SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

A compression apparatus includes a pair of compression engines incorporating shape memory alloy (SMA) wires configured to provide compression to the limb or torso of a person. The compression engines are in an overlapping arrangement to provide a strain capability of the compression apparatus that is greater than the additive strain capability of the pair of compression engines.

A morphing structure includes a deployable aerodynamic origami structure with an outer covering having a plurality of creases, a tether attached to the deployable origami structure, and a light-responsive polymer disposed on one or more of the creases of the outer covering. The light-responsive polymer is configured to change shape when activated by a light and the deployable origami structure configured to change from a first shape to a second shape different than the first shape when the light-responsive polymer is activated. In some variations, the morphing structure also includes at least one heating element disposed on one or more of the creases of the outer covering and the at least one heating element is configured to heat the light-responsive polymer such that the shape of the deployable aerodynamic origami structure moves from the second shape to the first shape.

The present disclosure relates to devices for wind turbine blades and methods for reducing vibrations in wind turbines. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to devices for mitigating vortex induced vibrations and stall induced vibrations, wind turbine blades comprising such devices, and methods for reducing wind turbine vibrations when the wind turbine is parked, especially during wind turbine installation and/or maintenance. A method for mitigating vibrations of a parked wind turbine comprises arranging a device in an inactive state with a wind turbine blade; and causing the device to transition to an active state in which the device grips the wind turbine blade more strongly than in the inactive state.

A wind turbine blade includes a first blade segment and a second blade segment extending in opposite directions from a chord-wise joint. Each of the blade segments having a pressure side shell member, a suction side shell member. The blade further including a coupling component extending spanwise and structurally connecting the first blade segment and the second blade segment. A thermal actuation component is coupled to the coupling component and passively actuated in response to a change in thermal conditions so as to provide for aeroelastic tailoring and pitch control to the wind turbine blade.

A morphing aerodynamic structure includes a body with an outer covering, a bridle attached to the body, and a light-response polymer disposed on at least one of the outer covering and the bridle. The light-responsive polymer is configured to change shape when illuminated with a laser such that at least one of an angle of attack, roll, pitch and yaw of the morphing aerodynamic structure is at least partially controlled without the use of a mechanical or pneumatic control unit.

An actuator assembly (2) comprising: first (50) and second (60) parts that are movable relative to each other; and one or more actuating units, each actuating unit comprising: a force-modifying mechanism (72) connected to the first part (50); a coupling link (78) connected between the force-modifying mechanism (72) and the second part (60); and an SMA wire (80) connected between the first part (50) and the force-modifying mechanism (72) for applying an input force on the force-modifying mechanism (72) thereby causing the force-modifying mechanism (72) to apply an output force on the coupling link (78) and causing the coupling link (78) to apply an actuating force on the second part (60); wherein the coupling link (78) is compliant in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the actuating force.

The present document relates to an airborne wind-driven energy-converting apparatus, as well as wind-driven energy systems including such an apparatus and methods of producing wind-driven energy.

A morphing structure includes a deployable aerodynamic origami structure with an outer covering having a plurality of creases, a tether attached to the deployable origami structure, and a light-responsive polymer disposed on one or more of the creases of the outer covering. The light-responsive polymer is configured to change shape when activated by a light and the deployable origami structure configured to change from a first shape to a second shape different than the first shape when the light-responsive polymer is activated. In some variations, the morphing structure also includes at least one heating element disposed on one or more of the creases of the outer covering and the at least one heating element is configured to heat the light-responsive polymer such that the shape of the deployable aerodynamic origami structure moves from the second shape to the first shape.

SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.