Blade attachment piece for rotor blades in wind turbines

Abstract

Rotor blade assembly (100) of a wind turbine (10), comprising: - a rotor blade (22) having a pressure side (62), a suction side (64), a leading edge (66) and a trailing edge (68) extending between a tip (54) and a root (56), the rotor blade (22) further having an aerodynamic profile and a bend in the direction of flapping; and - a blade attachment piece (110) mounted on the rotor blade (22), - wherein the blade attachment piece (110) has a cut-out mounting portion (120) for mounting the blade attachment piece (110) on one of the pressure side (62) and the suction side (64) of the rotor blade (22), - so that the blade attachment piece (110) is substantially flush with at least one of the pressure side (62) and / or the suction side (64) of the rotor blade (22), - wherein the cut-out mounting portion (120) defines a notch (122) adapted to position the blade attachment piece (110) relative to the rotor blade (22), and - wherein the cut-out mounting portion (120) tapers such that the blade attachment piece (110) substantially corresponds to the aerodynamic profile of the other of the pressure side (62) and the suction side (64) of the rotor blade (22).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to wind turbine rotor blades, and more particularly to blade attachments mounted on the rotor blades. The present disclosure further relates to a wind turbine having blade attachments mounted on rotor blades. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Wind power is considered one of the cleanest, most environmentally friendly energy sources available, and wind turbines have gained increasing attention in this regard. A modern wind turbine typically comprises a tower, a generator, a gearbox, a nacelle, and one or more rotor blades. The rotor blades capture the kinetic energy of the wind using familiar airfoil principles. The rotor blades transfer the kinetic energy in the form of rotational energy to rotate a shaft, which couples the rotor blades to a gearbox or, if no gearbox is used, directly to the generator. The generator then converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy, which can be fed into a power grid.

[0003] In many cases, various components are attached to the rotor blades of wind turbines to perform different tasks during operation. These components can often be attached adjacent to the trailing edges of the rotor blades. However, attaching these components to the rotor blades is generally difficult and requires, for example, significant modifications to both the pressure and suction sides of the rotor blades. These modifications can also be expensive and time-consuming and can affect the aerodynamic profile of the rotor blades. Various known fastening solutions also prevent the components from being quickly and efficiently attached to and removed from the rotor blades, as required, for example, by environmental conditions.Many of the components can also be relatively stiff, which prevents the components from adapting to the aerodynamic profile of the rotor blades.

[0004] EP 1 662 137 A1 describes a rotor blade of a wind turbine having a noise reduction device. In embodiments, the noise reduction device is formed by a sound- or resonance-absorbing element separate from the rotor blade, which is mounted in a recess in one side of the rotor blade such that its outer side is substantially flush with the surrounding outer surface of the side of the rotor blade.

[0005] DE 10 2008 037 368 A1 describes a rotor blade of a wind turbine whose trailing edge is designed with several serrated profiles to reduce auroacoustic noise.

[0006] EP 0 652 367 A1 describes a wind turbine rotor blade with a sawtooth profile on its trailing edge for noise reduction. In embodiments, a separate sawtooth profile is fixed to the rotor blade at a beveled or cut-out mounting section of the rotor blade in such a way that it blends smoothly into the surface of the rotor blade.

[0007] DE 10 2008 007 908 A1 describes a rotor blade of a wind turbine with a leading edge arrangement having a varying cross-section and a trailing edge. The leading edge arrangement is accommodated in sections in an externally cutout mounting section on the suction and pressure sides of the rotor blade such that its outer side surfaces are flush with the outer contour of the suction or pressure side and extend the suction or pressure side contour, or conversely, the suction and pressure sides of the rotor blade are accommodated in outer cutout mounting sections of the trailing edge arrangement.

[0008] US 2008 / 0 107 540 A1 describes a rotor blade of a wind turbine with damping elements that are attached, in particular glued, to an inner or outer surface of a leading and / or trailing edge section of the rotor blade body.

[0009] Thus, a blade attachment that can be quickly and efficiently attached to and removed from a rotor blade would be desirable. A blade attachment that minimizes any disruption to the rotor blade's aerodynamic profile would also be advantageous. Furthermore, a rotor blade component that can adapt to the aerodynamic profile of a rotor blade would be desirable. Finally, a blade attachment that can withstand various environmental conditions would be advantageous. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0011] In one aspect of the invention, a rotor blade assembly of a wind turbine is disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade and a blade attachment. The rotor blade has a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade further includes an aerodynamic profile. The blade attachment is mounted to the rotor blade. The blade attachment includes a cutout mounting portion for mounting the blade attachment to the rotor blade such that the blade attachment is substantially flush with at least one of the pressure side and / or the suction side of the rotor blade. The cutout mounting portion defines a notch configured to position the blade attachment relative to the rotor blade.The cut-out mounting section tapers in such a way that the blade attachment piece essentially corresponds to the aerodynamic profile of the other of the pressure side and the suction side of the rotor blade.

[0012] In a further aspect of the invention, a wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine includes a plurality of rotor blades, each of the rotor blades having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. Each of the rotor blades further includes an aerodynamic profile and a blade attachment mounted to at least one of the plurality of rotor blades. The blade attachment includes a cutout mounting portion for mounting the blade attachment to one of the pressure side and the suction side of the at least one rotor blade such that the blade attachment is substantially flush with at least one of the pressure side and / or the suction side of the at least one rotor blade. The cutout mounting portion defines a notch configured to position the blade attachment relative to the at least one rotor blade.The cut-out mounting section tapers in such a way that the blade attachment piece essentially corresponds to the aerodynamic profile of the other of the pressure side and the suction side of the rotor blade.

[0013] These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully understood by reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Character list

[0014] A complete and reproducible disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof directed to one skilled in the art, is set forth in the description which refers to the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a wind turbine of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rotor blade assembly of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a rotor blade assembly of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a rotor blade assembly of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a rotor blade assembly of the present disclosure; and Fig. 6 is a plan view of one embodiment of a blade attachment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings.

[0016] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary wind turbine 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine 10 is a horizontal-axis wind turbine. Alternatively, the wind turbine 10 may be a vertical-axis wind turbine. In the exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine 10 includes a tower 12 extending from a base 14, such as the ground or a platform or foundation, a nacelle 16 mounted to the tower 12, and a rotor 18 coupled to the nacelle 16. The rotor 18 includes a rotatable hub 20 and at least one rotor blade 22 coupled to and extending outwardly from the hub 20. In the exemplary embodiment, the rotor 18 includes three rotor blades 22. In an alternative embodiment, the rotor 18 includes more or fewer than three rotor blades 22. In the embodiment, the tower 12 is made of steel tube to form a cavity (not shown) Fig. 1) between the base 14 and the nacelle 16. In an alternative embodiment, the tower 12 is any suitable type of tower having a suitable height.

[0017] The rotor blades 22 are arranged at a distance around the hub 20 to allow the rotation of the rotor 18, so that kinetic energy of the wind can be converted into usable mechanical energy and subsequently into electrical energy. The rotor blades 22 are connected to the hub 20 by a blade root section 24 being coupled to the hub 20 at a plurality of power transmission areas 26. The power transmission areas 26 include a hub power transmission area and a blade power transmission area (both not shown in Fig. 1). Forces acting on the rotor blades 22 are transferred to the hub 20 via the force transfer portions 26. In one embodiment, the rotor blades 22 have a length ranging from 15 meters (m) to approximately 91 m. Alternatively, the rotor blades 22 may have any suitable length that enables the wind turbine 10 to operate as described herein. For example, other examples of blade lengths include 10 m or shorter, 20 m, 37 m, or a length greater than 91 m. When wind strikes the rotor blades 22 from a direction 28, the rotor 18 is rotated about an axis of rotation 30. As the rotor blades 22 are rotated and subjected to centrifugal forces, the rotor blades 22 are also subjected to various forces and moments. The rotor blades 22 may thus bend and / or rotate from a rest or unbent position to a bent position.Furthermore, a pitch angle or angle of attack of the rotor blades 22, i.e., an angle that determines a viewing angle of the rotor blades 22 relative to the direction 28 of the wind, can be varied with a pitch adjustment system 32 to control the load and energy generated by the wind turbine 10 by adjusting the angular position of at least one rotor blade 22 relative to wind vectors. The pitch axes 34 for the rotor blades 22 are shown.During operation of the wind turbine 10, the pitch adjustment system 32 can change an angle of attack of the rotor blades 22 such that the rotor blades 22 are moved into a feathering position such that the viewing angle of at least one rotor blade 22 relative to wind vectors ensures that a minimal surface area of ​​the rotor blade 22 is directed towards the wind vectors, thereby enabling the reduction of the speed of the rotor 18, or a larger surface area of ​​the rotor blade 22 can be directed towards the wind vectors, which facilitates a stall at the rotor 18.

[0018] In the exemplary embodiment, an angle of attack of each rotor blade 22 is controlled individually by a control system 36. Alternatively, the angle of attack of all rotor blades 22 can be controlled simultaneously by the control system 36. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, when the direction 28 changes, a yaw direction of the nacelle 16 can be controlled about a yaw axis 38 to position the rotor blades 22 with respect to the direction 28.

[0019] In the exemplary embodiment, the control system 36 is shown centrally located in the nacelle 16; however, the control system 36 may be a distributed system throughout the wind turbine 10, on the footprint 14, in a wind farm, and / or in a remote control center. The control system 36 includes a processor 40 configured to perform the methods and / or steps described herein. Furthermore, many of the other components described herein include a processor. The term "processor," as used herein, is not limited to integrated circuits, which are referred to in the art as computers, but generally refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application-specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein.It should be understood that a processor and / or a control system may also include memory, input channels and / or output channels.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 6, various embodiments of a rotor blade assembly 100 according to the present disclosure are illustrated. The rotor blade assembly 100 may include a rotor blade 22. The rotor blade 22 may extend from a blade tip 54 to a blade root 56. The rotor blade 22, in one embodiment, may include a plurality of individual blade segments 52 aligned end-to-end from the blade tip 54 to the blade root 56. Each of the individual blade segments 52 may be individually configured such that the plurality of blade segments 52 define a complete rotor blade 22 having a designed aerodynamic profile, length, and other desired features. For example, each of the blade segments 52 may have an aerodynamic profile that matches the aerodynamic profile of the adjacent blade segments 52.The aerodynamic profiles of the blade segments 52 can thus form a continuous aerodynamic profile of the rotor blade 22. Alternatively, the rotor blade 22 can be formed as a single, integral blade having the designed aerodynamic profile, length, and other desired features.

[0021] In general, the rotor blade 22 may have a pressure side 62 and a suction side 64 (see Fig. 3 to Fig. 5) extending between a leading edge 66 and a trailing edge 68. Furthermore, the rotor blade 22 may have a span 72 and a chord 74.

[0022] The rotor blade 22 may be curved in embodiments. The curvature of the rotor blade 22 may result in a bend of the rotor blade 22 generally in the flapping direction and / or generally in the pivoting direction. The flapping direction is a direction substantially perpendicular to a transverse axis through a cross-section of the widest side of the rotor blade 22. Alternatively, the flapping direction may be interpreted as the direction (or the opposite direction) in which aerodynamic lift acts on the rotor blade 22. The pivoting direction is perpendicular to the flapping direction. The curvature of the rotor blade 22 in the flapping direction is also known as pre-bend, while the curvature in the pivoting direction is also known as sweep. A curved rotor blade 22 may thus be pre-bent and / or swept.Due to the curvature, the rotor blade 22 can better withstand loads in the direction of impact and pivoting during operation of the wind turbine 10 and can also ensure a distance between the rotor blade 22 and the tower 12 during operation of the wind turbine 10.

[0023] The rotor blade assembly 100 may further include a blade attachment 110 mounted to the rotor blade 22. The blade attachment 110 may be configured to perform a variety of tasks. In one embodiment, the blade attachment 110 may be, for example, a noise reducer 111. The noise reducer 111 may reduce the aerodynamic noise emitted by the rotor blade 22 during operation of the wind turbine 10 and / or may increase the efficiency of the rotor blade 22. Alternatively, the blade attachment 110 may be, for example, a lightning arrester, a fairing, a vortex generator module, a boundary layer turbulator, or any other component that can be attached to the rotor blade 22 of a wind turbine 10.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the blade attachment 110 may be attached to the rotor blade 22 adjacent the trailing edge 68 of the rotor blade 22. Alternatively, the blade attachment 110 may be attached to the rotor blade 22 adjacent the leading edge 66 of the rotor blade 22, or adjacent the tip 54 or root 56 of the rotor blade 22, or at any other suitable location on the rotor blade 22. Further, the blade attachment 110 may be mounted on the pressure side 62 of the rotor blade 22 or on the suction side 64 of the rotor blade, as discussed below. In some embodiments, the blade attachment 110 may only be mounted on the pressure side 62 or the suction side 64 of the rotor blade 22 so as not to compromise the aerodynamic profile of the rotor blade 22 on the other side.

[0025] As previously discussed, in one embodiment, the blade attachment 110 may, for example, be a noise reducer 111. The noise reducer 111 may include a noise reduction or blade enhancement element 112. The element 112 may, more generally, be any element configured to change or modify a performance aspect of the rotor blade 22 or the wind turbine 10. In embodiments where the element 112 is, for example, a noise reduction element, the element 112 may be configured to reduce the aerodynamic noise emitted by the rotor blade 22 during operation of the wind turbine 10 and / or may increase the efficiency of the rotor blade 22.

[0026] In one embodiment, as in Fig. 2 to Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the noise reduction element 112 may include a plurality of protrusions 114. The protrusions 114 may be spaced apart from one another and define the recesses 115 therebetween. The protrusions 114 and recesses 115 may be substantially V-shaped or U-shaped, or may have any other shape or configuration suitable for reducing the noise emitted by the rotor blade 22 and / or increasing its efficiency during operation of the wind turbine 10. Further, in embodiments, the protrusions 114 may be serrated, as understood in the art, or may include any other suitable features.

[0027] The protrusions 114 may define angles 116 therebetween, such that the recesses 115 are defined at these angles 116. The angles 116 may generally be any angle between 0 degrees and approximately 180 degrees. In embodiments, the angles 116 may, for example, range from approximately 0.01 degrees to approximately 150 degrees, more particularly, range from approximately 0.01 degrees to approximately 90 degrees, more particularly, range from approximately 0.01 degrees to approximately 60 degrees, more particularly, range from approximately 0.01 degrees to approximately 10 degrees.

[0028] The projections 114 may further define the length 117, which may also be defined by the recesses 115. The length 117 may be any length suitable for reducing the noise emitted by the rotor blade 22 and / or increasing its efficiency during operation of the wind turbine 10. In exemplary embodiments, the length 117 may be more than approximately 50 mm, in particular more than approximately 75 millimeters.

[0029] In embodiments, the noise reduction element 112, for example, the protrusions 114 and the recesses 115, may be defined outside the body of the rotor blade 22. In an embodiment where the noise reducer 111 is mounted adjacent the trailing edge 68 of the rotor blade 22, for example, the protrusions 114 and the recesses 115 may be defined entirely within the noise reducer 111 beyond the trailing edge 68 relative to the chord 74.

[0030] In a further embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the noise reduction element 112 may include a plurality of bristles 118 extending from the noise reducer 111. The bristles 118 may be formed, for example, from natural fibers or polymer fibers. In exemplary embodiments, the bristles 118 may be formed from a polyamide (such as nylon) or a polyester. The bristles 118 may have any shape or configuration suitable for reducing the noise emitted by the rotor blade 22 and / or increasing its efficiency during operation of the wind turbine 10.

[0031] The blade attachment 110 and / or the rotor blade 22 according to the present disclosure may include a cutout mounting portion (mounting cutout) 120. Thus, although the presently disclosed embodiments discuss the cutout mounting portion 120 being provided on the blade attachment 110, in some embodiments, the cutout mounting portion 120 may be provided on the rotor blade 22. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the cutout mounting portions 120 may be included on both the blade attachment 110 and the rotor blade 22.

[0032] The cut-out mounting portion 120 may be provided to mount the blade attachment piece 110 to the rotor blade 22 such that the blade attachment piece 110 is substantially flush with at least one of the pressure side 62 and the suction side 64. Furthermore, the cut-out mounting portion 120 may define a notch or recess 122 configured to position the blade attachment piece 110 relative to the rotor blade 22. For example, the cut-out mounting portion 120 may be formed in the blade attachment piece 110 such that the recess 122 is defined with a depth 124. In embodiments, the depth 124 may substantially correspond to the thickness of the rotor blade 22 at the location on the rotor blade 22 where the recess 122 abuts the rotor blade 22. As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the depth 124 may, in embodiments, substantially correspond to the thickness 126 of the rotor blade 22 at the trailing edge 68. For example, the depth 124 may be less than the depth 126 to accommodate an adhesive or other intermediate material, as shown in Fig. 4, or the depth 124 may be substantially equal to the thickness 126. When the blade attachment 110 is mounted to the rotor blade 22, the notch 122 may be formed at a location on the rotor blade 22, such as the trailing edge 68 or the leading edge 66, thereby positioning the blade attachment 110 relative to the rotor blade 22.

[0033] Depending on the orientation of the blade attachment piece 110, the approximate correspondence between the depth 124 of the notch 122 and the thickness of the rotor blade 22 at the abutment or contact point can thus ensure that the blade attachment piece is substantially flush with the pressure side 62 and / or the suction side 64. According to one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 6, for example, when the blade attachment 110 is mounted to the rotor blade 22 adjacent the trailing edge 68, the cutout mounting portion 120 may extend adjacent the pressure side 62 of the rotor blade 22. The approximate match between the depth 124 of the cutout 122 and the thickness 126 of the rotor blade 22 at the trailing edge 68 may ensure that the blade attachment is substantially flush with the suction side 64.

[0034] The blade attachment 110, in some embodiments, may further substantially conform to the aerodynamic profile of at least one of the pressure side 62 and / or the suction side 64. For example, as previously discussed, the blade attachment 110 may be substantially flush with either the pressure side 62 or the suction side 64. The blade attachment 110 may also be profiled or curved such that the surface of the blade attachment 110 that is flush with the pressure side 62 or the suction side 64 substantially conforms to the aerodynamic profile of the pressure side 62 or the suction side 64. The aerodynamic profile of either the pressure side 62 or the suction side 64 of the rotor blade assembly 100 may thus be substantially continuous from the rotor blade 22 through the blade attachment 110.

[0035] In some embodiments, the blade attachment 110 may substantially conform to the aerodynamic profile of the other side of the pressure side 62 or the suction side 64. For example, as previously mentioned, when the blade attachment 110 is mounted to the rotor blade 22, the cutout mounting portion 120 may extend adjacent to the pressure side 62 or the suction side 64 of the rotor blade 22, while the other of the pressure side 62 and the suction side 64 may be flush with the cutout 122, as previously discussed. The cutout mounting portion 120 may further be tapered when extending adjacent to the pressure side 62 or the suction side 64, as shown in Fig. 3 to Fig. 6. The taper may be of any suitable pitch, for example, such a pitch that the outer surface of the blade attachment 110 substantially corresponds to the aerodynamic profile of the pressure side 62 or the suction side 64, as shown in Fig. 5. The aerodynamic profile of the other side of the pressure side 62 and the suction side 64 of the rotor blade assembly 100 can thus be substantially continuous from the rotor blade 22 through the blade attachment piece 110.

[0036] The blade attachment 110 may further define at least one or more profile notches 128. The profile notches 128 may generally be cut-out portions of the blade attachment 110. The profile notches 128 may further be generally cut out of the blade attachment 110 along the length 129 of the blade attachment 110 (defined as extending in the spanwise direction 72 of the rotor blade 22), as desired. The profile notches 128 may generally increase the flexibility of the blade attachment 110 and reduce the stresses therein. For example, the profile notches 128 may enable the blade attachment 110, when mounted to the rotor blade 22, to substantially conform to the aerodynamic profile of the rotor blade 22, as previously discussed.Additionally, the profile notches 128 can reduce the surface area of ​​the blade attachment 110 and reduce the continuity of the surface across the length of the blade attachment 110, thereby reducing stresses in the blade attachment 110 and allowing the blade attachment 110 to flex more easily while maintaining appropriate stiffness and strength. The profile notches 128 can also facilitate thermal expansion and shrinkage of the blade attachment 110. The profile notches 128 can thus allow the blade attachment 110 to flex and conform to the aerodynamic profile shape of the rotor blade 22.

[0037] The profile notches 128 may have any suitable shape and size. For example, the profile notches may be substantially rectangular, or may be circular or oval, triangular or diamond-shaped, or have any suitable polygonal shape.

[0038] As previously mentioned, the blade attachment 110 may be mounted on the rotor blade 22. In one embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the blade attachment piece 110 may be attached to the rotor blade 22 with an adhesive 130. The adhesive 130 may be applied between the cutout mounting portion 120 and either the pressure side 62 or the suction side 64, such that the cutout mounting portion 120 and either the pressure side 62 or the suction side 64 are bonded. Additionally or alternatively, the adhesive may be applied between the cutout 122 and, for example, the leading edge 66 or the trailing edge 68, such that the cutout 122 and, for example, the leading edge 66 or the trailing edge 68 are bonded.

[0039] In a further embodiment, as in Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the blade attachment 110 may be mounted to the rotor blade 22 with at least one or more mechanical connecting devices 132. The mechanical connecting devices 132 may be, for example, rivets, bolts, nails, screws, or any other suitable connecting devices. In one embodiment, the mechanical connecting device 132 may be formed by rivets. The rivets may be formed from, for example, metal or plastic. In one embodiment, plastic rivets may be used, which may, for example, prevent or reduce the likelihood of lightning striking the rotor blade assembly 100.The mechanical connecting devices 132 may extend through bores 133 in the rotor blade 22 and the blade attachment 110 at various suitable locations on the rotor blade 22 and the blade attachment 110, thereby mounting the blade attachment 110 to the rotor blade 22.

[0040] The rotor blade 22 and / or the blade attachment 110 may further define at least one or more counterbores 134. The counterbores 134 may be portions of the bores 133 that are flared to generally receive the outer portions of the mechanical connecting devices 132. For example, the counterbores 134 may generally be portions of the bores 133 defined in the rotor blade 22 and / or the blade attachment 110 to generally receive the heads and / or trailing ends of the mechanical connecting elements 132.The counterbores 134 can thus allow the heads and / or trailing ends of the mechanical fasteners 132 to be "countersunk" into the rotor blade 22 and / or the blade attachment 110 such that the heads and / or trailing ends are substantially flush with, or alternatively, below or above, the pressure side 62 or suction side 64 of the rotor blade 22 and the blade attachment 110 mounted thereto. Thus, due to the counterbores 134, the mechanical fasteners 132 can be used with the rotor blade assembly 100 without significantly disrupting the aerodynamic profile of the rotor blade assembly 100.

[0041] The previously discussed configuration of the blade attachment 110 of the present disclosure may enable the blade attachment 110 to be attached to, properly aligned with, and removed from a rotor blade 22 relatively quickly and efficiently, as desired. Thus, in some embodiments, the blade attachments 110 may be relatively easily retrofitted to existing rotor blades 22. For example, in embodiments where the blade attachments 110 are the noise reducers 111, the noise reducers 111 may be retrofitted to existing rotor blades 22 to advantageously reduce the noise of the existing rotor blades 22 and increase their efficiency.

[0042] The blade attachment 110 may be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, for example, the blade attachment 110 may be formed from glass fibers or carbon fibers, or from a metal or metal alloy. However, in other embodiments, the blade attachment 110 may be formed from any suitable polymer. In one embodiment, the blade attachment 110 may be formed from a polymer containing unsaturated hydrocarbons. For example, the blade attachment 110 may be formed from a vinyl. In particular, the blade attachment 110 may be formed from polyvinyl chloride ("PVC"). Blade attachments 110 formed from polymers, and particularly from vinyls, can advantageously be relatively inexpensive, weather-resistant, and flexible.Due to the relative flexibility of these materials, the blade attachment pieces 110 can be profiled as required to match the aerodynamic profile of the rotor blade 22.

[0043] It should be understood that although the blade attachment 110 may be molded from any suitable material, such as a polymer, various components of the blade attachment 110 may be molded from different materials. For example, in one embodiment, as previously discussed, the blade attachment 110 may be a noise reducer 111 including a plurality of bristles 118. The bristles 118 may, as previously discussed, be made of a different material than the rest of the noise reducer 111.

[0044] The blade attachment piece 110 may be relatively stiff in some embodiments. For example, the blade attachment piece 110 may have a thickness 136. In embodiments, the thickness 136 may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.5 millimeters ("mm"), more particularly in the range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 10 mm, more particularly in the range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 4 mm, more particularly in the range of approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm.

[0045] The blade attachment 110 may be mounted to the rotor blade 22 along any portion of the span 72 of the rotor blade 22 and may further have a suitable length 129. In some embodiments, the blade attachment 110 may be mounted, for example, near the blade tip 54, as shown in Fig.2. The blade attachment 110, in some embodiments, may have a length 129 that is approximately 3 / 4, 2 / 3, 1 / 2, 1 / 3, 1 / 4, 1 / 5, or 1 / 10, or any other suitable fraction, of the span 72. However, it should be understood that any suitable length 129 and placement of the blade attachment 110 are within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. It should further be understood that more than one blade attachment 110 may be mounted on the rotor blade 22 at any location on the rotor blade 22, and further that the blade attachments 110 may be adjacent to or spaced from one another.

[0046] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode contemplated, and also to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using devices or systems and performing methods incorporated therein. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples contemplated by one skilled in the art.

[0047] A rotor blade assembly 100 is disclosed. The rotor blade assembly 100 includes a rotor blade 22 and a blade attachment 110. The rotor blade 22 has a pressure side 62, a suction side 64, a leading edge 66, and a trailing edge 68 extending between a tip 54 and a root 56. The rotor blade 22 further includes an aerodynamic profile. The blade attachment 110 is mounted to the rotor blade 22. The blade attachment 110 includes a mounting cutout 120 for mounting the blade attachment 110 to the rotor blade 22 such that the blade attachment 110 is substantially flush with at least one of the pressure side 62 and the suction side 64 of the rotor blade 22. The mounting cutout 120 defines a notch 122 configured to position the blade attachment 110 relative to the rotor blade 22. List of reference symbols 10 wind turbines 12 Tower 14 Stand area 16 gondolas 18 Rotor 20 Rotating hub 22 rotor blades 24 Leaf root section 26 Power transmission range 28 Wind direction 30 axis of rotation 32 Angle of attack adjustment system 34 Tilt axis 36 Tax system 38 Yaw axis 40 processor 52 leaf segment 54 leaf tip 56 Leaf root 62 printed pages 64 Suction side 66 leading edge 68 trailing edge 72 wingspan 74 tendon 100 rotor blade assembly 110 blade attachment piece 111 Noise reducer 112 Noise reduction element 114 lead 115 Deepening 116 angles 117 length 118 bristles 120 Cut-out mounting section, mounting cutout 122 incision, notch 124 depth 126 Strength, Thickness 128 profile notch 129 length 130 Adhesive 132 Mechanical connecting device 134 Reduction 136 Strength, Thickness

Claims

[1] Rotor blade assembly (100) of a wind turbine (10), comprising: - a rotor blade (22) having a pressure side (62), a suction side (64), a leading edge (66) and a trailing edge (68) extending between a tip (54) and a root (56), the rotor blade (22) further having an aerodynamic profile and a bend in the flapping direction; and - a blade attachment piece (110) that is mounted on the rotor blade (22), - wherein the blade attachment piece (110) has a cut-out mounting section (120) for mounting the blade attachment piece (110) to a surface on the pressure side (62) and the suction side (64) of the rotor blade (22), - so that the blade attachment piece (110) is essentially flush with at least one of the pressure side (62) and / or suction side (64) of the rotor blade (22), - wherein the cut-out assembly section (120) defines a notch (122) which is designed to position the blade attachment piece (110) relative to the rotor blade (22), and - wherein the cut-out assembly section (120) tapers in such a way that the blade attachment piece (110) essentially corresponds to the aerodynamic profile of the other from the pressure side (62) and the suction side (64) of the rotor blade (22). [2] Rotor blade assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the blade attachment piece (110) is mounted adjacent to the trailing edge (68) on the rotor blade (22). [3] Rotor blade assembly (100) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the blade attachment piece (110) substantially corresponds to the aerodynamic profile of the pressure side (62) or the suction side (64) of the rotor blade (22). [4] Rotor blade assembly (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the blade attachment piece (110) further defines at least one profile notch (128). [5] Rotor blade assembly (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the blade attachment (110) is attached to the rotor blade (22) with an adhesive (130). [6] Rotor blade assembly (100) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the blade attachment piece (110) is mounted on the rotor blade (22) by means of at least one mechanical connecting device (132). [7] Rotor blade assembly (100) according to claim 6, wherein at least either the rotor blade (22) and / or the blade attachment (110) defines or defines at least one recess (134) which is designed to accommodate the at least one mechanical connecting device (132). [8] Rotor blade assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the blade attachment piece (110) is at least partially formed from a polymer. [9] Rotor blade assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the blade attachment piece (110) is at least partially formed from a vinyl. [10] Rotor blade assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the blade attachment (110) is a noise reducer (111), a lightning rod, a fairing, a vortex generator module or a boundary layer turbulator. [11] Wind turbine (10), comprising: several rotor blades (22), - wherein each of the rotor blades (22) has a pressure side (62), a suction side (64), a leading edge (66) and a trailing edge (68) extending between a tip (54) and a root (56), wherein each of the rotor blades (22) further has an aerodynamic profile and a bend in the flapping direction; and - a blade attachment piece (110) that is mounted on at least one of the several rotor blades (22), - wherein the blade attachment piece (110) has a cut-out mounting section (120) for mounting the blade attachment piece (110) to one of the pressure side (62) and suction side (64) of the at least one rotor blade (22), such that - the blade attachment piece (110) is essentially flush with at least one of the pressure side (62) and / or suction side (64) of the at least one rotor blade (22), - wherein the cut-out assembly section (120) defines a notch (122) which is designed to position the blade attachment piece (110) relative to the at least one rotor blade (22), and - wherein the cut-out assembly section (120) tapers in such a way that the blade attachment piece (110) essentially corresponds to the aerodynamic profile of the other from the pressure side (62) and the suction side (64) of the rotor blade (22). [12] Wind turbine (10) according to claim 11, wherein the blade attachment piece (110) is mounted adjacent to the trailing edge (68) on the at least one rotor blade (22). [13] Wind turbine (10) according to one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the blade attachment piece (110) essentially corresponds to the aerodynamic profile of the pressure side (62) or the suction side (64) of the rotor blade (22). [14] Wind turbine (10) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the blade attachment piece (110) further defines at least one profile notch (128). [15] Wind turbine (10) according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the blade attachment (110) is attached to the rotor blade (22) with an adhesive (130). [16] Wind power plant (10) according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the blade attachment (110) is mounted on the rotor blade (22) by means of at least one mechanical connecting device (132). [17] Wind turbine (10) according to claim 16, wherein at least either the rotor blade (22) and / or the blade attachment (110) defines or defines at least one recess (134) which is designed to accommodate the at least one mechanical connection device (132). [18] Wind turbine (10) according to one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the blade attachment piece (110) is at least partially formed from a polymer.

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