GB2515025A - Spar - Google Patents

Spar Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2515025A
GB2515025A GB1310315.5A GB201310315A GB2515025A GB 2515025 A GB2515025 A GB 2515025A GB 201310315 A GB201310315 A GB 201310315A GB 2515025 A GB2515025 A GB 2515025A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
spar
cavity
buoyancy
members
foam
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1310315.5A
Other versions
GB201310315D0 (en
GB2515025B (en
Inventor
Angus Fleming
Matthew Dawson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Aviation Enterprises Ltd
Original Assignee
Aviation Enterprises Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aviation Enterprises Ltd filed Critical Aviation Enterprises Ltd
Priority to GB1310315.5A priority Critical patent/GB2515025B/en
Publication of GB201310315D0 publication Critical patent/GB201310315D0/en
Publication of GB2515025A publication Critical patent/GB2515025A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2515025B publication Critical patent/GB2515025B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C33/00—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor
    • B29C33/44—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor with means for, or specially constructed to facilitate, the removal of articles, e.g. of undercut articles
    • B29C33/52—Moulds or cores; Details thereof or accessories therefor with means for, or specially constructed to facilitate, the removal of articles, e.g. of undercut articles soluble or fusible
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C39/00—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C39/22—Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C39/42—Casting under special conditions, e.g. vacuum
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29D—PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE
    • B29D99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • B29D99/0025—Producing blades or the like, e.g. blades for turbines, propellers, or wings
    • B29D99/0028—Producing blades or the like, e.g. blades for turbines, propellers, or wings hollow blades
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
    • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
    • F03B13/26—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy
    • F03B13/264—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using tide energy using the horizontal flow of water resulting from tide movement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C39/00—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C39/14—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor for making articles of indefinite length
    • B29C39/18—Shaping by casting, i.e. introducing the moulding material into a mould or between confining surfaces without significant moulding pressure; Apparatus therefor for making articles of indefinite length incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. casting around inserts or for coating articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2715/00—Condition, form or state of preformed parts, e.g. inserts
    • B29K2715/003—Cellular or porous
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/08—Blades for rotors, stators, fans, turbines or the like, e.g. screw propellers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/748—Machines or parts thereof not otherwise provided for
    • B29L2031/7504—Turbines
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/20—Hydro energy
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Oceanography (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Molding Of Porous Articles (AREA)

Abstract

A method is described for manufacturing a single piece spar 10 comprising an internal cavity and a buoyancy mechanism located within said cavity. The method comprises inserting at least one buoyancy member 16 into the internal cavity of the spar 10, in which the at least one buoyancy member 16 is shaped and dimensioned so as to provide a close fit with the adjacent walls of the cavity, and in which gaps 18, 20 are provided between the at least one buoyancy member 16 and the walls of the cavity and/or between adjacent buoyancy members 16, evacuating the air from the internal cavity, introducing resin into the gaps 18, 20 within the cavity, and curing the resin. The buoyancy mechanism may also comprise pre-formed ribs 14. The bouyancy members 16 may be formed from a material which is degradeable under water pressure, such as polystyrene foam. The spar may be used in the construction of a tidal turbine blade.

Description

SPAR
The present invention relates to a spar for a rotor blade comprising a plurality of buoyancy members, in particular to a spar for a tidal turbine blade, and to a method of manufacturing a spar comprising a plurality of buoyancy members.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Spars for rotor blades, such as for example tidal turbine blades are conventionally manufactured in two halves which are joined together by bonding. It is important for spars which are to be used with tidal turbine blades to contain a buoyancy mechanism. Buoyant materials such as foams are conventionally positioned within the internal cavity of a spar formed in two halves prior to bonding. The buoyant materials can therefore be accurately positioned and secured in the desired locations within the spar prior to bonding the two halves of the spar together. Spars can also be manufactured as a single piece. It is however difficult to introduce and/or accurately position buoyant materials within the internal cavity of a single piece spar.
It is, therefore, desirable to provide a single piece spar comprising a buoyancy mechanism within an internal cavity thereof, in particular a spar for a tidal turbine blade, and a method for the manufacture of a single piece spar comprising a buoyancy mechanism that can overcome one or more of the problems discussed above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a single piece spar comprising an internal cavity and a buoyancy mechanism located within said cavity, in which said method comprises: inserting at least one buoyancy member into the internal cavity of the spar, in which the at least one buoyancy member is shaped and dimensioned so as to provide a close fit with the adjacent walls of the cavity, and in which gaps are provided between the at least one buoyancy member and the walls of the cavity and/or between adjacent buoyancy members; evacuating the air from the internal cavity; introducing resin into the gaps within the cavity; and curing the resin.
The resin is preferably introduced into the gaps using resin infusion under vacuum.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a single piece spar comprising an internal cavity and a buoyancy mechanism within said cavity, in which said buoyancy mechanism comprises at least one buoyancy member shaped and dimensioned to provide a close fit with the adjacent walls of the cavity, and in which the at least one buoyancy member is spaced apart from the walls of the cavity and/or adjacent buoyancy members, and in which resin is present between said buoyancy members and the walls of the cavity and/or adjacent buoyancy members.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotor blade comprising a single piece spar in accordance with an embodiment as herein described. Preferably, the rotor blade is a turbine blade.
The spar is preferably an elongate tubular member. The cavity preferably extends along the longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. The spar may have any suitable cross-sectional shape.
The buoyancy member(s) are shaped and dimensioned to provide a close fit between the buoyancy member(s) and the adjacent portion of the wall of the cavity.
For example, the buoyancy member may have at least one cross-sectional dimension which is substantially the same as the cross-sectional dimension of the internal cavity of the spar where the buoyancy member is to be located. The buoyancy member may have at least one cross-sectional dimension which is slightly smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the internal cavity of the spar where the buoyancy member is to be located in order to form a close fit with the adjacent portion of the wall of the cavity. The term "close fit" is intended herein to mean that the buoyancy member(s) will be retained in position within the cavity. As a result, gaps may be provided between the at least one buoyancy members and the adjacent portion of the wall of the cavity.
The internal cavity of the spar may taper along the longitudinal length of the spar from the root towards the tip. As a result, the at least one buoyancy members may be shaped accordingly to taper inwardly along the length of the buoyancy member as measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity. The buoyancy mechanism may comprise a series of buoyancy members of differing cross-sectional dimensions measured in a transverse plane. The method may further comprise the step of inserting a series of buoyancy members in order of increasing cross-sectional dimensions, for example in order of increasing cross-sectional dimensions measured in a transverse plane.
The "close fit" of the at least one buoyancy member may be provided by inserting a single buoyancy member which is dimensioned to extend substantially between opposing walls of the cavity. The "close fit" of the at least one buoyancy member may be provided by a plurality of buoyancy members aligned within a transverse plane of the spar cavity such that the plurality of buoyancy members are positioned between opposing walls of the cavity. The spar may comprise a mixture of buoyancy members extending substantially between opposing walls of the cavity and buoyancy members aligned within a transverse plane such that the plurality of buoyancy members are positioned between opposed walls of the cavity.
The spar may comprise a plurality of buoyancy members aligned along the longitudinal axis of the spar cavity. Each buoyancy member may provide a close fit within the cavity by extending substantially between opposing walls of the cavity.
The plurality of buoyancy members may be arranged within the cavity so as to provide gaps extending between the buoyancy members and the adjacent portion of the walls of the cavity and/or between adjacent buoyancy members.
At least one buoyancy member may be spaced apart from an adjacent buoyancy member within the internal cavity to provide a gap therebetween. Preferably, each of the buoyancy members is preferably spaced apart from at least one, preferably each, adjacent buoyancy member within the cavity to provide gaps therebetween.
The resin is introduced into one or more of the gaps provided between the at least one buoyancy member(s) and the adjacent portion of the wall of the cavity and/or the gaps provided between adjacent buoyancy members. Preferably, resin is introduced into each of the gaps provided between the at least one buoyancy member(s) and the adjacent portion of the cavity and/or the gaps provided between adjacent buoyancy members. Resin may be introduced in an amount sufficient to retain the at least one buoyancy member(s) in position within the cavity. For example, the resin may be introduced so as to substantially fill each of the gaps provided between at least one buoyancy member(s) and the adjacent portion of the wall of the cavity and/or the gaps provided between adjacent buoyancy members.
The buoyancy members may be selected from foam members, premade ribs, or mixtures thereof. The buoyancy members may comprise a mixture of foam members and premade ribs. The foam members and premade ribs may be inserted alternately into the internal cavity such that the foam members and premade ribs are distributed alternately along the length of the spar. For example, each foam member may be located between premade ribs.
The ratio of the number of foam members to the number of ribs within the spar may be in the range of from 0.1:1 to 10:1; preferably in the range of from 0.5:1 to 5:1; more preferably 1:1. The length of the foam member (as measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity) may be the same as the length of the rib(s). The length of the rib(s) as measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity may be less than the length of the foam member(s). The ratio of the length of the rib to the length of the foam member may vary along the longitudinal axis of the cavity. The ratio of the length of the rib to the length of the foam member may be in the range of from 1:1 to 1:10; for example in the range of from 1:2 to 1:5. The length of the foam members measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity may be constant along the longitudinal axis of the cavity. The length of the ribs measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity may be constant along the longitudinal axis of the cavity. Alternatively, the length of the foam members and premade ribs as measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity may vary along the length of the cavity.
The foam members may be composed of material which is degradable under water pressure. For example, the foam members may be composed of polystyrene foam.
Foam members which are degradable under water pressure may be present within the internal cavity of the spar as a temporary filler. The presence of foam members which are degradable under water pressure advantageously helps to space apart the rib(s) within the cavity whilst also reducing the amount of resin required to be introduced, for example to fill, the gaps within the spar cavity.
The size of the gaps between adjacent buoyancy members as measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity is preferably substantially uniform along the length of the cavity. The size of the gaps between adjacent buoyancy members may however vary along the length of the cavity. For example, the gaps between adjacent buoyancy members (as measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity) are preferably in the range of from 10mm to 1000mm, more preferably in the range of from 100mm to 500mm, for example about 400mm.
The resin may substantially fill part of or the entire gap provided between adjacent buoyancy members and/or the wall of the cavity. The resins may be present within the gaps in an amount sufficient to retain the buoyancy members in position within the internal cavity.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the spar according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in Figure 1, the single piece spar 10 is an elongate tubular member providing an internal cavity 12. The spar 10 and the internal cavity 12 taper in diameter along its longitudinal axis from root to tip.
The spar 10 comprises a buoyancy mechanism located within the internal cavity 12.
The buoyancy mechanism comprises six buoyancy members including three ribs 14,14',14" and three foam members 16,16,16". The ribs 14,14,14" and foam members 16,16',16" are distributed alternately along the longitudinal axis of the cavity 12. The six buoyancy members 14,14,14,16,16,16" are shaped and dimensioned to provide a close fit within the internal cavity 12. Gaps 18 are provided is between adjacent buoyancy members 14,14',14",16,16',16". Gaps 20 are provided between buoyancy members 14,14',14",16,16',16" and adjacent portions of the wall of the cavity 22,24. The buoyancy members 14,14',14",16,16',16" are arranged within the cavity 12 such that the gaps 18 between adjacent buoyancy members 14,14',14",16,16',16" are substantially uniform in length as measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity 12. The gaps 18 between adjacent buoyancy members 14,14',14",16,16',16" are approximately 400mm in length as measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity 12.
The three foam members 16,16,16" are greater in length as measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity than the three ribs 14,14,14". The three foam members 16,16',16" are approximately three times greater in length as measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity that the ribs 14,14,14". The three foam members 16,16,16" taper inwardly along their length (in a direction extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cavity 12) to correspond to the profile of the cavity wall 12. The three foam members 16,16',16" are composed of polystyrene foam which is degradable under water pressure.
Resin (not shown) is present within the gaps 18,20. The resin (not shown) is introduced into the gaps 18,20 using resin infusion vacuum method until the resin substantially fills the gaps 18,20.
The spar 10 is manufactured by alternately inserting ribs 14,14,14" and foam members 16,16',lG" into the cavity 12. The ribs 14,14',14" and foam members 16,16',lS" are inserted in increasing size order so that each buoyancy member forms a close fit with the adjacent wall of the cavity 22,24. Once inserted within the cavity 12, air is evacuated from the internal cavity 12 under vacuum. Resin is introduced into the cavity 12 and into gaps 18,20. The resin is introduced until sufficient resin is present within gaps 18,20 to secure the buoyancy members 14,14',14",16,16',16" in position. For example, the resin is introduced until the resin substantially fills gaps 18,20. The resin is then cured. The spar lOis then immersed in water which degrades the foam members 16,16,16". The resulting spar 10 comprises three ribs 14,14,14" spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the cavity 12. Resin is present adjacent the ribs 14,14,14" in position where gaps 18,20 used to be. The resin retains the ribs 14,14,14" in position. Large gaps (not shown) exist between adjacent ribs 14,14',14". The method of the present invention therefore has the advantage of providing a spar 10 with buoyant ribs 14,14',14" without requiring the extra cost of additional resin to fill the significantly large gaps (not shown) between adjacent ribs 14,14',14".

Claims (24)

  1. CLAIMS: 1. A method for manufacturing a single piece spar comprising an internal cavity and a buoyancy mechanism located within said cavity, in which said method comprises: inserting at least one buoyancy member into the internal cavity of the spar, in which the at least one buoyancy member is shaped and dimensioned so as to provide a close fit with the adjacent walls of the cavity, and in which gaps are provided between the at least one buoyancy member and the walls of the cavity and/or between adjacent buoyancy members; evacuating the air from the internal cavity; introducing resin into the gaps within the cavity; and curing the resin.
  2. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the at least one buoyancy member is selected from foam members, premade ribs, or mixtures thereof.
  3. 3. A method as claimed in claim 2, in which the buoyancy members comprises foam members and premade ribs.
  4. 4. A method as claimed in claim 3, in which the foam members and premade ribs are inserted alternately into the internal cavity of the spar.
  5. 5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, in which the foam members are composed of material which is degradable under water pressure.6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the foam members are composed of polystyrene foam.
  6. 6. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the buoyancy members are inserted such that the gaps between adjacent buoyancy members are substantially uniform as measured along the longitudinal axis of the cavity.
  7. 7. A method as claimed in claim 6, in which the gaps between adjacent buoyancy members as measured along the longitudinal axis of the spar are in the range of from 10 mm to 1000mm.
  8. 8. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the buoyancy mechanism comprises a series of buoyancy members of increasing cross-sectional dimensions measured in a transverse plane, and in which the method further comprises inserting the buoyancy members in order of increasing cross-sectional dimensions measured in the transverse plane.
  9. 9. A single piece spar comprising an internal cavity and a buoyancy mechanism within said cavity, in which said buoyancy mechanism comprises at least one buoyancy member shaped and dimensioned to provide a close fit with the adjacent walls of the cavity, and in which the at least one buoyancy member is spaced apart from the walls of the cavity and/or adjacent buoyancy members, and in which resin is present between said buoyancy members and the walls of the cavity and/or adjacent buoyancy members.
  10. 10. A spar as claimed in claim 9, in which the buoyancy members are selected from foam members, premade ribs, or mixtures thereof.
  11. 11. A spar as claimed in claim 10, in which the buoyancy members comprise foam members and premade ribs.
  12. 12. A spar as claimed in claim 11, in which the foam members and premade ribs are distributed alternately within the cavity along the longitudinal axis of the spar cavity.
  13. 13. A spar as claimed in either of claims 11 and 12, in which the length of the rib(s) as measured along the longitudinal axis of the spar is less than the length of the foam member(s).
  14. 14. A spar as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, in which the ratio of ribs to foam members present within the spar cavity is in the range of from 0.1:1 to 10:1.
  15. 15. A spar as claimed in claim 14, in which the ratio of ribs to foam members present within the spar cavity is 1:1.
  16. 16. A spar as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 15, in which the foam members are composed of material which is degradable under water pressure.
  17. 17. A spar as claimed in claim 16, in which the foam members are composed of polystyrene foam.
  18. 18. A spar as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 17, in which at least one buoyancy member extends substantially between opposing walls of the cavity.
  19. 19. A spar as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 18, in which a plurality of buoyancy members are aligned within a transverse plane of the spar cavity such that the plurality of buoyancy members are positioned between the opposed walls of the adjacent section of the cavity.
  20. 20. A spar as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 19, in which a plurality of buoyancy members are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the spar cavity with gaps extending therebetween.
  21. 21. A spar as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 20, in which the gaps between adjacent buoyancy members as measured along the longitudinal axis of the spar are substantially uniform along the length of the spar.
  22. 22. A spar as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 21, in which the gaps between adjacent buoyancy members as measured along the longitudinal axis of the spar are in the range of from 10mm to 1000mm.
  23. 23. A rotor blade comprising a single piece spar as claimed in any one of claims 10to22.
  24. 24. A rotor blade as claimed in claim 23, in which the rotor blade is a turbine blade.
GB1310315.5A 2013-06-11 2013-06-11 Spar Active GB2515025B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1310315.5A GB2515025B (en) 2013-06-11 2013-06-11 Spar

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1310315.5A GB2515025B (en) 2013-06-11 2013-06-11 Spar

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Publication Number Publication Date
GB201310315D0 GB201310315D0 (en) 2013-07-24
GB2515025A true GB2515025A (en) 2014-12-17
GB2515025B GB2515025B (en) 2016-03-02

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5904972A (en) * 1995-06-07 1999-05-18 Tpi Technology Inc. Large composite core structures formed by vacuum assisted resin transfer molding
US20110274553A1 (en) * 2010-04-16 2011-11-10 Henrik Stiesdal Method for Manufacturing a Wind Turbine Rotor Blade and Wind Turbine Rotor Blade
GB2489477A (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Gurit Uk Ltd Spar for a water driven turbine blade and manufacture thereof

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5904972A (en) * 1995-06-07 1999-05-18 Tpi Technology Inc. Large composite core structures formed by vacuum assisted resin transfer molding
US20110274553A1 (en) * 2010-04-16 2011-11-10 Henrik Stiesdal Method for Manufacturing a Wind Turbine Rotor Blade and Wind Turbine Rotor Blade
GB2489477A (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Gurit Uk Ltd Spar for a water driven turbine blade and manufacture thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201310315D0 (en) 2013-07-24
GB2515025B (en) 2016-03-02

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