Abstract: An offshore wind turbine comprising a tower, where said wind turbine at a level above sea level comprises at least one structure for storing at least one container, said container having the size and measures of a standard container, where said structure is arranged on the side of the tower, a method of manufacturing such a concrete structure for an offshore wind turbine. The structure for storing one or more containers includes a deck, and at least one bed for supporting at least one container along the containers lower surface and/or edges, where the structure is a concrete structure. By manufacturing the structure from concrete, a very robust and strong structure is achieved.

Abstract: A partial pitch wind turbine blade in which the pitch system of the blade functions as a lightning receptor. As the pitch system is of a relatively large dimension, it is able to dissipate the effects of a lightning strike without damage, and removes the needs for additional blade features normally used to conduct lightning around or away from the pitch system.

Abstract: A method of transporting a wind turbine blade is described, wherein the blade comprises an inner extender section and an outer blade section. The inner extender section is approximately half the length of the outer blade section, and the method comprises securing a pair of inner extender sections together to form an extender transport section, which can be more easily transported as it is approximately the same length as an outer blade section.

Abstract: A two-bladed partial-pitch wind turbine and a method of controlling such a wind turbine during high wind conditions are described. The turbine is operable to pitch the outer sections of the turbine rotor blades during extreme wind conditions (i.e. high wind loads) such that the outer blade sections are substantially orthogonal to the inner blade sections. This arrangement acts to reduce the extreme thrust loading experienced by the wind turbine structure during severe gusts (e.g. during hurricane or typhoon conditions), and accordingly reduces the risk of damage to the wind turbine in such conditions.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade is described wherein the blade comprises a hinged flap provided at the leading edge of the blade. The flap is arranged to hinge when the angle of attack of the incident airflow falls below a pre-defined angle, so that the aerodynamic profile of the blade is altered to reduce the magnitude of the negative lift coefficient of the blade. This reduces strain on the blade in such conditions, and associated fatigue loads on the blade and the wind turbine structure. The flap utilises simple biasing means, and does not require complicated sensor or actuation systems.

Abstract: A balancing method and system for a partial pitch rotor blade for a wind turbine is described. Balancing elements are mounted to the pitch system of the rotor blade, which remove the need for complicated balancing operations to be performed which may affect the structural stability of the rotor blade body. A method is described wherein a suitable compensating balancing weight for mounting to the pitch system may be used, the weight chosen based on the known tip and root weights of standard blade extender and rotor blade parts used.

Abstract: A drive shaft for a wind turbine is shaped so as to allow for increased bending of the shaft, while being suitable for transferring torque in a wind turbine system. An example of such a shaping is a drive shaft having a helical rib defined on the surface of the shaft. A wind turbine incorporating such a shaft, and a method of manufacture of such a shaft are also described.

Abstract: A horizontal-axis wind turbine of a rotor-support design is provided in which the structural load of the wind turbine rotor is carried by the wind turbine tower itself. The turbine uses a composite shaft to transfer torque from the wind turbine rotor to the generator, the shaft having high torsional strength but being flexible in bending. This prevents the transmission of bending moments from the rotor hub to the generator system. Accordingly, the components of the turbine can be rigidly mounted to the turbine main frame, removing the need for vibration damping elements. The result is a wind turbine of reduced weight, which can be modeled and designed for improved efficiency and performance. Furthermore, as the turbine components do not have to be load-balanced, the turbine can be of a modular construction for relatively easy servicing and/or upgrading.