LEADING EDGE PROTECTION OF A WIND TURBINE BLADE
The invention relates to a method of preparing a wind turbine blade with a leading edge protection. The method includes applying a first layer of paint on the surface portion comprising the part of the leading edge to be protected, applying a layer of a fibrous material on top of the first layer of paint, applying a second layer of paint on the layer of fibrous material, and allowing the applied leading edge protection to cure. The method may be performed as a part of the manufacture of the blade and/or as a post-processing step for example during repair on site. The proposed method results in an increased erosion resistance and improved protection against impacting particles. The invention further relates to a wind turbine blade comprising a leading edge protection established as mentioned above.
1 . A method of preparing a wind turbine blade with a leading edge protection, the wind turbine blade extending a length between a root end and a tip end of the blade, and extending a width between a trailing edge and a leading edge, the wind turbine blade comprising an outer surface portion comprising at least a part of the leading edge, the method comprising:
applying a first layer of paint on the surface portion of the blade,
applying a layer of a fibrous material on top of the first layer of paint,
applying a second layer of paint on the layer of fibrous material,
allowing the applied leading edge protection to cure, and
wherein the second layer of paint is applied to at least partially impregnate the layer of fibrous material.
2 . (canceled)
3 . A method of preparing a wind turbine blade according to claim 1 , wherein the layer of fibrous material comprises a dry fibrous material.
4 . A method of preparing a wind turbine blade according to claim 1 , wherein the layer of fibrous material comprises a weave or a random fibre mat.
5 . A method of preparing a wind turbine blade according to claim 1 , wherein the fibrous material comprises fibres of at least one material belonging to the group of glass fibre, polyester, Kevlar, and nylon.
6 . A method of preparing a wind turbine blade according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second layers of paint are of the same material.
7 . A method of preparing a wind turbine blade according to claim 1 , wherein the paint is a coating comprising a two-component polyurethane coating, a three component polyurethane coating, an epoxy resin, or a polyester resin.
8 . A method of preparing a wind turbine blade according to claim 1 , the method further comprising applying alternatingly a further layer of fibrous material and a further layer of paint thereby laying up a plurality of layers of fibrous material with layers of paint in between.
9 . A method of preparing a wind turbine blade according to claim 1 , wherein the layers of paint are applied by rolling, brushing, or spraying.
10 . A method of preparing a wind turbine blade according to claim 1 , the method further comprising applying a peel ply as the outermost layer prior to curing, peeling off the peel ply after curing, and applying a layer of a paint as an outermost layer.
11 . A method of preparing a wind turbine blade according claim 10 , wherein the peel ply is applied to cover an edge of the outermost applied layer of fibrous material and is pressed into the uncured paint.
12 . A method of preparing a wind turbine blade according to claim 1 , wherein the method steps form part of a manufacture of the wind turbine blade.
13 . A method of preparing a wind turbine blade according to claim 1 , wherein the method steps are performed as post processing during repair or maintenance of the wind turbine blade.
14 . A wind turbine blade extending a length between a root end and a tip end of the blade, and extending a width between a trailing edge and a leading edge, the wind turbine blade comprising an outer surface portion comprising at least a part of the leading edge, wherein the wind turbine blade further comprises a leading edge protection prepared according to claim 1 .