Rotor blade for a wind turbine, wind turbine and method for designing a rotor blade

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rotor blade for a wind turbine, a rotor for a wind turbine and a method for designing a rotor blade.

[0002] Wind turbines have a rotor with at least one, two, or more rotor blades, preferably three rotor blades, and are designed to generate mechanical rotational energy from kinetic wind energy and, from this, electrical energy. Such wind turbines are generally known and typically comprise a nacelle on which the rotor is arranged and a tower on which the nacelle with the rotor is arranged so as to be rotatable about a substantially vertically oriented axis.

[0003] Wind turbines are typically designed as so-called horizontal-axis wind turbines, which comprise a rotor with a substantially horizontal axis, whose rotor blades rotate in a plane essentially perpendicular to the wind. Such horizontal-axis wind turbines use the aerodynamic principle of lift to convert kinetic wind energy into mechanical rotational energy. The profile of a rotor blade forms a suction side and a pressure side, so that when moving air flows around the profile, a negative pressure is created on the suction side compared to the pressure side. The resulting pressure difference between the pressure and suction sides creates aerodynamic lift. The lift depends, for example, on the angle of attack of the rotor blades.

[0004] Conventional rotor blades are disadvantageous in that the adjacent airflow, especially on the suction side, breaks away, forming a so-called "dead water zone" with a separated flow. Especially at larger angles of attack, the airflow can no longer adhere smoothly to the profile of a rotor blade and breaks away. This dead water zone reduces the lift of the rotor blade and slows it down by increasing its drag. This reduces the rotor's efficiency and thus also the yield of a wind turbine.

[0005] Various solutions are known for improving the aerodynamic properties of rotor blades and increasing efficiency. For example, it is known to use rotor blades with a flat trailing edge, so-called flatback profiles, especially for interior applications. The production of such thick profiles with a sharp, flat trailing edge on both the pressure and suction sides generally requires additional foam inserts. Therefore, production is very complex and associated with increased costs, particularly additional material costs, high personnel costs, and manufacturing costs.

[0006] Such rotor blades are particularly disadvantageous in that undesirable vibrations often occur at high wind speeds. A well-known dynamic instability of a rotor blade is flutter, a combined bending and torsional vibration. Flutter, i.e., in particular, a mutual excitation of aerodynamic forces, elastic forces, and inertial forces, can occur when the rotor blade is caused to oscillate. Such conditions are particularly dangerous because vibrations can accumulate as more and more energy is absorbed from the surrounding airflow, which can, for example, damage the rotor blades. A wind turbine rotor speed above which there is a risk of the rotor blades tending to flutter should therefore generally be far enough outside normal operating limits.In particular, as rotor blades become larger and lighter in the future, the risk of rotor blade flutter increases, even at lower wind speeds.

[0007] For this reason, the advantages achievable through the flatback profiles can only be used economically in wind turbines with a relatively small rotor diameter and a high nominal power, for example with 3 MW nominal power and a rotor capacity of more than 500 W / m 2< or with 3 MW nominal power and a rotor capacity of 374 W / m 2< or with 4.2 MW nominal power and a rotor capacity of 337 W / m 2< .

[0008] In order to save costs, however, wind turbines are increasingly being designed so that they have a rotor capacity of less than 300 W / m². This generally allows more full-load operating time with reduced generator costs and reduced turbine loads. However, this design means that even at lower wind speeds, some of the power generated in the inner rotor blade area has to be dissipated in the outer area in order to reduce the torque on the generator. The wind power available in a rotor power tube can be significantly greater, particularly in this operating state, than the power that can be dissipated via the generator. For example, it is known to dissipate excess power by pitching the rotor blades.However, this can lead to flow separation at the blade tip, which can in turn lead to undesirable vibrations and, in particular, fluttering of the rotor blade.

[0009] To avoid the aforementioned adverse operating conditions, the wind turbine must be shut down even at relatively low wind speeds, especially at wind speeds of 15 m / s, 20 m / s, or 25 m / s. However, this earlier onset of storm control results in significant yield losses.

[0010] In the aviation industry, for example, it is known to reduce or prevent the aforementioned disadvantages by reducing power by reducing lift or significantly increasing drag, particularly at the blade root and center. Common measures for this include airbrakes, camber flaps, spoilers, and split flaps. However, the technical complexity and associated maintenance effort are disadvantages. Due to these disadvantages, the use of such measures in wind turbines is not cost-effective.

[0011] Existing devices for increasing efficiency and / or avoiding unwanted vibrations and flutter movements offer various advantages, but further improvements are desirable.

[0012] The German Patent and Trademark Office has searched the following prior art in the priority application for the present application: DE 10 2008 052 858 A1, DE 10 2013 202 666 A1, DE 10 2019 113 085 A1, DE 20 2016 101 461 U1, US 8 944 775 B2, US 2008 / 0 240 923 A1, US 2019 / 0 024 627 A1, EP 1 944 505 A1, WO 2007 / 115 861 A1, WO 2009 / 068 719 A1.

[0013] Document CN 106050566 A further discloses a rotor blade having a jet flow device for implementing active flow control with the jet flow device. Active flow control can generate a blunt jet flow at the trailing edge. This is intended to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the rotor blade.

[0014] The invention is defined by the appended claims,

[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a rotor blade for a wind turbine, a wind turbine, and / or a method for designing a rotor blade that reduce or eliminate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a solution for further increasing the efficiency of a rotor blade of a wind turbine for high system cost-effectiveness while simultaneously preventing fluttering movements of the rotor blade. In particular, it is an object to reduce the effort and complexity of producing the rotor blade, as well as the production costs.

[0016] According to a first aspect, this object is achieved by a rotor blade for a wind turbine, which extends in the longitudinal direction with a profile profile from a blade connection to a blade tip, wherein the profile profile contains at least one profile, comprising: a suction side and a pressure side, a relative profile thickness of more than 25%, a profile chord which extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the profile and has a length defining the profile depth, a skeleton line which runs at least partially below the profile chord, a convex region extending on the suction side starting from the trailing edge and a convex region extending on the pressure side starting from the trailing edge, wherein the convex region on the pressure side defines a rounded transition region of the pressure side to the trailing edge.

[0017] The invention is based on the finding that undesirable vibrations and in particular flutter of the rotor blade at high wind speeds are particularly attributable to large negative angles of attack at the rotor blade tip, which occur when, at very high wind speeds, in particular at wind speeds above a wind speed at which the rated power is reached, preferably at a wind speed of more than 15 m / s, the power generated in the inner rotor blade region must be reduced or even partially destroyed in the outer region in order to be able to reduce the torque on the generator. The wind power available in a rotor power tube is therefore preferably significantly greater in this operating state than the power that can be dissipated via the generator.The excess power can be reduced or destroyed, particularly by pitching the rotor blades, and at high wind speeds, can lead to flow separation at the blade tip. This flow separation can stimulate unwanted vibrations and, in particular, rotor blade flutter.

[0018] The inventors discovered that flatback profiles with rounded edges at transitions to a flat trailing edge, especially at the pressure-side trailing edge, can lead to significant reductions in lift even with small radii. For example, a radius at the rounded transition area on the pressure side of approximately 5% of the profile chord length on a profile with a relative profile thickness of approximately 45% can lead to a reduction in lift of 30% to 80%.

[0019] In the solution described here, a rotor blade is provided with at least one profile which has a convex region starting from the trailing edge on both the suction side and the pressure side.

[0020] The rounded transition area between the pressure side and the trailing edge allows for locally produced power to be reduced at high wind speeds due to a loss of lift potential. In particular, by reducing the power produced by the blade root, more power can be generated at an outer section at higher angles of attack.

[0021] A further advantage of the present solution is that the defined rounding of the transition area allows lift coefficients to be adjusted as needed. In particular, the geometry of the rotor blade can be designed differently along the length of the rotor blade as needed. A further advantage is that the geometry of individual profiles can be adjusted depending on the average annual wind speed. Another advantage is that the proposed solution can increase the overall efficiency of a wind turbine and, in particular, its annual yield.

[0022] In addition, the production effort for such profiles and / or rotor blades, as well as production costs, can be significantly reduced. In particular, by shifting the shell or mold separation to the suction-side trailing edge, the profile can be demolded much more easily than conventional flatback profiles. Furthermore, material can be saved in the production of such profiles and / or rotor blades, thus reducing material costs. This also allows, in particular, the overall weight of the rotor blade to be reduced.

[0023] The rotor blade extends in particular in the longitudinal direction in the direction of a rotor blade length as well as in the direction of a rotor blade chord and a rotor blade thickness. In the direction of the rotor blade length, the rotor blade extends between the blade connection and the blade tip. The rotor blade chord is in particular aligned substantially orthogonal to the rotor blade length and extends between the leading edge and the trailing edge. During operation, the rotor blade chord is aligned substantially parallel to an inflow direction of the rotor blade. In particular, the rotor blade extends in the direction of the rotor blade thickness substantially orthogonal to the direction of the rotor blade length and the rotor blade chord. The rotor blade chord and the rotor blade thickness define an aerodynamic profile in particular at substantially every position along the rotor blade length.

[0024] The trailing edge can preferably have a suction-side trailing edge, also referred to as the suction-side trailing edge, and a pressure-side trailing edge, also referred to as the pressure-side trailing edge. The suction-side trailing edge and the pressure-side trailing edge can in particular be spaced apart from one another, a so-called flatback profile, i.e. a profile with a flat trailing edge. In this case, the rotor blade in particular can have a specific trailing edge height at its rear end, i.e. at the trailing edge, and thus essentially does not taper. A position, preferably a midpoint, between the suction-side trailing edge and the pressure-side trailing edge can then be used as the trailing edge to determine the profile depth. Alternatively, the profile can preferably have a closed trailing edge.With a closed trailing edge, the profile chord can preferably run from the leading edge to a point where the profile converges, referred to as the trailing edge. The pressure-side, rounded transition area can preferably extend to the suction-side trailing edge and, in particular, can form a convex slant on the pressure side. The leading edge can preferably be a point on the profile nose that is furthest from the trailing edge.

[0025] The suction side of the rotor blade can, in particular, correspond to a surface of the rotor blade that generates lift during operation of the wind turbine and thus, when air flows around it, drives the rotation of a rotor to which the rotor blade is attached. The pressure side can, in particular, be opposite the suction side.

[0026] In particular, the profile of the rotor blade can comprise a number of profiles, also referred to as profile sections, that define the outer contour of the rotor blade. A rotor blade typically comprises a number of different profiles. The profiles are intended to enable a substantially aerodynamically optimal flow pattern at the various radius positions of a rotor blade.

[0027] A skeleton line, also referred to as a profile centerline, camber line, or curvature line, can be understood in particular as a connecting line of the circle centers inscribed in the profile. The skeleton line can preferably be defined as a line comprising the centers between the suction side and the pressure side perpendicular to an X-coordinate of the profile or the profile chord.

[0028] Preferably, a relative profile thickness can be understood as a maximum thickness of the profile perpendicular to the profile chord relative to the profile chord length. A relative profile thickness of at least 45% can preferably be provided.

[0029] Where reference is made here to directional information relative to the profile chord, such as below or above, "below" refers in particular to a position in a region between the profile chord and the pressure side and / or "above" to a position in a region between the profile chord and the suction side.

[0030] The rotor blade, in particular the profile with the rounded transition area of ​​the pressure side to the trailing edge, can be used in particular when profile sections with large relative profile thicknesses, in particular of more than 25%, are used and an adjustment of lift coefficients is necessary or at least desirable.

[0031] The profiles can be used particularly advantageously and economically in a hub section and / or a center section of rotor blades of a wind turbine. However, the use of the profiles is not limited to the hub section and / or the center section of rotor blades of a wind turbine.

[0032] The rotor blade can preferably comprise an inner section adjacent to the blade connection and an outer section adjacent to the blade tip. Particularly preferably, the profile can be provided in the inner section. Preferably, the outer section can extend between 80% and 100% of a relative rotor blade length. Preferably, the inner section can extend between 0% and 80% of a relative rotor blade length. The inner section can preferably comprise the hub section and the middle section, wherein the hub section adjoins the blade connection and the middle section adjoins the hub section and the outer section, which in particular can also be referred to as the tip section, wherein the profile is preferably provided at least partially in the middle section and / or the hub section.Particularly preferably, the hub section may extend between 0% and 30% of the relative rotor blade length and the central section may extend between 30% and 80% of the relative blade length.

[0033] The rounded transition region can preferably have a radius. The radius can preferably have any desired size. In particular, the rounded transition region can have different radii. Particularly preferably, the radius or radii, or at least one of the radii, can be at least 5% of the profile chord length.

[0034] Particularly preferably, the suction-side trailing edge can be designed as a sharp trailing edge with a radius equal to zero or approximately zero.

[0035] Preferably, the convex region on the suction side and / or the convex region on the pressure side can extend from the trailing edge towards the leading edge with an extent of a maximum of 1% of the length of the profile chord, preferably from a maximum of 5% to a maximum of 30% of the length of the profile chord, preferably up to a maximum of 40% of the length.

[0036] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that an arrangement for aerodynamic flow control is arranged on the rounded transition region, wherein the arrangement is preferably designed as a Gurney flap or a spread flap.

[0037] Alternatively, the arrangement can be designed as an air outlet, for example. By air flowing out of the air outlet, an aerodynamic flow control can be achieved.

[0038] The inventors have discovered that the lift loss caused by the rounded transition area can be reduced or completely compensated for by the aerodynamic flow control arrangement at this transition area. Furthermore, the arrangement does not significantly affect drag compared to a conventional flatback profile.

[0039] This preferred embodiment is particularly advantageous in that the profile varies with regard to the lift performance and the rotor blade can be designed as required, in particular as a function of the average annual wind speed.

[0040] A further advantage of this design is that the production effort for a rotor blade with high lift potential can be reduced. Furthermore, the need for complex production techniques, such as the use of foam inserts or separately manufactured molded elements, can be eliminated.

[0041] A preferred development of the rotor blade is characterized in that the arrangement is arranged at an angle greater than 90° to a local desired flow direction, in particular greater than 100° to a local desired flow direction, at the rounded transition region.

[0042] According to this preferred development, in particular the arrangement, preferably the Gurney flap or the spreading flap, can extend from a surface of the pressure side at an angle greater than 90° to the local desired flow direction, in particular greater than 100° to the local desired flow direction.

[0043] Alternatively, for example, the air outlet can be arranged on the surface of the pressure side in such a way that there is an angle greater than 90°, in particular greater than 100°, between the local desired flow direction and the direction of the escaping air.

[0044] This design ensures cost-optimized rotor blade production. Another advantage is that the arrangement allows for adjustment of the height profile to achieve a site-specific lift distribution on the rotor blade. These site-specific rotor blade adjustments make it possible, for example, to increase the annual energy yield or mitigate certain site-specific load cases, thus enabling the operation of certain wind turbines at locations that would otherwise be impossible due to excessive loads.

[0045] A local flow direction can be characterized in particular by a sum vector of the wind speed and the speed of the rotor blade tip.

[0046] Therefore, a change in wind speed at a constant rotor speed and constant rotor blade angle of attack leads to a change in the local flow direction and thus also in the angle of attack between the flow direction and the profile chord. This can, in particular, cause a change in the lift force acting on the rotor blade and thus ultimately a change in the rotor's efficiency. Especially in pitch-controlled wind turbines, a local target flow direction can be set and / or kept approximately constant by rotating the rotor blades and the resulting change in the angle of attack.

[0047] In particular, it is preferred if the arrangement has a length between 0.1% and 40% of the profile depth, wherein preferably the relative profile thickness of the profile is a maximum of 30% and the length of the arrangement is a maximum of 10% of the profile depth or greater than 30% and the length of the arrangement is a maximum of 40% of the profile depth.

[0048] In particular, the length can extend from the surface of the pressure side to an outer contour edge of the arrangement. The length, and in particular the outer contour edge, can also be defined by the escaping air, for example, in the case of an air outlet.

[0049] Preferably, a distance between the outer contour edge of the arrangement and the suction-side trailing edge can be at least 0.1% to 40% of a maximum profile thickness established between the suction side and the pressure side.

[0050] Particularly preferably, a length of the arrangement of a first profile having a first distance from the blade root may be greater than a length of the arrangement of a second profile having a second distance from the blade root, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

[0051] Particularly preferably, the length of the profile arrangement in the inner section, in particular the hub section, can be between 10% and 40% of the maximum profile thickness established between the suction side and the pressure side. Preferably, the length of the profile arrangement in the central section and / or the outer section can be between 0.1 and 5%.

[0052] Preferably, the radius or radii of the rounded transition region can be between 0% and 100% of the distance between the outer contour edge of the arrangement and the suction-side trailing edge.

[0053] Particularly preferably, an imaginary connecting line between the outer contour edge of the arrangement and the suction-side trailing edge can preferably be aligned substantially orthogonally to the desired flow direction. The inventors have recognized that this imaginary connecting line can, in particular, correspond to a blunt trailing edge of a known flatback profile.

[0054] Preferably, the imaginary connecting line between the outer contour edge of the arrangement and the suction-side trailing edge can be aligned at an angle of substantially more than 90°, in particular between 90° and 120°, to the desired inflow direction. In this case, the arrangement can, in particular, extend beyond the contour of a known flatback profile. This can result in, in particular, higher drag and higher moment coefficients, as well as an increase in lift and an increase in the effective area on the pressure side. Overall, this can, in particular, achieve a reduction in the total drag and / or an optimization of the lift.

[0055] Such profiles can be designed, in particular, at the transition to a circular cylinder at the rotor blade root, as the highest possible lift coefficients are sought here. This additional lift can be used to further stabilize the rotor blade, particularly in operating conditions with large angles of attack, to prevent flow separation. Such large angles of attack can occur particularly in the upper part-load range when the rated power has not yet been reached, but the optimal tip speed ratio has already been exceeded due to limitations in the blade tip speed.

[0056] A further preferred development of the rotor blade is characterized in that the arrangement can be moved from a first position, in which the distance between the outer contour edge of the arrangement and the suction-side trailing edge is at least 10% of the maximum profile thickness established between the suction side and the pressure side, towards a second position which describes a lift-reduced configuration in which the distance between the outer contour edge of the arrangement and the suction-side trailing edge is reduced.

[0057] This allows for significant, and particularly demand-dependent, variation in lift power. The ability to precisely adjust the configuration can, in particular, increase yield. Furthermore, critical operating conditions and load minimization, for example, can be avoided.

[0058] The arrangement can preferably be pivotable about an inner contour edge arranged on the pressure side.

[0059] Particularly preferably, the assembly can be retractable and extendable, with the retracted position preferably describing the second position, with the assembly preferably being recessed inwardly in the second position relative to a plane that is congruent with a pressure-side surface. In particular, the assembly can protrude outwardly relative to this plane in the first position.

[0060] It is particularly preferred if the buoyancy control arrangement is designed to be actively controllable. In particular, the arrangement can comprise an actuator that can be controlled by a control unit to move the arrangement from the first position to the second position, as well as from the second position to the first position, and / or to any other position between the first position and the second position.

[0061] This allows the arrangement to be adjusted specifically and precisely according to demand in order to achieve an increase in yield and to avoid critical operating conditions and load minimization in the event of a storm.

[0062] This preferred embodiment is particularly advantageous in that the profile's lift power can be significantly varied depending on demand. This design allows the power generated locally, particularly by the rotor blade root and the blade center region, to be specifically reduced, preferably at high wind speeds, in order to avoid large negative angles of attack locally, especially at the rotor blade tip. This allows a storm shutdown of the wind turbine to be postponed to higher wind speeds, thus achieving an increase in yield, especially in windy locations.

[0063] Thanks to the actively controllable arrangement, the local lift coefficient on the profiles can be adjusted over a wide range to suit the respective operating condition of the wind turbine. This allows for an optimized induction factor distribution for each operating condition, which significantly increases performance.

[0064] For example, the arrangement can be designed as a Gurney flap, in particular as a hinge, elastic flap or linear element with actuator or as an inflatable contour, and can be actively controlled.

[0065] In a further preferred embodiment of the rotor blade, it is provided that the skeleton line runs under the profile chord and / or has a mathematically positive curvature in a region in which the skeleton line is defined by the convex region extending from the trailing edge on the pressure side and the convex region extending from the trailing edge on the suction side.

[0066] In particular, the convex area on the pressure side may have a stronger convexity than the convex area on the suction side.

[0067] Preferably, the skeleton line can run steeply toward the suction side in an end region. In particular, gradients of tangents in the end region can be steeper than gradients of tangents in front of the end region. Preferably, the end region can extend from the trailing edge toward the leading edge with an extent of less than 50% of the trailing edge region, in particular less than 30% of the trailing edge region, in particular less than 10% of the trailing edge region.

[0068] Particularly preferably, the skeleton line can have an S-shape in the region of the trailing edge.

[0069] The skeleton line can preferably have the mathematically positive curvature, in particular in a region starting from the trailing edge in the direction of the leading edge with an extension between 20% and 0% of the length of the profile chord, in particular between 10% and 0% of the length of the profile chord.

[0070] It is particularly preferred if the skeleton line has a rear local minimum lying below the profile chord in the region in which the skeleton line is defined by the convex region extending on the pressure side from the trailing edge and the convex region extending on the suction side from the trailing edge, and / or if the skeleton line has a front local minimum lying below the profile chord in a region in which the skeleton line is defined by a convex region extending on the pressure side from the leading edge and the convex region extending on the suction side from the leading edge.

[0071] If reference is made here to directional information regarding the minimum or minima, such as the rear local minimum and / or the front local minimum, these refer in particular to a position relative to the profile, with the leading edge being understood as the front end and the trailing edge as the rear end of the profile. Thus, in particular, the front local minimum can be located further toward the leading edge than the rear local minimum.

[0072] Preferably, the convex region on the suction side and / or the convex region on the pressure side can extend from the leading edge towards the trailing edge with an extent between 0% and 60% of the length of the profile chord.

[0073] It is particularly preferred that the skeleton line has the front local minimum and the rear local minimum, wherein the pressure side has a concave region in a region extending between the convex region extending from the front edge and the convex region extending from the rear edge, wherein preferably the rear local minimum or the front local minimum is an absolute minimum.

[0074] According to a particularly preferred development, the entire skeleton line runs beneath the profile chord. Accordingly, the skeleton line can preferably run in a region between the profile chord and the pressure side.

[0075] It is further preferred if the trailing edge is a closed trailing edge or a flat trailing edge, wherein a height of the flat trailing edge is less than 40%, preferably less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, of the maximum profile thickness established between the suction side and the pressure side, and / or optionally approximately 50% of the distance between the outer contour edge of the arrangement and the suction-side trailing edge.

[0076] In a further preferred development of the rotor blade, it is provided that the profile has a thickness offset which defines a ratio of a distance of a maximum profile thickness from the leading edge in the direction of the profile chord and the length of the profile chord, wherein the ratio is preferably less than 40%.

[0077] According to a further aspect, the object mentioned at the outset is achieved by a wind turbine having at least one rotor blade, as described above.

[0078] According to a further aspect, the object mentioned above is achieved by a method for designing a rotor blade which extends in the longitudinal direction with a profile profile from a blade connection to a blade tip, comprising the steps of: selecting at least one profile for the profile profile, comprising a suction side and a pressure side, a relative profile thickness of more than 25%, a profile chord which extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the profile and has a length defining a profile depth, a skeleton line which runs at least partially under the profile chord, a convex region extending on the suction side from the trailing edge and a convex region extending on the pressure side from the trailing edge, wherein the convex region on the pressure side defines a rounded transition region from the pressure side to the trailing edge,preferably adjusting a height profile of a profile by arranging an arrangement for aerodynamic flow control at the rounded transition area, wherein the selection of the at least one profile and / or the adjustment of the height profile is based at least partially on a calculation of an annual energy yield to be achieved and / or a determination of expected site-specific load cases.

[0079] A particularly preferred embodiment provides that the height profile of the profile is adapted such that a distance between an outer contour edge of the arrangement and a suction-side trailing edge is at least 10% of a maximum profile thickness established between the suction side and the pressure side, preferably further comprising the step: adapting a local lift coefficient, in particular to an operating state of a wind turbine, by aligning the arrangement by moving the arrangement from a first position in which the distance between an outer contour edge of the arrangement and a suction-side trailing edge is at least 10% of the maximum profile thickness established between the suction side and the pressure side, towards a second position which describes a lift-reduced configuration,in which the distance between the outer contour edge of the arrangement and the suction-side trailing edge is reduced and / or moving the arrangement from a second position, which describes a lift-reduced configuration, in which the distance between the outer contour edge of the arrangement and the suction-side trailing edge is less than 10% of the maximum profile thickness established between the suction side and the pressure side, towards a first position in which the distance between an outer contour edge of the arrangement and a suction-side trailing edge is at least 10% of the maximum profile thickness established between the suction side and the pressure side.

[0080] For further advantages, design variants and details of the other aspects and their possible further training, please refer to the previous description of the corresponding features and training.

[0081] Preferred embodiments are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Figure 1: a schematic, three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine; Figure 2A: a view of a profile with a rounded transition region from the pressure side to the trailing edge; Figure 2B: a view of a profile with a rounded transition region from the pressure side to the trailing edge; Figure 3A: a view of a profile with a rounded transition region from the pressure side to the trailing edge; Figure 3B: a view of a profile with a rounded transition region from the pressure side to the trailing edge; Figure 4A: a view of a profile with a rounded transition region from the pressure side to the trailing edge; Figure 4B: a view of a profile with a rounded transition region from the pressure side to the trailing edge; Figure 5: a view of a profile with a rounded transition region from the pressure side to the trailing edge and an arrangement for aerodynamic flow control;Figure 6: a view of a profile with a rounded transition area from the pressure side to the trailing edge and an arrangement for aerodynamic flow control; Figure 7: a view of a profile with a rounded transition area from the pressure side to the trailing edge and an arrangement for aerodynamic flow control; and Figure 8: a diagram showing the lift coefficients of different profiles.

[0082] In the figures, identical or essentially functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals. General descriptions generally refer to all embodiments unless differences are explicitly stated.

[0083] The explanation of the invention by way of examples with reference to the figures is essentially schematic, and the elements explained in the respective figure may be exaggerated and other elements simplified for better illustration. For example, Figure 1 a wind turbine as such is schematic, so that the design of the individual profiles of the profile progression is not recognizable.

[0084] Figure 1shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of a wind turbine 100. The wind turbine 100 has a tower 102 and a nacelle 104 on the tower 102. An aerodynamic rotor 106 with three rotor blades 108 and a spinner 110 is provided on the nacelle 104. At least one of the rotor blades has a profile with at least one profile, each of which has a convex region on the suction side and one on the pressure side extending from the trailing edge (in Figure 1 not recognizable), such as in Figures 2 to 7 is shown. During operation of the wind turbine 100, the aerodynamic rotor 106 is set into rotation by the wind and thus also rotates an electrodynamic rotor or rotor of a generator, which is directly or indirectly coupled to the aerodynamic rotor 106. The electric generator is arranged in the nacelle 104 and generates electrical energy.

[0085] At least one of the Figure 1 shown rotor blades 108 extends in particular in the longitudinal direction 112 with a profile progression from a blade connection 114 to a blade tip 116. The profile progression comprises in particular at least one profile (in Figure 1 not shown), as described below.

[0086] The Figures 2A to 4BEach shows a profile 200 with a suction side 201 and a pressure side 202 opposite the suction side 201 in different design variants. The profile 200 preferably has a relative profile thickness, i.e., in particular, a maximum thickness of the profile perpendicular to the profile chord 203 relative to the profile chord length, of more than 25%. The profile chord length is defined as the length of the profile chord 203, which extends from the leading edge 204 to the trailing edge 205. Starting from the trailing edge 205, a convex region 206 extends on the suction side 201 and a convex region 207 extends on the pressure side.

[0087] As the Figures 2A to 4Bshow, the pressure side 202 and / or the suction side 201 can in particular have further convex regions and / or concave regions. For example, the pressure side 202 can have, starting from the front edge 204, a first convex region 217, a concave region 227 adjacent to the first convex region 204, and a second convex region 207 adjacent to the concave region 227. Such a course of the pressure side 202 is shown, for example, in the Figures 2A to 3B shown. In particular, the pressure side 202 and / or the suction side 201 can be convex overall.

[0088] In Figure 2A a profile 200 is shown with a closed trailing edge 205, in which the profile chord 203 preferably runs from the leading edge 204 to a point at which the profile converges, which is referred to as the trailing edge 205. Figure 2Bshows a trailing edge with a pressure-side trailing edge 225 and a suction-side trailing edge 215 spaced therefrom. The trailing edge 205 for determining the profile depth is a midpoint between the suction-side trailing edge 215 and the pressure-side trailing edge 225. The Figures 2A and 2B The profiles 200 shown each have a skeleton line 230 which runs under the profile chord 203.

[0089] The skeleton line 230 has a rear local minimum 231 in the region in which it is defined by the convex region 207 extending on the pressure side 202 from the trailing edge 205 and the convex region 206 extending on the suction side 201 from the trailing edge 205. The rear local minimum 231 lies below the profile chord 203. Furthermore, the skeleton line 230 has a front local minimum 232 in a region in which the skeleton line 230 is defined by a convex region 217 extending on the pressure side 202 from the leading edge 204 and the convex region 216 extending on the suction side 201 from the leading edge 204. In the Figures 2A and 2B In the embodiments shown, the front local minimum 232 is also below the profile chord 203. The front local minimum 232 is the absolute minimum in the examples shown here.

[0090] The pressure side 202 has a concave region 227 in a region between the convex region 207 and the convex region 217.

[0091] In Figure 3A a profile 200 is shown with a closed trailing edge 205, in which the profile chord 203 preferably runs from the leading edge 204 to a point at which the profile converges, which is referred to as the trailing edge 205. Figure 3B shows a trailing edge with a pressure-side trailing edge 225 and a suction-side trailing edge 215 spaced therefrom. The trailing edge 205 for determining the profile depth is a midpoint between the suction-side trailing edge 215 and the pressure-side trailing edge 225. The Figures 3A and 3B The profiles 200 shown each have a skeleton line 240 which runs under the profile chord 203.

[0092] The skeleton line 240 has a rear local minimum 241 in the region in which it is defined by the convex region 207 extending on the pressure side 202 from the trailing edge 205 and the convex region 206 extending on the suction side 201 from the trailing edge 205. The rear local minimum 241 lies below the profile chord 203. Furthermore, the skeleton line 240 has a front local minimum 242 in a region in which the skeleton line 240 is defined by a convex region 217 extending on the pressure side 202 from the leading edge 204 and the convex region 216 extending on the suction side 201 from the leading edge 204. In the Figures 3A and 3B In the variants shown, the front local minimum 242 is also below the profile chord 203.

[0093] The pressure side 202 has a concave region 227 in a region between the convex region 216 and the convex region 217. The front local minimum 242 is the absolute minimum in the examples shown here. In the examples shown here, the skeleton line 240 runs at least partially above the profile chord 203. The skeleton line 240 intersects the profile chord 203 between the rear local minimum 241 and the front local minimum 242 at a first intersection point 243 and a second intersection point 244. The skeleton line 240 runs above the profile chord 203 between the first intersection point 243 and the second intersection point 244.

[0094] In Figure 4A a profile 200 is shown with a closed trailing edge 205, in which the profile chord 203 preferably runs from the leading edge 204 to a point at which the profile converges, which is referred to as the trailing edge 205. Figure 4Bshows a trailing edge with a pressure-side trailing edge 225 and a suction-side trailing edge 215 spaced therefrom. A center point between the suction-side trailing edge 215 and the pressure-side trailing edge 225 is used as the trailing edge 205 for determining the profile depth.

[0095] The Figures 4A and 4B The profiles shown each have a skeleton line 250 that runs below the profile chord 203 and has a mathematically positive curvature. The positive curvature is defined by the substantially convex pressure side 202 and the substantially convex suction side 201. The skeleton line 250 has a single minimum 251 that lies below the profile chord 203.

[0096] In the Figures 5 and 6A profile 300 is shown with a suction side 301 and a pressure side 302 opposite the suction side 301. The profile 300 preferably has a relative profile thickness of more than 25%. The profile chord 303 extends from the leading edge 304 to the trailing edge 305. Starting from the trailing edge 305, a convex region 306 extends on the suction side 301 and a convex region 307 extends on the pressure side. The convex region 307 defines a rounded transition region at which an arrangement 360 for aerodynamic flow control is arranged. In the embodiment shown here, a Gurney flap is schematically illustrated as an example of the arrangement 360.

[0097] The profile 300 has a trailing edge with a pressure-side trailing edge 325 and a suction-side trailing edge 315 spaced therefrom. A midpoint between the suction-side trailing edge 315 and the pressure-side trailing edge 325 is used as the trailing edge 305 for determining the profile depth. Figures 5 and 6The profiles 300 shown each have a skeleton line 330 that runs partially under the profile chord 303. The skeleton line 330 has a minimum 331 in the area in which it is defined by the convex region 307 extending from the trailing edge 305 on the pressure side 302 and the convex region 306 extending from the trailing edge 305 on the suction side 301. The minimum 331 lies below the profile chord 303. Furthermore, the skeleton line 330 has a maximum 308 which lies above the profile chord 303 in a region in which the skeleton line 330 is defined by a convex region 317 extending from the leading edge 304 on the pressure side 302 and the convex region 316 extending from the leading edge 304 on the suction side 301.

[0098] In Figure 5the arrangement 360 is in a first position in which the outer contour edge 361 of the arrangement 360 is spaced from the pressure-side trailing edge 325 and thus also from the suction-side trailing edge 315. This distance can in particular be at least 10% of the maximum profile thickness established between the suction side 301 and the pressure side 302. In Figure 6 the arrangement 360 is in a second position which describes a lift-reduced configuration in which the distance between the outer contour edge 361 of the arrangement 360 and the pressure-side trailing edge 325 and thus also the suction-side trailing edge 315 is reduced.

[0099] Particularly preferably, the assembly 360 can be moved from the first position to the second position. Preferably, the assembly 360 can be configured to be actively controllable for buoyancy control.

[0100] The Figures 5 and 6show that the arrangement 360 is designed to adjust a height profile of the profile 300. By the arrangement 360 in the in Figure 5 In the first position shown, the outer contour edge 361 can function as a pressure-side trailing edge. As a result, the profile's height profile can approximately correspond to the height profile of a flatback profile 370 with a corresponding profile chord 371. A trailing edge defining this profile chord 371 coincides with the pressure-side trailing edge 325. This trailing edge is a midpoint between the outer contour edge 361 of the arrangement 360 and the suction-side trailing edge 315.

[0101] Also in Figure 7A profile 300 is shown with a suction side 301 and a pressure side 302 opposite the suction side 301. The profile 300 preferably has a relative profile thickness of more than 25%. The profile chord 303 extends from the leading edge 304 to the closed trailing edge 305. Starting from the trailing edge 305, a convex region 306 extends on the suction side 301 and a convex region 307 extends on the pressure side.

[0102] The profile has a skeleton line 330 that runs partially below the profile chord 303. The skeleton line 330 has a minimum 331 in the area where it is defined by the convex region 307 extending from the trailing edge 305 on the pressure side 302 and the convex region 306 extending from the trailing edge 305 on the suction side 301. The minimum 331 lies below the profile chord 303. Furthermore, the skeleton line 330 has a maximum 308 which lies above the profile chord 303 in a region in which the skeleton line 330 is defined by a convex region 317 extending from the leading edge 304 on the pressure side 302 and the convex region 316 extending from the leading edge 304 on the suction side 301.

[0103] The convex region 307 defines a rounded transition area where an arrangement 380 for aerodynamic flow control is arranged. In the embodiment shown here, a Gurney flap is schematically illustrated as an example of the arrangement 380. The arrangement 380 can, in particular, be permanently installed or actively controllable in order to adjust the height profile of the profile 300 and to function as a pressure-side trailing edge.

[0104] Compared to the Figure 5 In contrast to the arrangement 360 shown, the arrangement 380 has a greater length. In particular, the length of an arrangement 360 can be greater the larger the radius of the rounding of the transition region. This allows the height profile of the profile 300 to be optimally adjusted to approximately correspond to the height profile of a flatback profile 390 with a corresponding profile chord 391.

[0105] In Figure 8A diagram is shown which shows the lift coefficients CL of different profiles as a function of the angle of attack α. In Figure 8 Three graphs 401, 402, 403 can be seen, with graph 401 showing the lift coefficients of a profile with a rounded transition area on the pressure side to the trailing edge with an arrangement for aerodynamic flow control, graph 402 showing the lift coefficients of a flatback profile and graph 403 showing the lift coefficients of a profile with a rounded transition area on the pressure side to the trailing edge without an arrangement for aerodynamic flow control.

[0106] Comparing graphs 402 and 403, it can be seen that the rounded transition area on the pressure side to the trailing edge causes a significant loss of lift potential at the same angle of attack. Attaching the aerodynamic flow control arrangement to the rounded transition area, as described above, results in optimized lift coefficients comparable to the lift coefficients of the flatback profile. This comparison is shown in graphs 401 and 402.

[0107] Rotor blades with such profiles and wind turbines with these rotor blades offer various advantages. In particular, the exemplary embodiments described above allow lift coefficients to be adjusted as needed. Another advantage is that the proposed solution can increase the overall efficiency of a wind turbine and, in particular, its annual yield. Furthermore, both the complexity and costs of production can be reduced, while simultaneously saving weight. List of reference symbols

[0108] 100 Wind turbine 102 Tower 104 Nacelle 106 Rotor 108 Rotor blade 110 Spinner 112 Longitudinal direction 114 Blade connection 116 Blade tip 200 Profile 201 Suction side 202 Pressure side 203 Profile chord 204 Leading edge 205 Trailing edge 206 Convex region 207 Convex region 215 Suction-side trailing edge 216 Convex region 217 Convex region 225 Pressure-side trailing edge 227 Concave region 230 Skeleton line 231 Local minimum 232 Local minimum 240 Skeleton line 241 Local minimum 242 Local minimum 243 First intersection point 244 Second intersection point 250 Skeleton line 251 Minimum 300 Profile 301Suction side 302Pressure side 303Chord 304Leading edge 305Trailing edge 306Convex region 307Convex region 315Suction-side trailing edge 325Pressure-side trailing edge 330Skeleton line 331Minimum 308Maximum 360Arrangement 361Outer contour edge 370Elevation profile of a flatback profile 371Chord 380Arrangement 390Elevation profile of a flatback profile 391Chord 401Graph 402Graph 403Graph

Claims

1. A rotor blade (108) for a wind power installation (100), which extends in a longitudinal direction (112) with a profile course from a blade connector (114) to a blade tip (116), wherein the profile course contains at least one profile (200, 300), comprising: - a suction side (201, 301) and a pressure side (202, 302), - a relative profile thickness of greater than 25%, - a profile chord (203, 303), which extends between a leading edge (204, 304) and a trailing edge (205, 305) of the profile (200, 300) and has a length which defines the profile depth, - a mean line (230, 240, 250, 330) which extends at least partially below the profile chord (203, 303), thus in a position in a region between the profile chord (203, 303) and the pressure side (202, 302), - a convex region (206, 306) which extends on the suction side (201, 301) from the trailing edge (205, 305), and - a convex region (207, 307) which extends on the pressure side (202, 302) from the trailing edge (205, 305), wherein the convex region (207, 307) on the pressure side (202, 302) defines a rounded transition region of the pressure side (202, 302) to the trailing edge (205, 305), characterized in that the mean line (230, 240, 250, 330) has, in the region in which the mean line (230, 240, 250, 330) is defined by the convex region (207, 307) extending on the pressure side (202, 302) from the trailing edge (205, 305) and the convex region (206, 306) extending on the suction side (201, 301) from the trailing edge (205, 305), a rear local minimum (231, 241), which is situated below the profile chord (203, 303), thus in a position in a region between the profile chord (203, 303) and the pressure side (202, 302), and in that the mean line (230, 240, 250) has, in a region in which the mean line (230, 240, 250) is defined by a convex region (207) extending on the pressure side (202) from the leading edge (204) and the convex region (206) extending on the suction side (201, 301) from the leading edge (204, 304), a front local minimum (232, 242, 251), which is situated below the profile chord (203, 303), thus in a position in a region between the profile chord (203, 303) and the pressure side (202, 302), and / or in that the entire mean line (230, 240, 250, 330) extends below the profile chord (203, 303), thus in a position in a region between the profile chord (203, 303) and the pressure side (202, 302).

2. The rotor blade (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an arrangement (360, 380) for aerodynamic flow manipulation is arranged on the rounded transition region, wherein preferably the arrangement (360, 380) is in the form of a Gurney flap or a split flap.

3. The rotor blade (108) as claimed in the preceding claim 2, wherein the arrangement (360, 380) is arranged on the rounded transition region at an angle of greater than 90° to a local target flow-on direction, in particular of greater than 100° to a local target flow-on direction.

4. The rotor blade (108) as claimed in at least either of the preceding claims 2 and 3, wherein the arrangement (360, 380) has a length of between 0.1% and 40% of the profile depth, wherein preferably the relative profile thickness of the profile (200, 300) - is at most 30% and the length of the arrangement (360, 380) is at most 10% of the profile depth, or - is greater than 30% and the length of the arrangement (360, 380) is at most 40% of the profile depth.

5. The rotor blade (108) as claimed in the preceding claim 4, wherein the arrangement (360, 380) can be moved from a first position, in which the distance between the outer contour edge (361) of the arrangement (360, 380) and the suction-side flow-off edge is at least 10% of the maximum profile thickness which is established between the suction side (201, 301) and the pressure side (202, 302), in the direction of a second position, which describes a lift-reduced configuration in which the distance between the outer contour edge (361) of the arrangement (360, 380) and the suction-side flow-off edge (315) is reduced.

6. The rotor blade (108) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, wherein the arrangement (360, 380) is configured to be actively controllable for lift control.

7. The rotor blade (108) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the mean line (230, 240, 250, 330) extends below the profile chord (203, 303), and / or has a mathematically positive curvature, in a region in which the mean line (230, 240, 250, 330) is defined by the convex region (207, 307) extending on the pressure side (202, 302) from the trailing edge (205, 305) and the convex region (206, 306) extending on the suction side (201, 301) from the trailing edge (205, 305).

8. The rotor blade (108) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, comprising the front local minimum (232, 242) and the rear local minimum (231, 241), wherein the pressure side (202, 302) has a concave region (227) in a region which is situated between the convex region (217) extending from the leading edge (204, 304) and the convex region (207) extending from the trailing edge (205, 305), wherein preferably the rear local minimum (231, 241) or the front local minimum (232, 242) is an absolute minimum.

9. The rotor blade (108) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the trailing edge (205, 305) - is a closed trailing edge (205, 305) or - a flat trailing edge (205, 305), wherein a height of the flat trailing edge (205, 305) ∘ is less than 40%, preferably less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, of the maximum profile thickness which is established between the suction side (201, 301) and the pressure side (202, 302), and / or ∘ is possibly approximately 50% of the distance between the outer contour edge of the arrangement (360, 380) and the suction-side flow-off edge.

10. The rotor blade (108) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile (200, 300) has a thickness setback, which defines a ratio of a distance of a maximum profile thickness from the leading edge (204, 304) in the direction of the profile chord (203, 303) and the length of the profile chord (203, 303), wherein the ratio is preferably less than 40%.

11. A wind power installation (100) having at least one rotor blade (108) as claimed in at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for designing a rotor blade (108) which extends in a longitudinal direction (112) with a profile course from a blade connector (114) to a blade tip (116), comprising the steps of: - selecting at least one profile (200, 300) for the profile course, comprising ∘ a suction side (201, 301) and a pressure side (202, 302), ∘ a relative profile thickness of greater than 25%, ∘ a profile chord (203, 303), which extends between a leading edge (204, 304) and a trailing edge (205, 305) of the profile (200, 300) and has a length which defines a profile depth, ∘ a mean line (230, 240, 250, 330) which extends at least partially below the profile chord (203, 303), thus in a position in a region between the profile chord (203, 303) and the pressure side (202, 302), ∘ a convex region which extends on the suction side (201, 301) from the trailing edge (205, 305), and ∘ a convex region which extends on the pressure side (202, 302) from the trailing edge (205, 305), wherein the convex region on the pressure side (202, 302) defines a rounded transition region of the pressure side (202, 302) to the trailing edge (205, 305), - preferably adapting a height course of a profile (200, 300) by arranging on the rounded transition region an arrangement (360, 380) for aerodynamic flow manipulation, wherein selecting the at least one profile (200, 300) and / or adapting the height course are / is based at least partially on a calculation of an annual energy yield to be achieved and / or a determination of location-specific load situations to be expected, characterized in that the mean line (230, 240, 250, 330) has, in the region in which the mean line (230, 240, 250, 330) is defined by the convex region (207, 307) extending on the pressure side (202, 302) from the trailing edge (205, 305) and the convex region (206, 306) extending on the suction side (201, 301) from the trailing edge (205, 305), a rear local minimum (231, 241), which is situated below the profile chord (203, 303), thus in a position in a region between the profile chord (203, 303) and the pressure side (202, 302), and in that the mean line (230, 240, 250) has, in a region in which the mean line (230, 240, 250) is defined by a convex region (207) extending on the pressure side (202) from the leading edge (204) and the convex region (206) extending on the suction side (201, 301) from the leading edge (204, 304), a front local minimum (232, 242, 251), which is situated below the profile chord (203, 303), thus in a position in a region between the profile chord (203, 303) and the pressure side (202, 302), and / or in that the entire mean line (230, 240, 250, 330) extends below the profile chord (203, 303), thus in a position in a region between the profile chord (203, 303) and the pressure side (202, 302).

13. The method as claimed in the preceding claim 12, wherein the height course of the profile (200, 300) is adapted in such a way that a distance between an outer contour edge of the arrangement (360, 380) and a suction-side flow-off edge is at least 10% of a maximum profile thickness which is established between the suction side (201, 301) and the pressure side (202, 302), preferably further comprising the step of: - adapting a local lift coefficient, in particular to an operating state of a wind power installation (100), through orientation of the arrangement (360, 380) by ∘ moving the arrangement (360, 380) from a first position, in which the distance between an outer contour edge of the arrangement (360, 380) and a suction-side flow-off edge is at least 10% of the maximum profile thickness which is established between the suction side (201, 301) and the pressure side (202, 302), in the direction of a second position, which describes a lift-reduced configuration in which the distance between the outer contour edge of the arrangement (360, 380) and the suction-side flow-off edge is reduced, and / or ∘ moving the arrangement (360, 380) from a second position, which describes a lift-reduced configuration in which the distance between the outer contour edge of the arrangement (360, 380) and the suction-side flow-off edge is less than 10% of the maximum profile thickness which is established between the suction side (201, 301) and the pressure side (202, 302), in the direction of a first position, in which the distance between an outer contour edge of the arrangement (360, 380) and a suction-side flow-off edge is at least 10% of the maximum profile thickness which is established between the suction side (201, 301) and the pressure side (202, 302).