Abstract: A cable suspension arrangement includes a first suspension means for suspending the first plurality of cables at a nacelle; a second suspension means which is attachable to the nacelle; a second plurality of spacer plates each including a suspension hole and each including a third plurality of cable through-holes; wherein the second suspension means is led through the suspension holes; a fixing means for fixing the spacer plates at different positions on the second suspension means such that they can at least not lower their respective position; wherein the cables can be slidably led through the through-holes.

Abstract: A hybrid wind machine includes a fan shaft to drive a fan, and an electrical motor/generator combination, coupled to the first shaft, so as to allow the electrical motor/generator to drive the fan shaft when the wind machine is operating in a wind generating mode. Further, the coupling of the electrical motor/generator combination to the fan shaft allows the fan shaft to drive the electrical motor/generator combination as an electrical generator when the wind machine is operating in a power generating mode.

Abstract: A device for connecting a blade to a rotor shaft of a continuous flow machine, includes a first fork foot which has a quantity of first foot lugs with first bore holes, a second fork foot which has a quantity of second foot lugs with second bore holes, and at least one connection bolt which passes through first and second bore holes to connect the first fork foot to the second fork foot. The device has a first area with a predetermined first diameter difference between a first inner diameter of one of the bore holes and a first outer diameter of the connection bolt, and a second area with a predetermined second diameter difference between a second inner diameter of one of the bore holes and a second outer diameter of the connection bolt, wherein the first diameter difference and the second diameter difference differ from one another.

Abstract: A load monitoring system for wind turbine blades utilizes optical fibre strain sensors (5) moulded into the turbine blades. A sensor monitoring instrument is located in the hub (3) of the turbine. Various arrangements of cabling are disclosed to maximize fault tolerance. Various arrangements of a temperature compensation device for the strain sensors is also disclosed. The strain sensors (5) and optical fibre (7) may be provided on a pre-cured patch (9) for incorporation in the structure of the turbine blade. Furthermore, it is disclosed that each blade comprises an optical fibre strain sensor and a cable to connect the sensors to processing equipment, wherein each such cable includes a connector at each end whereby each blade can be replaced independently. Also, it is shown to provide an output connector for connecting the sensor to processing equipment in a cavity that is filled with a material for inhibiting free movement of the output connector.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an integrally bladed disk for a turbomachine rotor by friction welding is disclosed. The manufacturing process includes arranging a plurality of blades in the form of a ring in a mold having symmetry of revolution; casting a degradable material, preheated to a temperature above its melting point, onto the ring of blades in the mold; extracting the molded ring which is obtained after the degradable material has solidified; welding the molded ring onto a disk; and eliminating the degradable material.

Abstract: A rotor yoke includes a blade attachment portion, a mast attachment portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the blade attachment portion and the mast attachment portion. The intermediate portion, the blade attachment portion, and the mast attachment portion define an optional inner edge, such that the inner edge, if present, defines an opening. The rotor yoke further includes a peripheral, outer edge extending about the blade attachment portion, the intermediate portion, and the mast attachment portion. At least one of the outer edge and the inner edge, if present, includes a reduced thickness portion exhibiting a thickness that is less than a thickness of an adjacent portion of the rotor yoke.

Abstract: Using flow deflection devices (FDD) or foils as part of wind and other turbines can add greatly to their performance, but designing the devices so that they fit together and on the turbines raises the need for new designs. This patent addresses the problem and describes solutions.

Abstract: An aerofoil structure comprises first and second opposed skin components which are joined together and spaced apart by a pair of opposed spar components. The skin components have respective outer and inner surface profiles. The skin and spar components define a space envelope and a rib is arranged within the space envelope. The rib comprises a rib body and a series of rib feet. The rib feet comprise a leg and a rib foot plate. The rib foot plate is dimensioned, positioned and angled so as to conform to the inner surface profile of the skin component against which it is intended to be arranged.

Abstract: A fan blade anti-fretting insert is described whereby to reduce wear between the root portion of a fan blade and the root slot of the rotor fan hub of a turbo fan engine to which the fan blade are secured. The anti-fretting insert can be formed of a composite spring material having a memory and is dimensioned and shaped to be fitted between the fan blade platform and the outer surface portion of the rotor fan hub between adjacent fan blades, whereby to apply a pushing force against the platform and consequently to the fan blades secure thereto thereby applying a resulting pulling force on the root portion of the fan blades to prevent rocking of the root portion in their root slots formed in the rotor fan hub.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an impeller including a substantially disk-shaped disk, a cover facing the disk, and a blade provided between the disk and the cover, the method includes: forming a groove in a blade attachment surface of the disk or the cover so as to correspond to the shape of an edge tip of the blade; and bonding an inner surface of the groove to the edge tip of the blade through a bonding agent after inserting the edge tip of the blade into the groove.

Abstract: A removable fan blade of a turbofan engine includes a blade root at one end thereof. A rotor disk has a retention slot having dimensions corresponding for receiving the root of the fan blade in the slot. An elongated resilient member extends within the retention slot in a lengthwise direction between the root of the fan blade and the bottom of the retention slot and an elongated member extends lengthwise between the root of the fan blade and the elastomeric member to compress the resilient member and provide a radial preload to the fan blade.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an impeller includes: forming a plurality of blades integrally on a blade attachment surface of one of a disc and a cover; placing the cover on a floor so as to face up the blade attachment surface of the cover; disposing the disc on the cover so as to face down the blade attachment surface of the disc; and bonding the plurality of blades to the blade attachment surface of the other of the disc and the cover which is not formed integrally with the plurality of blades by using a bonding material.

Abstract: A method of extending the life of an extruder screw by affixing tiles of wear-resistant material along the crest of the extruder screw flighting threads, and optionally grinding the hardened material to remove any sharp edges. In another configuration of the present invention, plates of wear-resistant material are secured to the leading edges of the extruder screw threads to further prolong the life of the extruder screw.

Abstract: A system and method for erecting a vertical axis wind turbine are disclosed that uses an internal hinge.

Abstract: The fan blade includes a blade root at one end thereof configured for sliding insertion into a substantially axially extending slot defined in a periphery of a fan rotor hub. The blade comprises a first passageway extending at least partially through the blade root, in a direction generally parallel to an axial direction of the slot. It also comprises a second passageway extending at least partially through the blade root to intersect with the first passageway. A first member is provided in the first passageway, the first member configured to be retained in the first passageway once inserted therein, and a second member is provided in the second passageway, the second member having one end in cooperating engagement with the end of the first member. The second member has a portion projecting out of the bottom face of the blade root a distance sufficient to contact an inner surface of the slot and thereby force the blade outwardly in the slot.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a turbine nozzle assembly using a fixture including a biasing mechanism. The method includes moving the biasing mechanism from a biased first position to a second position using at least one of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical power, positioning at least one datum of the turbine nozzle assembly adjacent at least one datum location point on the fixture, and aligning the turbine nozzle assembly at least one datum with the at least one datum location point by releasing the biasing mechanism such that the biasing mechanism moves from the second position into contact with the turbine nozzle assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a turbine blade platform may be disposed between two turbine blades. The platform may include a first exterior side configured to interface with a first turbine blade. The platform also may include a second exterior side disposed generally opposite the first exterior side and configured to interface with a second turbine blade.

Abstract: Method for installing (or replacing) a unit on the tower of an offshore wind turbine, which unit comprises a rotor including a hub and one or two rotor blades, and a nacelle receiving a gearbox and a generator. The method is characterized by pre-assembling the substantially functional unit ashore or on a platform, placing the functional unit on a watercraft in such a manner that the center of gravitation of the unit lies in the region of the longitudinal axis of the watercraft and the rotor blades extend in the longitudinal direction of the watercraft, transporting the functional unit to the site of the offshore wind turbine, lifting the functional unit from the watercraft using a crane aboard the watercraft, placing the functional unit on the tower of the offshore wind turbine, and fastening the functional unit on the tower of the offshore wind turbine.

Abstract: A method for machining a gas turbine rotor which is provided with a cooling air slot which concentrically extends around the axis of the gas turbine rotor and is supplied with compressed cooling air via axial cooling air holes which at the side lead into the slot base of the cooling air slot, and the opening of which is covered by bridges which are arranged in a distributed manner over the circumference and spaced apart from each other by gaps. A crack-resistant slot shape is achieved without intervention into the configuration of the bridges by a material-removing tool, particularly a milling tool, being lowered in the gaps between the bridges one after the other into the cooling air slot and in this way the slot base of the cooling air slot being machined and widened over the entire circumference.

Abstract: A method is described for improving the sealing between rotor and a plurality of blades. The rotor has a plurality of generally axially extending profiled recesses into which a ring of blades, which have corresponding blade root profiles, are inserted in a form-fitting and/or frictionally locking manner into these recesses in a generally axial insertion direction. Between the recesses the rotor has tangential surface sections or circumferential surface sections which extend in the axial direction and circumferential direction and are generally indirectly covered by lower shrouds of circumferentially adjacently arranged blades in the radial direction. At least one of the tangential surface or circumferential surface sections is provided with a step in the radial direction, and a corresponding recess, which adjoins as flush as possible, is provided in the underside of the shroud of the blade which is arranged above it. Corresponding rotors or blades are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a test blade for a blade-release test. The blade is arranged in use to be mounted on a hub for rotation, and to be released therefrom by the action of a controlled explosion. The blade is arranged to receive at least one explosive charge and at least one detonator for detonating the charge. The blade further comprises a cut-through portion extending completely through the blade from a front face to a rear face, the cut-through portion also extending part way along the blade in an axial direction between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the blade.

Abstract: A machining system includes a support configured to retain an article, such as a rotor disk, having an area, such as a surface of a slot in the disk. A cutting tool, for example, a broach, is movable relative to the support to cut the area. A heating member, such as a laser, is configured to locally heat the area of the article. In one example, the cutting tool includes a body having a cutting edge. The heating member is supported by the body and is configured to provide heat adjacent to the cutting edge. The cutting edge cuts the locally heated area while the area is still heated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus facilitate protecting wind turbine blades from lightning damage. A turbine blade for use with a wind turbine includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The second sidewall is coupled to the first sidewall along a leading edge and along an axially-spaced trailing edge such that a cavity is defined between the first and second sidewalls. A relief system is coupled to at least one of the first and second sidewalls. The relief system is configured to discharge flow from the cavity when a pressure within the cavity exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method of assembling a pitch assembly for use in a wind turbine. The method includes coupling a pitch bearing to a hub of the wind turbine, wherein the pitch bearing includes a plurality of bearing teeth. A pitch drive system is coupled to the pitch bearing such that the pitch drive system contacts a first set of bearing teeth. A plurality of bearing segments is coupled to the pitch bearing to cause the pitch drive system to selectively contact a second set of bearing teeth.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wind turbine generator includes fabricating a first portion of a shaft from a first steel alloy having a first strength property value. The method also includes fabricating a second portion of the shaft from a second steel alloy having a second strength property value. The first strength property value is greater than the second strength property value. The method further includes welding the second portion of the shaft to the first portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wind turbine. The method includes coupling a pitch bearing to a hub that includes a wall. The pitch bearing includes a plurality of sets of pitch bearing teeth. At least one blade is coupled to the pitch bearing such that the blade is rotatable about a pitch axis. A plurality of pitch gearbox brackets are coupled to the hub wall. A pitch drive system is selectively coupled to one of the plurality of pitch gearbox brackets, wherein a predetermined set of pitch bearing teeth are in contact with the pitch drive system.

Abstract: This invention provides a nacelle of a wind energy converter and a corresponding mounting method of a nacelle of a wind energy converter and a generator for a wind energy converter. The nacelle includes a main frame; a generator including a stator and a rotor; a generator housing attached to the main frame and at least partially enclosing the stator and a rotor space; wherein the generator housing (20; 20?) has a first and second side face (S1, S2); wherein the first side face (S1) of the generator housing (20; 20?) exposes the rotor space (21); and a flange rotatably supported on the main frame and having a first end which is connected to the rotor; wherein the rotor extends into the rotor space (25) from the first side face (S1) without being supported in the generator housing.

Abstract: A method and system for a rotatable member of a turbine engine are provided. The rotatable member includes a substantially cylindrical shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a hub coupled to the cylindrical shaft through a conical shaft portion wherein the conical shaft portion includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced air passages and wherein at least one of the plurality of air passages includes a non-circular cross section.

Abstract: A method for producing a turbine blade holder for an internal flow rate determination device is provided. A base body of the turbine blade holder with an influx channel formed in the base bode and a three-dimensional model of a turbine blade with a recess including the negative geometry of a sealing element to be produced, are made. The three-dimensional model is placed on the base body and the sealing element is applied on the base body in a cavity delimited by the contour of the recess and the base body around the influx channel In another aspect, a turbine blade holder produced by the method is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical axis turbine 1 apparatus for converting movement of a fluid into electrical power and a method of manufacture of a turbine. The turbine can be installed on a flexible line 2, such as a cable, rope or stay. It could be used on the stay of a yacht. The main rotor 13, 14 of the turbine has least two helical blades arranged about the longitudinal axis with rotational symmetry, the blades being substantially identical in shape and having a lift-producing cross-sectional shape at least along a part of their longitudinal length. A generator 22 coupled to the main rotor 13, 14 and is contained in a generator housing 23.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor comprising a hub and a plurality of blades. The hub comprises a plurality of sites, each having a pair of spaced apart annular bearings for receiving a respective wind turbine blade. Each blade has a spar extending along a substantial portion of the length of the blade and protrudes from the proximal end of the blade. The spar protrudes into and is rotatably received within the respective spaced apart bearings and is fixed to the hub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical-axis wind turbine and at least 2 turbine blades, wherein every turbine blade is connected via a supporting arm and a connecting element that can be purely tensile-loaded to the rotatable vertical axis. According to the invention, between the connecting element that can be purely tensile-loaded and the supporting arm a blade is provided that is convex at an angle of attack side defined by the turbine blades and is concave at the other side. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a wind turbine.

Abstract: A rotor disc, such as one made of a damage intolerant material or other material sensitive to stress concentrations, has at least one balancing assembly which includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced-apart sacrificial protrusions projecting between adjacent stress-relieving slots. Selective material removal is permitted from the rotor disc, while managing stress concentrations in the rotor disc created by such material removal, such that the rotor disc may be balanced without detrimentally affecting its service life.

Abstract: A process of designing a transonic airfoil that results in an exit deviation angle that is optimized to minimize downstream shock induced flowfield disturbances. Specifically, a design process of a transonic airfoil minimizes pitchwise variation in downstream static pressure that includes determining an airfoil exit deviation angle and downstream turning for reduced shock from a trailing edge of the transonic airfoil.

Abstract: A method of making a composite blade that is attachable to a rotating shaft using a conventional metal blade attachment. A blade is formed from a composite material with a blade root at one end thereof. A metallic member having an external shape conforming to a conventional metal blade root is shaped with an interior cavity having an opening for receipt of the blade root. Before the composite material is fully cured, a bladder is formed into or is inserted into an end of the blade root and inflated, thereby forcing the composite material into intimate contact with the interior cavity of the metallic member, thereby ensuring a fret-free interface upon final curing of the composite material. The interior cavity of the metallic member may be shaped or surfaced to improve the load carrying capability there between.

Abstract: A method of assembling a rotor shaft assembly is provided. The method includes assembling a self-aligning bearing seat from a first assembly and a second assembly such that the self-aligning bearing seat substantially circumscribes a rotor shaft. The method also includes creating an interface defined between the first assembly and the second assembly, such that when the rotor shaft experiences misalignment the interface accommodates misalignment of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for forming a blade-section including a transporting frame, at least one transporting support removeably associated with the transporting frame, and a blade-section forming structure receptive of the transporting frame and the at least one transporting support.

Abstract: A method for attaching a rotor of a wind turbine generator and a method for constructing a wind turbine generator are provided, with which the rotor blades can be prevented from breaking and with which the construction costs can be reduced. The present invention includes: an assembly step (S1) in which a plurality of wind-turbine rotor blades are attached to a rotor head to assemble the rotor on the ground; a wire attaching step (S2) in which a first wire is attached to a first hoisting portion provided on a rotation axis of the rotor and in which a second wire is attached to a second hoisting portion provided at a position away from the rotation axis; a hoisting step (S3) in which the rotor is hoisted with the first wire; a rotor raising step (S4) in which the first wire is extended so that the rotor is hoisted with the second wire; and a rotor attaching step (S6) in which the rotor hoisted with the second wire is attached to the nacelle.

Abstract: An impeller assembly is for a fluid machine, such as a compressor, and includes a first, main body and a second body. The main body includes a first section providing at least a substantial portion of either an impeller disc or an impeller cover and a second section spaced generally axially from the first section and providing a portion of the other one of the disc or the cover. A plurality of integrally formed blades extend between and connect the main body first and second sections such that the main body is generally of one piece construction. A plurality of flow channels are defined between the blades and a plurality of access openings extend into the flow channels. The second body provides a remainder of the disc or cover and is attachable to the main body to substantially form an impeller and to close all of the access openings.

Abstract: Wind Energy Converting Systems (WECS) fitted with anti-icing systems are made by using the method according to the invention in the following steps: a) prearranging a wind rotor with blades (5), an anti-icing system, and means (50, 51) for adjusting the anti-icing system; b) installing the prearranged rotor of the WECS on a test site; c) carrying out at least one operation test of the WECS; d) detecting parameters useful for determining the presence or absence of ice on the outer surface (5E) of the blades (5). If the detected parameters do not meet a predetermined target function, the method comprises additional steps of: e) performing an adjustment through said adjustment means (50, 51); repeating the previous steps from c) to e) until no ice is detected on the outer surface (5E) of the blades (5).

Abstract: Provided are a wind turbine generator and a method for constructing a wind turbine generator that allow for alleviation of construction costs, particularly for large wind turbine generators, and alleviation of limitations on construction due to weather. Provided are a rotor head that has a plurality of wind turbine rotor blades and that is rotated by wind power received by the plurality of wind turbine rotor blades, a front segment disposed on top of a tower and constituting a nacelle to which the rotor head is attached, a rear segment attached to the front segment and constituting the nacelle, a front frame disposed in the front segment and positioned between the rotor head and the tower so as to support a load on the rotor head, a rear frame disposed in the rear segment and attached to the front frame, a front cover covering the periphery of the front segment, and a rear cover covering the periphery of the rear segment.

Abstract: An airfoil 11 for attachment to a hub 13 of a windmill 15 or other turbomachine, the airfoil 11 comprises a leading rod 17 and a trailing rod 27, the leading rod 17 and trailing rod 27 preferably are flexible and able to deflect in a direction opposite to that of the direction of rotation, the leading rod 17 having a first end 19 and a second end 21, the first end 19 secured by a leading rod mount 23 of the hub 13 located at a leading mount location 25, the trailing rod 27 has a base end 29 and a tip end 31, the tip end 31 connected with the second end 21 of the leading rod 17, and the base end 29 secured by a trailing rod mount 33 of the hub 13 located at a trailing mount location 35, and fabric sleeve 37 is stretched over the leading rod 17 and the trailing rod 27; the aerodynamic characteristics of each airfoil are configurable by modifying the orientation of the position/alignment of the leading red 17 relative to the trailing rod 27; and the invention including an assembly of airfoils attached to a hub 1

Abstract: A wind turbine assembly is configured for standing on a foundation. The wind turbine assembly includes a wind turbine generator, and a tower having an upper end and a lower end. The tower is configured to support the wind turbine generator generally adjacent the upper end of the tower. The wind turbine assembly also includes a tower mount for supporting the tower. The tower mount has an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the tower mount is connectable with the lower end of the tower and the lower end of the tower mount is mountable on the foundation to secure the wind turbine assembly on the foundation. The tower mount is tubular and has a height and an outer transverse cross-sectional dimension that is substantially greater than the height of the tower mount. The tower mount includes a plurality of circumferential segments that are connectable in generally end-to-end relationship to form the tubular tower mount.

Abstract: The present invention is related to method for installing a rotor hub on a rotor shaft of a wind energy plant, in which the following steps are consecutively performed: at the end of the rotor shaft (10) facing the rotor hub (12), a locking disk (18) is attached on the rotor shaft (10), which has a multiplicity of bores for the preliminary attachment of the rotor hub (12), for installing it, the rotor hub (12) is made to sit close to the locking disk (18), if required, the bores in the locking disk (18) are made to overlap with corresponding bores in the rotor hub (12) by rotating the rotor shaft (10) and/or the rotor hub (12), starting from the rotor shaft side, the rotor hub (12) is preliminarily screwed together with the locking disk (18) through the bores of the locking disk (18) and of the rotor hub (12), and starting from the interior space (42) of the rotor hub, the rotor hub (12) is definitely screwed together with the locking disk (18) and the rotor shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wind-turbine rotor-blade hoisting apparatus that enables attachment and removal of wind-turbine rotor blades without using a plurality of heavy machines and that enables attachment and removal of wind-turbine rotor blades on a site having a complex land shape with little flat land, a method for attaching a wind-turbine rotor blade, and a method for constructing a wind power generator.

Abstract: A method for mounting a wind turbine blade to a wind turbine hub by use of a crane boom is provided. The orientation of the blade is kept substantially horizontal when the blade is lifted off the ground and mounted to the rotor hub. Control wires which connect the blade via the crane boom to a winch arrangement are used for keeping the blade orientation substantially horizontal in addition to at least one bearing wire for bearing the blade weight.

Abstract: This invention is using exist present laws of physics to produce and concentrate existing available fluid flow energy into usable commercial energy. It will concentrate on using wind energy to make Electrical and/or Compressed air energy. This will require the invention of a new impeller, air concentrator (compressor), storage unit, and the combination of these units into an “Energy Station”. This patent application will concentrate on a new impeller only. This new impeller will redirect the atmospheric wind forces, (and increase them), to create usable Electrical and/or Compressed air energy. There are no Federal and/or Private sponsored research grants and/or developments in this project and it's intended usage is in a windmill electrical and/or air compressor generator.

Abstract: A turbine rotor with a rotor disc, a plurality of slots arranged on the rotor disc, a plurality of blades having blade roots and arranged in the slots, and a plurality of locking plates fitted in a position between the rotor disc and the blades are provided. The first gaps on radially outside edges and second gaps on radially inside edges, relative to an axis of rotation of the rotor disc, are formed between neighboring locking plates. At least one of the first gaps is smaller than the corresponding second gap, wherein at least one first gap and corresponding second gaps are intentionally introduced.

Abstract: A tower and wind turbine supporting structure which at least partially envelops the tower. The tower is of uniform cross sectional configuration throughout and has a plurality of outriggers. The outriggers are connected with the tower after the wind turbines and their supporting structure have been positioned at the base of the tower, raised to their point of attachment and secured in place. Individual foundation members for each vertical tower member and for each outrigger are in the form of micro piles. Another aspect of the method of the invention involves providing a tower of uniform cross section, positioning wind turbines and their supporting structures sequentially at the base of the tower, raising them and mounting them on the tower sequentially, and thereafter providing a plurality of outriggers and their foundations and attaching them to the tower.

Abstract: Method of mounting the rotor of a wind turbine (11) comprising the following steps: lifting and mounting the rotor hub (15) on the nacelle (21); lifting and mounting the rotor blades (25, 27, 29) on the rotor hub (15) using a lifting device (17) cooperating with a winch (19) on ground, the mounting of each blade being made after rotating the rotor hub (15) for having the connecting part (25?, 27?, 29?) with each blade (25, 27, 29) in front of it when it is lifted, the lifting device (17) being installed in a fixed position in the rotor hub (15) and comprising, in a preferred embodiment, a bracket (31) mounted on the rotor hub front (16) and a hook block (33) mounted on said bracket (31) with a cable (35) connected to said winch (19). The invention also refers to a method of dismounting a rotor blade.