Patent ID: 8876483
Filing Date: 2014-11-04
Classification: B23P,B29B,B29C,B29D,B29L,F03D,F05B,Y02E,Y02P,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A structural element for a wind turbine blade comprising: a composite beam configured to extend along at least a portion of an airfoil of the wind turbine blade; the composite beam including a preform layer, the preform layer including multiple elongate strength rods arranged longitudinally relative to one another in a single layer, each strength rod being disposed adjacent to and spaced from at least one adjacent strength rod; each strength rod including multiple unidirectional, substantially straight collimated structural fibers fixed in a solidified matrix resin so that each strength rod is rigid and defines a finished geometry including a selected length and width and a selected profile; the preform layer including at least one carrier layer to which the multiple strength rods are joined by an adhesive applied to at least one of the carrier layer and the strength rods; wherein the carrier layer locates adjacent strength rods a fixed distance apart and the fixed distance permits the flow of liquid bonding resin between adjacent strength rods of a preform layer to its joined carrier layer; wherein the carrier layer of the preform layer includes one or more permeable materials suitable to facilitate permeation and penetration to permit flow of liquid bonding resin through the carrier layer.