding the hatch 37 also applies to the hatch 38 and the corresponding frame 48. The hatch 38 and frame 48 are from... Figure 2 The interior can be seen through the broken part.

[0073] When hatches 37 and 38 are removed, the corresponding openings 39 and 40 provide the operator with access to the connecting elements 13 to tighten or loosen them during assembly or maintenance. For example, openings 39 and 40 may be sized to allow hands and / or tools (such as wrenches or screwdrivers) to access the connecting elements 13.

[0074] Moreover, one or more electronic components 58 ( Figure 2 It can be arranged in blade 3, for example, in... Figure 2 In the first leaf segment 7 shown, these electronic components 58 (such as elements of the lightning protection system, sensors, and cables) can be accessed through openings 39 and 40 for assembly, maintenance, and periodic inspection.

[0075] Figure 6 The illustration shows a method for manufacturing blade 3 according to an embodiment.

[0076] In step S1, a fairing 18 is provided. The fairing 18 has an airfoil-shaped cross section 19 and an opening 39.

[0077] In step S2, the first leaf segment 7 and the second leaf segment 8 are connected by contacting the connecting element 13 through the opening 39.

[0078] Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of the method for manufacturing blade 3, and... Figure 6 In comparison, this diagram offers more optional details.

[0079] In the steps illustrated in Figure 7a), leaf segments 7 and 8 are arranged along the longitudinal axis A. Opposite ends 15 and 16 face each other. Corresponding connecting devices 48 and 50 of connecting element 13 are aligned.

[0080] In the steps illustrated in FIG7b), the deflector 18 is attached to the end 15 of the blade segment 7 by moving the deflector 18 into the gap 51 between segments 7 and 8 and moving the deflector 18 along the longitudinal axis A, such that one end 27 of the deflector 18 covers the shoulder 26 located at the end 15 of the blade segment 7 (see FIG7a).

[0081] In the steps illustrated in Figure 7c), leading edge protection systems 52 and 53 are applied to the leading edges 9 of leaf segments 7 and 8, respectively.

[0082] In the steps illustrated in FIG7d), the frame 41 is mounted to the fairing 18, for example by means of screws 54. The frame 41 is mounted inside the opening 55 (see FIG7c) of the fairing 18.

[0083] In the steps illustrated in Figure 7e), blade segments 7 and 8 are brought together by moving each or only one of the blade segments 7 and 8 along the longitudinal axis A until the end 31 of the shroud 18 is received in the shoulder 32 of the blade segment 8 (Figure 7d). An operator (not shown) accesses through opening 39 to connect the connecting devices 49 and 50, thus establishing a secure connection between the blade segments 7 and 8. Optionally, a seal 33 is provided to seal the end 31 against the shoulder 32, thereby preventing the entry of contaminants.

[0084] In the step illustrated in Figure 7f), the leading edge protector 56 is attached to the leading edge 20 of the fairing 18 (see Figure 7e). The leading edge protector 56 may be joined (particularly using adhesive bonding) to the leading edge protectors 52 and 53. For example, the leading edge protectors 52, 53, and 56 are made of fiber-reinforced tape. The hatch 37 is now also attached to the frame 41 to close the opening 39. In the final step, putty can be used to fill all gaps, and paint can be used as the final treatment for all surfaces shown.

[0085] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications are possible in all embodiments.

Claims

1. A blade (3) for a wind turbine (1), said blade comprising: The first leaf segment (7) and the second leaf segment (8) are connected to each other using connecting elements (13); as well as The fairing (18) has an airfoil-shaped cross section (19) and openings (39, 40) for contacting the connecting element (13).

2. The blade according to claim 1, wherein, The openings (39, 40) are arranged on the suction side (22) or pressure side (23) of the cross section (19) of the airfoil shape.

3. The blade according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The cross section (19) of the airfoil shape has a closed shape along its periphery (191).

4. The blade according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The fairing (18) or airfoil cross section (19) is formed as a single integral component.

5. The blade according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a hatch (37, 38), wherein, The openings (39, 40) are closed by the hatches (37, 38), which are preferably fastened to the fairing (18) or frame (41), wherein, preferably, a sealing element (44) is arranged between the hatches (37, 38) and the fairing (18) or frame (41).

6. The blade according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The deflector (18) is connected to the first leaf segment (7) and / or the second leaf segment (8).

7. The blade according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first leaf segment (7) and / or the second leaf segment (8) include a shoulder (26, 32) on its outer side, the shoulder receiving the fairing at one end (27, 31) of the fairing (18).

8. The blade according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first leaf segment (7) and / or the second leaf segment (8) are connected to the shroud (18) using flexible and / or sealing elements (33), preferably at one end (31) of the shroud (18).

9. The blade according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The fairing (18), particularly its airfoil-shaped cross section (19), and / or the hatches (37, 38) are made partly or entirely of composite materials, plastic materials, and / or metals.

10. The blade according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The connecting element (13) includes a threaded device, and the openings (39, 40) are configured to allow access for tightening or loosening the threaded device, and / or wherein, The electronic component (58) connected to or integrated with the following components is accessible through the openings (39, 40): the first leaf segment (7) and / or the second leaf segment (8) or the connecting element (13).

11. The blade according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a leading edge protector (56) that partially covers the fairing (18).

12. A wind turbine (1) comprising blades (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for manufacturing a blade (3), the blade comprising a first leaf segment (7) and a second leaf segment (8) connected to each other, the method comprising: a) Provide (S1) a fairing (18) having an airfoil-shaped cross section (19) and openings (39, 40). as well as b) Connect (S2) the first leaf segment (7) and the second leaf segment (8) by contacting the connecting element (13) through the opening (39, 40).

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: The flow deflector (18) is connected to the first leaf segment (7) and / or the second leaf segment (8), followed by step b).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: After step b), the opening (39, 40) is closed with the hatch (37, 38).

Citation Information

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