The Concept of Segmented Wind Turbine Blades: A Review

Mathijs Peeters, Gilberto Santo, Joris Degroote and Wim Van Paepegem
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Mathijs Peeters: Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park—Campus A, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 903, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium
Gilberto Santo: Department of Flow, Heat and Combustion Mechanics, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Joris Degroote: Department of Flow, Heat and Combustion Mechanics, Ghent University, Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 41, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Wim Van Paepegem: Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park—Campus A, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 903, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium

Energies, 2017, vol. 10, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: There is a trend to increase the length of wind turbine blades in an effort to reduce the cost of energy (COE). This causes manufacturing and transportation issues, which have given rise to the concept of segmented wind turbine blades. In this concept, multiple segments can be transported separately. While this idea is not new, it has recently gained renewed interest. In this review paper, the concept of wind turbine blade segmentation and related literature is discussed. The motivation for dividing blades into segments is explained, and the cost of energy is considered to obtain requirements for such blades. An overview of possible implementations is provided, considering the split location and orientation, as well as the type of joint to be used. Many implementations draw from experience with similar joints such as the joint at the blade root, hub and root extenders and joints used in rotor tips and glider wings. Adhesive bonds are expected to provide structural and economic efficiency, but in-field assembly poses a big issue. Prototype segmented blades using T-bolt joints, studs and spar bridge concepts have proven successful, as well as aerodynamically-shaped root and hub extenders.

Keywords: wind turbine blades; segmented/split blades; modular design; blade joints (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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