Stabilized version of a rotor blade for wind turbines with spacer and cable tensioning

Abstract

Rotor blade for wind turbines in the MW range with a spacer between the blade root and the aerodynamically active section, characterized in that the spacer is connected to a pylon attached to the rotor hub via at least one cable.

Description

Technical field:

[0001] The invention relates to a rotor blade for wind turbines in the megawatt range, in particular an improved design of a rotor blade with an extended, aerodynamically inactive spacer and mechanical stabilization via cable bracing. State of the art:

[0002] Utility model DE 20 2016 103 595 U1 discloses a rotor blade which, for weight reduction, is divided into an aerodynamically active section and an aerodynamically inactive spacer section. The spacer is located between the blade root and the active airfoil. The pitch drive can be positioned further outboard, thereby reducing the leverage forces.

[0003] However, as the length of the spacer increases, significant mechanical stresses occur, which strain the structure and increase the material weight again. Purpose of the invention:

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a rotor blade with a spacer that is mechanically stabilized even at great lengths, thus allowing the production of even longer rotor blades with low weight. Solution to the problem:

[0005] This problem is solved by a rotor blade according to claim 1.

[0006] The rotor blade comprises an aerodynamically active airfoil, an adjacent, aerodynamically inactive spacer, and a blade root for connection to the rotor hub. A pylon is mounted on the hub, oriented along the rotor hub axis. One or more cables run over this pylon and are connected to the rotor blade's spacer. This allows shear and bending moments generated by wind pressure to be absorbed via the cable system and transferred to the hub.

[0007] This allows the use of longer spacers while simultaneously reducing the weight of the entire blade. Advantages of the invention: • Relief of the spacer by means of a tensioning mechanism • Lower material weight despite increased overall length • Larger swept area and therefore higher turbine output • Modular design: Can be retrofitted to existing rotor blades Example implementation:

[0008] See attached drawing. A central pylon (1) is mounted on the rotor hub (2). At least one cable (3) runs from this to a point along the spacer (4) of the rotor blade (5). The active blade area (6) is shaped like that of conventional blades.

[0009] The rope can be adjustable or pre-tensioned to respond to different wind loads. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2016 103 595 U1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Rotor blade for wind turbines in the MW range with a spacer between the blade root and the aerodynamically active section, characterized by that the spacer is connected to a pylon attached to the rotor hub via at least one cable. [2] Rotor blade according to claim 1, characterized by that the rope is pre-tensioned. [3] Rotor blade according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pylon is aligned along the rotor axis direction. [4] Rotor blade according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the spacer is conically shaped. [5] Rotor blade according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cable is guided at an angle to the rotor plane that optimally distributes thrust forces. [6] Rotor blade according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the rope contains a damping element that absorbs peak forces, wherein the damping element is in particular hydraulically designed.

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