US 12,312,215 B2
System for lifting a wind turbine rotor blade
Felix Warzok, Meissen (DE); and Mikel Salaberri, Cordovilla (ES)
Assigned to Nordex Energy SE & Co. KG, Hamburg (DE); and Nordex Energy Spain S.A.U., Barásoain (ES)
Filed by Nordex Energy SE & Co. KG, Hamburg (DE); and Nordex Energy Spain S.A.U., Barásoain (ES)
Filed on Feb. 6, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/165,087.
Prior Publication US 2023/0257234 A1, Aug. 17, 2023
Int. Cl. B66C 1/10 (2006.01); B66C 1/12 (2006.01); B66C 1/18 (2006.01); F03D 13/10 (2016.01)
CPC B66C 1/108 (2013.01) [B66C 1/122 (2013.01); B66C 1/18 (2013.01); F03D 13/10 (2016.05); F05B 2230/61 (2013.01)] 15 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for lifting a wind turbine rotor blade, the system comprising:
a wind turbine rotor blade;
a lifting device having a sling;
said sling being configured to support said wind turbine rotor blade at a longitudinal position where said wind turbine rotor blade has an aerodynamic profile, a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a profile chord connecting said leading edge and said trailing edge, wherein said profile chord is arranged horizontally;
a leading edge protector configured to be arranged between said wind turbine rotor blade and said sling, said leading edge protector having a front portion configured to be placed at said leading edge and a lower leg extending from said front portion and configured to be placed below said wind turbine rotor blade;
said front portion and said lower leg being formed as a sandwich construction having an inner top layer, an outer top layer, and a core material disposed between said inner top layer and said outer top layer;
said core material having a thickness measured between said inner top layer and said outer top layer;
said lower leg having a free end; and,
said thickness increasing continuously from said free end of said lower leg toward said front portion to reduce a deformation of said wind turbine rotor blade at said leading edge.