An adaptive control vortex generator system for wind turbine blades

Abstract

This invention discloses an adaptive control vortex generator system for wind turbine blades, comprising: a wind turbine blade, a vortex generator, a piston module, a piston chamber pressure sensing module, an incoming flow pressure sensing module, and a linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism connects the piston module and the incoming flow pressure sensing module, amplifying the pressure on the incoming flow pressure plate and transmitting it to the piston. Driven by the pressure of the piston cylinder, the vortex generator base can move the vortex generator up and down in the vortex generator channel, controlling the flow of the wind turbine blade. This enables automatic extension and retraction adjustment of the vortex generator and adaptive jetting of airflow driven by the pressure inside the piston chamber at the jet holes on the upper surface of the blade. This allows the height of the vortex generator to accurately match the characteristics of different incoming flow conditions, thereby effectively controlling the wind turbine flow field, suppressing flow separation and flow stall, and improving the energy conversion efficiency of the wind turbine under varying incoming flow conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of wind power generation technology, and in particular relates to an adaptive control wind turbine blade vortex generator system. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbines are the primary devices for converting wind energy into electrical energy, and efficient wind turbine design is key to improving the performance of wind energy conversion systems. As a crucial component of wind turbines, the turbine blades are the main parts responsible for energy conversion, and their performance significantly impacts the turbine's efficient operation. Because wind turbines operate in a highly turbulent and unsteady environment, flow separation is highly likely to occur, especially in horizontal axis wind turbines. To improve wind energy conversion efficiency, blades are becoming increasingly longer, and to ensure blade structural strength, the airfoil at the blade root is becoming increasingly thick, further increasing the probability of flow separation. However, flow separation significantly reduces the wind energy conversion rate of wind turbine units, limiting their power generation efficiency.

[0003] Vortex generators have gained popularity among researchers in recent years due to their simple structure and economic efficiency. As a passive flow control technology, most wind turbine vortex generators currently in use are fixedly mounted on the blades, making them unsuitable for adapting to varying incoming flow conditions. In some cases, they can even worsen the wind turbine flow field. The height of the vortex generator is a major factor affecting its performance; the optimal height for effectively controlling the wind turbine flow field varies depending on the incoming flow conditions. Under high angle-of-attack flow conditions, vortex generators mounted on the blade surface can effectively suppress flow separation; however, under smaller angle-of-attack flow conditions, vortex generators mounted on the blade surface can actually increase drag on the wind turbine blades, reducing the wind turbine's energy conversion efficiency.

[0004] To improve the adaptability of wind turbine blades to incoming flow conditions and enable wind turbines to maintain high energy conversion efficiency under changing conditions, this invention proposes an adaptive wind turbine blade vortex generator system. By sensing pressure signals, the height of the vortex generator is adaptively adjusted. Under different wind speeds and incoming flow angles of attack, the vortex generator performance is maximized, effectively controlling the wind turbine flow field, suppressing flow separation and flow stall, and thus improving the energy conversion efficiency of the wind turbine under different operating conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] Based on the shortcomings and deficiencies of existing technologies, this invention proposes an adaptive control wind turbine blade vortex generator system. By sensing pressure signals, the position of the vortex generator base is adaptively adjusted, so that the height of the vortex generator can accurately match the characteristics of different incoming flow conditions. This effectively controls the wind turbine flow field, suppresses flow separation and flow stall, and improves the energy conversion efficiency of the wind turbine under varying incoming flow conditions.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution

[0008] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides an adaptive control wind turbine blade vortex generator system, comprising: a wind turbine blade, a vortex generator, a piston module, a piston chamber pressure sensing module, an incoming flow pressure sensing module, and a linkage mechanism; wherein, the wind turbine blade is divided into an upper surface and a lower surface, and the junction point of the upper surface and the lower surface at the leading edge of the wind turbine blade is the leading edge of the wind turbine blade; the distance from the upper surface of the wind turbine blade to the lower surface is... A vortex generator channel is provided at 25% chord length of the leading edge of the wind turbine blade. An upper channel is provided on the upper surface of the wind turbine blade at 50% chord length of the leading edge of the blade. The upper channel adopts a tapering design, and the intersection of the profile of the upper channel and the upper surface of the wind turbine blade is tangentially transitioned. A lower channel is provided on the lower surface of the wind turbine blade at 10% chord length of the leading edge of the blade. The lower channel is a right-angle channel, that is, the profile of the lower channel is perpendicular to the lower surface of the wind turbine blade.

[0009] A vortex generator base is arranged in the vortex generator channel. The vortex generator base is in sealed contact with the vortex generator channel. The vortex generator is fixedly connected to the vortex generator base. The vortex generator base can drive the vortex generator to move up and down in the vortex generator channel.

[0010] The piston module is fixed inside the wind turbine blade and includes a piston and a piston cylinder. The piston is arranged inside the piston cylinder and is sealed to it. The piston can move up and down inside the piston cylinder. The piston cylinder communicates with the vortex generator channel. A limiting surface is provided at the connection between the piston cylinder and the vortex generator channel. The distance from the limiting surface to the upper surface of the wind turbine blade is the sum of the height of the vortex generator base and the height of the vortex generator. This ensures that when the vortex generator base moves to a position close to the limiting surface, the vortex generator is hidden inside the wind turbine blade. When the vortex generator base moves to its uppermost position, the height of the vortex generator on the upper surface of the wind turbine blade reaches its maximum. An air jet is provided at the connection between the piston cylinder and the upper channel. The air jet is connected to the upper channel, allowing airflow to be ejected from the piston cylinder through the air jet and out of the upper channel. During operation, the vortex generator base can move up and down between the vortex generator channels under the pressure of the piston cylinder.

[0011] The piston chamber pressure sensing module includes a piston chamber pressure plate and a piston chamber pressure plate return spring; a rotating shaft is provided at the connection between the piston cylinder and the upper channel, and the piston chamber pressure plate is installed between the piston cylinder and the upper channel through the rotating shaft. The piston chamber pressure plate is connected to the wall of the upper channel on the side near the rotating shaft by the piston chamber pressure plate return spring, which is used to control the opening and closing of the jet hole.

[0012] The incoming flow pressure sensing module is disposed in the lower channel and includes an incoming flow pressure plate and an incoming flow pressure plate reset spring; one end of the incoming flow pressure plate reset spring is connected to the incoming flow pressure plate, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the lower channel.

[0013] The linkage mechanism connects the piston module and the incoming flow pressure sensing module, and includes a first link, a second link, and a third link located in the same plane. One end of the first link is hinged to the incoming flow pressure plate, and the other end is hinged to the second link. One end of the second link is hinged and fixed to the wind turbine blade. One end of the third link is hinged to the middle section of the second link, and the other end is hinged to the piston. The linkage mechanism can amplify the pressure on the incoming flow pressure plate and transmit it to the piston. When the incoming flow pressure plate moves upward, it drives the first link to move upward, the second link rotates clockwise and gradually moves away from the incoming flow pressure sensing module, and the upward movement of the third link drives the piston to move upward.

[0014] When the piston moves upward, it pushes the vortex generator base to lift the vortex generator, thereby regulating the flow of the wind turbine blades. When the vortex generator reaches its maximum height, as the incoming flow pressure plate moves upward, the piston chamber pressure plate reaches a critical pressure value. The piston chamber pressure plate rotates counterclockwise around the shaft to open the jet hole, injecting airflow through the upper channel to release the pressure in the piston cylinder, causing the vortex generator to move downward with the vortex generator base. When the vortex generator moves downward and retracts into the wind turbine blades, it has no effect on the wind turbine blades.

[0015] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0016] The adaptive control wind turbine blade vortex generator system provided by this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] By automatically identifying the incoming flow pressure near the leading edge of the blade's lower surface using an incoming flow pressure sensing module, and cooperating with the linkage mechanism, piston, and piston chamber pressure sensing module, the automatic extension and retraction adjustment of the vortex generator and the adaptive jetting of airflow driven by the pressure inside the piston chamber at the jet holes on the upper surface of the blade are achieved. This effectively avoids the additional drag generated by traditionally fixed vortex generators on wind turbine blades at small angles of attack. Furthermore, by generating pressure-adaptive jetting airflow at the jet holes on the upper surface of the blade, the kinetic energy of the boundary layer fluid around the flow separation points on the upper surface of the wind turbine blade is increased, effectively suppressing flow separation and flow stall, thereby improving the energy conversion efficiency of the wind turbine under different operating conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adaptive control wind turbine blade vortex generator system according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of part I in the middle;

[0020] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section II;

[0021] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section III;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an adaptive wind turbine blade vortex generator system according to the present invention, when the vortex generator is fully embedded in the wind turbine blade;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an adaptive wind turbine blade vortex generator system according to the present invention when the vortex generator is partially embedded in the wind turbine blade.

[0024] In the diagram, 1: wind turbine blade; 2: vortex generator; 3: piston module; 4: piston chamber pressure sensing module; 5: incoming flow pressure sensing module; 6: linkage mechanism; 7: upper surface of wind turbine blade; 8: lower surface of wind turbine blade; 9: leading edge of wind turbine blade; 10: vortex generator channel; 11: upper channel; 12: lower channel; 13: vortex generator base; 14: piston; 15: piston cylinder; 16: limiting surface; 17: jet nozzle; 18: piston chamber pressure plate; 19: piston chamber pressure plate return spring; 20: rotating shaft; 21: incoming flow pressure plate; 22: incoming flow pressure plate return spring; 23: first connecting rod; 24: second connecting rod; 25: third connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used in accordance with the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, an adaptive control wind turbine blade vortex generator system includes: a wind turbine blade 1, a vortex generator 2, a piston module 3, a piston chamber pressure sensing module 4, an incoming flow pressure sensing module 5, and a linkage mechanism 6; wherein, the wind turbine blade 1 is divided into an upper surface 7 and a lower surface 8, and the junction point of the upper surface 7 and the lower surface 8 at the front of the wind turbine blade 1 is the leading edge 9 of the wind turbine blade;

[0027] Specifically, a vortex generator channel 10 is provided at a distance of 25% chord length between the upper surface 7 and the leading edge 9 of the wind turbine blade, and an upper channel 11 is provided at a distance of 50% chord length between the upper surface 7 and the leading edge 9 of the wind turbine blade. The upper channel 11 adopts a tapered design, and the intersection of the profile of the upper channel 11 and the upper surface 7 of the wind turbine blade is tangentially transitioned. A lower channel 12 is provided at a distance of 10% chord length between the lower surface 8 and the leading edge 9 of the wind turbine blade. The lower channel 12 is a right-angle channel, that is, the profile of the lower channel 12 is perpendicular to the lower surface 8 of the wind turbine blade.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, a vortex generator base 13 is arranged in the vortex generator channel 10. The vortex generator base 13 is in sealed contact with the vortex generator channel 10. The vortex generator 2 is fixedly connected to the vortex generator base 13. The vortex generator base 13 can drive the vortex generator 2 to move up and down in the vortex generator channel 10.

[0029] Piston module 3 is fixed inside wind turbine blade 1 and includes piston 14 and piston cylinder 15. Piston 14 is arranged inside piston cylinder 15 and is sealed to piston cylinder 15. Piston 14 can move up and down inside piston cylinder 15. Piston cylinder 15 is connected to vortex generator channel 10. A limiting surface 16 is provided at the connection between piston cylinder 15 and vortex generator channel 10. The distance from limiting surface 16 to the upper surface 7 of wind turbine blade is the sum of the height of vortex generator base 13 and the height of vortex generator 2. When vortex generator base 13 moves to the position close to limiting surface 16, vortex generator 2 is hidden inside wind turbine blade 1. When vortex generator base 13 moves to the uppermost position, the height of vortex generator 2 on the upper surface 7 of wind turbine blade reaches its maximum.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, a jet hole 17 is provided at the connection between the piston cylinder 15 and the upper channel 11. The jet hole 17 is connected to the upper channel 11, so that the airflow is ejected from the piston cylinder 15 through the jet hole 17 and out of the upper channel 11. During operation, the vortex generator base 13 can move up and down between the vortex generator channels 10 under the pressure drive of the piston cylinder 15. The piston chamber pressure sensing module 4 includes a piston chamber pressure plate 18 and a piston chamber pressure plate return spring 19. A rotating shaft 20 is provided at the connection between the piston cylinder 15 and the upper channel 11. The piston chamber pressure plate 18 is installed between the piston cylinder 15 and the upper channel 11 through the rotating shaft 20. The piston chamber pressure plate 18 is connected to the side of the upper channel 11 near the rotating shaft 20 by the piston chamber pressure plate return spring 19, which is used to control the opening and closing of the jet hole 17.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the incoming flow pressure sensing module 5 is disposed in the lower channel 12, including an incoming flow pressure plate 21 and an incoming flow pressure plate return spring 22; one end of the incoming flow pressure plate return spring 22 is connected to the incoming flow pressure plate 21, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the lower channel 12; the linkage mechanism 6 is used to connect the piston module 3 and the incoming flow pressure sensing module 5, including a first link 23, a second link 24, and a third link 25 located in the same plane; one end of the first link 23 is hinged to the incoming flow pressure plate 21, and the other end is hinged to the second link 24. Link 24 is hinged; one end of the second link 24 is hinged and fixed to the wind turbine blade 1; one end of the third link 25 is hinged to the middle section of the second link 24, and the other end is hinged to the piston 14; the linkage mechanism 6 can amplify the pressure on the incoming flow pressure plate 21 and transmit it to the piston 14; when the incoming flow pressure plate 21 moves upward, it drives the first link 23 to move upward, the second link 24 rotates clockwise and gradually moves away from the incoming flow pressure sensing module 5, and the third link 25 moves upward, driving the piston 14 to move upward;

[0032] like Figure 1 and Figure 6As shown, when piston 14 moves upward, it pushes vortex generator base 13 to drive vortex generator 2 upward, thereby controlling the flow of wind turbine blade 1; when vortex generator 2 rises to its maximum height, as the incoming flow pressure plate 21 moves upward, piston chamber pressure plate 18 reaches the critical pressure value. Piston chamber pressure plate 18 rotates counterclockwise around shaft 20 to open jet hole 17, ejecting airflow through upper channel 11, releasing pressure in piston cylinder 15, causing vortex generator 2 to move downward with vortex generator base 13; as Figure 5 As shown, when the vortex generator 2 moves down and retracts into the wind turbine blade 1, the vortex generator 2 has no effect on the wind turbine blade 1.

[0033] The invention will be further explained below with reference to its specific working process:

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown, when the wind turbine blade 1 is at a small angle of attack of the incoming flow, the flow on the upper surface 7 of the wind turbine blade does not separate, and the vortex generator 2 moves down and retracts into the wind turbine blade 1. At this time, the vortex generator 2 has no effect on the wind turbine blade 1, that is, it does not affect the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine blade 1.

[0035] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, as the angle of attack of the incoming flow from the wind turbine blade 1 gradually increases, flow separation begins to occur on the upper surface 7 of the blade. At this time, the pressure on the lower surface 8 of the blade gradually increases, and the pressure p1 on the incoming flow pressure plate 21 also gradually increases. Under the action of p1, the incoming flow pressure plate 21 gradually moves upward. Since the area of ​​the incoming flow pressure plate 21 is small, the force it receives is insufficient to push the piston 14. Therefore, the force on the incoming flow pressure plate 21 is amplified through the linkage mechanism 6, thus amplifying the force acting on the piston 14, pushing the piston 14 upward, compressing the gas inside the piston cylinder 15, and gradually increasing the pressure p2 inside the piston cylinder 15. Figure 2 As shown, the upward thrust on the vortex generator base 13 increases, pushing the vortex generator 2 upward, so that the height of the vortex generator 2 is higher than the upper surface 7 of the wind turbine blade, as... Figure 6 As shown. At this time, the vortex generator 2 begins to function, causing the gas flowing over the upper surface 7 of the wind turbine blade to generate vortices downstream after passing through the vortex generator 2, increasing the energy of the boundary layer fluid on the upper surface 7 of the wind turbine blade, thereby suppressing flow separation.

[0036] When the vortex generator 2 rises to its maximum height, if the angle of attack of the incoming flow of the wind turbine blade 1 continues to increase, the pressure p1 on the incoming flow pressure plate 21 gradually increases, causing the incoming flow pressure plate 21 to continue moving upward. Under the action of the linkage mechanism 6, the force on the incoming flow pressure plate 21 is transmitted to the piston 14, pushing the piston 14 to continue moving upward. Figure 3As shown, the pressure p2 inside the piston cylinder 15 gradually increases, causing the piston chamber pressure plate 18 to gradually increase in force. The piston chamber pressure plate 18 rotates counterclockwise around the rotating shaft 20 to open the jet hole 17, so that the high-pressure gas with a pressure of p2 inside the piston cylinder 15 is ejected from the jet hole 17. At this time, the gas pressure on the upper surface 7 of the wind turbine blade is p3. The gas ejected from the jet hole 17 is accelerated by the channel 11 on the wind turbine blade 1, and in the form of a jet, it increases the momentum of the boundary layer gas on the upper surface 7 of the wind turbine blade, further suppressing flow separation.

[0037] Conversely, as the angle of attack of the incoming flow to the wind turbine blade 1 gradually decreases, the pressure on the lower surface 8 of the blade gradually decreases, and the pressure p1 on the incoming flow pressure plate 21 gradually decreases. At this time, the incoming flow pressure plate 21 moves downward under the elastic force of the return spring 22, which drives the piston 14 downward through the linkage mechanism 6, causing the pressure p2 in the piston chamber to decrease. Under the elastic force of the return spring 19, the piston chamber pressure plate 18 rotates clockwise around the shaft 20, gradually closing the jet hole 17. The vortex generator 2 gradually moves downward until the vortex generator 2 and the incoming flow pressure plate 21 are completely embedded in the wind turbine blade 1, restoring the original shape of the entire wind turbine blade 1, so that the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine blade 1 is not affected by the vortex generator 2. Through the above series of coordinated processes, the wind turbine blade 1 can maintain good performance under various flow conditions.

[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adaptively controlled vortex generator system for wind turbine blades, characterized in that, include: The wind turbine blade (1), vortex generator (2), piston module (3), piston chamber pressure sensing module (4), incoming flow pressure sensing module (5), and linkage mechanism (6) are provided. The wind turbine blade (1) is divided into an upper surface (7) and a lower surface (8). The junction of the upper surface (7) and the lower surface (8) of the wind turbine blade at the front of the wind turbine blade (1) is the leading edge (9) of the wind turbine blade. A vortex generator is provided on the upper surface (7) of the wind turbine blade at a distance of 25% of the chord length from the leading edge (9) of the wind turbine blade. The upper channel (11) is provided on the upper surface (7) of the wind turbine blade at a distance of 50% chord length from the leading edge (9) of the wind turbine blade. The upper channel (11) adopts a tapered design, and the profile of the upper channel (11) and the upper surface (7) of the wind turbine blade are tangentially transitioned at the intersection. The lower channel (12) is provided on the lower surface (8) of the wind turbine blade at a distance of 10% chord length from the leading edge (9) of the wind turbine blade. The lower channel (12) is a right-angle channel, that is, the profile of the lower channel (12) is perpendicular to the lower surface (8) of the wind turbine blade. A vortex generator base (13) is arranged in the vortex generator channel (10). The vortex generator base (13) is in sealed contact with the vortex generator channel (10). The vortex generator (2) is fixedly connected to the vortex generator base (13). The vortex generator base (13) can drive the vortex generator (2) to move up and down in the vortex generator channel (10). The piston module (3) is fixed inside the wind turbine blade (1) and includes a piston (14) and a piston cylinder (15). The piston (14) is arranged inside the piston cylinder (15) and is sealed to the piston cylinder (15). The piston (14) can move up and down inside the piston cylinder (15). The piston cylinder (15) communicates with the vortex generator channel (10). A limiting surface (16) is provided at the connection between the piston cylinder (15) and the vortex generator channel (10). The distance from the limiting surface (16) to the upper surface (7) of the wind turbine blade is the sum of the height of the vortex generator base (13) and the height of the vortex generator (2), so that the vortex generator base (13) When the vortex generator (2) moves to a position close to the limiting surface (16), it is hidden inside the wind turbine blade (1). When the vortex generator base (13) moves to the uppermost position, the height of the vortex generator (2) on the upper surface (7) of the wind turbine blade reaches its maximum. A jet hole (17) is provided at the connection between the piston cylinder (15) and the upper channel (11). The jet hole (17) is connected to the upper channel (11), so that the airflow is ejected from the piston cylinder (15) through the jet hole (17) and out of the upper channel (11). During operation, the vortex generator base (13) can move up and down between the vortex generator channels (10) under the pressure drive of the piston cylinder (15). The piston chamber pressure sensing module (4) includes a piston chamber pressure plate (18) and a piston chamber pressure plate return spring (19); a rotating shaft (20) is provided at the connection between the piston cylinder (15) and the upper channel (11), the piston chamber pressure plate (18) is installed between the piston cylinder (15) and the upper channel (11) through the rotating shaft (20), and the piston chamber pressure plate (18) and the wall of the upper channel (11) on the side near the rotating shaft (20) are connected by the piston chamber pressure plate return spring (19) to control the opening and closing of the jet hole (17); The incoming flow pressure sensing module (5) is disposed in the lower channel (12) and includes an incoming flow pressure plate (21) and an incoming flow pressure plate reset spring (22); one end of the incoming flow pressure plate reset spring (22) is connected to the incoming flow pressure plate (21), and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the lower channel (12); The linkage mechanism (6) is used to connect the piston module (3) and the incoming flow pressure sensing module (5), and includes a first link (23), a second link (24), and a third link (25) located in the same plane; one end of the first link (23) is hinged to the incoming flow pressure plate (21), and the other end is hinged to the second link (24); one end of the second link (24) is hinged to the wind turbine blade (1); one end of the third link (25) is hinged to the second link (24). The middle section of the connecting rod (24) is hinged, and the other end is hinged to the piston (14); the connecting rod mechanism (6) can amplify the pressure on the incoming flow pressure plate (21) and transmit it to the piston (14); when the incoming flow pressure plate (21) moves upward, it drives the first connecting rod (23) to move upward, the second connecting rod (24) rotates clockwise and gradually moves away from the incoming flow pressure sensing module (5), and the third connecting rod (25) moves upward, driving the piston (14) to move upward; When the piston (14) moves upward, it pushes the vortex generator base (13) to drive the vortex generator (2) to rise, thereby controlling the flow of the wind turbine blade (1). When the vortex generator (2) rises to its maximum height, as the incoming flow pressure plate (21) moves upward, the piston chamber pressure plate (18) reaches the critical pressure value. The piston chamber pressure plate (18) rotates counterclockwise around the rotating shaft (20) to open the jet hole (17), and jets air through the upper channel (11) to release the pressure of the piston cylinder (15), causing the vortex generator (2) to move downward with the vortex generator base (13). When the vortex generator (2) moves downward and retracts into the wind turbine blade (1), the vortex generator (2) has no effect on the wind turbine blade (1).

Images