Abstract: A wind turbine blade internal structure system is disclosed herein. A representative system includes span wise spar elements, thru thickness web elements, and an aerodynamic shell. In particular embodiments, the spars may be constructed of pre-cured planks and either adhesively bonded together or assembled using layers of laminates between planks. The laminate layers may be used for structural purposes either to increase the stiffness of the spar, increase the effective bond area of the spar to the shell, or to form a transition region at the plank termination. The spars can be incorporated into the shell assembly layup. The shear web may contain segmentation along the span wise axis of the blade, splitting the shear web into pressure and suction halves that are joined by a connector element that allows for alignment between the web halves in the span wise, chord wise, and thickens directions. The spar and web design elements discussed herein can be applied to either a segments or monolithic blade assembly.

Abstract: Segmented wind turbine blades with truss connection regions, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A wind turbine system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a wind turbine with a first segment having a first position along the longitudinal axis and having a first internal load-bearing structure for which non-truss structure elements carry at least 90% of the shear loads in the first segment. The blade further includes a second segment having a second position along the longitudinal axis and having a second internal load-bearing structure for which non-truss structure elements carry at least 90% of the shear loads in the first segment. A connection region between the first and second segments includes an internal load-bearing truss structure connected between the first internal load-bearing structure and the second internal load-bearing structure.

Abstract: A lightweight wind turbine blade formed with a truss support structure assembly of composite truss joints including composite spar and cross members attached to and supporting in spaced relation a spine of lightweight rib panels. The rib panels are oriented in parallel spaced relation from one another and individually molded with perimeters defining individual areas of curvature for the finished blade assembly. The truss support structure is covered with a lightweight fiberglass or hardened fabric skin attached to and fitted on respective rib panel edges forming an airfoil structure.