Abstract: The present application discloses novel systems and methods for yawing an autonomous wind turbine. In an embodiment, the wind turbine includes a control system configured to determine a control action signal for a yaw drive mechanism of the wind turbine as a function of the wind condition(s) and as a function of the load condition(s). The control system is configured to monitor change(s) associated with the load condition(s) to determine if the load condition(s) is too high for too long, or in need of attention, before yawing of the wind turbine is initiated or, if the load condition(s) are getting too high, after yawing has been initiated. In another embodiment, the control system includes a load sensor system with proximity sensors arranged adjacent, on, and/or about the main shaft flange of the nacelle or on the rotor blades of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A method (1000-1004) for operating a wind turbine (10, 11) including a drive train (64) including a generator (42) and a rotor shaft (44) mechanically connected with the generator (42) and having an axis (30) of rotation, and a rotor (18) having rotor blades (22-22c). The rotor (18) is mechanically connected with the rotor shaft (44) and rotatable about the axis (30) of rotation. The method (1000-1004) includes determining (1100) that the generator (42) is not operating in a power generating mode, and operating (1200) the rotor (18) to move around a predefined desired angular orientation (?des) with respect to the axis (30) of rotation in an alternating fashion.

Abstract: A method (1000-1004) for operating a wind turbine (10, 11) including a drive train (64) including a generator (42) and a rotor shaft (44) mechanically connected with the generator (42) and having an axis (30) of rotation, and a rotor (18) having rotor blades (22-22c). The rotor (18) is mechanically connected with the rotor shaft (44) and rotatable about the axis (30) of rotation. The method (1000-1004) includes determining (1100) that the generator (42) is not operating in a power generating mode, and operating (1200) the rotor (18) to move around a predefined desired angular orientation (?des) with respect to the axis (30) of rotation in an alternating fashion.

Abstract: A spinner configured to be mounted on a hub of a wind turbine to which at least one rotor blade is connected. The spinner defines a front portion configured to be positioned in front of an inner portion of the at least one rotor blade, and is structurally configured to cover a substantial portion of the inner portion of the at least one rotor blade in a wind direction during operation of the wind turbine. Further described is a wind turbine comprising the above-described spinner and a method for increasing the efficiency of an existing wind turbine, wherein the method includes mounting the above-described spinner to the hub of a wind turbine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bearing housing (10) for accommodating a rotor shaft (33) of a wind turbine. The bearing housing includes a flange (12) for connecting the bearing housing to a main frame (30) of the wind turbine. The flange having a connecting surface (51, 52) to be attached to the main frame. Thereby, at least parts of the connecting surface, when seen from the top of the bearing housing, would be located below the rotor shaft.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to a spinner for a wind turbine adapted to be mounted on a hub of said wind turbine, wherein at least one rotor blade is connected to said hub, wherein the rotor blade has an inner portion and a profiled outer portion, wherein the spinner is adapted to cover a substantial portion of the inner portion in wind direction, the spinner having a front portion, wherein the front portion is adapted to be positioned in front of the inner portion of the rotor blade of the at least one rotor blade of the wind turbine in operation.

Abstract: A method for braking a wind turbine including at least one rotor blade coupled to a rotor. The method includes selectively controlling an angle of pitch of the at least one rotor blade with respect to a wind direction based on a design parameter of a component of the wind turbine to facilitate reducing a force induced into the wind turbine component as a result of braking.

Abstract: A wind turbine braking system including: a wind turbine including turbine blades and a control system; a generator coupled to the turbine blades; a generator converter coupled to the generator and connectable to a utility power grid; at least one dump resistor coupled to the generator and generator converter, and if the utility power grid losses power, the dump resistor applying an electrical load to the generator converter.

Abstract: A wind turbine braking system including: a wind turbine including turbine blades and a control system; a generator coupled to the turbine blades; a generator converter coupled to the generator and connectable to a utility power grid; at least one dump resistor coupled to the generator and generator converter, and if the utility power grid losses power, the dump resistor applying an electrical load to the generator converter.

Abstract: A method for braking a wind turbine including at least one rotor blade coupled to a rotor. The method includes selectively controlling an angle of pitch of the at least one rotor blade with respect to a wind direction based on a design parameter of a component of the wind turbine to facilitate reducing a force induced into the wind turbine component as a result of braking.

Abstract: A process for the calibration of a profiled article of thermoplastic synthetic resin wherein a vacuum is applied to the external surface of the profiled article while the article is drawn through a calibrating tool and wherein the profile surface of the profiled article is cooled indirectly by a liquid coolant flowing through ducts within the calibrating tool involves applying a vacuum via a plurality of slots within the calibrating tool which are placed adjoining the profile surface and feeding coolant through the ducts of the calibrating tool in such a manner that the coolant is discharged by means of the vacuum via the profile surface which is under the vacuum.

Abstract: A process for the calibration of a profiled article of thermoplastic synthetic resin wherein a vacuum is applied to the external surface of the profiled article while the article is drawn through a calibrating tool and wherein the profile surface of the profiled article is cooled indirectly by a liquid coolant flowing through ducts within the calibrating tool involves applying a vacuum via a plurality of slots within the calibrating tool which are place adjoining the profile surface and feeding coolant through the ducts of the calibrating tool in such a manner that the coolant is discharged by means of the vacuum via the profile surface which is under the vacuum.

Abstract: A process for producing elongated profile members made of thermoplastic synthetic resins having a coating over at least a portion of their circumference of at least one additional thermoplastic polymeric material which includes the steps of extruding a coating of a thermoplastic secondary material, simultaneously and continuously with the extrusion of the elongated profile member, onto said member while said member is still within the plastic temperature range, and subsequently sizing the resultant coated member.

Abstract: A process for producing elongated profile members made of thermoplastic synthetic resins having a coating over at least a portion of their circumference of at least one additional thermoplastic polymeric material which includes the steps of extruding a coating of a thermoplastic secondary material, simultaneously and continuously with the extrusion of the elongated profile member, onto said member while said member is still within the plastic temperature range, and subsequently sizing the resultant coated member.

Abstract: A process for the production of shaped structural members made of extrudable thermoplastic synthetic resin suitable for use in the construction industry especially for window frames including sashes and blinds and sliding doors and the like, having a surface coating with improved lightfastness and weatherproofness, wherein a thin cover layer of a polymeric material such as a polymethyl methacrylate is provided at least on the side of the shaped member to be exposed to outside ambient conditions.

Abstract: A process for sizing an extruded thermoplastic structure or member formed by coextrusion of a core profile of one thermoplastic material and a cover layer of another thermoplastic material provided over a portion of the periphery of the core profile which includes the steps of sizing the extruded plastic structure in the external cross sectional dimensions, cooling during the sizing step the structure and effecting a different temperature control of the cooling of the cross section of the profile depending upon the thermoplastic material being cooled. The thermoplastic material having the higher Vicat softening temperature being more gradually cooled than the one having a lower Vicat softening temperature.