Wind Turbine Blade De-icing Rotational Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing de-icing systems for wind turbine blades in cold weather climates are inefficient in preventing ice formation and may pose hazards due to ice breakage, and they do not provide effective heat transfer, especially at the leading edge where ice formation is most prevalent.
Innovation Solution
A de-icing system for wind turbine blades that includes a first channel and a heating channel along the leading edge, with a circulation apparatus providing a rotational flow of heated fluid through the channels for enhanced heat transfer, utilizing apertures and guide structures to direct the fluid flow and increase turbulence and velocity near the blade surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heated air is supplied to the interior of the blade to raise surface temperature, then de-icing function is provided, but heat transfer effectiveness is insufficient especially at the leading edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static linear flow of heated air into a dynamic rotational flow pattern. The circulation apparatus creates swirling motion that dynamically engages with the blade interior surfaces, particularly enhancing heat transfer at the leading edge through centrifugal forces and extended fluid residence time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow parameters of the heated air by introducing rotational motion. This transforms the flow regime from simple linear convection to rotational convection, increasing the heat transfer coefficient and improving thermal energy distribution throughout the blade structure.
2Loss of energy
If conventional linear flow channels are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but heat transfer to the shell is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation apparatus introduces rotational dynamics into the heating system. The channels are configured to guide heated air in circular paths along the blade interior, creating a vortex flow pattern that enhances convective heat transfer coefficients and improves thermal contact with the blade shell surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is divided into multiple channel segments that work together to create the rotational flow. The channels are arranged in a specific configuration with multiple entry and exit points, allowing the heated air to circulate through different paths and maximize heat distribution across the blade interior.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves more effective heat transfer and de-icing by creating a rotational flow of heated fluid, reducing ice formation and associated hazards, while also reducing structural stresses and weight requirements for the blade.
Implementation Method 1
affecting the flow of heated fluid through the heating channel resulting in a rotational flow of the heated fluid about the main flow direction
Implementation Method 2
Providing a rotational flow of the heated fluid through the heating channel may result in increased turbulence and increased velocity of the fluid near the internal part of the shell, thereby providing for a more effective heat transfer
Implementation Method 3
supplying heated air to the interior of a wind turbine blade, to raise the surface temperature of the blade to above freezing
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a wind turbine blade having a blade de-icing system. The blade de-icing system comprises: a first channel longitudinally extending from a first position to a second position, wherein the second position is between the tip end and the first position; and a heating channel longitudinally extending from the second position to the first position along the leading edge of the wind turbine blade, the heating channel and the first channel being in fluid connection. The blade de-icing system is arranged to provide a flow of heated fluid through the first channel and the heating channel, the flow of heated fluid through the heating channel having a main flow direction along a longitudinal direction of the wind turbine blade, and wherein the blade de-icing system is configured to affect the flow of heated fluid through the heating channel resulting in a rotational flow of the heated fluid about the main flow direction. The rotational flow is rotating from the suction side to the pressure side at the leading edge.