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The Concept of Segmented Wind Turbine Blades: A Review

Author

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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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Mathijs Peeters & Gilberto Santo & Joris Degroote & Wim Van Paepegem, 2017. "The Concept of Segmented Wind Turbine Blades: A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:10:y:2017:i:8:p:1112-:d:106406
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kaldellis, John K. & Zafirakis, D., 2011. "The wind energy (r)evolution: A short review of a long history," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(7), pages 1887-1901.
    2. Imraan, Mustahib & Sharma, Rajnish N. & Flay, Richard G.J., 2013. "Wind tunnel testing of a wind turbine with telescopic blades: The influence of blade extension," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 22-32.
    3. Schubel, P.J., 2010. "Technical cost modelling for a generic 45-m wind turbine blade producedby vacuum infusion (VI)," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 183-189.
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    1. Moon, Hyeongmin & Cho, Haeseong & Theodossiades, Stephanos & Hajjaj, Amal Z. & Kim, Taeseong, 2024. "Development of nonlinear flat shell element with nonlinear thickness variation for highly flexible wind turbine blade," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C).
    2. Chiu, Phillip K. & Roth-Johnson, Perry & Wirz, Richard E., 2020. "Optimal structural design of biplane wind turbine blades," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P1), pages 2440-2452.
    3. Kaminski, Meghan & Simpson, Juliet & Loth, Eric & Fingersh, Lee Jay & Scholbrock, Andy & Johnson, Nick & Johnson, Kathryn & Pao, Lucy & Griffith, Todd, 2023. "Gravo-aeroelastically-scaled demonstrator field tests to represent blade response of a flexible extreme-scale downwind turbine," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).

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