Patent Description:
As the demands for blades for wind turbines tend towards blades of increasing lengths, attention is increasing on concepts of manufacturing blades in sections for being assembled at the installation site or regional sites. By assembling the wind turbine blade at an installation site or a regional site reduces the costs for transportation, as the sections may be smaller and easier to handle. Furthermore, manufacturing the sections at one location and assembling them at another location may improve the quality of the wind turbine blades as each location may focus on fewer and more specific tasks.

Such wind turbine blade, comprising a plurality of sections, may be known as a split blade, or two-part blade, or segmented blade or similar. Examples of split blades and assembly of such blades are shown in <CIT> and <CIT>.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a way of assembling sections of a wind turbine blade, such as a split/segmented wind turbine blade, where the wind turbine blade is manufactured by manufacturing two (or more) components and then joining them. In particular, it is an objective of the present disclosure to provide a faster way of assembling a wind turbine blade comprising two or more components.

Accordingly, a method for assembling a section, such as a shell section, of a wind turbine blade is disclosed, such as a shell section for a split blade, a two-part blade, or segmented blade. The method comprises providing a support. The support comprises a surface having a primary surface portion configured for supporting a first component. The support comprises a secondary surface portion configured for supporting a second component. The support may be a mold for forming the wind turbine blade, such as the shell section of the wind turbine blade, and/or part(s) of a mold for forming the wind turbine blade, such as the shell section of the wind turbine blade.

The method comprises providing a first component comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a first primary end and a first primary joint part along the first primary end. The first component may further comprise a first secondary end and a first secondary joint part along the first secondary end.

The first primary joint part comprises a first primary joint surface facing opposite the inner surface of the first component. The first secondary joint part may comprise a first secondary joint surface facing opposite the outer surface of the first component.

The method comprises providing a second component comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a second end and a second joint part along the second end. The second joint part comprises a second joint surface facing opposite the outer surface of the second component.

The method comprises arranging the second component on the secondary surface portion such that the outer surface of the second component is facing the secondary surface portion.

The method comprises arranging the first component on the primary surface portion such that the outer surface of the first component is facing the primary surface portion, and such that the first primary joint surface of the first component is facing the second joint surface of the second component,.

The first component and/or the second component may correspond to a leading edge component, a trailing edge component, a suctions side component and/or a pressure side component.

The method comprises applying a force to the first component to force the outer surface of the first component towards the primary surface portion and the first primary joint surface towards the second joint surface. Application of the force to the first component may be provided as part of arranging the first component. Alternatively, application of the force may be provided after arranging the first component on the primary surface.

A first joining device is provided. The first joining device is configurable between a first configuration wherein an attachment part of the first joining device is extending from the primary surface portion and a second configuration wherein the attachment part is retracted and do not extend from the primary surface portion.

The attachment part of the first joining device is attached to the outer surface of the first component, e.g. after arranging the first component on the primary surface portion. The first joining device is transitioned from the first configuration towards the second configuration to apply the force to the first component. For example, applying the force to the first component may comprise transitioning the first joining device from the first configuration towards the second configuration to apply the force to the first component.

It is an advantage of the present disclosure, that a wind turbine blade comprising two or more sections may be assembled in a faster way and thereby reducing the assembly and manufacturing time of a wind turbine blade.

Also disclosed is a shell section of a wind turbine blade, such as a shell section for a split blade, a two-part blade, or segmented blade. The shell section comprises a first component comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a first primary end and a first primary joint part along the first primary end. The first component may further comprise a first secondary end and a first secondary joint part along the first secondary end.

The shell section comprises a second component comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a second end, and a second joint part along the second end. The second joint part comprises a second joint surface facing opposite the outer surface of the second component.

The first primary joint surface of the first component is facing the second joint surface of the second component.

Also disclosed is a system for assembling a shell section for a wind turbine blade. The system comprises a support comprising a primary surface portion configured support a first component. The first component comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, a first primary end and a first primary joint part along the first primary end. The first component may comprise a first secondary end and a first secondary joint part along the first secondary end. The first primary joint part comprises a first primary joint surface facing opposite the inner surface of the first component. The first secondary joint part may comprise a first secondary joint surface facing opposite the outer surface of the first component.

The support further comprises a secondary surface portion configured to support a second component. The second component comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, a second end, and a second joint part along the second end. The second joint part comprises a second joint surface facing opposite the outer surface of the second component.

The system may comprise a first joining device. The first joining device may be configurable between a first configuration wherein an attachment part of the first joining device is extending from the primary surface portion and a second configuration wherein the attachment part is retracted, e.g. wherein the attachment part does not extend from the primary surface portion.

The first joining device may be configured to apply a force to the first component towards the primary surface portion by attaching the attachment part to the outer surface of the first component and transitioning the first joining device from the first configuration towards the second configuration.

The first joining device may be attached to the support. For example, providing the first joining device may comprise attaching the first joining device to the support.

The attachment part of the first joining device may be configured to provide negative pressure between the attachment part and the outer surface of the first component. For example, attaching the attachment part to the first component may comprise providing negative pressure between the attachment part and the outer surface of the first component. The first joining device, e.g. the attachment part of the first joining device, may comprise a suction cup.

The primary surface portion may comprise a primary opening. The first joining device may be configured to extend through the primary opening in the first configuration. The first joining device in the first configuration may extend through the primary opening in the primary surface portion. The first joining device may be configured to extend and retract in a direction normal to the primary surface and/or normal to the primary opening.

A force may be applied to the second component to force the outer surface of the second component towards the secondary surface portion. For example, a second joining device may be provided. The second joining device may be configured to apply the force to the second component. The system may comprise the second joining device. The second joining device may be configurable between a first configuration wherein an attachment part of the second joining device is extending from the secondary surface portion and a second configuration wherein the attachment part is retracted, e.g. wherein the attachment part does not extend from the secondary surface portion.

The attachment part of the second joining device may be attached to the outer surface of the second component, e.g. after arranging the second component on the secondary surface portion. The second joining device may be transitioned from the first configuration towards the second configuration, e.g. to apply the force to the second component to force the outer surface of the second component towards the secondary surface portion. For example, applying the force to the second component may comprise transitioning the second joining device from the first configuration towards the second configuration to apply the force to the second component.

The second joining device may be configured to apply the force to the second component towards the secondary surface portion by attaching the attachment part to the outer surface of the second component and transitioning the second joining device from the first configuration towards the second configuration.

The attachment part of the second joining device may be configured to provide negative pressure between the attachment part and the outer surface of the second component. For example, attaching the attachment part to the second component may comprise providing negative pressure between the attachment part and the outer surface of the second component. The second joining device, e.g. the attachment part of the second joining device, may comprise a suction cup.

The secondary surface portion may comprise a secondary opening. The second joining device may be configured to extend through the secondary opening in the first configuration. The second joining device in the first configuration may extend through the secondary opening in the secondary surface portion. The second joining device may be configured to extend and retract in a direction normal to the secondary surface portion and/or normal to the secondary opening.

The shell section may comprise a third component. The method may comprise providing the third component. The third component may comprise an inner surface, an outer surface, a third end, a third joint part along the third end. The third joint part may comprise a third joint surface facing opposite the inner surface of the third component.

The first component and/or the second component may correspond to a leading edge component, a trailing edge component, a suctions side component and/or a pressure side component. The third component may correspond to a leading edge component, a trailing edge component, a suctions side component and/or a pressure side component.

The first secondary joint surface of the first component may be facing the third joint surface of the third component. The system may comprise a tertiary surface portion configured to support the outer surface of the third component. The third component may be arranged on the tertiary surface portion of the support such that the outer surface of the third component is facing the tertiary surface portion. The third component may be arranged on the tertiary surface portion of the support such that the first secondary joint surface of the first component is facing the third joint surface of the third component.

The shell section may comprise an adhesive between the first primary joint surface and the second joint surface and/or the first secondary joint surface and the third joint surface. For example, an adhesive may be applied between the first primary joint surface and the second joint surface and/or between the first secondary joint surface and the third joint surface. Alternatively, the first primary joint surface and the second joint surface and/or the first secondary joint surface and the third joint surface may be welded together, e.g. using thermoplastic welding or ultrasonic welding. The first primary joint part and the second joint part and/or the first secondary joint part and the third joint part may form a lap joint.

The first joining device and/or the second joining device may temporarily join the first component and the second component by applying the force while the first component and the second component are in contact. The first joining device and/or the second joining device may provide and maintain the force until the adhesive between the first component and the second component cures.

The third component and the first component may be adjoined while the adhesive between the first component and the second component is still curing. The first component, the second component and/or the third component may be permanently adjoined by the adhesive or the welding.

The first primary end and the first secondary end may be parallel, e.g. the first primary end and the first secondary end may be opposite ends of the first component. Alternatively, the first primary end and the first secondary end may be non-parallel, e.g. the first primary end may be perpendicular to the first secondary end, and/or the angle between the first end and the second end may be between <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. The first primary end may be parallel with a first tertiary end of the first component.

One or more or all of the ends, e.g. the first primary end, the first secondary end, the second end and/or the third end, may be straight, waved, notched, or serrated or a combination thereof.

The first component may comprise a first alignment part. The second component may comprise a second alignment part. The third component may comprise a third alignment part. The first alignment part, the second alignment part and/or the third alignment part may comprise a protruding element. The protruding element may be shaped as a dome or a cone. The protruding element may be removed after assembly of the shell section, e.g. by cutting or polishing or a combination thereof.

The primary surface portion may comprise a primary alignment part. The secondary surface portion may comprise a secondary alignment part. The tertiary surface portion may comprise a tertiary alignment part. The primary alignment part, the secondary alignment part and/or the tertiary alignment part may be shaped as a hole or a recess, e.g. to receive a corresponding protruding element of the first alignment part, the second alignment part and/or the third alignment.

The first alignment part and the primary alignment part may have a male and a female configuration. The second alignment part and the secondary alignment part may have a male and a female configuration. The third alignment part and the tertiary alignment part may have a male and a female configuration.

Arranging the first component on the primary surface portion may comprise engaging the first alignment part with the primary alignment part. Arranging the second component on the secondary surface portion may comprise engaging the second alignment part with the secondary alignment part. Arranging the third component on the tertiary surface portion may comprise engaging the third alignment part with the tertiary alignment part.

The components, e.g. the first, second and/or third component, may be somewhat flexible, e.g. to allow the component to adapt to the respective surface portion of the support. The first component may be configured to adapt to the shape of the primary surface portion of the support. The second component may be configured to adapt to the shape of the secondary surface portion of the support. The third component may be configured to adapt to the shape of the tertiary surface portion of the support. For example, the components may be made of a fiber-reinforced material, e.g. with <NUM>-<NUM> thickness.

Embodiments of the disclosure will be described in more detail in the following with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and are not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

<FIG> illustrates a conventional modern upwind wind turbine <NUM> according to the so-called "Danish concept" with a tower <NUM>, a nacelle <NUM> and a rotor with a substantially horizontal rotor shaft. The rotor includes a hub <NUM>, and three blades <NUM> extending radially from the hub <NUM>, each having a blade root <NUM> nearest the hub and a blade tip <NUM> furthest from the hub <NUM>.

The wind turbine blade <NUM> comprises a blade shell, which may comprise two blade shell parts, a first blade shell part <NUM> and a second blade shell part <NUM>, typically made of fibre-reinforced polymer. The first blade shell part <NUM> is typically a pressure side or upwind blade shell part. The second blade shell part <NUM> is typically a suction side or downwind blade shell part. The first blade shell part <NUM> and the second blade shell part are typically glued together along bond lines or glue joints <NUM> extending along the trailing edge <NUM> and the leading edge <NUM> of the blade <NUM>. Typically, the root ends of the blade shell parts <NUM>, <NUM> has a semi-circular or semi-oval outer cross-sectional shape. The wind turbine blade <NUM> extends along a longitudinal axis L. The root end <NUM> extends in a root end plane, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.

The wind turbine blade <NUM>, as illustrated, is a so-called split blade, or two-part blade, or segmented blade. Each of the blade shell parts <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed by one or more components. For example, the first blade shell part <NUM> may comprise a first component <NUM>, a second component <NUM> and a third component <NUM>. The second blade shell part <NUM> may comprise a fourth component <NUM> and one or more further components.

The first component <NUM> comprises a first primary end <NUM>. The first component <NUM> may extend along the longitudinal axis L from the first primary end <NUM>. The first component may further comprise one or more secondary ends <NUM>, a first tertiary end <NUM> and/or a first quaternary end <NUM>.

The first primary end <NUM> and the first secondary end <NUM> may be parallel, as illustrated, and extend in the transverse direction of the wind turbine blade <NUM>. In an alternative example, the first primary end <NUM> and the first secondary end <NUM> may be perpendicular. The first component <NUM> may, as illustrated, extend in the transverse direction between the first tertiary end <NUM> and the first quaternary end <NUM>. The first tertiary end <NUM> and the first quaternary end <NUM> may be parallel and extend in the longitudinal direction of the wind turbine blade <NUM>, as illustrated. The first tertiary end <NUM> may extend along the leading edge <NUM> of the wind turbine blade and the first quaternary end <NUM> may extend along the trailing edge <NUM> of the wind turbine blade <NUM>. However, the ends <NUM>, <NUM> may, alternatively, extend offset from the training edge <NUM> and the leading edge <NUM>.

The first component <NUM> comprises an inner surface (not visible) and an outer surface <NUM> opposite the inner surface. The first component <NUM> comprises a first primary joint part <NUM> along the first primary end <NUM>.

The second component <NUM> comprises a second end <NUM>. The second component <NUM> may extend along the longitudinal axis L from a second end <NUM>, as illustrated, e.g. to a second secondary end <NUM>. The second end <NUM> and the second secondary end <NUM> may be parallel and extend in the transverse direction of the wind turbine blade <NUM>. The second component <NUM> comprises an inner surface (not visible) and an outer surface <NUM> opposite the inner surface. The second component <NUM> comprises a second joint part <NUM> along the second end <NUM>.

The first primary end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> may extend in the transverse direction of the wind turbine blade <NUM>.

The third component <NUM> comprises an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface (not visible) opposite the outer surface <NUM>. The third component <NUM> comprises a third joint part <NUM> at a third end <NUM>.

For illustrative purposes the wind turbine blade <NUM> in <FIG> is illustrated with a gap between the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM>, and between the first component and the third component <NUM>. However, as will be explained in the following, the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> forms a joint <NUM> by overlapping the first primary joint part <NUM> with the second joint part <NUM> during the assembly process of the wind turbine blade (see <FIG>), similarly, the first component and the third component <NUM> forms a joint <NUM>'.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a joint <NUM> formed by two components <NUM>, <NUM>, such as the first component <NUM> and second component <NUM> of <FIG>.

The joint <NUM> may be formed by arranging the components <NUM>, <NUM> on a support <NUM>. The support comprises a primary surface portion <NUM> configured to support the first component <NUM> and a secondary surface portion <NUM> configured to support the second component <NUM>. A first joining device <NUM> may be configured to extend and retract from a primary opening <NUM> in the primary surface portion <NUM>. A second joining device <NUM> may be configured to extend and retract from a secondary opening <NUM> in the secondary surface portion <NUM>. The joining device <NUM>, <NUM> comprises an attachment part <NUM> configured to attach to the outer surface of a component. Each of the joining devices <NUM>, <NUM> is configurable between a first configuration where it is extended and a second configuration where it is retracted. In the extended configuration the joining device <NUM>, <NUM> extends from the surface <NUM> of the support <NUM>. In the retracted configuration the joining device <NUM>, <NUM> does not extend from the surface <NUM> of the support <NUM>. The first joining device <NUM> is illustrated in an extended configuration, such as the first configuration. However, the first configuration may provide a joining device <NUM>, <NUM> in an even further extended configuration than illustrated in <FIG>. The second joining device <NUM> is illustrated in a retracted configuration, such as the second configuration. However, the second configuration may provide a joining device <NUM>, <NUM> in an even further retracted configuration than illustrated in <FIG>.

The first component <NUM> comprises a first primary joint surface <NUM> opposite the inner surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> comprises a second joint surface <NUM> opposite the outer surface <NUM> of the second component <NUM>. The first primary joint part <NUM> and the second joint part <NUM> may form a lap joint.

The joint <NUM> is formed by arranging the second component <NUM> on the secondary surface portion <NUM> such that the outer surface <NUM> of the second component <NUM> faces the secondary surface portion <NUM>. The first component <NUM> is then arranged on the primary surface portion <NUM> such that the outer surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM> faces the primary surface portion <NUM> and such that the first primary joint surface <NUM> is facing the second joint surface <NUM> of the second component <NUM>. The first joining device <NUM> is attached to the first component <NUM> by attaching the attachment part <NUM> of the first joining device <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM>. The attachment part <NUM> may be a suction cup for providing a negative pressure between the joining device <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM>. The first joining device <NUM> may be in an extended configuration and start transitioning towards the second configuration, i.e. the retracted configuration. Thereby, the first joining device <NUM> may apply a force to the first component <NUM> to force the outer surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM> towards the primary surface portion <NUM> and the first primary joint surface <NUM> towards the second joint surface <NUM>. An adhesive <NUM> may be applied between the first primary joint surface <NUM> and the second joint surface <NUM> before the first component <NUM> is arranged. When the first joining device <NUM> has transitioned into the second configuration the joint <NUM> between the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> is formed. The force applied by the first joining device <NUM> may be maintained during curing of the adhesive <NUM>.

After assembly of the first component <NUM> and the second component <NUM> the outer surface <NUM> of the first component and the outer surface <NUM> of the second component may be over laminated or an external sealant may be applied across the junction where the outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> meet.

The second component <NUM> may be fixated by the second joining device <NUM>. However, the second component <NUM> may also be arranged without attachment to a second joining device <NUM>. Provision of the second joining device <NUM> may aid in conforming the outer surface <NUM> of the second component <NUM> to the surface <NUM> of the support <NUM>, such as to facilitate the desired shape of the shell section formed by the components <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a joint <NUM>' formed by the first component of <FIG> and a third component <NUM>, such as the third component <NUM> of <FIG>. The joint <NUM>' may be formed subsequently to the joint <NUM> as described in relation to <FIG>.

The joint <NUM>' may be formed by arranging the third component <NUM> on the support <NUM>. The support comprises a tertiary surface portion <NUM> configured to support the third component <NUM>. A third joining device <NUM> may be configured to extend and retract from a tertiary opening <NUM> in the tertiary surface portion <NUM>. The third joining device <NUM> comprises an attachment part <NUM> configured to attach to the outer surface <NUM> of the third component <NUM>. The third joining device <NUM> is configurable between a first configuration where it is extended and a second configuration where it is retracted. In the extended configuration the third joining device <NUM> extends from the surface <NUM> of the support <NUM>. In the retracted configuration the third joining device <NUM> does not extend from the surface <NUM> of the support <NUM>.

The first component <NUM> comprises a first secondary joint surface <NUM> opposite the outer surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM> and the third component <NUM> comprises a third joint surface <NUM> opposite the inner surface <NUM> of the third component <NUM>. The first secondary joint part <NUM> and the third joint part <NUM> may form a lap joint.

The joint <NUM>' is formed by arranging the third component <NUM> on the tertiary surface portion <NUM> such that the outer surface <NUM> of the third component <NUM> faces the tertiary surface portion <NUM> and such that the first secondary joint surface <NUM> is facing the third joint surface <NUM> of the third component <NUM>. The third joining device <NUM> is attached to the third component <NUM> by attaching the attachment part <NUM> of the third joining device <NUM> to the outer surface <NUM> of the third component <NUM>. The attachment part <NUM> may be a suction cup for providing a negative pressure between the third joining device <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the third component <NUM>. The third joining device <NUM> may be in an extended configuration and start transitioning towards the second configuration, i.e. the retracted configuration. Thereby, the third joining device <NUM> may apply a force to the third component <NUM> to force the outer surface <NUM> of the third component <NUM> towards the tertiary surface portion <NUM> and the third joint surface <NUM> towards the first secondary joint surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM>. An adhesive <NUM>' may be applied between the first secondary joint surface <NUM> and the third joint surface <NUM> before the third component <NUM> is arranged. When the third joining device <NUM> has transitioned into the second configuration the joint <NUM>' between the first component <NUM> and the third component <NUM> is formed. The force applied by the third joining device <NUM> may be maintained during curing of the adhesive <NUM>'.

After assembly of the first component <NUM> and the third component <NUM> the outer surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the third component <NUM> may be over laminated or an external sealant may be applied across the junction where the outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> meet.

The first component <NUM> may be fixated by the first joining device <NUM>, while arranging the third component <NUM>, as illustrated. However, the third component <NUM> may also be arranged without the first component <NUM> being attached to the first joining device <NUM>.

<FIG> are described in relation to a first component <NUM>, a second component <NUM>, and a third component <NUM>, such as the first component <NUM>, the second component <NUM> and the third component <NUM> of <FIG>. But the description may also apply to other (additional) components. Particularly, it is emphasized that the first component <NUM>, second component <NUM> and third component <NUM> as described with respect to <FIG>, may correspond to any abutting components of the wind turbine blade of <FIG>.

<FIG> is schematic diagram illustrating a system <NUM> for assembling a shell section. The system <NUM> comprises a support <NUM> comprising a surface <NUM> having a primary surface portion <NUM>. The system <NUM> may be suspended on suspensions <NUM>, such as legs. The second component <NUM> is arranged on the secondary surface portion (not visible) such that the outers surface (not visible) of the second component <NUM> faces the secondary surface portion. The second component <NUM> comprises a second joint part <NUM> along a second end <NUM>, which may form a joint <NUM> with the first component <NUM>, e.g. as described in relation to <FIG>. The second joint part <NUM> comprises a second joint surface <NUM> opposite the outer surface of the second component <NUM>.

The first component <NUM> is to be arranged on the primary surface portion <NUM>. The first component <NUM> comprises an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM> opposite the inner surface <NUM>. The first component <NUM> comprises a first primary joint part <NUM> at the first primary end <NUM>. The first primary joint part <NUM> comprises a first primary joint surface <NUM> opposite the inner surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM>. The first component <NUM> may be arranged on the primary surface portion <NUM> by attaching joining devices, such as a first joining device <NUM> and/or a plurality of first joining devices <NUM> as illustrated, to the outer surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM>. The first joining device <NUM> is illustrated in a substantially retracted configuration. However, during attachment to the first component <NUM> joining devices, including the first joining device <NUM>, may be in a substantially extended configuration.

The first component <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, comprises a first secondary joint part <NUM> along a first secondary end <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, and as opposed to the example of <FIG>, the first primary end <NUM> and the first secondary end <NUM> may be substantially perpendicular, such as between <NUM>-<NUM> degrees. The first secondary joint part <NUM> comprises a first secondary joint surface <NUM>. The first secondary joint surface <NUM> may be configured to be joined with another component, such as a third component <NUM>, e.g. as explained in relation to <FIG>. The first secondary joint surface <NUM> may face opposite the outer surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM>.

The ends of the components, such as the first primary end <NUM>, the second primary end <NUM>, and/or the first secondary end <NUM> may be straight, as illustrated in <FIG>. Alternatively, the ends may be waved, notched, or serrated or a combination thereof.

<FIG> is schematic diagram illustrating a support <NUM> and a component, such as the first component <NUM>. The following description is described with a first component <NUM> and primary surface portion <NUM>, such as the first component <NUM> and primary surface portion <NUM> of <FIG>. However, the description may also apply to other surface portions and components, e.g. the second component <NUM> and the secondary surface potion <NUM> or the third component <NUM> and the tertiary surface portion <NUM> of any of <FIG>.

The primary surface portion <NUM> comprises an opening <NUM> where a joining device <NUM> may extend through. The joining device <NUM> may comprise an attachment part <NUM> configured for attaching with the outer surface <NUM> of the first component <NUM>.

The first component <NUM> comprises a first alignment part <NUM> and the primary surface portion <NUM> comprises a primary alignment part <NUM>. When the first component <NUM> is arranged on the primary surface portion <NUM> the first alignment part <NUM> and the primary alignment part <NUM> engages, thus the first component <NUM> self-aligns on the primary surface portion <NUM>. The first alignment part <NUM> and the primary alignment part <NUM> may have a male and female configuration, e.g. a protrusion and a hole or a recess. For example, the first alignment part <NUM> may comprise a protrusion and the primary alignment part <NUM> may be formed by a recess. In <FIG> the first alignment part <NUM> and the primary alignment part are illustrated as spherical, but they may have any suitable shape for engaging with each other. The first component <NUM> may comprise a plurality of first alignment parts <NUM> and the primary surface portion <NUM> may correspondingly comprise a plurality of primary alignment parts <NUM>.

Similarly, the second component <NUM>, as illustrated in the previous figures, may comprise one or more second alignment parts and the secondary surface portion <NUM> may correspondingly comprise one or more secondary alignment parts. Similarly, the third component <NUM>, as illustrated in the previous figures, may comprise one or more third alignment parts and the tertiary surface portion <NUM> may correspondingly comprise one or more tertiary alignment parts.

Alternatively, the first component may comprise a first alignment part and the second component may comprise a second alignment part, such that the first alignment part engages with the second alignment part when the two components are arranged on top of each other. The first alignment part and the second alignment part may have a male and female configuration, e.g. a protrusion and a hole or a recess. The first alignment part may be located on first primary joint surface and the second alignment part may be located on the second joint surface.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method <NUM> for assembling a wind turbine blade, such as a wind turbine blade <NUM> as described in relation to the previous figures.

The method <NUM> comprises providing <NUM> a support, such as the support <NUM> as described in relation to <FIG>. The support comprises a surface having a primary surface portion configured for supporting a first component and a secondary surface portion configured for supporting a second component.

The method <NUM> comprises providing <NUM> a second component, such as the second component of <FIG>. The second component comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, a second end, and a second joint part along the second end. The second joint part comprises a second joint surface facing opposite the outer surface of the second component.

The method <NUM> comprises arranging <NUM> the second component on the secondary surface portion, such that the outer surface of the second component is facing the secondary surface portion. The second component may comprise a second alignment part and the secondary surface portion may comprise a secondary alignment part, e.g. as described in relation to <FIG>. Arranging <NUM> the second component on the secondary surface portion may comprise engaging <NUM>, e.g. aligning, the second alignment part with the secondary alignment part. The second alignment part and the secondary alignment part may have a male and a female configuration.

The method <NUM> may comprise providing <NUM> a second joining device, as described in more detail above. The second joining device may be configurable between a first configuration wherein an attachment part of the second joining device is extending from the secondary surface portion and a second configuration wherein the attachment part is retracted and do not extend from the secondary surface portion.

The method <NUM> may comprise attaching <NUM> the attachment part of the second joining device to the outer surface of the second component. Attaching <NUM> the attachment part of the second joining device to the outer surface of the second component may comprise providing <NUM> negative pressure between the attachment part of the second joining device and the outer surface of second component.

The method <NUM> may comprise applying <NUM> a force to the second component, e.g. by the second joining device, to force the outer surface of the second component towards the secondary surface portion. For example, applying <NUM> the force may comprise transitioning the second joining device from the first configuration towards the second configuration, while the attachment part of the second joining device is attached to the outer surface of the second component.

The method <NUM> comprises providing <NUM> a first component, such as the first component of <FIG>. The first component comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, a first primary end and a first primary joint part along the first primary end. The first component may further comprise a first secondary end and a first secondary joint part along the first secondary end. The first primary joint part comprises a first primary joint surface facing opposite the inner surface of the first component. The first secondary joint part comprises a first secondary joint surface facing opposite the outer surface of the first component.

The method <NUM> comprises arranging <NUM> the first component on the primary surface portion, such that the outer surface of the first component is facing the primary surface portion, and such that the first primary joint surface of the first component is facing the second joint surface of the second component. The first component may comprise a first alignment part and the primary surface portion may comprise a primary alignment part, e.g. as described in relation to <FIG>. Arranging <NUM> the first component on the primary surface portion may comprise engaging <NUM>, e.g. aligning, the first alignment part with the primary alignment part. The first alignment part and the primary alignment part may have a male and a female configuration.

The method <NUM> may comprise providing <NUM> a first joining device, as described in more detail above. The first joining device may be configurable between a first configuration wherein an attachment part of the first joining device is extending from the primary surface portion and a second configuration wherein the attachment part is retracted and do not extend from the primary surface portion.

The method <NUM> may comprise attaching <NUM> the attachment part of the first joining device to the outer surface of the first component. Attaching <NUM> the attachment part of the first joining device to the outer surface of the first component may comprise providing <NUM> negative pressure between the attachment part of the first joining device and the outer surface of first component.

The method <NUM> comprises applying <NUM> a force to the first component, e.g. by the first joining device, to force the outer surface of the first component towards the primary surface portion and the first primary joint surface towards the second joint surface. For example, applying <NUM> the force may comprise transitioning the first joining device from the first configuration towards the second configuration, while the attachment part of the second joining device is attached to the outer surface of the second component.

The method <NUM> may comprise applying <NUM> an adhesive between the first primary joint surface and the second joint surface. The adhesive may be applied <NUM> on the second joint surface and/or on the first primary joint surface. The adhesive may be applied <NUM> before the first component is arranged <NUM> on the primary surface.

The method <NUM> may comprise providing <NUM> a third component comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, a third end, and a third joint part along the third end. The third joint part may comprise a third joint surface facing opposite the inner surface of the third component.

The method <NUM> may comprise arranging <NUM> the third component on a tertiary surface portion of the support such that the outer surface of the third component is facing the tertiary surface portion, and such that the first secondary joint surface is facing the third joint surface of the third component.

The method <NUM> may comprise smoothing <NUM> the outer surface of the first component and/or the second component and/or the third component after assembly of the shell part. For example, the protrusion of the alignment parts of the components may be cut off or be polished down to fluctuate with the outer surface of the component.

Claim 1:
A method for assembling a shell section of a wind turbine blade, the method comprising:
• providing a support (<NUM>), the support comprising a surface having a primary surface portion (<NUM>) configured for supporting a first component (<NUM>) and a secondary surface portion (<NUM>) configured for supporting a second component (<NUM>),
• providing a first joining device (<NUM>) configurable between a first configuration wherein an attachment part (<NUM>) of the first joining device is extending from the primary surface portion and a second configuration wherein the attachment part is retracted and do not extend from the primary surface portion,
• providing a first component (<NUM>) comprising an inner surface (<NUM>), an outer surface (<NUM>), a first primary end (<NUM>) and a first primary joint part (<NUM>) along the first primary end,
wherein the first primary joint part (<NUM>) comprises a first primary joint surface (<NUM>) facing opposite the inner surface (<NUM>) of the first component (<NUM>),
• providing a second component (<NUM>) comprising an inner surface (<NUM>), an outer surface (<NUM>), a second end (<NUM>), a second joint part (<NUM>) along the second end, wherein the second joint part comprises a second joint surface (<NUM>) facing opposite the outer surface of the second component,
• arranging the second component (<NUM>) on the secondary surface portion (<NUM>) such that the outer surface (<NUM>) of the second component is facing the secondary surface portion (<NUM>),
• arranging the first component (<NUM>) on the primary surface portion (<NUM>) such that the outer surface of the first component is facing the primary surface portion (<NUM>), and such that the first primary joint surface (<NUM>) of the first component is facing the second joint surface (<NUM>) of the second component (<NUM>),
• attaching the attachment part (<NUM>) to the outer surface (<NUM>) of the first component (<NUM>),
wherein the method comprises applying a force to the first component (<NUM>) to force the outer surface (<NUM>) of the first component towards the primary surface portion (<NUM>) and the first primary joint surface (<NUM>) towards the second joint surface (<NUM>),
wherein applying the force to the first component (<NUM>) comprises transitioning the first joining device (<NUM>) from the first configuration towards the second configuration to apply the force to the first component (<NUM>).