ROTOR BLADE FOR A WIND TURBINE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME

摘要

A rotor blade for a wind turbine includes an outer shell and a spar extending longitudinally within the outer shell for transferring loads from the outer shell. The outer shell has a root end, a tip end, and an intermediate portion. The spar includes at least one web having a first portion with a cross-sectional radius of curvature that generally decreases from the root end to the intermediate portion. The web may also include a second portion with a cross-sectional radius of curvature that generally increases from the intermediate portion toward the tip end. In this regard, the web defines a partially-circular cross section at the root end and a partially-elliptical cross section away from the root end. Consequently, the web also defines a generally straight load path along the first portion.