Tpi Composites, Inc.

Tpi Technology Inc.

Christopher Raine

Amir Salimi

Michael Villar

A wind turbine blade mold system having built in precision pins to locate structural components (e.g. spar caps) during layup of composite segments. A plurality of pins can be inserted through the layers of composite layups and into apertures within the mold, with spar caps positioned against the pins to ensure precise positioning, thereby preventing/inhibiting movement of the spar cap relative to the mold. A plurality of pins can be inserted through the layers of composite layups and into apertures within the mold, with cams attached to the pins and moveable to engage spar caps to ensure precise positioning of the spar cap, as well as preventing any drift during subsequent operations. The pins can remain embedded within the final molded part.

Mold precision pins for component location during fabrication of wind turbine blades

A method for fabrication of a wind turbine blade includes providing a plug to define a mold, the plug including at least one female surface feature formed therein. Forming a mold, the mold configured for forming a wind turbine blade surface and having a male surface feature(s) corresponding to the at least one female surface feature of the plug. Forming a wind turbine blade surface within the mold, the wind turbine blade surface having a female surface feature(s) corresponding to the male surface feature(s) of the mold. Incorporating at least one optical marker within the female surface feature of the wind turbine blade surface. Providing predetermined optical marker location(s) associated with the wind turbine blade surface. Projecting at least one optical beam directed towards at least one optical marker. Receiving at least one reflective beam from the at least one optical marker to identify the location of the optical marker disposed on the wind turbine blade surface; and comparing predetermined optical marker location(s) to the identified optical marker location.

Spatial coordinate tracking of wind turbine assembly components using laser projection system

Provided herein is a wind turbine blade mold system having built in precision pins to locate structural components (e.g. spar caps) during layup of composite segments. A plurality of pins can be inserted into apertures within the mold, with discs attached to the pins to maintain fixed relative distance to spar caps positioned relative to the pins to ensure precise positioning, thereby preventing/inhibiting movement of the spar cap relative to the mold. The pins can include a first extension that pierce through the layers of composite layups, and protrude above the B-surface of the blade skin. Additionally, the pins can include a marker tip releasably attached to the pin top to provide visual identification of the pin and underlying structural components. The pins can remain embedded within the final molded part.

Wind turbine blade mold with built-in high precision geometric references on B-surface

Devices, systems, and methods of improving paste flow during the manufacture of wind turbine blades are provided. When the first turbine blade half is aligned with the second turbine blade half, a gap is formed between the first shell and the bond cap. The assembly includes a first mold half corresponding to the first turbine blade half and a second mold half corresponding to the second turbine blade half. When the first mold is aligned with the second mold, a second gap is formed. A first barrier is disposed within the first gap and a second barrier disposed within the second gap thereby fluidly sealing a volume defined by the first gap and the second gap to direct adhesive paste flow along the blade span between the adjoining leading and trailing edges.

Adhesive barrier design to ensure proper paste flow during blade close process

Provided herein is a wind turbine blade mold system having built in precision pins to locate structural components (e.g. spar caps) during layup of composite segments. A plurality of pins can be inserted through the layers of composite layups and into apertures within the mold, with spar caps positioned against the pins to ensure precise positioning, thereby preventing/inhibiting movement of the spar cap relative to the mold. A plurality of pins can be inserted through the layers of composite layups and into apertures within the mold, with cams attached to the pins and moveable to engage spar caps to ensure precise positioning of the spar cap, as well as preventing any drift during subsequent operations. The pins can remain embedded within the final molded part.

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Cranston, RI, United States of America

Christopher Raine