DE102011056704A1 - MODULAR ROTOR BLADE AND METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING A WIND TURBINE - Google Patents

Abstract

A rotor blade for a wind turbine comprising at least two segments and at least one cable, wherein the segments are adapted to be fastened together to form the rotor blade, and wherein the at least one cable is aligned to connect the at least two segments, and wherein the cable extends through at least part of the segments. Furthermore, methods are provided for assembling a modular rotor blade and assembling a wind turbine.

Description

BACKGROUND

The subject matter described herein relates generally to methods and systems for building rotor blades and wind turbines, and more particularly to methods and systems for constructing modular rotor blades and wind turbines with modular rotor blades.

At least some known wind turbines include a tower and a gondola which is mounted on the tower. A rotor is rotatably attached to the nacelle and connected via a shaft to a generator. A plurality of blades extend from the rotor. The blades are oriented so that the wind sweeping over the blades rotates the rotor and causes the shaft to rotate, thus operating the generator to generate electricity.

Conventionally, the leaves are prefabricated in a factory and are transported to the installation site of the wind turbine by means of land, sea or air transport. At the point, the rotor is typically assembled at the bottom by attaching the rotor blades to the rotor hub, and the assembled rotor is subsequently lifted to its position on the hub by means of a crane.

During this process, a number of difficulties may arise, sometimes due to the properties of the site at and around the site. For example, wind turbines in mountainous areas or on the coast often have to be transported over narrow winding roads. The land transport in these cases is hampered by the fact that the rotor blades have a considerable length, which limits the possibility of a transport vehicle to follow curves.

In addition, the space at the installation site may be limited, for example in mountain areas. Thus, it may hardly be possible or even impossible to assemble the rotor at the bottom, because this requires a level space of more than one diameter of the rotor.

Therefore, it is desirable to have wind turbine rotor blades which require less space during transportation and a method of assembling and assembling a wind turbine rotor in an environment with limited space for the assembly method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a rotor blade for a wind turbine is provided. A rotor blade for a wind turbine comprises at least two segments and at least one cable, wherein the at least two segments are adapted to be assembled together to form the rotor blade, and wherein the at least one cable is aligned to secure the at least two segments, and wherein the at least one cable extends through at least a portion of the segments.

In a second aspect, a wind turbine is provided. It comprises at least one rotor blade, wherein the rotor blade has at least two segments and at least one cable, wherein the at least two segments are adapted to be assembled together to form the rotor blade, and wherein the at least one cable is designed, the at least two segments and wherein the at least one cable extends through at least a portion of the segments.

In another aspect, a method for assembling a rotor blade for a wind turbine is provided. The method includes providing at least two segments, providing at least one cable, attaching at least a first end of the at least one cable to at least one segment, tensioning at least one second end of the cable to secure the at least two segments together, and Attaching the at least one second end of the at least one cable.

The invention is also directed to an apparatus for carrying out the disclosed methods and includes apparatus parts for carrying out each of the described method steps. The method steps may be performed by hardware components, a computer programmed by appropriate software, a combination of the two, or in any other way. Furthermore, the invention is also directed to methods by which the described devices operate and / or according to which the described elements are assembled. It includes method steps for performing each function of the device.

Other aspects, advantages, details and features of the present invention are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

A full disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, will be made in the description which refers to the attached drawings, wherein:

1 Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary wind turbine;

2 FIG. 10 is an enlarged sectional view of a part of FIG 1 shown wind turbine;

3 is a perspective view of a modular rotor blade according to embodiments;

4 is a perspective view of a modular rotor blade according to further embodiments;

5 is a perspective view of a modular rotor blade according to further embodiments;

6 FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a wind turbine rotor during assembly according to embodiments; FIG.

7 is a perspective view of the wind turbine rotor of 6 after all rotor blades have been attached;

8th to 10 FIG. 12 is perspective views of a wind turbine during construction according to embodiments; FIG. and

11 is a perspective view of a modular rotor blade according to further embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention to which one or more examples are illustrated in the figures. Each example serves to explain the invention, not the limitation of the invention. For example, features that are illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in other embodiments to arrive at a further embodiment. The present invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The embodiments described herein include a wind turbine system that can be constructed in confined spaces for the build-up process. In particular, the modular rotor blades can be transported to the job site in locations that are not easily accessible.

As used herein, the term "sheet" is intended to stand for any device that provides a reactive force when moved relative to a surrounding fluid. The term "wind turbine" as used herein is intended to stand for any device that converts rotational energy from wind energy and, in particular, kinetic wind energy into mechanical energy. The term "wind generator" as used herein is intended to stand for any wind turbine that generates electrical energy from the rotational energy generated from wind energy, and in particular converts mechanical energy converted from kinetic wind energy into electrical power. The term "modular rotor blade" as used herein is intended to stand for a rotor blade comprising at least two segments, and wherein the rotor blade is assembled by assembling the segments.

1 is a perspective view of an exemplary wind turbine 10 , In the exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine is 10 a wind turbine with horizontal axis. The wind turbine 10 may alternatively be a wind turbine with a vertical axis. In the exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine includes 10 A tower 12 by a circulation system 14 sticks out, a gondola 16 on the tower 12 is attached, and a rotor 18 who went to the gondola 16 connected. The rotor 18 includes a rotatable hub 20 and at least one rotor blade 200 that with the hub 20 is connected and extending outwardly thereof. In the exemplary embodiment, the rotor has 18 three rotor blades 200 , which are modular rotor blades. In an alternative embodiment, the rotor comprises 18 more or less than three rotor blades 200 , In the exemplary embodiment, the tower is 12 made of tubular steel to form a cavity (not shown in FIG 1 ) between the support surface 14 and the gondola 16 to build. In an alternative embodiment, the tower is 12 any suitable type of tower of any suitable height.

The rotor blades 200 are around the hub 20 spread around it around the spinning rotor 18 to enable this kinetic energy to be converted into usable mechanical energy from the wind, and then into electrical energy. The rotor blades 200 be with the hub 20 connected by a leaf root part 24 with the hub 20 at a plurality of load transfer regions 26 is attached. The load transfer regions 26 each have a hub load transfer region and a rotor blade load transfer region (both not in FIG 1 shown). The on the rotor blades 200 acting loads are on the hub 20 about the load transfer regions 26 transfer.

In one embodiment, the rotor blades 200 a length that is between 15 meters (m) to about 91 meters. The rotor blades 200 Alternatively, they may be of any suitable length that allows the wind turbine 10 as described herein. For example, other non-limiting examples of blade lengths include 10 meters or less, 20 meters, 37 meters, or a length greater than 91 meters. When wind from one direction 28 on the rotor blades 200 falls, the rotor 18 is about an axis of rotation 30 turned. When the rotor blades 200 are rotated and exposed to centrifugal forces are the rotor blades 200 also exposed to various forces and moments. Therefore, the rotor blades can 200 turn and / or rotate from a neutral, or un-bent position to a bent position.

In addition, a pitch angle or blade angle of the rotor blades 200 , that is, an angle that is a position of the rotor blades 200 in relation to the wind direction 28 determined by a Anstellwinkelverstellsystem 32 be changed to the load and that of the wind turbine 10 to control generated energy by the angular position of the at least one rotor blade 200 is adjusted relative to wind vectors. The blade angle axes 34 for rotor blades 200 are shown. During operation of the wind turbine 10 can the pitch adjustment system 32 a blade angle of the rotor blades 200 change so that the rotor blades 200 be moved into a feathered position, so that the position of the at least one rotor blade 200 relative to the wind vectors a minimal surface of the rotor blade 200 which is oriented in the direction of the wind vectors, reducing the rotational speed of the rotor 18 and / or preventing a break in the flow of rotor 18 facilitated.

In the exemplary embodiment, the blade angle of each rotor blade 200 individually from a tax system 36 controlled. The blade angle can alternatively also for all rotor blades 200 from a tax system 36 be controlled simultaneously. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the azimuth direction of the nacelle 16 around an azimuth axis 38 be controlled to the rotor blades 200 concerning the direction 28 to position when the direction 28 changes.

In the exemplary embodiment, the control system becomes 36 as central within the gondola 16 shown arranged. The tax system 36 but can also be a system that is distributed over the wind turbine 10 , on the support surface 14 , inside a wind farm and / or at a remote control center. The tax system 36 includes a processor 40 configured to perform the methods and / or steps described herein. Furthermore, many of the other components described herein include a processor. The term "processor" as used herein is not limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as computers, but generally refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. It is important to understand that a processor and / or a control system may also include memory, input channels, and / or output channels.

In the embodiments described herein, a memory may include, without limitation, a computer readable medium, such as random access memory (RAM), and a computer readable nonvolatile medium, such as a flash memory. Alternatively, a floppy disk, a read-only-memory compact disk (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), and / or a DVD may also be used. Also, in embodiments described herein, input channels, without limitation, include sensors and / or computer peripherals connected to a user interface, such as a mouse or keyboard. In addition, in exemplary embodiments, the output channels may include, without limitation, a controller, a user interface monitor, and / or a display.

Processors described herein process information transmitted from a variety of electrical and electronic devices, including, without limitation, sensors, actuators, compressors, control systems, and / or monitoring devices. Such processors may be physically located, for example, in a control system, a sensor, a monitor, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a programmable logic controller (PLC) and / or a distributed control system cabinet (DCS). RAM and storage devices store and transfer information and instructions to be executed by the processor (s). RAM and storage devices may also be used to store and provide temporary variables, static (that is, non-changing) information and instructions, or other intermediate information for the processors during the execution of instructions by the processor (s). Instructions that are executed may include, without limitation, wind turbine control system control commands. The execution of sequences of instructions is not to any particular Limited combination of hardware circuits and software instructions.

2 is an enlarged sectional view of a part of a wind turbine 10 , In the exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine includes 10 the gondola 16 and hub 20 rotatable with the gondola 16 connected is. In particular, the hub is 20 with an electric generator 42 inside the gondola 16 is positioned over a rotor shaft 44 (sometimes called either main shaft or slow-rotating shaft), a gearbox 46 , a fast-spinning wilt 48 and a clutch 50 rotatably connected. In the exemplary embodiment, the rotor shaft is 44 coaxial with the longitudinal axis 116 arranged. The rotation of the rotor shaft 44 drives the gear in a rotating manner 46 , then the fast-spinning shaft 48 drives. The fast-spinning wave 48 drives the generator in a rotating manner 42 over the clutch 50 , and the rotation of the fast-rotating shaft 48 facilitates the production of electrical power by the generator 42 , The gear 46 and the generator 42 be from a carrier 52 and a carrier 54 carried. In the exemplary embodiment, the transmission uses 46 a two-path geometry around the fast-rotating shaft 48 drive. Alternatively, the rotor shaft 44 directly with the generator 42 over the clutch 50 connected.

The gondola 16 also includes an azimuth adjustment mechanism 56 which can be used to the gondola 16 and the hub 20 around an azimuth axis 38 to adjust (in 1 shown) to the alignment of the rotor blades 200 with respect to the wind direction 28 to control. The gondola 16 also includes at least one meteorological mast 58 which has a wind vane and anemometer (none of it in 2 shown). The mast 58 provides information for the control system 36 available, which may include the wind direction and / or the wind speed. In the exemplary embodiment, the nacelle may 16 also a front main girder bearing 60 and a rear main girder bearing 62 exhibit.

The front carrier bearing 60 and rear carrier bearings 62 facilitate the radial support and alignment of the rotor shaft 44 , The front carrier bearing 60 is with the rotor shaft 44 near the hub 20 connected. The rear carrier bearing 62 is located on the rotor shaft 44 near the gearbox 46 and / or the generator 42 , Alternatively, the gondola 16 include any number of support bearings that make it the wind turbine 10 allow to function as described herein. The rotor shaft 44 , Generator 42 , Transmission 46 , fast rotating shaft 48 , Clutch 50 , and any associated attachment, support, and / or securing means such as beams 52 and / or carrier 54 , and the front carrier bearing 60 and rear carrier bearings 62 sometimes as a powertrain 64 designated.

In the exemplary embodiment, the hub includes 20 a Blattwinkelverstellanordnung 66 , The Blattwinkelverstellanordnung 66 includes one or more blade angle drive systems 68 and at least one sensor 70 , Every blade angle adjustment system 68 is connected to the corresponding rotor blade 200 (shown in 1 ) for adjusting the blade angle of the associated rotor blade 200 along the blade angle axis 34 , In 2 only becomes one of the three blade angle adjustment systems 68 shown.

In the exemplary embodiment, the blade pitch assembly comprises 66 at least one blade angle bearing 72 that with the hub 20 and the corresponding rotor blade 200 (shown in 1 ) is connected to rotate the corresponding rotor blade 200 around the blade angle axis 34 , The blade angle adjustment system 68 includes a blade angle adjustment motor 74 , a Blattwinkelverstellgetriebe 76 , and a blade angle adjustment drive wheel 78 , The blade angle adjustment motor 74 is so with the Blattwinkelverstellgetriebe 76 connected to that the blade angle rotary motor 74 mechanical force on the Blattwinkelverstellgetriebe 76 exercises. The blade angle gear 76 is with the Blattwinkelverstellantriebsrad 78 connected such that the Blattwinkelverstellantriebsrad 78 from the Blattwinkelverstellgetriebe 76 is turned. The blade angle bearing 72 is connected to the Blattwinkelverstellantriebsrad 78 such that the rotation of the Blattwinkelverstellantriebsrad 78 a rotation of the blade angle bearing 72 caused. In particular, in the exemplary embodiments, the pitch control actuator wheel is 78 with the blade angle bearing 72 connected such that the rotation of the blade angle gear 76 the blade angle bearing 72 and the rotor blade 200 around the blade angle axis 34 twisted to the blade angle of the leaf 200 to change.

The blade angle adjustment system 68 is connected to the tax system 36 for adjusting the blade angle of the rotor blade 200 to one or more signals from the control system 36 out. In the exemplary embodiment, the pitch servo motor is 74 any suitable motor that is powered by electrical power and / or by a hydraulic system that allows the blade pitch assembly 66 as described herein. Alternatively, the Blattwinkelverstellanordnung 66 any suitable structure, configuration, arrangement, and / or components, such as, but not limited to, hydraulic cylinders, springs, and / or with servo mechanisms. In addition, the Blattwinkelverstellanordnung 66 be driven by any suitable means, such as, but not limited to, hydraulic fluid, and / or mechanical power, such as, but not limited thereto, introduced spring forces and / or electromechanical forces. In certain embodiments, the blade pitch motor is driven by energy derived from the rotational mass of the hub 20 and / or a stored energy source (not shown), the energy to components of the wind turbine 10 supplies.

3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a modular rotor blade 200 during the assembly process. In the exemplary embodiment, the rotor blade comprises 200 three segments 210 . 220 . 230 and a cable 260 , Every segment 210 . 220 . 230 includes at least one contact surface 240 ,

4 shows the rotor blade 3 , where the in 3 invisible elements are shown in dashed lines. The cable 260 gets inside the top element 230 of the rotor blade on a fastening element 290 attached. In the embodiment, this attachment is realized in that the end of the cable to the fastener 290 is laminated. In other embodiments, other attachment methods are used, such as brackets. The cable 260 extends from the fastener through the tubes 280 in the direction of the middle element 220 , It also extends through another tube 280 in the middle element 220 and extends from the middle element 220 over another tube 280 out. The cable enters the root element 210 into it over another tube 280 and leaves the element via an opening 265 , This extends the cable 260 from its attachment point in the point element 230 through the rotor blade elements. In the embodiment, the end of the cable leaves 260 at the opposite end, where it attaches to the tip element 230 is attached, the root element 210 over the opening 265 , The tubes 280 can have different lengths. In the embodiments, they each have a length of 2 cm to the entire length of the corresponding rotor blade segment. In particular, the length is between 5 cm and 1 m, especially between 10 cm and 40 cm. That is, in some embodiments, the tube may be 280 extend from one end of the segment to the other, while in other embodiments, a tube at each end portion of the rotor blade segment 210 . 220 is made available. The top segment 230 typically has only one tube provided at one end.

In the exemplary embodiment, the modular rotor blade becomes 200 assembled by the rotor blade elements 210 . 220 . 230 as in the 3 and 4 shown to be positioned. The cable 260 can on the tip element 230 be attached to or from the factory, and like through the other elements 220 . 210 only be carried out at the construction site of the wind turbine. In other embodiments, the cable 260 also attached and on the top element 230 be attached during the assembly process at the site. In this case, the top element must 230 be designed such that the cable to the fastener 290 can be attached or attached to the erection site of the wind turbine. The following is a force on the end of the cable 260 applied that from the root element 210 protrudes. After the other end of the cable to the tip element 230 attached, the elements become 210 . 220 . 230 contracted, leaving the gaps 215 . 225 narrow until the gaps are closed, which means that the contact surfaces 240 the segments 210 . 220 . 230 to the contact surfaces 240 from adjacent segments 210 . 220 . 230 adjoin.

5 shows a modular rotor blade 200 from the 3 and 4 after the gaps 215 . 225 were closed by the tensioning process. After the gaps have been closed, it will be with the tensioning of the cable 260 continued. After the leaf elements 210 . 220 . 230 at their contact surfaces 240 In contact, no further movement of the leaf elements is possible. The tensioning then leads to an increase in the tension of the cable 260 , When a predefined voltage is reached, the tensioning process stops and the cable stops 260 attached. In the exemplary embodiment, this is achieved by the cable 260 with the help of a clamping mechanism 300 is clamped. There are also other attachment methods possible. The predefined voltage of the cable 260 strongly depends on the characteristics of the modular rotor blade, for example its shape, material and construction. The tension in the cable can be measured by means of the tensioning method using a variety of methods known to those skilled in the art, for example by means of loading elements. According to another embodiment, the torque of the winch is used to tension or pull the cable 260 used to define the point where the tensioning process is completed.

After the cable 260 is fastened while it is under tension, it serves as a fastener for connecting the rotor blade elements 210 . 220 . 230 , The tension of the cable is calculated to be large enough to maintain the stability of the assembled modular rotor blade 200 under any possible condition during the subsequent erection and operation of the wind turbine. This includes extreme load situations, such as emergency stops during high winds or the like. The cable 260 typically includes steel, stainless steel, such as Example V2A or V4A, glass fiber, carbon fiber, or combinations thereof. Depending on the size of the wind turbine installation, the cable may 260 have a diameter between 10 mm and 80 mm, typically between 20 mm and 70 mm. The tubes 280 typically have a diameter between about 1 mm to 50 mm, more typically between 3 mm to 30 mm larger than the diameter of the cable. The tubes may contain metal, glass fiber, or any other suitable material. Since the tubes typically do not carry significant loads, they need not be designed to have particularly high strength or stiffness, but should be able to withstand the frictional forces imposed by the cable 260 to be exercised while moving during the assembly process. In other embodiments, the tubes may 280 be replaced by an array of rollers that hold the cable 260 lead, as for example, not limiting, three cylindrical relief, which are arranged at an angle of 120 ° to each other. In other embodiments, other roll or tube configurations are employed.

The 3 . 4 and 5 show the modular rotor blade 200 and the principle of the assembly process, respectively the tightening or pulling process, the applied forces being indicated by arrows. The rotor blades, which are assembled by the method described above, are then at a rotor hub 320 attached to the ground. In other embodiments, the assembled rotor blades are individually raised to their position on the wind turbine tower and to a hub 320 attached to the gondola previously 16 was attached.

In other embodiments, the number of segments of the sheet 200 differ, for example, between two elements up to 10 elements.

In the described embodiments, the clamping force is applied by a winch or a hydraulic cylinder. The tensioning device must be arranged with respect to the elements of the rotor blade such that the force exerted by the device on the cable does not cause movement of the root rotor blade part 210 with respect to the puller. In one embodiment, the pulling device, that is, a winch or a hydraulic cylinder, is opposite the front surface 295 of the rotor blade element 210 braced. At least the rotor blade elements 220 and 230 are supported so that they are free to move in the direction necessary to that of the cable 260 force to follow. To do so, the elements may be supported by rollers (not shown) or, in other embodiments, may also be supported by a crane. The leaf root part 230 can be stably positioned on the ground because it typically does not move during the tensioning process.

6 shows a further exemplary embodiment in which the rotor blades 200 also at the rotor hub 320 be attached during the assembly process of the rotor blades. The figure shows a rotor 350 during assembly. A rotor blade 360 is already mounted, while another rotor blade is about to be mounted by means of the tensioning method, as described above. The rotor hub 320 is positioned on the ground so that the longitudinal axis of the flanges or openings for the rotor blades are parallel to the ground. The rotor blade elements 210 . 220 . 230 then be near the hub 320 in the way of the 3 . 4 and 5 positioned as described. The cable 260 extends from the rotor blade element 210 into the hub 320 , A tensioning device 330 , For example, an electric winch, a hydraulic winch, or a hydraulic cylinder, serves to tension the cable 260 , In the exemplary embodiment, the tensioner is 330 outside the hub 320 arranged. In the embodiment, the cable 260 inside the hub 320 with the help of a pulley 345 then diverted and then out of the hub 320 over an opening 335 led out. As previously mentioned, the device needs 330 opposite the hub 320 be fixed (not shown), so that the pulling force does not cause a displacement of the clamping device 330 in relation to hub 320 leads. In other embodiments, the tensioning device 330 inside the hub 320 be arranged. It can be removed after assembly or left inside the hub for later use.

7 shows a fully assembled rotor 350 who after the in 6 The method shown is based on the reason. The rotor can then be lifted, for example by a crane, to its position on the wind turbine tower 12 ,

8th shows an exemplary embodiment of assembling a wind turbine with modular rotor blades. The modular rotor blades are similar to those described with respect to the previous embodiments. First, the hub 320 at the gondola 16 attached, leaving a flange 370 is aligned for a rotor blade to the ground. Then the root leaf part becomes 210 from the ground up to the hub 320 raised. This is the cable 260 through the tubes 280 (not shown) of the element and at a lower end of the element 210 attached. The cable 260 is then from a winch 330 (shown only schematically) pulled in the hub 320 or in the gondola 16 is arranged. Depending on the location of the winds 320 that must be Cable within the hub and / or nacelle of one or more pulleys (not shown) are directed. If the element 210 Finally, it is at its intended position on the hub, it is to the hub 320 attached. Corresponding methods are well known to the person skilled in the art. The cable is then replaced by element 210 solved and one end is lowered to the bottom to lift the next element. In addition, the same procedure for the item 220 executed (which in 8th is shown). If the element 220 is attracted and in contact with the rotor blade 210 it is fixed at this position. This can be done by the elements 210 . 220 connected to each other via screws and bolts, or via an additional cable holding element 220 from the hub or gondola. The cable 260 then becomes the element 220 solved.

9 shows how the tip element 230 a rotor blade to be assembled with the elements 210 . 220 which are already in the designated place, is being contracted. As in regards to the 4 and 5 described embodiments, the tensioning process is continued when the element 230 is in position until the tension of the cable 260 has reached a predefined value. The cable 260 will then be within the hub 320 attached via a clamping mechanism. Once a first rotor blade is completed, the hub becomes 320 Turned until another flange 370 aligned in the direction of the ground, and the next root element 210 is using the cable 260 raised. This is exemplary in 10 shown. For turning the rotor hub 320 For example, an extra motor may be used, for example in the high speed area of the gear train in the nacelle. This motor can be removed after the attachment procedure is complete.

11 shows a modular rotor blade 200 according to embodiments. The principle is similar to the rotor blade, as in the 3 and 4 has been shown, with an additional pulley 380 preferably rotatable in the tip element 230 is attached. The cable 385 enters the root element 210 at an opening 265 and extends through the segments 210 . 220 . 230 , and then from the pulley 380 diverted. It then extends back through the elements 210 . 220 . 230 and the end part 385 of the cable leaves the root element 210 through an opening 265 , The cable does not have to touch the tip element 230 be fastened by clips or similar. Furthermore, the force required to connect the elements together by pulling one end of the cable is substantially reduced, theoretically (if friction is neglected) to half, as the diverting pulley serves as a translation. Both parts of the cable can pass through the same tubes 280 extend, or by associated parallel tubes.

In embodiments, where the cables 260 Glass fiber, the stress in the cable during the tensioning process can be measured via optical sensors that measure the optical properties of the fiber optic cable. These sensors can also be used during operation of the wind turbine to check the condition of the cables.

The systems and methods described above facilitate the installation of wind turbines in regions that are difficult to access and that provide limited space during construction.

Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for wind turbine with modular rotor blades are described in detail above. The systems and methods are not limited to particular embodiments described herein, but the components of the systems and / or steps of the methods may be used independently and separately from other components and / or steps described herein. For example, the modular rotor blades are not limited to an implementation with only wind turbine systems described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment may be implemented and used in conjunction with numerous other sheet applications.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for legibility only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, each feature of one drawing may also be referenced and / or claimed in relation to any other feature of another drawing.

The present description uses examples, sometimes the best mode, to disclose the invention and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, particularly to make and use devices or systems, and to carry out any methods involved. While various specific embodiments have been described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that the spirit and scope of the claims similarly allow for effective modification. In particular, pairs of non-exclusive features of the embodiments described above can be combined with each other. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language in the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

wind turbine

12

tower

14

carrier system

16

gondola

18

rotor

20, 320

rotatable hub

22

rotor blades

24

Blade root part

26

Load transfer region

28

direction

30

axis of rotation

32

Blattwinkelverstellsystem

34

Pitch axis

36

control system

38

azimuth axis

40

processor

42

electric generator

44

rotor shaft

46

transmission

48

fast rotating shaft

50

clutch

52

carrier

54

carrier

56

Azimutverstellmechanismus

58

metereological mast

60

front carrier bearing

62

rear carrier bearing

64

powertrain

66

Blattwinkelverstellanordnung

70

sensor

72

Pitch camp

74

Blattwinkelverstellmotor

76

Blattwinkelverstellgetriebe

78

Blattwinkelverstellrad

80

Speed control system

82

electric wire

84

power generator

86

cavity

88

inner surface

90

outer surface

116

longitudinal axis

200

modular rotor blade

210

Root subsegment

215, 225

gap

220

Middle segment

230

top segment

240

contact area

260

electric wire

265

opening

280

tube

290

fastener

300

clamping element

330

jig

335

opening

345

idler pulley

360

First rotor blade

370

flange

380

idler pulley

390

electric wire

Claims (10)

A rotor blade for a wind turbine comprising; At least two segments; - at least one cable; wherein the segments are configured to be fastened together to form the rotor blade, and wherein the at least one cable is configured to connect the at least two segments together, and wherein the cable extends through at least a portion of the segments. The rotor blade of claim 1, wherein the at least one cable extends along a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade. The rotor blade of claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotor blade further comprises a tip portion and a root portion, and wherein the cable extends from the tip portion toward the root portion. The rotor blade of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cable is attached at at least one end to at least one of the at least two segments via lamination and / or stapling. The rotor blade of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cable comprises one or more elements from the following list: steel, stainless steel, glass fiber, and carbon fiber. The rotor blade of claim 1, wherein at least one of the segments further comprises at least one tube, and wherein the cable extends through the at least one tube over at least a portion of its length. The rotor blade of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a voltage measurement sensor aligned to detect strain in the cable. A wind turbine comprising at least one rotor blade according to one of claims 1 to 7. A method of assembling a rotor blade for a wind turbine, comprising: - providing at least two segments; - providing at least one cable; Attaching at least one end of the at least one cable to at least one segment; - tensioning at least one second end of the cable to connect the at least two segments together; and - securing the at least one second end of the at least one cable. The method of claim 9 further comprising one or more of the following steps: Attaching a hub of a wind turbine to the nacelle on the wind turbine tower; - raising a first segment of a first rotor blade to the hub; - Attaching the segment to the hub; - lifting another segment; - turning the hub.

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