Wind turbine rotor blade

Abstract

A wind turbine rotor blade, comprising a blade root, a blade tip, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side, a pressure side, and a heatable surface area comprising at least one electrical heating element, the heatable surface area covers a section of the leading edge and has a first edge facing the blade tip, a second edge facing the blade root, a third edge arranged on the suction side and a fourth edge arranged on the pressure side, the wind turbine rotor blade comprising a first layer of electrically insulating material, where the first layer is smaller than the heatable surface area, and a first layer disposed on top of the at least one electrical heating element along the leading edge and such that the first layer extends beyond the first edge of the heatable surface area. The electric heating system provided by the utility model provides improved lightning protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to wind turbine rotor blades, and more particularly to a heating system for wind turbine rotor blades with an electric heating system. Background Technology

[0002] EP 2 667 025 A1 discloses a wind turbine rotor blade with a heating pad having two sections extending parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the wind turbine rotor blade. To prevent short circuits between the two sections, an insulating material is placed between the adjacent sections, wherein the layer is disposed below one of the sections and on top of the adjacent section.

[0003] EP 2 843 228 A1 discloses a wind turbine rotor blade with an electric heating system comprising multiple electric heating elements arranged on the outer surface of the wind turbine rotor blade. Each heating element has a carrier layer and a heating conductor arranged in a zigzag pattern on the carrier layer between two opposite edges of the heating element. The heating elements are arranged on the outer surface of the wind turbine rotor blade. The free end of each heating conductor is connected to two power supply lines extending along the blade length and serving as lightning protection down conductors. In the event of a lightning strike, the heating elements should provide potential equalization between the two lightning protection down conductors. An anti-corrosion layer is provided on the outer side of the heating elements. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, one object of this utility model is to provide a wind turbine rotor blade with an electric heating system that provides improved lightning protection.

[0005] This objective is achieved by wind turbine rotor blades having the features described below. Some aspects of this invention are pointed out below.

[0006] A wind turbine rotor blade (10) includes a blade root (12), a blade tip (14), a leading edge (16), a trailing edge (18), a suction side (20), a pressure side (22), and a heatable surface area (26) including at least one electric heating element (24), wherein the heatable surface area (26) covers a section of the leading edge (16) and has a first edge (26a) facing the blade tip (14), a second edge (26b) facing the blade root (12), and is arranged as follows. The third edge (26c) of the suction side (20) and the fourth edge (26d) of the pressure side (22) are characterized in that the wind turbine rotor blade (10) includes a first layer (48) of electrically insulating material, wherein the first layer (48) is smaller than the heatable surface area (26) and is arranged along the leading edge (16) on top of the at least one electrically heating element (24), and such that the first layer (48) extends beyond the first edge (26a) of the heatable surface area (26).

[0007] In one aspect, the first layer (48) has a second edge (48b) facing the root of the blade (12), wherein at least a segment of the second edge (48b) of the first layer (48) is disposed on top of the heatable surface region (26) at a distance from the second edge (26b) of the heatable surface region (26).

[0008] In one aspect, the first layer (48) has a third edge (48c) on the suction side (20), wherein at least one segment of the third edge (26) of the first layer (48) is disposed on top of the heatable surface region (26) at a distance from the third edge (26c) of the heatable surface region (26), and / or wherein the first layer (48) has a fourth edge (48d) on the pressure side (22), wherein at least one segment of the fourth edge (48d) of the first layer (48) is disposed on top of the heatable surface region (26) at a distance from the fourth edge (26d) of the heatable surface region (26).

[0009] In one aspect, the wind turbine rotor blade (10) includes a second layer (50) of electrically insulating material, wherein the second layer (50) is smaller than the heatable surface area (26) and is disposed on top of the at least one electrically heating element (24) along the leading edge (16), and such that the second layer extends beyond the first edge (26a) of the heatable surface area (26).

[0010] In one aspect, the first edge (50a) of the second layer (50) is arranged in the longitudinal direction between the first edge (26a) of the heatable surface region (26) and the first edge (48a) of the first layer (48).

[0011] In one aspect, the second layer (50) has a second edge (50b) facing the root (12) of the blade, wherein at least a segment of the second edge (50b) of the second layer (50) is disposed within the surface covered by the first layer (48) and is at a distance from the second edge (48b) of the first layer (48).

[0012] In one aspect, the second layer (50) has a third edge (50c) on the suction side (20), wherein at least a segment of the third edge (50c) of the second layer (50) is disposed on the surface covered by the first layer (48) and is at a predetermined distance from the third edge (48c) of the first layer (48), and / or wherein the second layer (50) has a fourth edge (50d) on the pressure side (22), wherein at least a segment of the fourth edge (50d) of the second layer (50) is disposed within the surface covered by the first layer (48) and is at a certain distance from the fourth edge (48d) of the first layer (48).

[0013] In one aspect, the wind turbine rotor blade (10) includes a third layer (52) of electrically insulating material, wherein the third layer (52) is smaller than the heatable surface area (26) and is disposed on top of the at least one electrically heating element (24) along the leading edge (16), and such that the third layer extends beyond the first edge (26a) of the heatable surface area (26).

[0014] The first edge (52a) of the third layer (52) is arranged in the longitudinal direction between the first edge (26a) of the heatable surface region (26) and the first edge (50a) of the second layer (50).

[0015] The third layer (52) has a second edge (52b) facing the root (12) of the leaf, wherein at least a segment of the second edge (52b) of the third layer (52) is arranged within the surface covered by the second layer (50) and is at a distance from the second edge (50b) of the second layer (50).

[0016] The third layer (52) has a third edge (52c) on the suction side (20), wherein at least a segment of the third edge (52c) of the third layer (52) is disposed on the surface covered by the second layer (50) and is at a predetermined distance from the third edge (50c) of the second layer (50), and / or wherein the third layer (52) has a fourth edge (52d) on the pressure side (22), wherein at least a segment of the fourth edge (52d) of the third layer (52) is disposed within the surface covered by the second layer (50) and is at a certain distance from the fourth edge (50d) of the second layer (50).

[0017] In one aspect, the at least one electric heating element (24) comprises a plurality of electric heating elements (24) arranged in a row along the leading edge (16), wherein each of the electric heating elements (24) has a first edge facing the blade tip (14) and a second edge facing the blade root (12), wherein the wind turbine rotor blade (10) comprises at least one strip (46) of electrically insulating material arranged on the top of the first edge of one of the electric heating elements (24) and on the top of the second edge of an adjacent electric heating element (24).

[0018] In one aspect, the at least one electric heating element (24) comprises a plurality of electric heating elements (24) arranged in a row along the leading edge (16), wherein each of the electric heating elements (24) has a first connection section (40) connected to a first power supply line located on the suction side (20) and a second connection section (40) connected to a second power supply line (38) located on the suction side (20), wherein the wind turbine rotor blade (10) comprises at least one strip (44) of electrically insulating material arranged on the top of the first connection section (40) and / or the top of the second connection section (40).

[0019] In one aspect, the first power supply line is disposed between the trailing edge (18) and the third edge (26c) of the heatable surface region (26), wherein a strip (44) of at least one electrically insulating material disposed on top of the first connecting section (40) extends from the third edge (26c) of the heatable surface region (26) to or beyond the first power supply line, and / or wherein the second power supply line (38) is disposed between the trailing edge (18) and the fourth edge (26d) of the heatable surface region (26), wherein a strip (44) of at least one electrically insulating material disposed on top of the second connecting section (40) extends from the fourth edge (26d) of the heatable surface region (26) to or beyond the second power supply line.

[0020] In one aspect, the wind turbine rotor blade (10) includes a lightning receiver disposed at the blade tip (14), wherein the first edge (26a) of the heatable surface area (26) is disposed at a distance of 1 m to 4 m from the blade tip (14).

[0021] In one aspect, the wind turbine rotor blade (10) includes at least one additional lightning receiver disposed between the trailing edge (18) and the third edge (26c) of the heatable surface region (26) and / or between the trailing edge (18) and the fourth edge (26d) of the heatable surface region (26).

[0022] In one aspect, the electrical insulating material includes glass fiber.

[0023] In one aspect, the at least one electric heating element (24) includes a heating conductor attached to a carrier layer of a wind turbine rotor blade (10), wherein, in particular, the heating conductor includes a metal heating wire or a carbon fiber bundle.

[0024] A wind turbine rotor blade includes a blade root, a blade tip, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side, a pressure side, and a heatable surface area including at least one electric heating element. The heatable surface area covers a section of the leading edge and has a first edge facing the blade tip, a second edge facing the blade root, a third edge disposed on the suction side, and a fourth edge disposed on the pressure side. The wind turbine rotor blade includes a first layer of electrically insulating material, which is smaller than the heatable surface area and disposed along the leading edge on top of at least one electric heating element, such that it extends beyond the first edge.

[0025] The outer surface of a wind turbine rotor blade corresponds to the aerodynamic surface of the wind turbine rotor blade. The wind turbine rotor blade may include a shell structure forming the outer surface, such as two wind turbine rotor blade half-shells, like a pressure-side half-shell and a suction-side half-shell. The at least one heating element may be connected to a first power supply line and a second power supply line, such that heating current can be directed through the at least one heating element. In this way, the at least one heating element and the heatable surface area of ​​the wind turbine rotor blade can be heated to remove accumulated ice (de-icing) and / or prevent ice formation on the surface area (anti-icing).

[0026] The at least one heating element may have a generally rectangular or trapezoidal shape folded around the leading edge of the wind turbine rotor blade. The shape of the at least one heating element defines a heatable surface area. Typically, multiple heating elements are arranged on the outer surface of the wind turbine rotor blade, thereby collectively defining a heatable surface area.

[0027] This invention is based on the observation that lightning strikes on wind turbine rotor blades with appropriate lightning protection systems not only damage any conductive elements within the rotor blades located near the lightning arrester down conductor—caused by flashover between the down conductor and the conductive elements—but also that the heating element itself may be struck directly by lightning when free charge carriers (electrons or ions) are accelerated outside the heating element under the influence of a high electric field, contributing to the formation of current paths. This risk can be mitigated by electrical insulation of the heating element. However, any insulating material placed on top of the heating element increases the overall weight of the wind turbine rotor blades and may reduce the efficiency of the heating system. The insulating material may also degrade the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine rotor blades due to undesirable changes in surface geometry and structure. Based on these considerations, the inventors have found a method that significantly reduces the risk of direct lightning strikes affecting at least one heating element by using minimal additional material and with ease of implementation.

[0028] The first layer of electrical insulation material can be treated in substantially the same manner as any other layer included in a wind turbine rotor blade. The first layer can have a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal shape. The first layer is smaller (in area) than the heatable surface area, such that not all of the heatable surface area is covered by the first layer. However, the first layer is arranged to extend beyond the first edge of the heating element facing the blade tip. This means that the first layer will specifically cover the section of the heatable surface located at the leading edge and closest to the blade tip, which, based on the inventors' insight, is at the highest risk of being directly struck by lightning. In particular, this area will not only be covered by the first layer, but the first layer will also overlap with the first edge of the heatable surface area facing the blade tip.

[0029] The first layer is placed on top of the heatable surface area. In other words, the heatable surface area is arranged below the first layer, such that the first layer forms a cover for a section of the heatable surface area. Of course, the first layer does not need to be placed directly on top of the heatable surface area, or directly on top of the at least one heating element. There may also be any layers or coatings between them. Any other reference in this disclosure to a layer arranged "on top" of another component will be interpreted in this manner.

[0030] In one aspect, the first layer has a second edge facing the blade root, wherein at least a segment of the second edge of the first layer is disposed on top of the heatable surface area, at a distance from the second edge of the heatable surface area. This means that the first layer is not only smaller than the heatable surface area in terms of total area, but also shorter in the longitudinal direction. The segment of the heatable surface area relatively close to the blade root and relatively far from the blade tip is not covered by the first layer. The inventors have found that the additional insulation of the first layer in this segment is less important, thus allowing for a better trade-off between lightning strike risk and additional weight by leaving this segment uncovered.

[0031] In one aspect, the first layer has a third edge on the suction side, wherein at least a segment of the third edge of the first layer is disposed on top of the heatable surface region at a distance from the third edge of the heatable surface region, and / or wherein the first layer has a fourth edge on the pressure side, wherein at least a segment of the fourth edge of the first layer is disposed on top of the heatable surface region at a distance from the fourth edge of the heatable surface region. The third edge of the first layer may be disposed at a constant distance from the third edge and / or leading edge of the heatable surface region. The fourth edge of the first layer may be disposed at a constant distance from the fourth edge and / or leading edge of the heatable surface region. It has been found that it is preferable not to cover with the first layer the segments of the heatable surface region disposed between the third edge of the first layer and the third edge of the heatable surface region and / or between the first edge of the first layer and the fourth edge of the heatable surface region.

[0032] In one aspect, the wind turbine rotor blade includes a second layer of electrically insulating material, wherein the second layer is smaller than the heatable surface area and is disposed along the leading edge on top of the at least one electrically heating element, such that the second layer extends beyond a first edge of the heatable surface area. Generally, the second layer may be disposed on top of or below the first layer. Preferably, the second layer may be disposed on top of the first layer. The second layer provides additional insulation where it is most needed.

[0033] In one aspect, the first edge of the second layer in the longitudinal direction is disposed between the first edge of the heatable surface region and the first edge of the first layer. In some cases, this helps to avoid three-dimensional bending of the first and / or second layers, especially when these layers overlap in both the longitudinal direction and the vertical chord direction.

[0034] In one aspect, the second layer has a second edge facing the leaf root, wherein at least a segment of the second edge of the second layer is disposed within the surface covered by the first layer and is spaced at a distance from the second edge of the first layer. This aspect is based on the same argument explained with reference to a similar design of the first layer, that only selected segments of the first layer need to be covered by the second layer.

[0035] In one aspect, the second layer has a third edge on the suction side, wherein at least a segment of the third edge of the second layer is disposed within the surface covered by the first layer and is spaced at a distance from the third edge of the first layer, and / or wherein the second layer has a fourth edge on the pressure side, wherein at least a segment of the fourth edge of the second layer is disposed within the surface covered by the first layer and is spaced at a distance from the fourth edge of the first layer. The third edge of the second layer may be disposed at a constant distance from the third edge of the first layer and / or at a constant distance from the leading edge. The fourth edge of the second layer may be disposed at a constant distance from the fourth edge of the first layer and / or at a constant distance from the leading edge. This aspect is based on the same argument explained with reference to a similar design of the first layer, wherein only selected portions of the first layer need to be covered by the second layer.

[0036] In one aspect, the wind turbine rotor blade includes a third layer of electrically insulating material, wherein the third layer is smaller than the heatable surface area and is disposed along the leading edge on top of the at least one electrically heating element, extending beyond a first edge of the heatable surface area, wherein the arrangement of the third layer relative to the second layer is the same as defined above regarding any aspect of the second layer relative to the first layer (describing the second layer). The third layer may be disposed on top of the second layer, which may be preferred. The third layer may also be placed below the second layer and / or below the first layer. The third layer may also be placed between the first and second layers.

[0037] In one aspect, the at least one electric heating element comprises a plurality of electric heating elements arranged in a row along the leading edge, wherein each heating element has a first edge facing the blade tip and a second edge facing the blade root, wherein the wind turbine rotor blade includes at least one strip of electrically insulating material disposed on top of the first edge of one heating element and on top of the second edge of an adjacent heating element. Adjacent heating elements may be arranged close together or with a gap, for example, in the range of 1 mm to 50 mm. The width of the strip may be selected to cover the boundary section of two adjacent heating elements (e.g., having a width of 10 mm to 50 mm). In any case, the width of the strip will be less than the width of one of the heating elements. Any number of strips may be used; if desired, one strip may be used between each pair of adjacent heating elements, or only one strip may be used between numerous adjacent heating elements arranged closest to the blade tip, for example, the number being in the range of 2 to 20. The insulating strip helps reduce the risk of lightning strikes at the edge of one of the heating elements.

[0038] In one aspect, the at least one electric heating element comprises a plurality of electric heating elements arranged in a row along the leading edge, wherein each heating element has a first connection section connected to a first power supply line on the suction side and a second connection section connected to a second power supply line on the suction side, wherein the wind turbine rotor blade includes at least one strip of electrically insulating material disposed on the top of the first connection section and / or the top of the second connection section. These insulating strips help reduce the risk of lightning strikes at or near the connection section.

[0039] In one aspect, a first power supply line is arranged between the trailing edge and the third edge of the heatable surface area, wherein a strip of at least one electrically insulating material arranged on top of the first connection section extends from or beyond the third edge of the heatable surface area toward the first power supply line, and / or wherein a second power supply line is arranged between the trailing edge and the fourth edge of the heatable surface area, wherein a strip of at least one electrically insulating material arranged on top of the second connection section extends from or beyond the fourth edge toward the second power supply line. In this way, the entire connection section is covered by the strip. If desired, a strip can be applied that folds over the leading edge and covers both connection sections.

[0040] In one aspect, the wind turbine rotor blade includes a lightning receiver arranged at the blade tip, wherein the first edge of the heatable surface area is located within a distance of 1 m to 4 m from the blade tip. This means that the outermost section of the wind turbine rotor blade near the tip does not have a heatable surface area. However, because the first edge of the heatable surface area is relatively far from the lightning receiver, improved lightning protection is achieved.

[0041] In one aspect, the wind turbine rotor blade includes at least one additional lightning receiver disposed between the trailing edge and a third edge of the heatable surface region, and / or between the trailing edge and a fourth edge of the heatable surface region. The additional lightning receiver at this location can attract lightning strikes at a distance from the blade tip without creating an additional risk of damage to the at least one heating element.

[0042] In one respect, the insulating material includes glass fiber. The insulating material can consist of, for example, a biaxial fabric of glass fiber.

[0043] In one aspect, the at least one electric heating element includes a heating conductor fixed to a carrier layer, wherein, in particular, the heating conductor includes a metal heating wire or a carbon fiber bundle.

[0044] This invention provides a wind turbine rotor blade with an electric heating system that provides improved lightning protection. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a view of the pressure side of a wind turbine rotor blade.

[0047] Figure 2 To show in more detail Figure 1 A section of the rotor blades of a wind turbine, and

[0048] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the section on the leading edge of a wind turbine rotor blade. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 1 The wind turbine rotor blade 10 has a blade root 12, a blade tip 14, a leading edge 16, a trailing edge 18, a suction side 20 (away from the observer), and a pressure side 22. The wind turbine rotor blade 10 also includes a plurality of heating elements 24 arranged side by side and covering a section of the leading edge 16. The heating elements 24 together form a heatable surface area 26.

[0050] The heatable surface area 26 has a generally rectangular shape folded around the leading edge 16. The heatable surface area 26 has a first edge 26a facing the blade tip 14, a second edge 26b facing the blade root 12, and a third edge 26c on the suction side 20. Figure 1(Not shown in the image) and a fourth edge 26d on the pressure side 22. The third edge 26c and the fourth edge 26d extend along the longitudinal direction of the wind turbine rotor blade 10. The wind turbine rotor blade 10 has a first power supply line 36 on the suction side 20 ( Figure 1 (not shown in the image), and has a second power supply line 38 on the pressure side 22, which is also arranged in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] Each heating element 24 is electrically connected to a first power supply line 36 and a second power supply line 38 via respective first and second connection sections 40. The connection sections 40 extend substantially in a chordal direction between the third edge 26c or the fourth edge 26d and the corresponding power supply lines 36, 38.

[0052] exist Figure 2 The enlarged image shows a more detailed view. Figure 1 The section of the wind turbine rotor blade 10 near the blade tip 14. The heatable surface area 26 is shown as a rectangle, with only the first edge 26a and the fourth edge 26d visible. Figure 2 The heating elements 24 covering the heatable surface area 26 are not shown in the diagram.

[0053] exist Figure 2 The second power supply line 38 is also omitted in the view, but the connection section 40 of each heating element 24 is shown. They each lead to a connection point 42, where the connection section 40 connects to the second power supply line 38 arranged within the housing component of the wind turbine rotor blades.

[0054] A set of first insulating strips 44 are arranged chordally, with a width (arranged along the longitudinal direction of the wind turbine rotor blade 10) of approximately 10 cm. The first insulating strips 44 specifically cover the connection point 42 and the connection section 40. Furthermore, the first insulating strips 44 are folded around the leading edge 16 such that they extend chordally over the entire heatable surface area 26, from the connection point 42 at the second power supply line 38 to a similar connection point at the first power supply line on the suction side 20 of the wind turbine rotor blade 10. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image).

[0055] Figure 2 A set of second insulating strips 46 is also shown, each arranged on the top of a first edge of one of the heating elements 24 and on the top of a second edge of an adjacent heating element 24. The second insulating strips are also folded around the leading edge 16 such that they cover the entire heatable surface area 26 in the tangential direction.

[0056] Figure 2Several layers of insulating material are further shown, namely, a first layer 48, a second layer 50, a third layer 52, a fourth layer 54, and a fifth layer 56. Each of these layers 48 to 56 extends along the longitudinal direction of the wind turbine rotor blade 10 and is folded around the leading edge 16. Each of these layers 48 to 56 has a first edge 48a, 50a, 52a, 54a, 56a facing the blade tip 14, a second edge 48b, 50b, 52b, 54b, 56b facing the blade root 12, and a third edge 48c, 50c, 52c, 54c, 56c on the suction side 20. Figure 2 (not shown in the image), and the fourth edges 48d, 50d, 52d, 54d, and 56d on the pressure side 22. Based on... Figure 3 The schematic diagram illustrates how these different edges are arranged relative to each other and relative to the first edge 26a, second edge 26b, third edge 26c and fourth edge 26d of the heatable surface region 26.

[0057] Still refer to Figure 2 The first additional layer 58 and the second additional layer 60 of the insulating material can be seen. The first additional layer 58 and the second additional layer 60 are arranged in a chordal direction and folded around the leading edge 16 such that they cover the entire first edge 26a of the heatable surface region 26.

[0058] exist Figure 3 The schematic diagram shows a section of a wind turbine rotor blade 10 including the blade tip 14. The view points to the leading edge 16, and the pressure side 22 and suction side 20 are shown extended, allowing the view to also see the trailing edge 18 formed by the corresponding housing members forming the suction side 20 and pressure side 22. The heatable surface region 26 has a trapezoidal shape. The plurality of heating elements 24 forming the heatable surface region 26 are not [incomplete / unclear]. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the heatable surface region 26 has a first edge 26a facing the blade tip 14, a second edge 26b facing the blade root 12, a third edge 26c on the suction side 20, and a fourth edge 26d on the pressure side 22.

[0059] Figure 2 The same reference numerals used also show and indicate the first layer 48, the second layer 50, and the third layer 52. For clarity, Figure 3 The fourth and fifth layers are not shown.

[0060] It can be seen that each of layers 48, 50, and 52 is smaller than the heatable surface region 26. The first layer 48 is arranged along the leading edge 16. The first layer 48 extends beyond the first edge 26a of the heatable surface region 26 and has a first edge 48a of the first layer, which is arranged at a distance (measured in the longitudinal direction) from the first edge 26a of the heatable surface region 26. The second edge 48b of the first layer 48 is arranged on top of the heatable surface region 26 and at a distance (measured in the longitudinal direction) from the second edge 26b of the heatable surface region 26. The third edge 48c of the first layer 48 is arranged on top of the heatable surface region 26 and at a distance (measured in the chordal direction) from the third edge 26c of the heatable surface region 26. The fourth edge 48d of the first layer 48 is arranged on top of the heatable surface region 26 and at a distance (measured in the chordal direction) from the fourth edge 26d of the heatable surface region 26.

[0061] The second layer 50 also extends beyond the first edge 26a of the heatable surface region 26 and has a first edge 50a that is positioned at a distance from the first edge 26a of the heatable surface region. The first edge 50a of the second layer 50 has a section disposed on the top of the first heating layer 48.

[0062] The third layer 52 is disposed on top of the second layer 50 and also extends beyond the first edge 26a of the heatable surface region 26. It has a first edge 52a disposed at a distance from the first edge 26a of the heatable surface region 26. This first edge 52a of the third layer 52 has a section disposed on top of the second layer 50. Through this specific arrangement of the first layer 48, the second layer 50, and the third layer 52 overlapping each other in a specific overlapping manner, the curvature required for each of these layers 48, 50, 52 is substantially limited to the curvature of the outer surface of the wind turbine rotor blade 10. A two-dimensional curvature is not required to cover the edge of one of the layers beneath a given layer.

[0063] List of reference numerals

[0064] 10 Wind turbine rotor blades

[0065] 12 leaf base

[0066] 14 leaf tips

[0067] 16 Front Edges

[0068] 18 posterior margins

[0069] 20 suction side

[0070] 22 Pressure Side

[0071] 24 heating elements

[0072] 26 Heated Surface Areas

[0073] 26a First edge of the heatable surface area

[0074] 26b The second edge of the heatable surface area

[0075] The third edge of the 26c heatable surface area

[0076] The fourth edge of the 26d heatable surface area

[0077] 38 Second power supply line

[0078] 40 connecting sections

[0079] 42 connection points

[0080] 44 First insulating strip

[0081] 46 Second Insulating Strip

[0082] 48 First Floor

[0083] 48a First edge of the first layer

[0084] 48b First layer second edge

[0085] 48c First layer third edge

[0086] 48d first layer fourth edge

[0087] 50 Second layer

[0088] 50a Second Layer First Edge

[0089] 50b Second Layer Second Edge

[0090] 50c second layer third edge

[0091] 50d second layer fourth edge

[0092] 52 Third Floor

[0093] 52a Third layer first edge

[0094] 52b Third Layer Second Edge

[0095] 52c third layer third edge

[0096] 52d third layer fourth edge

[0097] 54 Fourth Floor

[0098] 56 Fifth Floor

[0099] 58 First Additional Layer

[0100] 60 Second Additional Layer

Claims

1. A wind turbine rotor blade (10), the wind turbine rotor blade comprising a blade root (12), a blade tip (14), a leading edge (16), a trailing edge (18), a suction side (20), a pressure side (22), and a heatable surface area (26) including at least one electric heating element (24), wherein, The heatable surface region (26) covers a section of the leading edge (16) and has a first edge facing the blade tip (14), a second edge facing the blade root (12), a third edge disposed on the suction side (20) and a fourth edge disposed on the pressure side (22), characterized in that the wind turbine rotor blade (10) includes a first layer (48) of electrically insulating material, wherein the first layer (48) is smaller than the heatable surface region (26) and is disposed along the leading edge (16) on top of the at least one electrically heating element (24), and such that the first layer (48) extends beyond the first edge of the heatable surface region (26).

2. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first layer (48) has a second edge facing the root (12) of the blade, wherein at least a segment of the second edge of the first layer (48) is arranged on top of the heatable surface region (26) at a distance from the second edge of the heatable surface region (26).

3. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first layer (48) has a third edge on the suction side (20), wherein at least a segment of the third edge of the first layer (48) is disposed on top of the heatable surface region (26) at a distance from the third edge of the heatable surface region (26), and / or wherein the first layer (48) has a fourth edge on the pressure side (22), wherein at least a segment of the fourth edge of the first layer (48) is disposed on top of the heatable surface region (26) at a distance from the fourth edge of the heatable surface region (26).

4. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The wind turbine rotor blade (10) includes a second layer (50) of electrically insulating material, wherein the second layer (50) is smaller than the heatable surface area (26) and is arranged on top of the at least one electrically heating element (24) along the leading edge (16), and such that the second layer extends beyond the first edge of the heatable surface area (26).

5. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first edge of the second layer (50) is arranged in the longitudinal direction between the first edge of the heatable surface region (26) and the first edge of the first layer (48).

6. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second layer (50) has a second edge facing the root (12) of the blade, wherein at least a segment of the second edge of the second layer (50) is arranged within the surface covered by the first layer (48) and at a distance from the second edge of the first layer (48).

7. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second layer (50) has a third edge on the suction side (20), wherein at least a segment of the third edge of the second layer (50) is disposed on the surface covered by the first layer (48) and at a predetermined distance from the third edge of the first layer (48), and / or wherein the second layer (50) has a fourth edge on the pressure side (22), wherein at least a segment of the fourth edge of the second layer (50) is disposed within the surface covered by the first layer (48) and at a certain distance from the fourth edge of the first layer (48).

8. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The wind turbine rotor blade (10) includes a third layer (52) of electrically insulating material, wherein the third layer (52) is smaller than the heatable surface area (26) and is arranged on top of the at least one electrically heating element (24) along the leading edge (16), and such that the third layer extends beyond the first edge of the heatable surface area (26); The first edge of the third layer (52) is arranged in the longitudinal direction between the first edge of the heatable surface region (26) and the first edge of the second layer (50); The third layer (52) has a second edge facing the root (12) of the leaf, wherein at least a segment of the second edge of the third layer (52) is arranged within the surface covered by the second layer (50) and is at a certain distance from the second edge of the second layer (50); The third layer (52) has a third edge on the suction side (20), wherein at least a segment of the third edge of the third layer (52) is disposed within the surface covered by the second layer (50) and at a predetermined distance from the third edge of the second layer (50), and / or wherein the third layer (52) has a fourth edge on the pressure side (22), wherein at least a segment of the fourth edge of the third layer (52) is disposed within the surface covered by the second layer (50) and at a certain distance from the fourth edge of the second layer (50).

9. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one electric heating element (24) comprises a plurality of electric heating elements (24) arranged in a row along the leading edge (16), wherein each of the electric heating elements (24) has a first edge facing the blade tip (14) and a second edge facing the blade root (12), wherein the wind turbine rotor blade (10) comprises at least one second strip (46) of electrically insulating material arranged on the top of the first edge of one of the electric heating elements (24) and on the top of the second edge of an adjacent electric heating element (24).

10. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one electric heating element (24) includes a plurality of electric heating elements (24) arranged in a row along the leading edge (16), wherein each of the electric heating elements (24) has a first connection section connected to a first power supply line located on the suction side (20) and a second connection section connected to a second power supply line (38) located on the suction side (20), wherein the wind turbine rotor blade (10) includes a first strip (44) of at least one electrically insulating material arranged on top of the first connection section and / or the second connection section.

11. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first power supply line is disposed between the rear edge (18) and the third edge of the heatable surface region (26), wherein a first strip (44) of at least one electrically insulating material disposed on the top of the first connection section extends from the third edge of the heatable surface region (26) to or beyond the first power supply line, and / or wherein the second power supply line (38) is disposed between the rear edge (18) and the fourth edge of the heatable surface region (26), wherein a first strip (44) of at least one electrically insulating material disposed on the top of the second connection section extends from the fourth edge of the heatable surface region (26) to or beyond the second power supply line.

12. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The wind turbine rotor blade (10) includes a lightning receiver arranged at the blade tip (14), wherein the first edge of the heatable surface area (26) is arranged within a distance of 1m to 4m from the blade tip (14).

13. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The wind turbine rotor blade (10) includes at least one additional lightning receiver disposed between the trailing edge (18) and the third edge of the heatable surface region (26) and / or between the trailing edge (18) and the fourth edge of the heatable surface region (26).

14. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The electrical insulating material includes glass fiber.

15. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one electric heating element (24) includes a heating conductor fixed to a carrier layer of the wind turbine rotor blade (10).

16. The wind turbine rotor blade (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The heating conductor includes a metal heating wire or a carbon fiber bundle.

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