Abstract:
A method for preparing a more reliable connection between two members (2, 4) is provided. The method involves the use of a gas-removal layer (6), which allows for gas transport in a number of overall directions in a plane of the gas-removal layer. The gas-removal layer comprises a resin (12) and during consolidation the gas-removal layer is deformed to form a collection substantially free from entrapped gas voids. Furthermore, a gas-removal layer is provided as well as a mould for casting of gas-removal layers and a method for preparing such a mould.The method and the gas-removal layer provided are particularly useful for manufacturing of wind turbine blades and spars for such blades.
Abstract:
A pre-consolidated pre-form and a method of pre-consolidating pre-forms are provided. Pre-consolidation is a process, whereby gas inside a pre-form is removed and a low porosity is produced. It involves redistribution of resin and optionally a redistribution of fibres. The pre-consolidation may involve a limited curing of the resin. Pre-consolidated pre-forms and composites prepared from pre-consolidated pre-forms will be appreciated amongst others due to good reproducibility, low porosity, high homogeneity, high strength, ability to plastically shaping of the pre-consolidated pre-form, ability to be connected to other pre-forms and/or other structures, suitability for automation and long shelf life without premature curing.
Abstract:
In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a bondline structure for bonding a shear web to a wind turbine blade shell. The bondline structure comprises an elongate inner core made from a deformable material, and one or more outer layers comprising reinforcing fibres at least partially surrounding the inner core. The inner core and/or the one or more outer layers comprise an adhesive.
Abstract:
A wind turbine blade includes a first blade section and a second blade section configured to be coupled together at a joint interface. The blade further includes a connection joint for coupling the first and second blade sections together. The connection joint includes a plurality of connecting elements integrated into the first and second blade sections at the first and second blade interfaces. The connection joint further includes cross pins and fasteners for making the connection. A method of making a wind turbine blade section and a wind turbine blade made from such sections are also disclosed.
Abstract:
There is proposed a method of lifting a wind turbine blade [10], said blade [10] extending spanwise [204] between a root end and a tip end, said blade [10] having a suction side shell portion and a pressure side shell portion both extending chordwise [202] from a leading edge to a trailing edge and defining a thickness therebetween, said blade [10] further comprising a longitudinally extending internal structural support member extending across the thickness extent [206] of said blade [10] between a suction side spar cap and a pressure side spar cap, said blade [10] further comprising a set of lifting port-holes [80] at an outboard lifting location outboard of and nearby the centre of gravity [125] of said blade [10]; said method including suspending said blade [10] at an inboard lifting location at a root region [110] of said blade [10] and at said outboard lifting location; wherein said step of suspending said blade [10] at said outboard lifting location includes passing an elongate lifting sling [320], suspended from a lifting element, through said set of port-holes [80] internally through said blade [10], such that said sling passes through said suction side shell and said pressure side shell and externally around said longitudinally extending internal structural support member and externally around at least one said spar cap; and lifting said blade [10];and disengaging, when lifting the blade is completed, said lifting sling [320] from said blade [10] and retracting said sling out from within the blade. There is also proposed a wind turbine blade configured for lifting by said method.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a winding machine for winding ribbon or filament material (203) around an elongated object (292), e.g. the spar of a wind turbine blade. According to the invention the winding machine has an opening (204,304) in a structural part which at least partly encircles the object during the winding process. The opening (204, 304) allows easy positioning o the winding machine or the object (292) since the object can pass through the opening along a radial direction, i.e. a direction perpendicular to the elongated extension of the object. The winding machine includes a carrousel which includes a movable element configured to be guided by a guiding support Accordingly, the carrousel is constructed as an open structure in contrast to a closed structure such a closed ring.
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for producing a multiaxial fabric are disclosed. According to the method at least one yarn is arranged helically about at least two conveyor portions, thereby providing a weft having a first weft portion having yarns arranged at an angle, θ, with respect to the conveying direction of the conveyor portions, and a second weft portion having yarns arranged at an angle, -θ, with respect to the conveying direction of the conveyor portions. Centre sections of the first weft portion and the second weft portion are then fixated to each other, e.g. by stitching and/or by applying a resin to the centre sections. Side portions of the weft are then cut, thereby separating the first weft portion from the second weft portion. Finally, rim sections of the first weft portion are fixated to rim sections of the second weft portion, e.g. by stitching and/or by applying a resin to the rim sections. The combination of helically winding the yarn about the conveyor portions, fixating the centre sections to each other, cutting the side section and fixating the rim sections to each other ensures that it is not necessary to cut away material, and the material used for making the weft is therefore utilised to the greatest possible extent.
Abstract:
The invention provides a sectional blade for a wind turbine. The blade comprises at least a first blade portion and a second blade portion extending in opposite directions from a joint. The first blade portion and the second blade portion are structurally connected by at least one spar bridge extending into both blade portions to facilitate joining of said blade portions.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a laminated composite item(l). The method may comprise the step of winding successive overlapping helical convolutions of resin impregnated tape (2) onto a mandrel (3) while advancing the tape back and forth along the mandrel. Sections of the tape being wound onto the mandrel near an end of the mandrel are folded to obtain an end surface of the composite item which is substantially-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the composite item. The present invention further relates to an alternative method of manufacturing a laminated composite item. This method comprises the steps of winding successive overlapping helical convolutions of resin impregnated first tape onto a mandrel while advancing the tape back and forth along the mandrel, and winding layers of a second tape having a straight edge (8a) and a serrated edge (8b) onto an end section of the mandrel to obtain an end surface of the composite item which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the composite item. The invention further relates to apparatuses for carrying out such methods and for wind turbine blade spars manufactured by such methods or by use of such apparatuses.
Abstract:
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for preparing a pre-form (2) comprising at least one layer of fibre tows being at least partly fixed by a resin. The apparatus comprises a work surface (3), a fibre tow distribution device (4), a fibre tow retention device (5), and a manipulation, device (7b) which is adapted to move the fibre tow distribution device relative to the fibre tow retention device. The apparatus is arranged so that free ends of the fibre tows can be delivered from the fibre tow distribution device to the fibre tow retention device, and the fibre tow retention device is adapted for retention of the free ends so that mutual movement of the fibre tow distribution device and the fibre tow retention device away from each other causes drawing of the fibre tows through distribution passage and distribution hereof onto the work surface.