WTT 223 - Airfoils and Composite Repair

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 2
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Voc/Tech

This course will enable the student to more efficiently inspect, repair and move/transport wind turbine blades. Students will understand common industry terms used in the manufacture and repair of wind turbine blades.
Prerequisite OR Corequisite: WTT 103 or instructor approval
Competencies

Define terms used to describe characteristics of a wind turbine blade
1. Identify components of a wind turbine blade
2. Identify types of airfoils used in the design of wind turbine blades
3. Define aerodynamic lift.
4. Define aerodynamic drag
5. Describe how lift is obtained on a wind turbine blade
6. Define the significance of the lift/drag ratio
Define wind turbine blade solidity
1. Explain the significance of solidity as it relates to a wind turbine.
2. Explain the significance of blade area and number of blades.
Identify materials used in the manufacture of wind turbine blades
1. Explain fiberglass resins and catalysts
2. Discuss composite materials
Define methods and techniques used in the manufacture of wind turbine blades
1. Explain the use of blade templates
2. Explain the construction and use of blade patterns
3. Describe the process of fiberglass molding of blades
4. Describe the process of finishing of fiberglass blades
Describe blade failure
1. Identify types of wind turbine blade failure.
2. Identify causes of wind turbine blade failure
Describe how to perform a proper blade inspection
1. Perform proper documentation of a blade inspection
2. Perform a blade inspection using photographic equipment
3. Prepare a report of blade inspections using photo documentation
Learn primary aspects of blade repair
1. Describe proper technique used to grind through damaged area of a blade.
2. Describe how to prepare area to be repaired on a blade
3. Describe proper technique to repair damaged area of blade
4. Describe proper technique used to finish repaired area of blade
Learn the basic procedures for blade balancing
1. Define the significance of balancing blades of a rotor set
2. Determine amount of weight and distribution used to balance blades of a rotor set
3. Describe the proper technique used to balance blades
Identify proper blade handling practices.
1. Identify proper blade transportation practices
2. Identify proper blade storage practices