WO2016006008A1 - Joint for modular wind blade and modular wind blade comprising said joint - Google Patents

Joint for modular wind blade and modular wind blade comprising said joint Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2016006008A1
WO2016006008A1 PCT/IT2015/000160 IT2015000160W WO2016006008A1 WO 2016006008 A1 WO2016006008 A1 WO 2016006008A1 IT 2015000160 W IT2015000160 W IT 2015000160W WO 2016006008 A1 WO2016006008 A1 WO 2016006008A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wind blade
joint
projections
stator
rotor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2015/000160
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Alessio CASTORRINI
Alessandro Corsini
Franco Rispoli
Fabrizio SCIULLI
Original Assignee
Micoperi Energia S.R.L.
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 Micoperi Energia S.R.L. filed Critical Micoperi Energia S.R.L.
Publication of WO2016006008A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016006008A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D1/00—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor 
    • F03D1/06—Rotors
    • F03D1/065—Rotors characterised by their construction elements
    • F03D1/0675—Rotors characterised by their construction elements of the blades
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/20—Rotors
    • F05B2240/30—Characteristics of rotor blades, i.e. of any element transforming dynamic fluid energy to or from rotational energy and being attached to a rotor
    • F05B2240/302—Segmented or sectional blades
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2260/00—Function
    • F05B2260/30—Retaining components in desired mutual position
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2260/00—Function
    • F05B2260/96—Preventing, counteracting or reducing vibration or noise
    • F05B2260/964—Preventing, counteracting or reducing vibration or noise by damping means
    • 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
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a joint for a modular wind blade and to a wind blade comprising said joint.
  • the modular wind blade suggested by the present application is suitable to be mounted on a horizontal axis wind turbine suitable to be provided on the sea or on the ground.
  • Another object of the invention is that of providing a modular wind blade permitting yielding high powers and having high aerodynamic performances.
  • a further object of the invention is that of providing a modular wind blade so realized to efficiently dampen possible sudden wind gusts.
  • a further object of the invention is that of providing a modular wind blade that can be easily manufactured, transported and installed.
  • a further object of the invention is that of providing a wind blade that can be easily dismounted and that is comprised of main components with quite reduced dimensions.
  • a joint for modular wind blade to connect each other a first portion of wind blade and a second portion of wind blade wherein said joint comprises: a stator, which is configured to be connected with a first portion of wind blade and comprises a cylindrical member, which has an outer side surface and is directed according to an axis, and a plurality of projections projecting from said outer side surface; a rotor, which is configured to be connected with a second portion of wind blade and comprises a tubular member with an inner side surface, and a second plurality of projections projecting from said inner side surface, said rotor being also configured to rotate with respect to said stator; a plurality of damping elements to dampen reciprocal rotation of said rotor and said stator around said axis, each damping element of said plurality of damping elements being arranged between a projection of said first plurality of projections and a projection of said second plurality of projections, such that empty spaces are present between said stator and said rotor and adapted to be
  • said damping elements can be made from elastomeric material.
  • each damping element of said plurality of damping elements can comprise at least a lamina incorporated in said damping element.
  • said at Ieast a lamina can be made from a material including steel.
  • each damping element of said plurality of damping elements can have a cross section defined by a first substantially straight segment, a first curved segment, a second substantially straight segment and a second curved segment; wherein said first substantially straight segment and said second substantially straight segment are mutually substantially opposed, and wherein said first curved segment and said second curved segment are arranged in a mutually substantially opposed way and present a first curvature and a second curvature concordant with each other, respectively.
  • said plurality of damping elements can comprise at Ieast one metal elastic element comprising a first curved band (207a) and a second curved band, which are arranged opposite to each other and firmly connected with each other.
  • each projection of said first plurality of projections can be directed substantially radially to said cylindrical member, and wherein each projection of said second plurality of projections is directed substantially radially to said tubular member.
  • each projection of said first plurality of projections has a shape which is tapered towards outside of said cylindrical member, and wherein each projection of said second plurality of projections has a shape which is tapered towards inside of said tubular member.
  • a modular wind blade configured to extend, in use, according to a predetermined advancement direction and comprising: at least a first portion of wind blade; at least a second portion of wind blade; at least a joint as described in the above, which is arranged between said at least a first portion of wind blade and said at least a second portion of wind blade, such that said axis forms a predetermined angle with a straight line which is perpendicular to said predetermined advancement direction; first connecting means, for connecting said stator with said at least a first portion of wind blade; and second connecting means, for connecting said rotor with said at least a second portion of wind blade.
  • said predetermined angle ( ⁇ ) can be ranging between 0° and 60°.
  • said first connecting means comprise a first plurality of holes and a first plurality of bolts
  • said second connecting means comprise a second plurality of holes and a second plurality of bolts
  • figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular wind blade according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • figure 2 is a detail of figure 1 ;
  • figure 2 is a partial schematic view of the blade according to figures 1 and
  • figure 4 is a section view taken from figure 3 along line F-F';
  • figure 5 is a detailed view of figure 4.
  • figure 6 is an axonometric view of statoric component of a joint for modular wind blade according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • figure 7 is a cross-section view of statoric component of figure 6;
  • figure 8 is an axonometric view of rotoric component of a joint for modular wind blade according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • figure 9 is a cross section view of rotoric component of figure 8.
  • figure 10 is an axonometric view of dampening elements of a joint for modular wind blade according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • figure 1 1 is a cross-section view of a dampening element according to figure 10;
  • figure 12 is an axonometric view of assembly comprised of statoric component according to figures 6 and 7 and of dampening elements according to figures 10 and 1 1 ;
  • figure 13 is an axonometric view of the joint for modular wind blade according to a first embodiment of the present invention
  • figure 14 is a perspective view of a modular wind blade according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • figure 15 is a detailed view of figure 14;
  • figure 16 is a partial schematic view of the blade according to figures 14 and 15;
  • figure 17 is a section view of figure 16, taken along line G-G';
  • figure 18 is a detail view of figure 17;
  • figure 19 shows dampening elements that can be used in joint for modular wind blade according to the present invention.
  • figure 20 shows in detail one of the dampening elements shown in figure 19.
  • Wind blade 1 for a horizontal axis wind blade, not shown in the enclosed figures.
  • Wind blade 1 extend according to a preferential direction L and it is substantially comprised of a root portion, i.e. a proximal portion 2, suitable for being coupled with a hub (not shown) of wind turbine, and a tip portion, i.e. a distal portion, 3.
  • said root portion 2 provides a first coupling end 2a, for coupling with wind turbine hub (not shown), and a second coupling end 2b, opposed with respect to said first coupling end 2a, according to said preferential direction L.
  • Tip portion 3 instead provides a tip end 3a and a third coupling end 3b, opposed with respect to said tip end 3a, according to said preferential direction L.
  • Wind blade 1 further comprises a joint 4 provided between root portion 2 and tip portion 3 and so realized to permit coupling each other of the latter.
  • Joint 4 is comprised of a statoric component 5, of a rotoric component 6 and of eiastomeric dampening elements 7, provided between said statoric element 5 and said rotoric element 6.
  • Statoric element 5 has such a structure with an axially hollow cylinder, from the outer surface of which radially project a plurality of outer longitudinal ribs 9 having a substantially trapezoidal profile, outward tapered and connected to said axially hollow cylinder 8 by bolting or welding, or obtained by working on a single work piece.
  • longitudinal outer ribs 9 can also have a different shape with respect to the one described in the above, e.g. a dove tail shape.
  • Said statoric component 5 also provides a first support 10, having a first bracket 1 1 a and a second bracket 1 1 b, perpendicularly fixed to said axially hollow cylinder 8, in correspondence of the axial ends of the latter.
  • Said two brackets 1 1a and 11 b are connected each other by a first connection strip 12a and a second connection strip 12b, integral with relevant edge zones of said first bracket a and second bracket 11b.
  • Said first connection strip 12a and second connection strip 12b have a slightly curved shape, with curves opposed each other (see figure 6) and respectively have a first plurality of passing holes 13a and a second plurality of through holes 13b, realized almost along the whole extension of said strips.
  • Rotoric component 6 comprises an axially hollow cylinder 14, from the inner surface of which a plurality of inner longitudinal ribs 15 projects radially, said ribs having a substantially trapezoidal profile, tapered inward the axially hollow cylinder 14 and connected to the latter by bolting or welding, or obtained by working on a single work piece.
  • longitudinal outer ribs 15 can also have a different shape with respect to the one described in the above, e.g. a dove tail shape.
  • outer longitudinal ribs 1 5 make a circle with a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the above axially hollow cylinder 8.
  • outer longitudinal ribs 9 make a circle with a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the above axially hollow cylinder 14.
  • a third bracket 16a and a fourth bracket 16b are fixed, respectively, by bolting or welding, on the axially opposed ends of said axially hollow cylinder 14, connected each other by a third connection strip 17a and a fourth connection strip 17b, said strips 17a, 17b being integral with respective edge portions of said third bracket 16a and fourth bracket 16b.
  • Said third connection strip 17a and fourth connection strip 17b have a slightly curved shape, with opposed curves (see figure 8) following the profile of a section of the tip portion 3.
  • third connection strip 17a and fourth connection strip 17b respectively have a third plurality of passing holes 18a and a second plurality of through holes 18b, realized almost along the whole extension of said strips.
  • Each one of said dampening elements 7 has an elongated shape and a substantially uniform cross-section all along the longitudinal extension of the same.
  • Said cross-section has a perimeter delimited by a first curved line 19a and a second curved line 19b, a first oblique rectilinear tract 20a and a second oblique rectilinear tract 20b.
  • said first curved line 19a and said second curved line 19b are opposed each other and same curvatures.
  • first oblique rectilinear tract 20a and second oblique rectilinear tract 20b are opposed each other.
  • Each one of said dampening elements 7 provides four, flat, metallic, built- in longitude laminas 21 , preferably comprised of steel, spaced each other, between first oblique rectilinear tract 20a and second oblique rectilinear tract 20b.
  • said longitudinal laminas 21 can be provided in a number different from four, the number depending on the joint 4 mounting position along the longitudinal dimension of the wind blade 1 .
  • Statoric component 5 and dampening elements 7 are provided within the rotoric element 6, so that outer longitudinal ribs 9 and dampening elements 7 occupy interspaces between inner longitudinal ribs 15 of rotoric component 6.
  • each outer longitudinal rib 9 of statoric component 5 is placed between a relevant inner longitudinal rib 15 of the rotoric component 6 and a relevant dampening element 7.
  • Interspaces between inner longitudinal ribs 15 of the rotoric component 6 have such dimension to be able to receive outer longitudinal ribs 9 and dampening elements 7, leaving empty spaces between the two opposed lateral faces of each dampening element 7 and said third bracket 16a and fourth bracket 16b, and between outer curved surface of each dampening element 7, defined by said second curved line 19b, and the inner surface of the axially hollow cylinder 14 of the rotoric element 6.
  • Said empty spaces permit expansion, either axially and radially, of each dampening element 7 when the rotoric component 6 is rotated with respect to the statoric component 5, so as to cause squeezing of each dampening element 7 by outer longitudinal ribs 9 and inner longitudinal ribs 15.
  • said assembling of the joint 15 provides that axially hollow cylinder 8 of statoric component 5 and axially hollow cylinder 14 of rotoric component 6 are substantially coaxial each other with respect to axis A.
  • statoric component 5 is coupled with root portion, by boltingTMhe first connection strip 12a and the second connection strip 12b to corresponding edge portions of said second connection end 2b, and the rotoric component 6 is instead coupled to the tip portion 3, fixing by bolting the third connection strip 17a and the fourth connection strip 17b to corresponding edge portions of said third connection end 3b.
  • joint 4 is positioned in such a way that said axis A it rotated clockwise of a set angle ⁇ with respect to a line P perpendicular to the preferential direction L.
  • said set angle ⁇ can range between 0° and 90°, preferably between 0° and 60°.
  • Joint 4 substantially works as a passive dampener for peak loads due to short, but strong, wind gusts.
  • wind blade 100 is comprised of a root portion 102, of a tip portion 103 and of a joint 104 between said root portion 102 and said tip portion 103.
  • Joint 104 is comprised of a statoric component 105 and of a rotoric component 106, and of dampening elements 107 corresponding to dampening elements 7 described in the above.
  • Joint 104 has a shape substantially equal to the shape of joint 4 of wind blade 1 described in the above, but brackets 1 1 a and 1 1 b are replaced by a first pair of holed plates 108a, 108b, projecting from said statoric component 105, and said brackets 16a and 16b are replaced by a second pair of holed plates 109a, 109b, projecting from said rotoric component 106.
  • a first plurality of holes 1 10 and a second plurality of holes 1 1 1 are provided in correspondence of end portions of the root portion 102 and of the tip portion 103 suitable for coupling with statoric component 105 and rotoric component 106, suitable to permit their coupling by bolting with holes realized in first plate pair 108a, 108b and in second pair of plates 109a, 109b.
  • Metallic elastic elements 2017 ⁇ see figures 19 and 20) can be used in place of dampening elements 7, 107 described in the above.
  • Said metallic elastic elements 207 must be placed, without any restraint, in the same positions occupied by said dampening elements 7, 107, making the same dampening function, by exploiting the elastic deformation of the same metal.
  • Each metallic elastic element 207 is comprised of two or more steel bands 207a, 207b curved on the basis of the load to be dampened, juxtaposed each other and integrally coupled each other.
  • metallic elastic elements 207 permits reducing maximum dimensions for the same load and an increase of the thickness of tooth for the same rotation.
  • statoric components 5, 105 and rotoric components 6, 106 are respectively coupled to the tip portions 3, 103 and to the root portions 2, 102 of wind blade 1 , 100.
  • Wind blades 1 , 100 described in the above therefore permit, thanks to their modular structure, easing transportation of the same, and generally speaking, handling of their components, at the same time ensuring structural performances.
  • a further important advantage is the dampening, and consequently protection, fu nction of joints 4, 104 against strong wind gusts,

Abstract

The present invention concerns a joint (4, 104) for modular wind blade to connect each other a first portion of wind blade (2, 102) and a second portion of wind blade (3, 103), wherein said joint (4, 104) comprises: a stator (5, 105), which is configured to be connected with a first portion of wind blade (2, 102) and comprises a cylindrical member (8), which has an outer side surface and is directed according to an axis (A), and a plurality of projections (9) projecting from said outer side surface; a rotor (6, 106), which is configured to be connected with a second portion of wind blade (3, 103) and comprises a tubular member (14) with an inner side surface, and a second plurality of projections (15) projecting from said inner side surface, said rotor (6, 106) being also configured to rotate with respect to said stator (5, 105); a plurality of damping elements (7, 107, 207) to dampen reciprocal rotation of said rotor (6, 106) and said stator (5, 105) around said axis (A), each damping element of said plurality of damping elements (7, 107, 207) being arranged between a projection of said first plurality of projections (9) and a projection of said second plurality of projections (15), such that empty spaces are present between said stator (5, 105) and said rotor (6, 106) and adapted to be at least partially occupied by said damping elements (7, 107, 207) when said rotor (6, 106) and said stator (5, 105) are rotated each other. The present invention further relates to a modular wind blade comprising at least one joint (4, 104).

Description

JOINT FOR MODULAR WIND BLADE AND MODULAR WIND BLADE
COMPRISING SAID JOINT
The present invention relates to a joint for a modular wind blade and to a wind blade comprising said joint.
The modular wind blade suggested by the present application is suitable to be mounted on a horizontal axis wind turbine suitable to be provided on the sea or on the ground.
Nowadays, possibility of realizing a wind blade for horizontal axis wind turbine efficiently operating and that can be assembled by a series of separated elements is always more interesting, mainly in view of building, storage and transportation problems of wind blades having dimensions of tens of meters.
Another particularly felt needing when manufacturing wind blades is that of reducing, i.e. dampening the effects, a sudden dynamic load on the blade structure, e.g. caused by a strong wind gust.
In view of the above, it is therefore object of the present invention that of providing a joint for modular wind blade having high resistance and flexibility features.
Another object of the invention is that of providing a modular wind blade permitting yielding high powers and having high aerodynamic performances.
A further object of the invention is that of providing a modular wind blade so realized to efficiently dampen possible sudden wind gusts.
A further object of the invention is that of providing a modular wind blade that can be easily manufactured, transported and installed.
A further object of the invention is that of providing a wind blade that can be easily dismounted and that is comprised of main components with quite reduced dimensions.
It is therefore specific object of the present invention a joint for modular wind blade to connect each other a first portion of wind blade and a second portion of wind blade, wherein said joint comprises: a stator, which is configured to be connected with a first portion of wind blade and comprises a cylindrical member, which has an outer side surface and is directed according to an axis, and a plurality of projections projecting from said outer side surface; a rotor, which is configured to be connected with a second portion of wind blade and comprises a tubular member with an inner side surface, and a second plurality of projections projecting from said inner side surface, said rotor being also configured to rotate with respect to said stator; a plurality of damping elements to dampen reciprocal rotation of said rotor and said stator around said axis, each damping element of said plurality of damping elements being arranged between a projection of said first plurality of projections and a projection of said second plurality of projections, such that empty spaces are present between said stator and said rotor and adapted to be at ieast partially occupied by said damping elements when said rotor and said stator are rotated each other.
Still according to the invention, said damping elements can be made from elastomeric material.
Further, according to the invention, each damping element of said plurality of damping elements can comprise at least a lamina incorporated in said damping element.
Preferably, according to the invention, said at Ieast a lamina can be made from a material including steel.
Advantageously, according to the invention, each damping element of said plurality of damping elements can have a cross section defined by a first substantially straight segment, a first curved segment, a second substantially straight segment and a second curved segment; wherein said first substantially straight segment and said second substantially straight segment are mutually substantially opposed, and wherein said first curved segment and said second curved segment are arranged in a mutually substantially opposed way and present a first curvature and a second curvature concordant with each other, respectively.
Further, according to the invention, said plurality of damping elements can comprise at Ieast one metal elastic element comprising a first curved band (207a) and a second curved band, which are arranged opposite to each other and firmly connected with each other.
Still according to the invention, each projection of said first plurality of projections can be directed substantially radially to said cylindrical member, and wherein each projection of said second plurality of projections is directed substantially radially to said tubular member.
Further, according to the invention, each projection of said first plurality of projections has a shape which is tapered towards outside of said cylindrical member, and wherein each projection of said second plurality of projections has a shape which is tapered towards inside of said tubular member.
It is also object of the present invention a modular wind blade configured to extend, in use, according to a predetermined advancement direction and comprising: at least a first portion of wind blade; at least a second portion of wind blade; at least a joint as described in the above, which is arranged between said at least a first portion of wind blade and said at least a second portion of wind blade, such that said axis forms a predetermined angle with a straight line which is perpendicular to said predetermined advancement direction; first connecting means, for connecting said stator with said at least a first portion of wind blade; and second connecting means, for connecting said rotor with said at least a second portion of wind blade.
Advantageously, according to the invention, said predetermined angle (δ) can be ranging between 0° and 60°.
Preferably, according to the invention, said first connecting means comprise a first plurality of holes and a first plurality of bolts, and wherein said second connecting means comprise a second plurality of holes and a second plurality of bolts.
The present invention will be described, for illustrative, but not limitative, purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein:
figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular wind blade according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
figure 2 is a detail of figure 1 ;
figure 2 is a partial schematic view of the blade according to figures 1 and
2;
figure 4 is a section view taken from figure 3 along line F-F';
figure 5 is a detailed view of figure 4;
figure 6 is an axonometric view of statoric component of a joint for modular wind blade according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
figure 7 is a cross-section view of statoric component of figure 6;
figure 8 is an axonometric view of rotoric component of a joint for modular wind blade according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
figure 9 is a cross section view of rotoric component of figure 8;
figure 10 is an axonometric view of dampening elements of a joint for modular wind blade according to a first embodiment of the present invention; figure 1 1 is a cross-section view of a dampening element according to figure 10;
figure 12 is an axonometric view of assembly comprised of statoric component according to figures 6 and 7 and of dampening elements according to figures 10 and 1 1 ;
figure 13 is an axonometric view of the joint for modular wind blade according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
figure 14 is a perspective view of a modular wind blade according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
figure 15 is a detailed view of figure 14;
figure 16 is a partial schematic view of the blade according to figures 14 and 15;
figure 17 is a section view of figure 16, taken along line G-G';
figure 18 is a detail view of figure 17;
figure 19 shows dampening elements that can be used in joint for modular wind blade according to the present invention; and
figure 20 shows in detail one of the dampening elements shown in figure 19.
In the different figures similar parts will be indicated by the same numeral references.
Making reference to figures 1 - 13, by reference 1 it is indicated a wind blade for a horizontal axis wind blade, not shown in the enclosed figures. Wind blade 1 extend according to a preferential direction L and it is substantially comprised of a root portion, i.e. a proximal portion 2, suitable for being coupled with a hub (not shown) of wind turbine, and a tip portion, i.e. a distal portion, 3.
Particularly, said root portion 2 provides a first coupling end 2a, for coupling with wind turbine hub (not shown), and a second coupling end 2b, opposed with respect to said first coupling end 2a, according to said preferential direction L.
Tip portion 3 instead provides a tip end 3a and a third coupling end 3b, opposed with respect to said tip end 3a, according to said preferential direction L.
Wind blade 1 further comprises a joint 4 provided between root portion 2 and tip portion 3 and so realized to permit coupling each other of the latter. Joint 4 is comprised of a statoric component 5, of a rotoric component 6 and of eiastomeric dampening elements 7, provided between said statoric element 5 and said rotoric element 6.
Statoric element 5 has such a structure with an axially hollow cylinder, from the outer surface of which radially project a plurality of outer longitudinal ribs 9 having a substantially trapezoidal profile, outward tapered and connected to said axially hollow cylinder 8 by bolting or welding, or obtained by working on a single work piece.
To this end, it is observed that above mentioned longitudinal outer ribs 9 can also have a different shape with respect to the one described in the above, e.g. a dove tail shape.
Said statoric component 5 also provides a first support 10, having a first bracket 1 1 a and a second bracket 1 1 b, perpendicularly fixed to said axially hollow cylinder 8, in correspondence of the axial ends of the latter.
Said two brackets 1 1a and 11 b are connected each other by a first connection strip 12a and a second connection strip 12b, integral with relevant edge zones of said first bracket a and second bracket 11b.
Said first connection strip 12a and second connection strip 12b have a slightly curved shape, with curves opposed each other (see figure 6) and respectively have a first plurality of passing holes 13a and a second plurality of through holes 13b, realized almost along the whole extension of said strips.
Rotoric component 6 comprises an axially hollow cylinder 14, from the inner surface of which a plurality of inner longitudinal ribs 15 projects radially, said ribs having a substantially trapezoidal profile, tapered inward the axially hollow cylinder 14 and connected to the latter by bolting or welding, or obtained by working on a single work piece.
To this end, it is observed that above mentioned longitudinal outer ribs 15 can also have a different shape with respect to the one described in the above, e.g. a dove tail shape.
Particularly, tapered ends of outer longitudinal ribs 1 5 make a circle with a diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the above axially hollow cylinder 8.
tapered ends of outer longitudinal ribs 9 make a circle with a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the above axially hollow cylinder 14.
A third bracket 16a and a fourth bracket 16b are fixed, respectively, by bolting or welding, on the axially opposed ends of said axially hollow cylinder 14, connected each other by a third connection strip 17a and a fourth connection strip 17b, said strips 17a, 17b being integral with respective edge portions of said third bracket 16a and fourth bracket 16b. Said third connection strip 17a and fourth connection strip 17b have a slightly curved shape, with opposed curves (see figure 8) following the profile of a section of the tip portion 3.
Further, third connection strip 17a and fourth connection strip 17b respectively have a third plurality of passing holes 18a and a second plurality of through holes 18b, realized almost along the whole extension of said strips.
Each one of said dampening elements 7 has an elongated shape and a substantially uniform cross-section all along the longitudinal extension of the same.
Said cross-section has a perimeter delimited by a first curved line 19a and a second curved line 19b, a first oblique rectilinear tract 20a and a second oblique rectilinear tract 20b.
Particularly, said first curved line 19a and said second curved line 19b are opposed each other and same curvatures.
Further, said second curved line 19b and a longer extension than said first curved line 19a.
Also said first oblique rectilinear tract 20a and second oblique rectilinear tract 20b are opposed each other.
Each one of said dampening elements 7 provides four, flat, metallic, built- in longitude laminas 21 , preferably comprised of steel, spaced each other, between first oblique rectilinear tract 20a and second oblique rectilinear tract 20b.
In this respect, it is noted that said longitudinal laminas 21 can be provided in a number different from four, the number depending on the joint 4 mounting position along the longitudinal dimension of the wind blade 1 . Statoric component 5 and dampening elements 7 are provided within the rotoric element 6, so that outer longitudinal ribs 9 and dampening elements 7 occupy interspaces between inner longitudinal ribs 15 of rotoric component 6.
Therefore, each outer longitudinal rib 9 of statoric component 5 is placed between a relevant inner longitudinal rib 15 of the rotoric component 6 and a relevant dampening element 7.
Interspaces between inner longitudinal ribs 15 of the rotoric component 6 have such dimension to be able to receive outer longitudinal ribs 9 and dampening elements 7, leaving empty spaces between the two opposed lateral faces of each dampening element 7 and said third bracket 16a and fourth bracket 16b, and between outer curved surface of each dampening element 7, defined by said second curved line 19b, and the inner surface of the axially hollow cylinder 14 of the rotoric element 6.
Said empty spaces permit expansion, either axially and radially, of each dampening element 7 when the rotoric component 6 is rotated with respect to the statoric component 5, so as to cause squeezing of each dampening element 7 by outer longitudinal ribs 9 and inner longitudinal ribs 15.
Therefore, said assembling of the joint 15 provides that axially hollow cylinder 8 of statoric component 5 and axially hollow cylinder 14 of rotoric component 6 are substantially coaxial each other with respect to axis A. In wind blade according to the present invention it is provided that statoric component 5 is coupled with root portion, by bolting™he first connection strip 12a and the second connection strip 12b to corresponding edge portions of said second connection end 2b, and the rotoric component 6 is instead coupled to the tip portion 3, fixing by bolting the third connection strip 17a and the fourth connection strip 17b to corresponding edge portions of said third connection end 3b.
Taking now into consideration figure 3, showing a partial plant top view of wind blade 1 with leading edge 2' and 3' of the root portion 2 and of the tip portion 3 faced upward, it is observed that joint 4 is positioned in such a way that said axis A it rotated clockwise of a set angle δ with respect to a line P perpendicular to the preferential direction L.
Depending on the particular aerodynamic characteristics to be designed for wind blade 1 , said set angle δ can range between 0° and 90°, preferably between 0° and 60°.
Joint 4 substantially works as a passive dampener for peak loads due to short, but strong, wind gusts.
Making now reference to figures 14 - 18, by reference number 100 it is indicated a wind blade according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Also in this case, wind blade 100 is comprised of a root portion 102, of a tip portion 103 and of a joint 104 between said root portion 102 and said tip portion 103.
Joint 104 is comprised of a statoric component 105 and of a rotoric component 106, and of dampening elements 107 corresponding to dampening elements 7 described in the above.
Joint 104 has a shape substantially equal to the shape of joint 4 of wind blade 1 described in the above, but brackets 1 1 a and 1 1 b are replaced by a first pair of holed plates 108a, 108b, projecting from said statoric component 105, and said brackets 16a and 16b are replaced by a second pair of holed plates 109a, 109b, projecting from said rotoric component 106.
Further, a first plurality of holes 1 10 and a second plurality of holes 1 1 1 are provided in correspondence of end portions of the root portion 102 and of the tip portion 103 suitable for coupling with statoric component 105 and rotoric component 106, suitable to permit their coupling by bolting with holes realized in first plate pair 108a, 108b and in second pair of plates 109a, 109b.
Metallic elastic elements 2017 {see figures 19 and 20) can be used in place of dampening elements 7, 107 described in the above.
Said metallic elastic elements 207 must be placed, without any restraint, in the same positions occupied by said dampening elements 7, 107, making the same dampening function, by exploiting the elastic deformation of the same metal.
Each metallic elastic element 207 is comprised of two or more steel bands 207a, 207b curved on the basis of the load to be dampened, juxtaposed each other and integrally coupled each other.
The use of metallic elastic elements 207 permits reducing maximum dimensions for the same load and an increase of the thickness of tooth for the same rotation.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, said statoric components 5, 105 and rotoric components 6, 106 are respectively coupled to the tip portions 3, 103 and to the root portions 2, 102 of wind blade 1 , 100.
Wind blades 1 , 100 described in the above therefore permit, thanks to their modular structure, easing transportation of the same, and generally speaking, handling of their components, at the same time ensuring structural performances.
A further important advantage is the dampening, and consequently protection, fu nction of joints 4, 104 against strong wind gusts,
The present invention has been described for illustrative, but not limitative, purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that variations and/or modifications can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims

1 . Joint (4, 104) for modular wind blade to connect each other a first portion of wind blade (2, 102) and a second portion of wind blade (3, 103), wherein said joint (4, 104) comprises:
a stator (5, 105), which is configured to be connected with a first portion of wind blade (2, 102) and comprises a cylindrical member (8), which has an outer side surface and is directed according to an axis (A), and a plurality of projections (9) projecting from said outer side surface; a rotor (6, 106), which is configured to be connected with a second portion of wind blade (3, 103) and comprises a tubular member (14) with an inner side surface, and a second plurality of projections (15) projecting from said inner side surface, said rotor (6, 106) being also configured to rotate with respect to said stator (5, 105);
a plurality of damping elements (7, 107, 207) to dampen reciprocal rotation of said rotor (6, 106) and said stator (5, 105) around said axis (A), each damping element of said plurality of damping elements (7, 107, 207) being arranged between a projection of said first plurality of projections (9) and a projection of said second plurality of projections (15), such that empty spaces are present between said stator (5, 105) and said rotor (6, 106) and adapted to be at least partially occupied by said damping elements (7, 107, 207) when said rotor (6, 106) and said stator (5, 105) are rotated each other.
2. Joint (4, 104) according to claim 1 , wherein said damping elements (7, 107) are made from elastomeric material.
3. Joint (4, 104) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each damping element of said plurality of damping elements (7, 107) comprises at least a lamina (21 ) incorporated in said damping element.
4. Joint (4, 104) according to claim 3, wherein said at least a lamina (21 ) is made from a material including steel.
5. Joint (4, 104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each damping element of said plurality of damping elements (7, 107) has a cross section defined by a first substantially straight segment (20a), a first curved segment (19a), a second substantially straight segment (20b) and a second curved segment (19b); wherein said first substantially straight segment (20a) and said second substantially straight segment (20b) are mutually substantially opposed, and wherein said first curved segment (19a) and said second curved segment (19b) are arranged in a mutually substantially opposed way and present a first curvature and a second curvature concordant with each other, respectively.
6. Joint (4, 104) according to claim 1 , wherein said plurality of damping elements comprise at least one metal elastic element (207) comprising a first curved band (207a) and a second curved band (207b), which are arranged opposite to each other and firmly connected with each other.
7. Joint (4, 104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each projection of said first plurality of projections (9) is directed substantially radially to said cylindrical member (8), and wherein each projection of said second plu rality of projections (15) is directed substantially radially to said tubular member (14),
8. Joint (4, 104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each projection of said first plurality of projections (9) has a shape which is tapered towards outside of said cylindrical member (8), and wherein each projection of said second plurality of projections (15) has a shape which is tapered towards inside of said tubular member (14).
9. Modular wind blade (1 , 100) configured to extend , in use, according to a predetermined advancement direction (L) and comprising : at least a first portion of wind blade (2, 102);
at least a second portion of wind blade (3, 103);
at least a joint (4, 104) according to any one of the preceding claims, which is arranged between said at least a first portion of wind blade (2, 102) and said at least a second portion of wind blade (3, 103), such that said axis (A) forms a predetermined angle (δ) with a straight line (P) which is perpendicular to said predetermined advancement direction
(L);
first connecting means, for connecting said stator (5, 105) with said at least a first portion of wind blade (2, 102); and
second connecting means, for connecting said rotor (6, 106) with said at least a second portion of wind blade (3, 103).
10. Modular wind blade (1 , 100) according to claim 9, wherein said predetermined angle (δ) is ranging between 0° and 60°.
1 1 . Modular wind blade (1 , 100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said first connecting means comprise a first plurality of holes and a first plurality of bolts, and wherein said second connecting means comprise a 12
second plurality of holes and a second plurality of bolts.
PCT/IT2015/000160 2014-07-07 2015-06-19 Joint for modular wind blade and modular wind blade comprising said joint WO2016006008A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITRM20140360 2014-07-07
ITRM2014A000360 2014-07-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2016006008A1 true WO2016006008A1 (en) 2016-01-14

Family

ID=51494429

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IT2015/000160 WO2016006008A1 (en) 2014-07-07 2015-06-19 Joint for modular wind blade and modular wind blade comprising said joint

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2016006008A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11022094B2 (en) 2017-05-24 2021-06-01 General Electric Company Modular blade structure and method of assembly
WO2021129913A1 (en) * 2019-12-23 2021-07-01 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Modular wind turbine blade with vibration damping

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120213642A1 (en) * 2010-01-11 2012-08-23 Sinovel Wind Group Co., Ltd. Segmented wind rotor blade for wind turbine generator system and assemblying method thereof
EP2636890A1 (en) * 2012-03-09 2013-09-11 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Rotor blade pitching arrangement

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120213642A1 (en) * 2010-01-11 2012-08-23 Sinovel Wind Group Co., Ltd. Segmented wind rotor blade for wind turbine generator system and assemblying method thereof
EP2636890A1 (en) * 2012-03-09 2013-09-11 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Rotor blade pitching arrangement

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11022094B2 (en) 2017-05-24 2021-06-01 General Electric Company Modular blade structure and method of assembly
WO2021129913A1 (en) * 2019-12-23 2021-07-01 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Modular wind turbine blade with vibration damping
US20230020641A1 (en) * 2019-12-23 2023-01-19 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Modular wind turbine blade with vibration damping

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
ES2551428T3 (en) Gas turbine engine for airplane engine
JP2008002469A5 (en)
KR101509382B1 (en) Gas turbine having damping clamp
ES2564989T3 (en) Pitch gear
JP6726618B2 (en) Method of assembling a set of impellers through tie rods, impellers and turbomachines
WO2008111841A4 (en) Wind turbine rotor
JP5999845B2 (en) Turbine rotor assembly, blade stop plate in turbine rotor assembly, and method of assembling blade stop plate
WO2016006008A1 (en) Joint for modular wind blade and modular wind blade comprising said joint
BR112017020717B1 (en) TOWER SECTION, WIND TURBINE TOWER AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLY A TOWER SECTION
US8075264B2 (en) Blade angle setting for a turbomachine
CN104279008A (en) Stator Blade Sector for an Axial Turbomachine with a Dual Means of Fixing
US20110274549A1 (en) Blade having asymmetrical mid-span structure portions and related bladed wheel structure
EP3143278B1 (en) Wind power plant with directly driven generator
ES2928642T3 (en) Connection set for wind turbine tower
KR20110012666A (en) Pipe clamping device for a wall fixing
JP6061611B2 (en) Vertical axis windmill
ES2942581T3 (en) Wind turbine with rotor hub extension
CN103075365B (en) Wind wheel of transverse-flow discharging laser and assembling method
ES2953357T3 (en) Method for repairing a bearing bore and a bore insert for repairing a bearing bore
JP6091604B2 (en) Self-fixing stator housing
JP7035829B2 (en) Electric motor
JP6760117B2 (en) Electric motor
RU176717U1 (en) Fan impeller
US20120087791A1 (en) Wind turbine device
EP1845268B1 (en) Axial fan

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 15751109

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 15751109

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1