Support structure for wind blade

Abstract

Support structure (1) for wind blades (2), each wind blade (2) being associable with a rotor (3) and having a pressure side (4) and a suction side (5) defining a leading edge (6), a trailing edge (7), a back (8) and a belly (9), the support structure (1) comprising: a housing (10) insertable into a wing cavity (11) defined between the pressure side (4) and the suction side (5), the housing (10) extends along an extension direction (X-X) between a first base (13) and a second base (14), the first base (13) being coupleable to the rotor (3), the second base (14) being opposite thereto, and the housing (10) having a side wall (15) connected to the first base (13) and the second base (14) and configured to be coupled to the pressure side (4) and the suction side (5), said side wall (15) having a front portion (16) facing the leading edge (6) and a rear portion (17) opposite thereto and facing the trailing edge (7), an upper surface (18) facing the back portion (8) and a lower surface (19) facing the belly portion (9); and a housing (10) having a pressurizable cavity (20) defined between the side wall (15), the first base (13) and the second base (14), the housing (10) being configured to reversibly switch between a rest configuration and an operative configuration wherein the housing (10) is configured to preload the upper surface (18) and the lower surface (19) by varying the pressure within the cavity (20), the housing (10) maintains substantially the same predetermined shape when switched between a stationary configuration and an operative configuration.

Description

Support structure for wind turbine blades

[0001] manual Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a support structure for wind turbine blades, and for use in wind turbines in the energy production sector. Another object of this invention is a wind turbine blade equipped with a support structure. Background Technology

[0003] Wind power generation devices, including horizontal axis wind turbines, are known in the prior art. These devices include a rotor comprising, for example, three blades. The rotor is connected to a flange that rests on top of a tower. The flange is rotatable relative to the tower to align with the wind direction. The rotor shaft is associated with the flange and arranged to transmit the rotational motion of the blades to a current generator. Known wind turbine blades are primarily made of composite materials such as fiberglass and are manufactured as a single piece, then transported to the site for installation on a rotor, which rests at the apex of a tower or pole. Such wind turbine blades have a support structure (also known as a SPAR) within the airfoil cavity to provide structural support for the blade during use. This support structure is integrally formed with the rest of the blade and has ribs, for example, internally coupled to aerodynamic surfaces to support and hold these surfaces. The latter are rigid surfaces made of composite materials and have a typical shape in cross-section from the rotor to the airfoil at the opposite free end. According to other examples, the support structure may be associated with inflatable wind turbine blades. Specifically, the aerodynamic surfaces of the wind turbine blades are defined by inflating the shell, which would otherwise collapse onto its support structure. In this case, the support structure is inserted into the inflatable shell and may have longitudinal ribs and transverse support elements to which the shell can be secured to facilitate defining the final shape of the wind turbine blade after inflation.

[0004] Problems with existing technology

[0005] Known support structures and their wind turbine blades have numerous drawbacks, including transportation issues and the use of non-recyclable materials. In practice, known wind turbine blades require the relative support structures to be inserted and installed (or assembled) into the wing cavity during the production phase, and the manufactured blades must be transported from the factory to the installation site in the wind farm. Given the size of wind turbines, transportation represents both management problems and increased costs. Furthermore, as expected, wind turbine blades and their support structures are made of non-recyclable materials, which poses significant problems during the production, disposal, and maintenance phases. Specifically, during the production phase, this type of wind turbine requires a long build-up time to configure the material layers, which in any case increases the risk of discontinuities. The latter obviously leads to premature blade failure. Moreover, since recycling is not possible, their disposal presents problems.

[0006] In addition to reducing drag on the atmospheric medium, inflatable wind turbine blades also require a support structure that can distribute the flow of air for inflation across the entire inner surface of the shell, thus complicating their construction.

[0007] The purpose of this invention

[0008] The object of the present invention discussed is to provide a support structure for wind turbines that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art described above.

[0009] In particular, the purpose of this invention is to provide a support structure for wind turbine blades that can improve the structural strength of wind turbine blades. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to one embodiment, the support structure is divided into one or more continuous segments along the extension direction, these segments defining a predetermined shape of the housing and cavity, each segment defining a corresponding first segment base and a second segment base opposite to it along the extension direction.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a support structure includes a segment comprising a first segment geometrically constructed in the following manner:

[0012] - First side portions of two first diverging hyperboloid truncated bodies, the truncated bodies of the hyperboloid extending in a tapering manner between at least partially overlapping first primary base portions and opposite first secondary base portions, the first primary base portions and the first secondary base portions separating along the extension direction; the two first hyperboloid truncated bodies diverge at branching locations along the extension direction, the extension direction being included between first segment base portions and second segment base portions respectively associated with the first segment, the first side portions and first complementary portions of the two first hyperboloid truncated bodies defining branches of the truncated bodies of the hyperboloid between the branching locations and the second segment base portions; the two first hyperboloid truncated bodies defining front and rear portions associated with a first segment having sidewalls of the first side portions; and

[0013] - The front and rear portions defined by the truncated bodies of the two first hyperboloids are connected to the second side portions of the truncated bodies of the two second hyperboloids, which are opposite to the truncated bodies of the first hyperboloids, and extend in a tapering manner between the second main base and the second sub-base, the second side portions defining the upper and lower surfaces associated with the first segment.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the first segment has a first cross-section relative to the extension direction, the first cross-section being variable along the extension direction and symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the cross-section and passing through the extension direction, the first cross-section exhibiting:

[0015] - A first front edge and a first rear edge, respectively, and a first upper edge and a first lower edge, respectively, for the front and rear portions, and the upper and lower edges, respectively, are defined by a first curved portion defined by a first side portion in the cross section, and the upper and lower edges are defined by a second curved portion defined by a second side portion in the cross section and are continuous with the first curved portion;

[0016] - From the branch location to the base of the second segment, the first complementary edge is associated with and defines the branch on the first complementary side.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a first segment identifier is a first cavity that is at least a part of a cavity, the first cavity being defined by a truncated body of a first unisheet hyperboloid and a truncated body of a second unisheet hyperboloid, and having the following along the extending direction:

[0018] - A first part, which extends between the base of the first section and the branch location, and is defined between the front and rear portions by the upper and lower surfaces of the sidewalls associated with the first section;

[0019] - A second portion, which is continuous with the first portion and extends between the branch location and the base of the second segment, the second portion being a combination of branches and defined by a first internal space, the first internal space being defined between the upper and lower surfaces associated with the first segment and the first complementary portion.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the housing includes one or more first reinforcing elements disposed within a first cavity of the first portion at an intermediate position between the front and rear portions, and connected to the upper and lower surfaces.

[0021] According to one implementation, the segment includes a first segment geometrically constructed in the following manner:

[0022] - The divergence of two first hyperboloid truncated bodies, the truncated bodies of the first hyperboloid extending in a tapering manner between at least partially overlapping first primary bases and opposite first secondary bases, the first primary bases and the first secondary bases separating along the extension direction, the two first hyperboloid truncated bodies diverging at branching positions along the extension direction, the extension direction being included between first segment bases and second segment bases respectively associated with a first segment, first side portions and first complementary portions of the two first hyperboloid truncated bodies defining branches of the truncated bodies of the first hyperboloid between the branching positions and the second segment bases; the two first hyperboloid truncated bodies defining front and rear portions associated with a first segment having a sidewall having a first side portion, the two first hyperboloid truncated bodies having an intermediate wall connected to the first side portion by means of a second complementary portion of the first hyperboloid truncated body between the branching position and an intermediate position arranged between the first segment base and the branching position, the intermediate wall having the second complementary portion defining a first passageway;

[0023] - The front and rear portions defined by the two first hyperboloid truncated bodies are joined by the second side portions of two second hyperboloid truncated bodies opposite to the first hyperboloid truncated body, which extend between the second main base and the second sub-base, and the second side portions define the upper and lower surfaces associated with the first segment.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first segment has a second cross-section relative to the extension direction, the second cross-section being variable along the extension direction and symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the cross-section and passing through the extension direction, each second cross-section exhibiting:

[0025] - A second front edge and a second rear edge, respectively, and a second upper edge and a second lower edge, respectively, for the upper surface and the lower surface, respectively. The second front edge and the second rear edge are a third curved portion defined by a first side portion in the cross section, and the first upper edge and the first lower edge are a fourth curved portion defined by a second side portion in the cross section and continuous with the first curved portion.

[0026] - From the middle position to the branch position, the second complementary edge associated with the complementary side and the central edge associated with the middle wall;

[0027] - From the branch location to the base of the second segment, the first complementary edge is associated with and defines the branch on the first complementary side.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a first segment identifies a first cavity, the first cavity defining at least a portion of a cavity, the first cavity being defined by a truncated body of a first unisheet hyperboloid and a truncated body of a second unisheet hyperboloid, and having the following along the extending direction:

[0029] - A first portion extending between a base of a first segment and an intermediate position associated with the first segment, the intermediate position being defined along the extension direction and disposed between the base of the first segment and a branch position, the first portion being defined between the base of the first segment and the intermediate position by the upper and lower surfaces of the sidewalls associated with the first segment between the front and rear portions.

[0030] - The middle section, which is continuous with the first section, extends between the middle position and the branch position. The middle section:

[0031] - Confined between the intermediate wall, the front part, the rear part, and the second complementary part; and

[0032] - Defined by defining the intermediate space between the second complementary side, the upper surface, and the lower surface;

[0033] - The second part is continuous with the middle part and extends between the branch location and the base of the second segment. The second part is defined by a combination of branches and by a first internal space, which is defined between the upper and lower surfaces associated with the first segment and the first complementary part.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the housing includes one or more second reinforcing elements disposed within a first cavity in the second portion at an intermediate position between the front and rear portions, and connected to the upper and lower surfaces.

[0035] According to one embodiment, a first side portion and a second side portion define a first segment base at a first main base portion and a second secondary base portion, respectively; the first side portion and the second side portion having the said branch define a second segment base at a first secondary base portion and a second main base portion.

[0036] According to one implementation, the segment includes a second segment geometrically constructed in the following manner:

[0037] - A combination of two truncated sections of a third hyperboloid, the two truncated sections of the third hyperboloid extending along an extension direction from a third primary base separated near the base of the first segment to a third secondary base opposite to the third primary base and separated near the base of the second segment, the truncated sections of the third hyperboloid defining a front and a rear portion associated with the second segment of the sidewall as a third side portion of each of the truncated sections of the third hyperboloid; the truncated sections of the third hyperboloid having complementary third side positions respectively connected to the third side portions to define a second passageway; and

[0038] - The front and rear portions defined by the two third hyperboloids are connected by the fourth side portions of the truncated bodies of the two fourth hyperboloids, which extend in a tapering manner from the fourth main base and the fourth sub-base relative to the truncated bodies of the third hyperboloids along the extension direction, the fourth side portions extending between the fourth main base and the fourth sub-base and defining the upper and lower surfaces associated with the second segment.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the third side portion and the third complementary portion at the third main base portion together with the fourth side portion at the fourth main base portion define a first segment base portion; the third side portion at the third sub-base portion and the third complementary portion together with the fourth side portion at the fourth sub-base portion define a second segment base portion.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the second segment has a third cross-section relative to the extension direction, the third cross-section being variable along the extension direction and symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the cross-section and passing through the extension direction, each third cross-section having:

[0041] - The third front edge and the third rear edge are respectively the front and the rear, and the third upper edge and the third lower edge are respectively the upper and the lower surfaces, the third front edge and the second rear edge are fifth curved portions defined by the third side portion in the cross section, and the third upper edge and the third lower edge are sixth curved portions defined by the fourth side portion in the cross section and continuous with the first curved portion;

[0042] - The third complementary edge, which is associated with the third complementary part and connected to the third front edge and the third rear edge.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the second segment identifies a second cavity as at least part of a cavity, the second cavity being defined by the truncated body of a third single-leaf hyperboloid and the truncated body of a fourth single-leaf hyperboloid, and extending between the base of the first segment and the base of the second segment associated with the second segment.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the housing includes one or more third reinforcing elements disposed within a second cavity at an intermediate position between the front and rear portions, and connected to the upper and lower surfaces.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the housing includes at least one engagement section configured to be associated with a rotor flange, a first section continuous with the engagement section, a second section continuous with the first section, and an end section continuous with the second section.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the truncated body of the single-leaf hyperboloid has a corresponding main base and a circular secondary base, preferably the truncated body of the single-leaf hyperboloid is a conical truncated body.

[0047] The stated technical task and designated purpose are essentially achieved by a support structure for the wind turbine blade, which includes the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

[0048] Advantages of the present invention

[0049] Advantageously, the support structure of the present invention allows for a reduction in the overall weight of the wind turbine blades.

[0050] Advantageously, the support structure of the present invention allows for easy connection with wind turbine blades.

[0051] Advantageously, the support structure of the present invention can be made of fully recyclable materials, reducing the use of polluting and difficult-to-dispose-of materials.

[0052] Advantageously, the support structure of the present invention allows for a reduction in the overall production cost of wind turbine blades and facilitates transportation to the wind turbine blade installation site. In fact, the support structure of the present invention can be assembled on-site because it can be implemented as multiple modular sections.

[0053] Advantageously, the support structure of the present invention allows for the management of vibrations caused by external forces on the wind turbine blades.

[0054] Advantageously, the support structure of the present invention allows for alteration and management of the modal response of the structure itself.

[0055] Advantageously, the support structure of the present invention allows for convenient static and dynamic structural calculations.

[0056] Advantageously, the support structure of the present invention allows for prediction of the fatigue life of a structure subjected to cyclic loading.

[0057] Advantageously, the support structure of the present invention facilitates the identification of any defects during the construction phase and facilitates correction / recovery to ensure the integrity and durability of the wind turbine blades.

[0058] Advantageously, the support structure of the present invention allows for improved overall safety of wind turbine blades.

[0059] Advantageously, the support structure of the present invention allows for improved buckling resistance while reducing the thickness required to construct wind turbine blades. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the indicative and therefore non-limiting description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the support structure for wind turbine blades, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0061] - Figure 1: A schematic diagram of a wind turbine;

[0062] - Figure 2: A perspective view of a support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, some parts of which are omitted to better show the other parts;

[0063] - Figure 3: A perspective view of the support structure of Figure 2 inserted into the wind turbine blades, with some parts omitted to better show the others;

[0064] - Figure 4: A schematic diagram showing the thickness of the surface portion of the support structure according to the first construction;

[0065] - Figure 5: A schematic diagram showing the thickness of the surface portion of the support structure according to the second configuration, in which the structure is preloaded under pressure;

[0066] - Figure 5a: A schematic diagram showing the stress caused by pressure along the thickness of the surface portion of the support structure according to the second configuration, in which the structure is preloaded under pressure;

[0067] - Figure 6: A top view of the support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] - Figure 7: A perspective view of the first section of the support structure of Figure 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, some parts of which are omitted to better show the other parts;

[0069] - Figure 8: A cross-sectional view of the first section of Figure 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention, some parts of which are omitted to better show the other parts;

[0070] - Figure 9: Shows the cross section AA of the segment in Figure 6;

[0071] - Figure 10: Shows the cross section BB of the segment in Figure 6;

[0072] - Figure 11: Shows the cross section CC of the segment in Figure 6;

[0073] - Figure 12: Shows the cross section DD of the segment in Figure 6;

[0074] - Figure 13: A top view of the support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0075] - Figure 14: Shows the cross section A'-A' of the segment in Figure 13;

[0076] - Figure 15: Shows the cross section B'-B' of the segment in Figure 13;

[0077] - Figure 16: Shows the cross section C'-C' of the segment in Figure 13;

[0078] - Figure 17: Shows the cross section D'-D' of the segment in Figure 13;

[0079] - Figures 18 and 19: show a first and second cross-sectional view of the support structure of Figure 13 connected to the wind turbine blade according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] Figures 20 to 23 show a first cross-sectional view, a second cross-sectional view, and a third cross-sectional view of the support structure of Figure 13 connected to the wind turbine blade according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] - Figure 23: A perspective view of the second section of the support structure of Figure 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, some parts of which are omitted to better show the other parts;

[0082] - Figure 24: Shows the cross section EE of the segment in Figure 23;

[0083] - Figure 25: Shows the cross section FF of the segment in Figure 23;

[0084] - Figure 26: Shows the cross section GG of the segment in Figure 23. Detailed Implementation

[0085] Even if not explicitly stated, the features disclosed with reference to a particular embodiment should be understood as being applicable to other features disclosed with reference to other embodiments and / or interchangeable with other features disclosed with reference to other embodiments.

[0086] This invention relates to a support structure for a wind turbine, generally indicated by 1 in the figures. The support structure 1 is configured to provide proper structural support to its wind turbine blades 2.

[0087] It is worth noting that each wind turbine blade 2 may be associated with a flange 3a (or hub) of a rotor 3 for which the wind turbine blade 2 is used. Specifically, each wind turbine blade 2 has a pressure side 4 and a suction side 5 defining a leading edge 6, a trailing edge 7, a back edge 8, and a belly edge 9. It should be noted that each wind turbine blade 2 has a wing cavity 11 defined between the pressure side 4 and the suction side 5.

[0088] The support structure 1 includes a housing 10 that can be inserted into the wing cavity 11. Specifically, the housing 10 extends along the extending direction XX between a first base 13 that can be coupled to the flange 3a of the rotor 3 and a second base 14 opposite to the first base 13, and has a sidewall 15 connected to the first base 13 and the second base 14. The sidewall 15 is configured to be coupled to the pressure side 4 and the suction side 5.

[0089] It is worth noting that the sidewall 15 has a front portion 16 facing the leading edge 6 and a rear portion 17 facing the trailing edge 7 opposite to the front portion 16. Preferably, the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17 are spaced apart along a transverse direction YY perpendicular to the extending direction XX. Furthermore, the sidewall 15 has an upper surface 18 facing the back 8 and a lower surface 19 facing the abdomen 9. Preferably, the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19 are spaced apart from each other along a spacing direction ZZ perpendicular to the transverse direction YY and the extending direction XX.

[0090] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing 10 has a pressurizable cavity 20. Specifically, the cavity 20 is defined between the sidewall 15, the first base 13, and the second base 14. Preferably, the cavity 20 is configured to be pressurized and to maintain the pressure therein. It is also worth noting that, as explained below, according to a preferred embodiment, the cavity 20 can be divided into sub-cavities 21, each of which can be pressurized independently of the other sub-cavities. Preferably, the cavity 20 is watertight, and pressure changes therein are reflected on the sidewall 15, and preferably also on the first base 13 and the second base 14.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the housing 10 is configured to reversibly switch between a static configuration and an operational configuration by changing the pressure within the cavity 20. Notably, the housing 10 is configured in an operational configuration for preloading the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19. Specifically, the switching from the static configuration to the operational configuration alters the distribution of stress applied along the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19. Preferably, the switching from the static configuration to the operational configuration also alters the distribution of stress applied to the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17 by axially and radially preloading the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17.

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing 10 maintains a substantially identical predetermined shape when switching between a static configuration and an operational configuration. Preferably, the pressurizable housing 10 maintains a substantially identical shape when switching between a static configuration and an operational configuration (and vice versa). More preferably, the housing 10 is substantially rigid and remains within an elastic range when switching between a static configuration and an operational configuration, thereby avoiding plastic deformation.

[0093] The thickness of the sidewall 15 can be, for example, included in the range between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, but can also be 25 mm or 50 mm.

[0094] Specifically, the housing 10 is configured to preload the upper surface 18 and lower surface 19 axially and radially by increasing the pressure in the cavity 20 when switching from a static configuration to an operating configuration. Preferably, the housing 10 is configured to preload the front portion 16 and rear portion 17 axially and radially by increasing the pressure in the cavity 20 when switching from a static configuration to an operating configuration. It should be noted that the stress distribution on the support structure 1, and particularly on the sidewall 15, can exhibit a butterfly-shaped distribution along its thickness, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, where the traction stress Ft and compressive stress Fc are visible. Specifically, as is known, the external forces applied to the wind turbine blades and thus transmitted to the support structure 1 have a negligible distributed shear force and a moment that can be represented by a butterfly diagram along the thickness. Figure 4 illustrates a schematic butterfly diagram under static configuration, where the applied traction stress Ft and compressive stress Fc are visible. Figure 5 shows a schematic butterfly diagram under operational configuration, where a preload stress caused by pressure, schematically shown in Figure 5a, is added to the traction stress Ft and compressive stress Fc, thereby reducing and preferably eliminating the compressive stress Fc. In this way, the support structure 1 can increase the stability of the wind turbine blades.

[0095] In detail, in the operating configuration, the axially and radially preloaded housing 10 is configured to compensate for compressive stresses generated on the pressure side 4 by external forces, which are preferably generated on the wind turbine blades and transmitted to the support structure 1. Such external forces can be, for example, aerodynamic forces generated on the wind turbine blades during operation.

[0096] It is worth noting that pressure changes within the casing can also alter the vibration frequency of the support structure, thereby changing the vibration frequency of the wind turbine blades. This allows the frequency of the support structure, and therefore the wind turbine blades themselves, to change, thus preventing them from resonating with external forces.

[0097] According to a preferred embodiment, the sidewall 15 has a variable thickness. Specifically, for each section transverse to the extension direction XX, the sidewall 15 has an edge with thickness. More specifically, for one or more sections transverse to the extension direction XX, the sidewall 15 has a variable thickness along its edge. Preferably, the sidewall 15 has increased thickness at the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19. Specifically, for one or more sections transverse to the extension direction XX, the sidewall 15 may have increased thickness at the portions facing the belly 9 and back 8 of the wind turbine blade relative to the thickness of the front portion 15 and the rear portion 16 facing the leading edge 6 and the trailing edge 7, respectively.

[0098] It is worth noting that the increased thickness can also be used as a function of the position of the section along the extension direction XX to change its extension along the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19 in the transverse direction YY.

[0099] Due to the increased thickness, the moment of inertia relative to a specific axis can be increased by limiting the increase in the weight of the structure. In other words, sidewalls 15 with increased thickness at one or more sections are constructed to increase the moment of inertia relative to the incident reference axis relative to the shell and the extension direction XX. For example, the increased thickness at the sections facing the abdomen 9 and the back 8, which are in the regions furthest from the principal axis of the moment of inertia that resists the bending moment generated by wind acting on the shell.

[0100] This increase in thickness can be achieved in the following ways, for example:

[0101] - Locally increase thickness by using known treatments of the material used to make the shell;

[0102] - By adding one or more layers of material to the sidewalls 15 where the thickness is intended to be increased;

[0103] - By adding external elements to the sidewall 15, these external elements participate in / cooperate in supporting axial stress (and therefore also participate in / cooperate in supporting axial stress originating from bending moment or axial force), but do not cooperate in shear and / or radial actions (e.g., shear and / or radial actions originating from internal pressure or torsional moment). These elements may be, for example, steel strips adhered / welded to the main membrane, or they may be cables, etc.

[0104] According to a preferred embodiment that replaces the foregoing embodiments, the sidewall 15 has an asymmetrically variable thickness that is configured to pre-deform the housing and thus the wind turbine blades when the housing 10 switches from a static configuration to an operational configuration.

[0105] Specifically, for each cross-section transverse to the extension direction XX, the sidewall 15 has an edge with thickness. More specifically, for one or more cross-sections transverse to the extension direction XX, the sidewall 15 has a variable thickness along its edge in an asymmetrical manner relative to a plane of symmetry defined by the extension direction XX and the transverse direction, the plane of symmetry being perpendicular to the transverse plane of the cross-section and equidistant from portions facing the front edge, abdomen, and back. Preferably, the sidewall 15 has an increased thickness at the portion facing the back 8 relative to the thickness of the portion facing the abdomen 9. More preferably, similar to the aforementioned embodiments, the thickness of these portions is greater than the thickness of the front portion 15 and the rear portion 16. It is noteworthy that, in this housing, the increased thickness can also vary its extension along the upper and lower surfaces in the transverse direction YY as a function of the position of the cross-section along the extension direction XX.

[0106] Due to the asymmetrical thickness, controlled deformation of the shell can be achieved once pressurized, and thus controlled deformation of the blades. Preferably, this controlled deformation occurs in the opposite direction to the deformation caused by wind acting on the blades and therefore on the shell 10.

[0107] Specifically, the asymmetric thickness of the sidewall 15 relative to the axis of moment of inertia (relative to the principal axis of the force) is greater at the upper surface. In this way:

[0108] 1) In a static structure, the shell 10 does not deform according to its geometry;

[0109] 2) In the operating configuration, there is axial elongation relative to the stationary configuration along the extension direction XX and deformation toward the section with greater drag (opposite to the deformation caused by the action of wind). This results in pre-deformation of the housing 10, which in turn leads to pre-deformation of the wind turbine blades. This pre-deformation corresponds to the bending of the housing 10 from the second base 14 along the spacing direction ZZ in the direction opposite to the deformation normally caused by the action of wind on the wind turbine blades. This pre-deformation is also transferred to the wind turbine blades associated with the housing 10;

[0110] 3) By subjecting the wind turbine blades and thus the casing 10 to wind-generated forces, further deformation is produced, which is the opposite of the resulting pre-deformation. The total deformation is the sum of the two, so if the pre-deformation is properly controlled by asymmetric thickness and pressurization, the resulting total deformation is smaller, limited, or zero compared to a static structure 1) not under pressure.

[0111] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing 10 is at least partially made of, for example, an iron-containing material. Preferably, the housing 10 is entirely made of an iron-containing material.

[0112] According to preferred embodiments that are alternatives to and can be combined with the foregoing embodiments, the housing 10 is at least partially made of, for example, high-yield steel or steel with a yield strength greater than 400 MPa. Preferably, the steel may be P690 or A517. Preferably, the housing 10 is made entirely of steel.

[0113] According to a preferred embodiment that is an alternative to the foregoing embodiments, the housing 10 may be made at least partially of a composite material, such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, fabric, aramid fiber, sandwich material and epoxy resin, as well as iron-containing materials and / or at least partially of steel.

[0114] Because of the use of ferrous materials and / or steel, the support structure 1 can be assembled in the factory and / or directly at the site of use.

[0115] Because of the use of ferrous and / or steel materials, known processing methods can be used, such as typical processing and construction methods for light woodworking or automated production lines (e.g., automobile production lines), followed by molding, calendering, welding, etc.

[0116] It is worth noting that the sidewall 15 has an inner surface 15a facing the cavity 20 and an outer surface 15b opposite the inner surface 15a and facing the interior of the wing cavity 11. According to a preferred embodiment, the sidewall 15 includes a connecting element 33 associated with the outer surface 15b and configured to connect the sidewall 15 to the pressure side 4 and the suction side 5. Alternatively, the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19 at least partially define the pressure side 4 and the suction side 5, respectively, for example, as shown in Figures 20 to 22.

[0117] According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure is divided into one or more continuous segments 22 along the extension direction XX. Specifically, one or more segments 22 define a predetermined shape for the housing 10 and the cavity 20. Each segment 22 has a corresponding first segment base 22a and a second segment base 22b opposite to the first segment base 22a along the extension direction XX. Notably, in an embodiment where the housing 10 has a single segment 22, the first segment base 22a and the second segment base 22b correspond to the first base 13 and the second base 14 of the housing. Alternatively, in an embodiment where the housing 10 has a plurality of continuous segments 22, the second segment base 22b of each segment 22 is connected to the first segment base 22a of the adjacent segment 22 along the extension direction XX from the first base 13 to the second base 14 of the housing 15. Preferably, the second segment base 22b and the first segment base 22a of two consecutive segments coincide.

[0118] It should be noted that, for ease of transport, section 22 can also be assembled on the site of use of the wind farm to define the shell 10.

[0119] Specifically, each segment 22 has a geometry selected from: a cylinder, a hyperboloid, a truncated hyperboloid, a square cylinder, a cone, a truncated cone, or a combination of one or more of these geometries. It is noteworthy that, geometrically, a cone is known to be a specific case of a hyperboloid, where the coefficients of the geometric functions of the hyperboloid exhibit specific values ​​known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the truncated cone or truncated hyperboloid of the geometry is given by a portion of the geometry extending between two bases spaced apart from each other and tapering continuously between the primary and secondary bases. It is also noteworthy that each truncated cone or truncated hyperboloid, as well as other geometries that can be made into segments, has relative sidewalls following the geometric path of its geometry.

[0120] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing 10 includes mechanical connection means configured to connect the sidewall 15 to the back 8 and belly 9 of the wind turbine blade. Such mechanical connection means may include, for example, ribs configured to externally engage with the housing 10 to mechanically connect the back and belly to the housing 10. In this way, the support structure 1 can fulfill its structural and support functions.

[0121] According to the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 12, segment 22 may include a first segment 23. Specifically, the first segment 23 is geometrically constructed by means of the first sides 51, 61 of the truncated bodies 50, 60 of the two first hyperboloids and by means of the front 16 and rear 17 defined by the truncated bodies 50, 60 of the two first hyperboloids and the second sides 81, 91 of the truncated bodies 80, 90 of the two second hyperboloids, the first sides 51, 61 being divergent and preferably hollow, defining the front 16 and rear 17 associated with segment 23.

[0122] Specifically, the truncated bodies 50 and 60 of these first single-leaf hyperboloids extend along the extension direction XX between the first main bases 50a and 60a and the opposite first secondary bases 50b and 60b.

[0123] The first sub-bases 50b and 60b separate near the base 22b of the second segment associated with the first segment 23. This separation is given by the mutual divergence of the truncated bodies 50 and 60 of the two first hyperboloids. Preferably, each truncated body 50 and 60 of the first hyperboloid extends along the extension direction XX, tapering from its main bases 50a and 60a to its sub-bases 50b and 60b, and has a relative height direction perpendicular to its main bases 50a and 60a and passing through the geometric center of its base. Notably, the first side portions 51 and 61 are tapered and follow the curved surfaces of the truncated bodies 50 and 60 of their first hyperboloids. The truncated sections 50 and 60 of these first hyperboloids diverge at branch positions X' (Fig. 8), which are arranged along an extension direction XX included between the first segment base 22a and the second segment base 22b associated with the first segment 23. Specifically, the first portions 51 and 61 and the first complementary portions 52 and 62 of the two truncated sections 50 and 60 define branches 70 of the truncated sections 50 and 60 of the first hyperboloids between the branch positions X' and the second segment base 22b.

[0124] Preferably, the branch 70 is defined by first complementary portions 52, 62 of two truncated hyperboloids 50, 60 extending from the branch position X' to their first sub-bases 50b, 60b. Specifically, the first complementary portions 52, 62 are continuously connected to the first side portions 51, 61 to define the wall portion of the truncated hyperboloids 50, 60 between the branch position X' and the second segment base 22b. Specifically, the first complementary portions 52, 62 are complementary to the first side portions 51, 61. Preferably, the branch 70 is defined by two diverging channels 71, 72 having a geometry that is the geometry of the two truncated hyperboloids 50, 60 extending from the branch position X' to their first sub-bases 50b, 60b.

[0125] In detail, the truncated sections 50 and 60 of the two first single-leaf hyperboloids define a front portion 16 and a rear portion 17 associated with the first segment 23 of the sidewall 15 by means of the side portions 51 and 61 of each of the first single-leaf hyperboloids 50 and 60.

[0126] According to this embodiment, the truncated portions 80 and 90 of the second hyperboloid are opposite to the truncated portions 50 and 60 of the first hyperboloid. Specifically, the taper of the truncated portions 80 and 90 of the second hyperboloid is opposite to the taper of the truncated portions 50 and 60 of the first hyperboloid. The truncated portions 80 and 90 of the second hyperboloid extend between the preferably overlapping second main bases 80a and 90a and the second secondary bases 80b and 90b. Preferably, each truncated portion 80 and 90 of the second hyperboloid extends along the extension direction XX, taper from its main base 80a and 90a to its secondary base 80b and 90b, and has a relative height direction perpendicular to its main base and secondary base and passing through the geometric center of its base. Specifically, the second side portions 81, 91 extend between the second main base portions 80a, 90a and the second secondary base portions 80b, 90b, and preferably define the upper surface 18 and lower surface 19 associated with the first segment 23 by continuously connecting the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17 defined by the truncated bodies 50, 60 of the first single-leaf hyperboloid along the extension direction XX. Specifically, the second side portions 81, 91 taper from their main base portions 80a, 90a to their secondary base portions 80b, 90b.

[0127] It is worth noting that the first main bases 50a, 60a and the second secondary bases 80b, 90b define the first segment base 22a associated with the first segment 23, while the first secondary bases 50b, 60b and the second main bases 80a, 90a define the second segment base 22b of the first segment 23. Preferably, the first portions 51, 61 and the second portions 80b, 90b define the first segment base 22a at the first main bases 50a, 60a and the second secondary bases 80b, 90b, respectively. It should be noted that the first main bases 50a, 60a used to define the first segment base 22a at least partially overlap, and are preferably shaped to compensate for the partial overlap given by divergence. Conversely, the second portions 81, 91 at the second main bases 80a, 90a, together with the branches 70 at the first portions 51, 61 and the first secondary bases 50b, 60b, define the second segment base 22b. Specifically, the second portions 81 and 91 at the second main bases 80a and 90a, together with the first portions 51 and 61 at the first auxiliary bases 50b and 60b and the first complementary portions 52 and 62, define the second section base 22b.

[0128] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 12, the first segment 23 has a first cross-section 100 with respect to the extension direction XX. These first cross-sections 100 are variable along the extension direction 100 and are preferably symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the cross-section and passing through the extension direction XX. Specifically, the first cross-sections 100 vary along the extension direction associated with the first segment 23 from the base 22a of the first segment to the base 22b of the second segment, as shown in cross-sections AA, BB, CC, and DD of the first segment (Figure 6). In detail, each first cross-section 100 has a first front edge 101 and a first rear edge 102 with a front portion 16 and a rear portion 17, respectively, and a first upper edge 103 and a first lower edge 104 with an upper surface 17 and a lower surface 18, respectively. It is noteworthy that the first front edge 101 and the first rear edge 103 are first curved portions defined by the first sides 51 and 61 in the cross section 100, and the first upper edge 103 and the first lower edge 104 are second curved portions defined by the second sides 81 and 91 in the cross section 100 and continuous with the first curved portions. Specifically, these first and second curved portions are functions of the position of the truncated sections of the first and second hyperboloids, and particularly along the tapered corresponding first sides 51 and 61 and second sides 81 and 91. Notably, from the branch position X' to the base 22b of the second segment, the first cross section 100 (an example of which is shown in FIG. 12) has a first complementary edge 105 associated with and defining the branch 70, which is also associated with the first complementary portions 52 and 62. Preferably, the complementary edge 105 extends from the first and second sides and is also a curved portion.

[0129] According to a preferred embodiment, the first segment 23 identifies a first cavity 110, which is at least a portion of cavity 20. It is noteworthy that in embodiments where the housing 10 has a single segment 22 identified by the first segment, the first cavity 110 corresponds to cavity 20; alternatively, the first cavity 110 corresponds to at least a portion of first cavity 20. Specifically, the first cavity 110 is defined by a combination of truncated sections 50 and 60 of a first hyperboloid and truncated sections 80 and 90 of a second hyperboloid. The first cavity 110 has a first portion 111 and a second portion 112 continuous with the first portion 111 along the extension direction XX. The first portion 111 extends between the base 22a of the first segment and the branch position X', and is defined between the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17, and between the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19 of the sidewall 15 associated with the first segment 23. The second portion 112 extends between the branch position X' and the base 22b of the second segment. In detail, the second portion 112 is defined by a combination of branch 70 and a first internal space 113, the first internal space 113 being defined between branch 70 and the upper surface 18 and lower surface 19 associated with the first segment 23. Preferably, the first internal space 113 is defined between the upper surface 18 and lower surface 19 and the first complementary sides 52, 62. Notably, the first cavity 110 has a single channel 73 that follows the branch position X' in two diverging channels 71, 72, and a complementary channel defined by the first internal space 113 between the first complementary sides 52, 62 and the upper surface 18 and lower surface 19 from the branch position X' to the base 22b of the second segment.

[0130] According to this preferred embodiment, the housing 10 includes one or more first reinforcing elements 30, which are disposed at an intermediate position between the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17 within a first cavity 110 of the first portion 111 and connected to the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19. Preferably, the reinforcing elements 30 are centrally disposed between the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17 along the extension direction XX. Optionally, other reinforcing elements are symmetrically disposed between the central reinforcing element and the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17, respectively. These first reinforcing elements 30 are configured to support and space between the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19. Furthermore, the housing 10 may include one or more second reinforcing elements 31, which are disposed at an intermediate position between the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17 within a first cavity 110 of the second portion 112 and connected to the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19.

[0131] According to the preferred embodiments shown in Figures 13 to 22, and in lieu of the foregoing embodiments, the first segment 23 is geometrically constructed from the following:

[0132] - The divergence of two first single-leaf hyperboloid truncated sections 50, 60, said two first single-leaf hyperboloid truncated sections 50, 60 being hollow and defining a front portion 16 and a rear portion 17 and a common intermediate wall 115 disposed between the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17; and

[0133] - The front portion 16 and the rear portion 17, defined by the truncated bodies 50 and 60 of the two first single-leaf hyperboloids, are connected to the second side portions 81 and 91 of the truncated bodies 80 and 90 of the two second single-leaf hyperboloids, thereby defining the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19.

[0134] Specifically, the truncated sections 50 and 60 of the first single-leaf hyperboloid are defined between the first main bases 50a and 60a and the second secondary bases 50b and 60b, as previously described. In this embodiment as described above, the first side portions 51 and 61 define the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17, and the second side portions 81 and 91 define the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19. Notably, in this embodiment, the segment has second complementary portions 53 and 63 of the truncated sections 50 and 60 of the first single-leaf hyperboloid between the branch position X' and the intermediate position X''. The second complementary portions 53 and 63 are arranged along the extension direction XX between the base 22a of the first segment and the branch position X'. These second complementary portions 53 and 63 are configured to connect the first side portions 51 and 61 to the intermediate wall 115. The intermediate wall 115 having the second complementary portions 53 and 63 defines a passageway 128. Specifically, the connections between the first side portions 51, 61 and the intermediate wall 115, and with the complementary second side portions 53, 63, define a first connecting portion 116 and a second connecting portion 117. Specifically, the first connecting portion 116 and the second connecting portion 117 extend from opposite portions along the interval direction ZZ, facing the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19, respectively. Notably, the intermediate wall 115 extends between the first connecting portion 116 and the second connecting portion 117. Preferably, the first connecting portion 116 and the second connecting portion 117 have a pointed shape in cross-section, with a vertex at the intersection between the second complementary portions 53, 63. This pointed shape is more prominent when transitioning from the intermediate position X'' to the branch position X', for example, as seen in cross-sections A'-A', B'-B', C'-C', and D'-D' of Figures 14 to 17. Notably, the figure-eight shape defines lobes that are gradually spaced apart along the transverse direction YY. In other words, the intermediate wall 115 is configured to connect the ideal intersection between the truncated sections 50 and 60 of the first hyperboloid, which will appear between the front and rear portions along the extension direction XX. In this way, the ideal portion shared between the truncated sections 50 and 60 of the first hyperboloid is replaced by the intermediate wall 115, while maintaining the same volume of the intersection between the truncated sections 50 and 60 of the hyperboloid. Specifically, the intermediate wall 115 is configured to replace the remaining sides of the truncated sections 50 and 60 of the hyperboloid relative to the first side and the second complementary portion by connecting at the ideal intersection point. It is worth noting that, in the previous embodiment, the first segment base 22a and the second segment base 22b are defined by a combination of the first side, the second side, and the first complementary portion.

[0135] In this embodiment, the pressurization inside the cavity of the hyperboloid truncated cone generates circumferential stress in the sidewall 14. If the sidewall 15 is interrupted, a discontinuity is created at the connection points 116 and 117. If this interruption is reconnected in the same manner via the intermediate wall 115, the resulting force will be vertical (refer to Figures 15 or 16). Specifically, through the intermediate wall 115, the generated force is balanced with the lower intersection point because an equal and opposite resultant force is generated. In this way, if the two cavities have equal pressurization, the system is in equilibrium and there is no discontinuity.

[0136] According to this embodiment, the first segment 23 identifies a first cavity 110, which defines at least a portion of the cavity 20 as described above. Specifically, the first cavity 110 of this embodiment is defined by a combination of truncated portions 50 and 60 of a first hyperboloid and truncated portions 80 and 90 of a second hyperboloid. The first cavity 110 has a first portion 111, an intermediate portion 114 continuous with the first portion 111, and a second portion 112 continuous with the intermediate portion 114 along the extension direction XX. The first portion 111 extends between the base 22a of the first segment and the intermediate position X'', and is defined between the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17 and between the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19 of the sidewall 15 associated with the first segment 23. The intermediate portion 114 extends between the intermediate position X'' and the branch position X'. The intermediate portion 114 is defined by an intermediate space 118 between the intermediate wall 115, the front portion 16, the rear portion 17, and the complementary second side portions 53 and 63. Preferably, the intermediate space 118 is defined between the second complementary sides 53, 63, the upper surface 18, and the lower surface 19. Similar to the previous embodiment, the second portion 112 is defined by a combination of a branch 70 and a first internal space 113, which is defined between the branch 70 and the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19 associated with the first segment 23. Preferably, the first space 113 is defined between the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19 and the first complementary portions 52, 62. Notably, the first cavity 110 of this embodiment has a single channel 73 that branches beyond the intermediate position X'' in the two pathway channels 128 and diverges from the branch position X' in the two diverging channels 71, 72. The first cavity 110 of this embodiment also has an intermediate channel defined between the first complementary portions 53, 63 and the upper and lower surfaces from the intermediate position X'' to the branch position X', and a complementary channel defined by the first internal space 113 between the first complementary sides 52, 62 and the upper and lower surfaces 19 from the branch position X' to the second segment base 22b.

[0137] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 14 to 22, the first segment 23 has a second cross-section 200 relative to the extension direction XX. These second cross-sections 200 are variable along the extension direction and are preferably symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the cross-section and passing through the extension direction XX. Specifically, the second cross-sections 200 vary along the extension direction associated with the first segment 23, from the base 22a of the first segment to the base 22b of the second segment. In detail, each second cross-section 200 has a second front edge 201 and a second rear edge 202, respectively, with a front portion 16 and a rear portion 17, and a second upper edge 203 and a second lower edge 204, respectively, with an upper surface 17 and a lower surface 18. It is worth noting that the second front edge 201 and the second rear edge 203 are third curved portions defined by the first side portions 51 and 61 in the second cross-section 200, and the second upper edge 203 and the second lower edge 204 are fourth curved portions defined by the second side portions 81 and 91 in the second cross-section 200 and continuous with the first curved portions. Specifically, these third and fourth bends are functions of the positions of the truncated sections 50, 60 of the first and second hyperboloids, and particularly along the corresponding tapering first and second sides 51, 61 and 81, 91. In this embodiment, from the intermediate position X'' to the branch position X', the second section 200 has a second complementary edge 106 associated with the complementary sides 53, 63, which is preferably also a bend, and also has a central edge 107 associated with the intermediate wall 115. Preferably, the second complementary edge 106 and the central edge 107 define a figure-eight cross section. Finally, it is worth noting that from the branch position X' to the base 22b of the second segment, the first section 100 has a first complementary edge 105 associated with the first complementary sides 52, 62 and defining the branch 70, as previously described with respect to the previous embodiment.

[0138] According to this embodiment, the housing 10 includes one or more second reinforcing elements 31, which are disposed at an intermediate position between the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17 within a first cavity 110 in the second portion 112 and connected to the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19 as previously described. In this embodiment, the first reinforcing element is replaced by a combination of an intermediate wall 115 and second complementary portions 53, 63.

[0139] According to an alternative preferred embodiment and in combination with the aforementioned embodiments shown in Figures 2, 3, 6, and 13, segment 22 may include, for example, a second segment 24 as shown in Figure 23. Specifically, the second segment 23 is geometrically constructed by means of a combination of two truncated sections 120, 130 of third hyperboloids and by connecting the front portion 16 and rear portion 17 defined by the two truncated sections 120, 130 of third hyperboloids to the fourth side portions 141, 151 of two truncated sections 140, 150 of fourth hyperboloids, the two truncated sections 120, 130 of third hyperboloids being hollow and defining the front portion 16 and rear portion 17 associated with the second segment 24. Preferably, the two truncated sections 120, 130 of third hyperboloids converge from the base 22a of the first segment to the base 22b of the second segment along the extension direction XX.

[0140] Specifically, the truncated portions 120 and 130 of the two third hyperboloids extend between the third main bases 120a and 130a and the opposite third secondary bases 120b and 130b. Notably, the third main bases 120a and 130a and the third secondary bases 120b and 130b separate at the first segment base 22a and the second segment base 22b, respectively. Preferably, the truncated portions 120 and 130 of each third hyperboloid taper from the main bases 120a and 130a to the secondary bases 120b and 130b. More specifically, each truncated portion 120 and 130 of the third hyperboloid extends along the extension direction XX, tapers from its main base to its secondary base, and has a height direction perpendicular to its main base and secondary base and passing through the geometric center of the base. According to this embodiment, the truncated portions 120 and 130 of the third hyperboloid define a front portion 16 and a rear portion 17 associated with the second segment 24 of the sidewall 15 by means of the third side portions 121 and 131 of each of the truncated portions 120 and 130. Preferably, the third side portions 121 and 131 taper from the main base to the secondary base. Notably, the truncated portions 120 and 130 of the third hyperboloid have complementary third side portions 122 and 132 connected to the third side portions 121 and 131. These complementary third side portions 122 and 132 connected to the third side portions 121 and 131 are configured to define the side surfaces of the truncated portions 120 and 130 of the third hyperboloid. Specifically, complementary third side positions 122 and 132 are respectively connected to third side portions 121 and 131 to define a second passageway 119, which extends between the bases of segments having the geometry of the truncated bodies 120 and 130 with third single-leaf hyperboloids.

[0141] In this embodiment, the truncated portions 140 and 150 of the two fourth hyperboloids are consistent with the truncated portions 120 and 130 of the third hyperboloids. Specifically, the taper of the truncated portions 120 and 130 of the third hyperboloids is consistent with the taper of the truncated portions 140 and 150 of the fourth hyperboloids. These truncated portions 140 and 150 of the fourth hyperboloids extend between the fourth main bases 140a and 150a and the fourth secondary bases 140b and 150b. Preferably, each truncated portion 140 and 150 of the fourth hyperboloids extends along the extension direction XX, tapers from its main base to its secondary base, and has a relative height direction perpendicular to its main base and secondary base and passing through the geometric center of its base. Specifically, the fourth sides 141, 151 extend between the fourth main bases 140a, 150a and the fourth sub-bases 140b, 150b, and preferably define the upper surface 18 and lower surface 19 associated with the second segment 24 by connecting to the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17 associated with the second segment 24. More specifically, the third sides 121, 131 and the fourth sides 141, 151 taper from their main bases to their sub-bases. Finally, it should be noted that the third sub-bases 120b, 130b and the fourth sub-bases 140b, 150b define the second segment base 22b, while the third main bases 120a, 130a and the fourth main bases 140a, 150a define the first segment base 22b. Specifically, the third side portions 121 and 131, together with their third complementary portions 122 and 132 at the third main base portions 120a and 130a, and the fourth side portions 141 and 151 at the fourth main base portions 140a and 150a of the fourth truncated hyperboloids 140 and 150, define the first segment base 22a. Conversely, the third side portions 121 and 131, together with their third complementary portions 122 and 132 at the third sub-base portions 120b and 130b, and the fourth side portions 141 and 151 at the fourth sub-base portions 140b and 150b, define the second segment base 22b.

[0142] According to this embodiment, the second segment 24 has a third cross-section 300 relative to the extension direction XX, as shown in Figures 24 to 26, for example. The third cross-section 300 is variable along the extension direction and is preferably symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry perpendicular to the cross-section and passing through the extension direction XX. Specifically, the third cross-section 300 varies along the extension direction associated with the second segment 23 from the base 22a of the first segment to the base 22b of the second segment, as can be seen in cross-sections EE, FF, GG (Figure 23). In detail, each third cross-section 300 has a third front edge 301 and a third rear edge 302 of the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17, respectively, and a third upper edge 303 and a third lower edge 304 of the upper surface 17 and the lower surface 18, respectively. It is noteworthy that the third front edge 101 and the third rear edge 103 are fifth bends defined by the third sides 121 and 131 in section 300, and the third upper edge 103 and the third lower edge 104 are sixth bends defined by the fourth sides 141 and 151 in section 100 and continuous with the first bend. Specifically, these bends are a function of the positions of the truncated portions of the third and fourth unisheet hyperboloids, and particularly along the tapering corresponding third sides 121, 131 and fourth sides 141, 151. It is also noteworthy that the third section 300 has a third complementary edge 305 associated with the third complementary portions 122 and 132, preferably also a bend, and connected to the third front edge 301 and the third rear edge 302. Preferably, the third complementary portions 122 and 132, the third front edge 301, and the third rear edge 302 define the section of the second passageway 119. Conversely, the third complementary portions 122, 132, having an upper edge 303 and a third lower edge 304, define the cross-section of the second internal space 161 as described below.

[0143] According to a preferred embodiment, the second segment 23 identifies a second cavity 160 that is at least a part of the cavity 20. It is noteworthy that in embodiments where the housing 10 has a single segment 22 identified by the second segment, the second cavity 160 corresponds to the cavity 20; alternatively, the second cavity 160 corresponds to at least a part of the cavity 20. Specifically, the second cavity 160 is defined by a combination of truncated sections 120 and 130 of a third unilateral hyperboloid and truncated sections 140 and 150 of a fourth unilateral hyperboloid. Preferably, the second cavity 160 extends between a first segment base 22a and a second segment base 22b associated with the second segment 23. More specifically, the second cavity is defined between the third side portions 121 and 131, between the third complementary portions 122 and 132, and between the third complementary portions 122 and 132 and the upper surface 18 and lower surface 19 associated with the second segment 24. It is worth noting that the second cavity has a second passageway 119 defined by a truncated section of a third hyperboloid and a second internal space 161 defined between the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19 and the third complementary portions 122, 132. According to this embodiment, the housing 10 includes one or more third reinforcing elements disposed within the second cavity 160 at an intermediate position between the front portion 16 and the rear portion 17 and connected to the upper surface 18 and the lower surface 19.

[0144] According to a preferred embodiment, segment 22 may include an end segment 25, which represents the end of housing 10 near the second housing base 15. This end segment may be manufactured according to known techniques, but may also be manufactured according to the previously described embodiments.

[0145] According to a preferred embodiment, end segment 25 has a second segment base 22b, which is closed to define a pressurizable internal volume. Preferably, contrary to the embodiment described with respect to Figures 6 to 22, end segment 25 can be formed by the convergence of two truncated hyperboloids connected by the sides of truncated hyperboloids. This convergence occurs from the first segment base 22a to the second segment base 22b. More preferably, the convergence can continue until the bases of the converged truncated hyperboloids overlap.

[0146] According to a preferred embodiment, section 22 may include one or more engagement sections 26, which represent the ends of housing 10 near the first base of housing 10.

[0147] According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure 1 has a single segment made according to a combination of shapes or geometries previously described. For example, the support structure may have a single segment made according to any of the embodiments described above.

[0148] According to a preferred embodiment, such as shown in FIG2, the housing includes at least one engagement section 26 configured to be associated with the flange 3a of the rotor 3, a first section 23 continuous with the engagement section 26, a second section 24 continuous with the first section 23, and an end section 25 continuous with the second section 23.

[0149] According to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the truncated sections 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 130, 140, and 150 of the hyperboloid have corresponding circular main bases 50a, 60a, 80a, 90a, 120a, 130a, 140a, and 150a, and secondary bases 50b, 60b, 80b, 90b, 120b, 130b, 140b, and 150b. Specifically, the curved portion defining the cross-section is the peripheral portion. More specifically, the truncated sections 50, 60, 80, 90, 120, 130, 140, and 150 of the hyperboloid are truncated sections of cones. It is worth noting that each reference numeral and textual reference previously associated with the truncated section of the hyperboloid can also be associated with the truncated section of a cone. For these reasons, the numbering of the truncated sections of cones will not be repeated. For example, in this embodiment, the truncated body 50 of the first single-leaf hyperboloid corresponds to the truncated body 50 of the cone.

[0150] Advantageously, the use of the truncated cone shape simplifies the construction of the support structure.

[0151] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing 10 includes one or more inner walls 34 spaced apart from each other along an extending direction XX, the inner walls 34 being configured to divide the cavity 20 into pressurizable sub-cavities 21. Specifically, each sub-cavity 21 can be pressurized independently of other sub-cavities 21 by adjusting the pressure within each sub-cavity 21 between a static pressure Pr in a static configuration and a relative operating pressure Po.

[0152] Advantageously, the surfaces defining the support structure can be obtained from flat metal sheets that are appropriately cut, rolled, and welded. The one or more cavities they define allow form tolerances to be minimized once pressurized. Furthermore, the minimal pressurization within one or more cavities allows for reinforcement and the attainment of the desired shape of the shell and / or airfoil itself, thereby avoiding undesirable deformations due to the weight of the structure and / or blades themselves.

[0153] Preferably, the inner wall 34 can be distributed along each segment 22 into which the shell 10 is divided.

[0154] It is worth noting that the support structure 1 may include a restraining system configured to pressurize the cavity 20 and thus all sub-cavities 21 by inserting air into the interior.

[0155] For example, static pressure can be in the range between 0 and 10 barg, while operating pressure can be in the range between 0.01 barg and 100 barg.

[0156] It is worth noting that the sections manufactured as described above are configured to distribute the forces generated within the housing in relation to increased pressure by switching from a static configuration to an operational configuration.

[0157] According to an embodiment where the sidewall 15 has a variable thickness. Specifically, the upper edges 103, 203, 303 and lower edges 104, 204, 304 of one or more opposing cross sections have an increased thickness relative to the thickness of their front edges 101, 201, 301 and rear edges 102, 202, 302.

[0158] According to an embodiment where the sidewall 15 has a variable thickness in an asymmetrical manner, for one or more opposing sections, the upper edges 103, 203, 303 may have an increased thickness compared to the lower edges 104, 204, 304. Furthermore, the thickness of the upper edges 103, 203, 303 and the lower edges 104, 204, 304 is increased relative to the thickness of their front edges 101, 201, 301 and rear edges 102, 202, 302.

[0159] Another object of the invention is a wind turbine blade 2 of a wind turbine 400. Each wind turbine blade 2 has, as intended, a pressure side 4 and a suction side 5 defining a leading edge 6, a trailing edge 7, a back edge 8, and a belly edge 9. Specifically, the pressure side 4 and the suction side 5 extend along the extension direction XX between a rotor end 4a that can be associated with the rotor 3 and a free end 4b opposite thereto, and define a wing cavity 11.

[0160] Each wind turbine blade includes a support structure 1, which, as previously described, is inserted into the blade cavity 11 and associated with the pressure side 4 and the suction side 5.

Claims

1. A support structure (1) for wind turbine blades (2), each wind turbine blade (2) being associated with a flange (3a) of a rotor (3) and having a pressure side (4) and a suction side (5) defining a leading edge (6), a trailing edge (7), a back edge (8), and a belly edge (9), said support structure (1) comprising: - A housing (10) insertable into a wing cavity (11) defined between the pressure side (4) and the suction side (5), the housing (10) extending along an extension direction (XX) between a first base (13) and a second base (14), the first base (13) being connectable to the flange (3a) of the rotor (3), the second base (14) being opposite to the first base (13), and the housing (10) having a sidewall (15) connected to the first base (13) and the second base (14) and configured for connection to the pressure side (4) and the suction side (5), the sidewall (15) having a front portion (16) facing the leading edge (6) and a rear portion (17) facing the trailing edge (7) opposite to the front portion (16), an upper surface (18) facing the back (8) and a lower surface (19) facing the abdomen (9); characterized in that, - The housing (10) has a cavity (20) that is pressurizable and is defined between the sidewall (15), the first base (13) and the second base (14). The housing (10) is configured to reversibly switch between a static configuration and an operational configuration. The housing (10) is configured to preload the upper surface (18) and the lower surface (19) by changing the pressure within the cavity (20). The housing (10) maintains substantially the same predetermined shape when switching between the static configuration and the operational configuration.

2. The support structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (10) is configured to preload the upper surface (18) and the lower surface (19) axially and radially by increasing the pressure in the cavity (20) when switching from the static configuration to the operational configuration.

3. The support structure (1) according to claim 2, wherein the housing (10) preloaded axially and radially in the operating configuration is configured to compensate for compressive and traction stresses generated by external forces on the pressure side (4) and the suction side (5).

4. The support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sidewall (15) has a variable thickness.

5. The support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sidewall (15) has an asymmetrically variable thickness, the asymmetrically variable thickness being configured to pre-deform the housing (10) and the wind turbine blade (2) when the housing (10) switches from the static configuration to the operational configuration.

6. The support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support structure (1) is divided into one or more consecutive segments (22) along the extension direction (XX), the one or more consecutive segments (22) defining the predetermined shape of the housing (10) and the cavity (20), each segment (22) defining a corresponding first segment base (22a) and a second segment base (22b) opposite to the first segment base (22a) along the extension direction (XX).

7. The support structure (1) according to claim 6, wherein each segment (22) has a geometry selected from: a cylinder, a hyperboloid, a truncated hyperboloid, a square tube, a cone, a truncated cone, or a combination of one or more of the geometry.

8. The support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sidewall (15) has an inner surface (15a) facing the cavity (20) and an outer surface (15b) opposite to the inner surface (15a) and facing the interior of the wing cavity (11), the sidewall (15) including a connecting element (33) associated with the outer surface (15b) and configured to connect the sidewall (15) to the pressure side (4) and the suction side (5).

9. The support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the upper surface (18) and the lower surface (19) at least partially define the pressure side (4) and the suction side (5), respectively.

10. The support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the housing (10) includes one or more inner walls (34) spaced apart from each other along the extension direction (XX), the inner walls (34) being configured to divide the cavity (20) into pressurizable sub-cavities (21), each sub-cavity (21) being pressurizable independently of other sub-cavities (21) by adjusting the pressure within each sub-cavity (21) between the static pressure (Pr) in the static configuration and the operating pressure (Po) of the sub-cavity.

11. The support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the shell (10) is at least partially made of an iron-containing material, preferably the shell (10) is entirely made of an iron-containing material.

12. The support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the housing (1) is at least partially made of steel, preferably the housing (1) is entirely made of steel.

13. A wind turbine blade (2) for a wind turbine (400), comprising: - A pressure side (4) and a suction side (5), the pressure side (4) and the suction side (5) defining a leading edge (6), a trailing edge (7), a back (8) and a belly (9), the pressure side (4) and the suction side (5) extending along an extension direction (XX) between a rotor end (4a) that can be associated with the rotor (3) and a free end (4b) opposite to the rotor end (4a), and defining a wing cavity (11); - A support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, which is inserted into the wing cavity (11) and associated with the pressure side (4) and the suction side (5).

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