WO2019134862A1

WO2019134862A1 - Rotor blade protection

Info

Publication number: WO2019134862A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/086618
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Vogt
Original assignee: Sika Technology Ag
Priority date: 2018-01-03
Filing date: 2018-12-21
Publication date: 2019-07-11

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of a form-fit and/or force-fit connection for fixing a protection element to a surface of a rotor blade, in particular a rotor blade of a wind power plant.

Description

BLADE PROTECTION

Technical area

The invention relates to the use of a connecting device for

Fixing a protective element on a surface of a rotor blade, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine, and a method for fixing a protective element to a rotor blade. Further aspects of the invention relate to a protective element, a rotor blade and an arrangement comprising a rotor blade and a protective element.

State of the art

Rotor blades in general and in particular rotor blades of wind turbines are constantly exposed to adverse environmental conditions. In particular, raindrops, snow particles, hail or grains of sand, which in operation due to the rotation of the rotor blades may impinge on these with high energy, greatly increase the surfaces of the rotor blades. These

Damage mechanisms are commonly referred to as "rain erosion".

Regenerosion causes the surfaces of rotor blades erode over time, roughen and at worst deeper layers in the

Leaf structure to be damaged. Particularly exposed and prone to damage are the forwardmost nasal ridges or leading edges of the rotor blades in the direction of rotation. Already a roughening of the surfaces of the rotor blades can lead to significant power losses of a wind turbine, since this undesirable turbulence are favored. Damage to the blade structure can affect the long-term safety of the wind turbine.

In order to protect the nasal edges of rotor blades, it is known to coat them with an additional liquid applied protective layer, which is renewed from time to time. Also known are so-called Edge protection elements in the form of films or profile strips, which are glued to the exposed edges and replaced if necessary.

WO 2016/075619 A1 (Polytech A / S), for example, describes a U-shaped protective strip made of a polymer material, which is produced with the aid of a special material

Adhesive is attached to the nose edge of a rotor blade by gluing.

Known systems are quite effective to reduce damage to the rotor blade by regenerative erosion. However, the renewal or replacement of protective layers and edge protection elements is relatively

consuming. Protective layers can hardly be renewed on site, while worn edge protection elements are usually difficult to detach from the rotor blade due to the bonding.

There is therefore still a need for new and improved

Solutions that overcome the aforementioned disadvantages as possible.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide advantageous devices and methods which make it possible to remove the surfaces of

Rotor blades, especially in wind turbines, reliable and protect in the simplest possible way. In particular, it should be possible to safely apply protective elements on a surface of a rotor blade and to renew as simply as possible. This in particular in the area of edges of the rotor blades.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the object according to the invention can be achieved by means of devices, methods and uses according to the independent claims.

The core of the invention is therefore in particular, a protective element for a rotor blade by means of a positive and / or frictional connection device to be mounted on the rotor blade, for which purpose suitable protective elements, rotor blades, methods and uses are provided.

As it has been shown, it is possible with the present invention

To secure protective elements in a simple manner releasably attached to rotor blades, without the need for a cohesive connection or a bond between the protective element and rotor blade would be necessary. In particular, it allows the inventive technique largely independent of

Environmental conditions at any time to establish a safe and reliable connection between the protective element and rotor blade. Thus, the technology is basically also suitable for on-site applications under climatic conditions

Conditions which might be problematic in sticking, e.g. at low temperatures or high humidity levels.

In addition, the positive and / or frictional connection device can be designed so that it can be solved in a simple manner. This makes it possible in particular easily, quickly and clean to solve a simple and quick and clean on a rotor blade and worn protective element and then replace it with a new protective element.

Overall, the maintenance of devices or systems with rotor blades can be greatly simplified due to the present invention. This leads in

Special to shorter downtime of the plants, which is advantageous from an economic point of view.

These and other aspects of the invention are described below and are the subject of the independent claims. Especially preferred

Embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Ways to carry out the invention

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a use of a positive and / or frictional connection device for fastening a Protective element on a surface of a rotor blade, in particular on a surface of a rotor blade of a wind turbine.

By the term "wind turbine" we mean here a system understood, which converts wind energy into electrical energy. A wind turbine in particular comprises a rotor with one or more rotor blades, which is set in rotation with the wind in rotation and drives a generator. For example, the wind turbine is one

Lifting rotor with horizontal axis of rotation and rotor on the windward side.

The rotor blade can basically be of any size. For example, this may have a rotor blade length> 50 cm,> 2 m,> 10 m,> 20 m,> 40 m,> 50 m, or> 75 m.

The surface of the rotor blade may be any surface. In particular, it is an outer surface which is exposed during operation of the air and flows around it. Especially

However, it is preferably a region of an edge of the rotor blade, in particular a nose edge, a trailing edge and / or an edge in the region of the rotor blade tip. The nose edge may also be referred to as the leading edge and is the foremost edge considered with respect to the intended direction of rotation of the rotor blade. The trailing edge is according to the in the

provided direction of rotation of the rotor blade considered the rear edge of the

Rotor blade. The rotor blade tip is that of the rotor blade root to which the rotor blade is attached, opposite end of the rotor blade.

In the present case, a "positive and / or non-positive connection device" comprises in particular at least two positive and / or positive locking

connectable connecting parts. The at least two connecting parts are correspondingly designed in such a way that they permit positive and / or non-positive cooperation and, in particular in the connected state, form a connection which is stable in all spatial directions without additional measures. The positive and / or frictional connection device can consist of two, three, four or more connecting parts, but more preferably it consists of two connecting parts.

Positive connection connectable connecting parts can be mechanically connected by an engagement of the at least two connecting parts.

Frictionally connectable connecting parts are pressed against each other by the action of a force that frictional forces a shifting of the

Hinder connecting parts against each other. Basically, the

Connecting parts are designed to be both form-fitting and non-positively connectable. In particular, the multi-part mechanical connection device does not comprise any connection parts which can only be connected by material engagement.

The connecting parts are preferably designed releasably. "Releasable" in this case means a non-destructive separation of the connecting parts. Particularly preferably, the connecting parts are multiply connectable and designed to be detachable multiple times. Thus, for example, protective elements after installation on a

Rotor blade removed, processed and later re-mounted on the rotor blade.

In a permanent connection device, the connecting device is preferably designed such that a arranged on the protective element

Connecting part is destroyed when loosening, while one on the rotor blade

arranged connecting part remains intact. For this purpose, the connecting part arranged on the protective element can be e.g. have one or more predetermined breaking points. This allows a worn protective element to be replaced several times without having to replace the connecting part on the rotor blade.

Between the protective element and the rotor blade there is in particular no non-detachable connection and / or no direct cohesive connection.

In particular, the connecting device can be designed to be connectable and / or detachable without tools. Thus, in particular the assembly and disassembly of the protective element can be simplified. At least one first connecting part of the connecting device is or is arranged in each case on the protective element, while at least one second

Connecting part is arranged on the rotor blade or is. The connecting parts can be fastened to the protective element and to the rotor blade and / or be formed as integral components of the protective element and / or of the rotor blade. For example, the protective element can already be provided with a corresponding connecting part during production.

A connecting part arranged on the rotor blade is fastened in a preferred embodiment as a separate part on the rotor blade. Thus, a rotor blade can be provided if necessary both with conventional protective elements and with inventive protective elements.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, a connecting part arranged on the rotor blade is fastened as a separate part on an outer surface of the rotor blade. This is in particular a curved surface, in particular in a region of an edge of the rotor blade, in particular in the region of the nose edge. The connecting part is preferably mounted on the outer surface of the rotor blade so that neither the connecting part nor other parts, such as. Fasteners and / or supporting devices for the connecting part, penetrate into the outer surface, penetrate the outer surface, in the interior of the

Rotor blades protrude and / or be present in the interior of the rotor blade.

In particular, the connecting part is or is mounted on the outer surface of the rotor blade so that no screws, rivets, pins and / or inserts, e.g. Metal inserts, projecting into areas below the outer surface of the rotor blade and / or in the interior of the rotor blade or are arranged therein.

The positive and / or non-positive connection device is mounted in particular exclusively cohesively on the surface of the rotor blade. Thus, the original structure of the rotor blade and the original outer surface of the rotor blade remain completely intact. Accordingly, there is no danger that structural weakening of the rotor blade or leaks at the surface of the rotor blade will occur.

According to a preferred embodiment, apart from the positive and / or frictional connection device, the protective element is attached directly to the surface of the rotor blade without additional mechanical support and / or support elements, such as support plates.

The connecting device advantageously comprises two connecting parts which spatially engage in a connected state. A first connecting part is in particular at least partially, in particular completely, complementary to the second connecting part formed.

For example, the connection device may include a snap connection. This can for example be designed so that a first connecting part elastically deformed during connection and hooked with a second connecting part. The entanglement can be done solvable or insoluble.

Also possible are e.g. Connecting devices in the form of a tongue and groove connection. At least one groove as the first connecting part is for

Receiving at least one complementary formed in the connection area designed spring. When joining creates a form and / or

non-positive connection.

In another embodiment, the connection device may also comprise a pin connection. In this case, one or more pins can form a first connecting part, which engage in a second connecting part with one or more pin receptacles. The pins and pin receptacles are preferably dimensioned and matched to one another such that a defined non-positive and positive connection is formed.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one

Connecting part of the connecting device one or more at one Surface arranged and / or protruding from a surface structures. The structures are in particular hook-shaped

Structures, barb-shaped structures, structures which are cantilevered at their free ends, recesses and / or loop-like structures. Structures which are cantilevered at their free ends are e.g. mushroom-shaped structures or structures which are mushroom-shaped at their free ends.

The protruding from a surface structures are preferably designed flexible, so that they can be easier to fit together when connecting the connecting parts.

In particular, a connecting part arranged on the protective element as well as a connecting part arranged on the rotor blade have one or more structures protruding from a base surface, which are designed such that they intermesh positively in the connected state and / or interlock with one another.

In particular, suitable as a connection device, for example, a

Velcro. Velcro fasteners are sometimes also referred to as hook & loop, Alfagrip, Velcro® or Scratch®. Metallic variants are e.g. known as Metaclett.

A hook-and-loop fastener is a band-shaped connecting device typically comprising two band-shaped connecting parts whose surfaces are each provided with interlocking and / or interlocking structures.

Band-shaped connecting parts with hook-shaped structures, barb-shaped structures and / or structures which are cantilevered at their free ends, can also be referred to as hook band or mushroom head band. Band-shaped connecting parts with loop-like structures are also referred to as velor band or loop band. At the two connecting parts in each case the same structures may be present or there are different at the two connecting parts

Structures before. For example, both connecting parts may have mushroom-shaped structures which are dimensioned and arranged in such a way that they join in a form-fitting manner during assembly. However, hook-shaped structures, barb-shaped structures and / or structures that project at their free ends can also be present on a first connection element, while loop-type structures are present on a second connection part. Thus, the structures of the first connecting part in the loop-like structures of the second

Hook connection parts.

Velcro closures can be designed, for example, as textile hook-and-loop fasteners, metallic hook-and-loop fasteners or hybrid variants. These are relatively easy to connect, with high strength connections are achieved, but can still be solved if necessary, targeted and with relatively little effort.

Particularly preferred are textile hook-and-loop fasteners. These are typically based on ribbons based on natural and / or man-made fibers, in particular

Polymer fibers, e.g. Polyamide, polyester, polyolefin and / or

Polyaramide. In each case on a front side of a band, the interlocking and / or interlocking structures are arranged, which consist in particular of the same polymer materials. At the back, the bands can be connected to a third element, for example a protective element and / or rotor blade.

The advantage of textile hook-and-loop fasteners lies in their flexibility, which facilitates an arrangement on uneven or curved surfaces. Nevertheless, high strengths and durability are achieved. suitable

Velcro closures are available, for example, under the brand names Velcro® or 3M®. io

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is

Velcro around a metallic Velcro and / or a

Velcro closure comprising metallic as well as textile connecting parts. As metal, in particular, a stainless metal, for example

Stainless steel used.

A metallic Velcro fastener has, in particular, as the first connecting part, a band which is occupied by metallic hook elements and which is preferably made of a metallic material. A second connecting part is formed, for example, as a metallic perforated belt and / or a textile loop tape. When using a metallic perforated belt second

Connecting part are the metallic hook elements thereby preferably in

Breakthroughs of the perforated tape latched.

Velcro closures comprising metallic connecting parts are also referred to as Metaklett and are commercially available. These have the particular advantage that even higher strengths can be achieved. Nevertheless, as with textile Velcro closures easy solubility is given.

According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the connecting parts of the connecting device is or is fastened to the protective element and / or to the rotor blade. The attachment is made in particular by a

cohesive connection, for example by welding and / or gluing.

It is particularly preferred or at least one of the connecting parts of the positive and / or frictional connection device on the protective element and / or on the rotor blade fastened exclusively cohesively, in particular with an adhesive or by gluing. This in particular if the connecting part is a part of a hook and loop fastener. This applies in particular to a connecting part fastened to the rotor blade, which is preferably fastened on an outer surface of the rotor blade. Thus, as mentioned above, the connection part can be fixed on an outer surface of the rotor blade without damaging or changing the original outer surface or inner regions of the rotor blade.

For example, a connecting part of the positive and / or frictional connection device can be attached to the rotor blade exclusively with a material fit and the protective element on which a further connecting part of the positive and / or non-positive connecting device is arranged, e.g.

also via an exclusively cohesive attachment is

exclusively positive and / or non-positive on the connecting part which is arranged on the rotor blade attached.

Thus, in particular, a releasable attachment of the protective element to the rotor blade is made possible without the original outer surface or inner regions of the rotor blade being damaged or changed.

It is particularly preferred or at least one of the connecting parts of the connecting device with an adhesive to the protective element and / or glued to the rotor blade. Preferably, both a protective element and a rotor blade mounted on the connecting part is glued. In particular, the adhesive is a structural adhesive, preferably a high modulus toughened adhesive.

If required, the adhesive can be combined with a primer coating. This in particular to improve the liability.

The adhesive may e.g. be selected from the group consisting of:

Polyurethane adhesives and epoxy adhesives. In particular, the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive. Suitable are one-, two- or multi-component adhesives. Such adhesives have been found to be particularly suitable for the present application, since they provide a mechanically strong and durable connection of the connecting parts, in particular conventional Velcro fasteners, with typical rotor blades and / or protective elements allow.

Polyurethane adhesives are preferably based on polyols and polyisocyanates, the polyols in particular being a mixture of different polyols. This can e.g. a mixture of long-chain polyether polyols and / or polyester polyols with low molecular weight di- and / or triols, such as aliphatic diols and / or T riole having less than 2-10 C-atoms, in particular butanediol. Suitable polyurethane adhesives are

for example described in WO 2012/084937 A1. It can

For example, the adhesives shown in Table 1 on pages 24 to 25, in particular Examples 1 and 2, are used.

In particular, toughening-modified as epoxy adhesives

Epoxy adhesives used, as e.g. in WO 2014/072515 A1 are generally described. For example, the 1K and 2K formulations on page 32, line 29 through page 34, line 10 are suitable.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the adhesive

Melt adhesive. These may be, for example, polyurethane hot melt adhesives or hybrid or silane-functional hot melt adhesives.

In particular, the adhesives are adhesive hot melt adhesives (also referred to as "PSA hotmelt" or "Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Hotmelt"), especially based on a thermoplastic elastomer. Adhesive hotmelt adhesives are permanently tacky, so that an adhesive bond can be used to produce an adhesive bond even when cooled.

Suitable pressure-sensitive hot-melt adhesives are conventional pressure-sensitive hot-melt adhesives,

For example, adhesive hot melt adhesives on rubber, polyolefin or

(Meth) acrylate-based. Suitable, for example, under the name SikaMelt® at Sika Germany available adhesive hot melt adhesives, for example SikaMelt® 9209 HT.

Hot melt adhesives can be applied to the parts to be bonded when hot and produce a firm bond on cooling. This type of adhesive is therefore particularly suitable for repair work, since it can be processed quickly and can be removed almost completely without residue by heating it from most surfaces. As a surprisingly advantageous hot melt adhesives have been found in combination with Velcro fasteners.

Adhesive hot melt adhesives are due to their permanent tackiness particularly suitable to be applied in advance on the connecting parts, so that they also at a later date with the protective element and / or the

Rotor blade can be glued. According to a particularly preferred

Embodiment therefore becomes the at least one connecting part, the

Protective element and / or the rotor blade coated with an adhesive hot melt adhesive. In particular, at least one, preferably all, of the

Connecting parts coated with an adhesive hot melt adhesive. This is particularly preferably a part of a hook and loop fastener.

Further, it may be advantageous if a on a connecting part, a

Protective element and / or a rotor blade applied adhesive hot melt adhesive is provided with a protective coating. The protective coating may e.g. a protective film or a release paper, for example siliconized paper. This prevents accidental sticking before the actual assembly. When mounting the protective coating can then in a simple manner

subtracted from.

The protective element preferably comprises a plastic material, a metallic material and / or a composite material or the protective element consists of such a material. It is preferably a plastic material, in particular a polymeric material. Suitable are e.g. Polyurethane, im

Special polyether-based polyurethanes. The protective element can basically be shaped as desired. Preferably, it is a curved element, in which in particular a convex surface of a concave surface is opposite.

Preferably, the curvature of the rotor blade facing surface of the protective element is substantially complementary to the curvature of a portion of the rotor blade to which the protective element is attached or is.

Typically, the protective element is a planar element. This means in particular that a length and a width of the protective element at least by a multiple, in particular 2 times, preferably 5 times, in particular 10 times, is greater than a thickness of the protective element. The protective element is

in particular a dimensionally stable element or it is designed such that it retains its shape regardless of its location.

Preferably, at least one edge region of the protective element is rounded and / or a thickness of the curved element tapers in the direction of the edge region of the curved element. In particular, all edge regions are rounded and / or tapered. This can be avoided, in particular unwanted turbulence on the rotor blade.

In particular, the protective element is an edge protection element. On

Edge protection element is provided for protection an edge of a rotor blade and is arranged in the region of an edge. It is preferably a nasal edge protection element or a leading edge protection element. However, it may also be a trailing edge protection element or an edge protection element for the area of the rotor blade tip. Also, the edge protection element can be designed as a protective element for several edges of the rotor blade at the same time, for example, by extending from the leading edge over the blade tip edge and optionally to the trailing edge. According to a preferred embodiment, the protective element is as

Profile strip, in particular as a U-shaped profile strip, in front. Such profile strips have a concave, curved inside. With this you can be placed in surface contact on the typically convex curvature of the edge portion of a rotor blade. An opposite outside of the U-shaped profile strip is correspondingly convex.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one longitudinal edge region of the U-shaped profile strip is rounded and / or a thickness of the U-shaped profile strip in the longitudinal edge region tapers in the direction of the free end of the longitudinal edge region. In particular, both longitudinal edge regions are rounded and / or tapered.

Preferably, the curvature of the concave inner side of the U-shaped profile strip is substantially complementary to the curvature of an edge region of the rotor blade on which the U-shaped profile strip is attached or is.

A length of the protective element, in particular a U-shaped profile strip, is in particular at least 25%, for example at least 50%, in the

Specifically, at least 75%, or at least 90%, of the length of a nose edge and / or trailing edge of the rotor blade.

Particularly preferred is or will at least one connecting part of

Connecting device attached to a surface of the protective element, in particular on a concave surface of a curved element, particularly preferably on the concave inner side of a U-shaped profile strip.

This is preferably a connecting part as described above, in particular a connecting part of a hook-and-loop fastener, for example a hook band, mushroom head band or loop band. The

Overall, the connecting part preferably extends over at least 25%, for example at least 50%, in particular at least 75% or at least 90%, of a length of the protective element, in particular the length of a U-shaped Profile strip. Is fastened or is the connecting part preferably with a

Adhesive, in particular a hot melt adhesive, in particular an adhesive hot melt adhesive, as described above.

Further, it is preferred if at least one connecting part of the., On a surface of the rotor blade, in particular in an edge region of the rotor blade

Connecting device is arranged or is, which is designed to produce a positive and / or non-positive connection with a arranged on a protective element connecting part.

This is in particular a connecting part of a

Velcro, for example, a hook band, mushroom head band or

Loop tape.

The connecting part extends overall preferably over at least 25%, for example at least 50%, in particular at least 75% or at least 90%, of a length of a nose edge and / or trailing edge of the

Rotor blade. Is attached or is the connecting part as in the protective element preferably with an adhesive, in particular a hot melt adhesive, in

Specifically, an adhesive hot melt adhesive as described above.

Likewise provided by the invention is a method for attaching a protective element to a surface of a rotor blade, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine, comprising the following steps: a) providing a protective element comprising at least a first

Connecting part of a positive and / or frictional

Connecting device; b) providing a rotor blade which has at least a second

Connecting part of a positive and / or frictional

Connecting device has, wherein the second connecting part with the first connecting part non-positively and / or positively connected; c) attaching the protective element on the rotor blade by joining the at least two connecting parts to form a non-positive and / or positive connection.

The protective element, the rotor blade, the connecting device and the

In this case, connecting parts are defined as described above and in particular according to the advantageous described above

Embodiments designed, arranged and / or connected.

The connecting device is particularly preferably a hook-and-loop fastener as described above, while the protective element is preferably a U-shaped profiled strip as described above.

According to a preferred embodiment, step a) comprises the attachment of the first connecting part to the protective element, in particular by a material connection, preferably with an adhesive, as described above, particularly preferably a hotmelt adhesive.

In particular, the method in step b) comprises the attachment of the second connecting part on the rotor blade, in particular by a cohesive

A compound, preferably with an adhesive, as described above, particularly preferably a hotmelt adhesive. Thus, a rotor blade immediately after the production in a simple manner for the

inventive fastening of protective elements are prepared. Also possible with this method is a later retrofitting of already in operation rotor blades in the context of maintenance and repair work.

Additionally or alternatively, step b) may include the removal of a protective element to be replaced and attached to the rotor blade. This especially in the context of maintenance and / or repair work. The to be replaced

Protective element can then be replaced in step c) by a new and / or processed protective element. The attachment of the connecting parts on the protective element and / or on the rotor blade, for example, in a production or repair facility, eg directly in the production and / or kind, for example, in a wind turbine, take place.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to an arrangement

including a rotor blade, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine, comprising a fastened to a surface of the rotor blade or

applied protective element which by a form and / or

frictional connection device on the rotor blade can be fastened or attached. The protective element, the rotor blade, the connecting device and the connecting parts are defined as described above and in particular according to the advantageous described above

Embodiments designed, arranged and / or connected. Preferably, the protective element is attached to the rotor blade.

In particular, the arrangement is obtainable by a method as described above.

An additional aspect of the present invention relates to a protective element for a rotor blade, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine, comprising at least one positive and / or frictional connection part for attaching the protective element to a rotor blade. The protective element is as described above, in particular according to the advantageous embodiments, formed.

In particular, the protective element is present as a profile strip, in particular as a U-shaped profile strip, as described above.

Particularly preferred is at least one connecting part of

Connecting device attached to a surface of the protective element, in particular on a concave surface of a curved element, particularly preferably on the concave inner side of a U-shaped profile strip. The connecting part is in particular a connecting part of a hook-and-loop fastener, for example a hook band, mushroom head band or loop band.

The connecting part extends overall preferably over at least 25%, for example at least 50%, in particular at least 75% or at least 90%, of a length of the protective element, in particular the length of a U-shaped profile strip.

Preferably, the connecting part with an adhesive, in particular a

Hot melt adhesive, as described above, attached to the protective element.

However, the at least one connecting part of the connecting device need not necessarily already be fastened to the protective element. A likewise advantageous embodiment includes a set comprising the protective element and the at least one connecting part of a connecting device. Such a set may be accompanied by other parts, e.g. another connecting part of a

Connecting device, which is intended for mounting on a rotor blade, an adhesive, assembly aids and the like.

In particular, the at least one connecting part of the

Connecting device on one side which for mounting on the

Protective element is provided with an adhesive, in particular a

Hot melt adhesive, coated. This can be at least one

Connecting part when used in a simple manner on

Protective element to be attached.

Further advantageous embodiments of the protective element and the least one connecting part can be found in the foregoing.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a rotor blade, in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine, comprising at least one positive and / or frictional connection part for attaching a protective element on Rotor blade. The rotor blade is as described above, in particular according to the advantageous embodiments formed.

Preferably, the at least one connecting part of the connecting device is arranged on a surface of the rotor blade, in particular in an edge region of the rotor blade, preferably in the nasal edge region.

This is in particular a connecting part of a

Velcro, for example, a hook band, mushroom head band or

Loop tape. The connecting part extends overall preferably over at least 25%, for example at least 50%, in particular at least 75% or at least 90%, of a length of a nose edge and / or trailing edge of the rotor blade.

Attached, the connecting part is preferably with an adhesive, in particular a hot melt adhesive, as described above.

However, the at least one connecting part of the connecting device does not necessarily have to be already fastened to the rotor blade. A likewise advantageous

Embodiment includes a set comprising the rotor blade and the at least one connecting part of a connecting device. Such a set may be accompanied by other parts, e.g. another connecting part of a

Connecting device which is provided for mounting on a protective element, an adhesive, mounting aids and the like.

In particular, the at least one connecting part of the

Connecting device on one side which is provided for mounting on the rotor blade, be coated with an adhesive, in particular a hot melt adhesive. Thus, the at least one connecting part in the

Use in a simple manner attached to the rotor blade.

Further advantageous embodiments of the rotor blade and the least one connecting part can be found in the above statements. Finally, the present invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a rotor blade, a protective element and / or an arrangement as described above.

The following embodiments further illustrate the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings used to explain the embodiments show:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a protective element for a nose edge of a rotor blade in the form of a U-shaped profile strip with a attached to the concave side flap strap of a hook and loop fastener;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the front end of the protective element of Fig. 1;

3 shows a cross-section through a rotor blade of a wind power plant along a line from the nose edge to the trailing edge with a loop tape of a hook-and-loop fastener arranged in the region of the nose edge;

Fig. 4 shows a section of a cross-section through an arrangement in which the protective element of Fig. 1 is attached to the nose edge of the rotor blade of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 A schematic representation of a wind turbine with a rotor comprising rotor blades according to the invention with protective elements.

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a protective element 10 in the form of an edge protection element for a rotor blade of a wind turbine in a perspective view. The protective element 10 consists of a U-shaped profile strip 1 1, for example of a polyether-based polyurethane. The concave inner side of the profile strip 1 1 is the entire surface with a hook tape 20 of a textile hook and loop fastener, such as the brand Velcro®, lined. The hook tape has not shown hook-shaped structures which are arranged on a textile tape and projecting therefrom. The hook tape 20 is glued over the full surface of the profile strip by an adhesive, not shown, for example, a hot-melt adhesive type SikaMelt®.

Fig. 2 shows the protective element of Fig. 1 from the side in the direction of

Longitudinal axis of the protective element. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the free ends 12, 13 of the two legs of the U-shaped profile 1 1 are rounded.

3 shows a cross section through a rotor blade 30 of a wind turbine along a line from the leading edge 31 or nose edge to the trailing edge 32 of the rotor blade 30. The leading edge 31 has a greater curvature than the trailing edge 32. In the region of the leading edge 31 of the rotor blade is a loop tape 21 of a textile hook and loop fastener attached, eg the brand Velcro®. The loop tape has loop-shaped structures which are arranged on a textile band and protrude from this. The loop tape 21 is glued flat with an adhesive, not shown, on the convex curved surface of the leading edge. The adhesive is e.g. the same as the edge protection element 10 of FIG. 1.

Fig. 4 shows a greatly exaggerated representation of a section of a cross section of an arrangement in which the protective element 10 of FIG. 1 at the front edge 31 of the rotor blade 30 of FIG. 3 is attached. The hook-shaped structures of the hook band 20 engage the protective element 10 in a form-fitting manner in the loop-like structures of the loop tape 21 on the rotor blade 30

Hook band 20 forms a first connecting part and the loop tape 21, a second connecting part of a connecting device 22 in the form of a

Velcro fastener. The connection between the protective element 10 and the rotor blade 30 can be released by appropriate pulling on the protective element 10, for example when the protective element 10 is closed. Then, a new protective element can be mounted.

Fig. 5 shows schematically a wind turbine 40 with a rotor 41 with three rotor blades, which is set in the direction of arrow in rotation when flowing around with wind and drives a generator, not shown. It is a buoyancy rotor with horizontal axis of rotation and rotor 41 on the windward side. The rotor 41 consists of three rotor blades 30 with the

Nose edges 31 mounted protection elements 10, as shown in the preceding figures.

However, the embodiments described above are to be understood merely as illustrative examples, which may be modified as desired within the scope of the invention.

For example, in addition to or instead of a hook-and-loop fastener, it is possible to use another connecting device, e.g. to provide in the form of a pin connection. Here, e.g. instead of the hook band on the concave inner side of the profile strip of the protective element 10, a plurality of protruding pins are provided, which can be arranged on a glued carrier tape. Instead of the loop tape 21, a plurality of complementary pin receivers can then be attached to the rotor blade, e.g. on a carrier tape, which in particular allow a positive and non-positive engagement of the pins.

Instead of the two different connection parts 20, 21, e.g. on the protective element 10 and the rotor blade 30 and mushroom head bands are used, which may be identical. The mushroom-shaped structures of one

Mushroom head bands then engage behind the mushroom head structures on the second mushroom head band, which results in a positive connection. It is also possible in principle to form the hook tape 20 and / or the loop tape 21, or other connecting parts of the connecting device, as integral components of the protective element 10 or of the rotor blade 30. In these cases can be dispensed with a bond accordingly.

The connecting parts can only be partially attached to the protective element 10 or the profile strip 1 1 and / or on the rotor blade 30. In other words, a plurality of connecting parts can be arranged at regular or irregular intervals, for example at special mounting points on the protective element and / or rotor blade.

Instead of or in addition to the protective element 10 with a U-shaped profiled strip 11, it is also possible in principle to provide a differently configured protective element, which may e.g. is designed to protect the trailing edge 31 of the rotor blade 30 or to protect a region between the edges on the rotor blade upper side or the rotor blade underside.

Claims

claims

1. Use of a positive and / or frictional

Connecting device (22) for fastening a protective element (10) on a surface of a rotor blade (30), in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine (40).

2. Use according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Connecting device (22) comprises two connecting parts (20, 21), which engage in a connected state spatially.

3. Use according to at least one of claims 1 - 2, characterized

in that at least one connecting part (20, 21) of the

Connecting device (22) has one or more arranged on a surface and / or protruding from a surface structures, which are hook-shaped structures, barb-shaped structures, cylindrical structures which are cantilevered at their free ends, recesses and / or loop-shaped structures.

4. Use according to at least one of claims 1 - 3, characterized

in that both a protective element (10) arranged on the connecting part (20) and one on the rotor blade (30) arranged

Connecting part (21) over one or more of a base

have protruding structures, which are designed such that they engage positively in the connected state and / or interlock with each other.

5. Use according to at least one of claims 1 - 4, characterized

characterized in that the connecting device (22) comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.

6. Use according to at least one of claims 1 - 5, characterized

in that at least one of the connecting parts (20, 21) of the Connecting device (22) is glued with an adhesive on the protective element (10) and / or on the rotor blade (30).

7. Use according to claim 6, characterized in that the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive, in particular an adhesive hot melt adhesive. 8. Use according to at least one of claims 1 - 7, characterized

in that the protective element (10) is present as a profiled strip, in particular as a U-shaped profiled strip (11).

9. Use according to at least one of claims 1 - 8, characterized

characterized in that the protective element (10) a

Nose edge protection element for a nose edge (31) of the rotor blade (30).

10. A method for attaching a protective element (10) to a surface of a rotor blade (30), in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine (40), comprising the following steps: a) providing a protective element (10) comprising at least a first connecting part (20) of a positive and / or non-positive connection device (22); b) providing a rotor blade (30) which has at least one

second connecting part (21) of a positive and / or frictional connection device (22), wherein the second connecting part (21) with the first connecting part (20) non-positively and / or positively connected; c) attaching the protective element (10) on the rotor blade (30) by

Assembling the at least two connecting parts (20, 21) to form a non-positive and / or positive connection. 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein step a) attaching the first connecting part (20) to the protective element (10) with an adhesive, in particular a hotmelt adhesive, and / or step b) comprises the attachment of the second connecting part (21) on the rotor blade (30) with an adhesive, in particular a hotmelt adhesive.

12. Arrangement comprising a rotor blade (30), in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine (40), comprising a on a surface of the rotor blade

(30) fastenable or applied protective element (10), which by means of a positive and / or frictional connection device (22) on the rotor blade (30) can be fastened or fastened, which is in particular a connecting device, as in one of the preceding claims is described.

13. Protection element (10) for a rotor blade (30), in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine (40), comprising at least one shape and / or

frictional connection part (20) for attaching the protective element to a rotor blade (30), which is in particular a connecting part, as described in any one of the preceding claims.

14. rotor blade (30), in particular a rotor blade of a wind turbine (40),

comprising at least one form and / or kraftschlussfähiges

Connecting part (21) for attaching a protective element (10) on

Rotor blade (30), which is in particular a connecting part, as described in any one of the preceding claims.

15. Wind turbine (40) comprising an arrangement according to claim 12, a protective element according to claim 13 and / or a rotor blade according to claim 14.