Wind Turbine Blade Trailing Edge Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines generate significant noise, particularly due to aerodynamic processes, which can lead to restrictions on installation and reduced energy production, as existing methods struggle to effectively reduce aerodynamic noise, especially trailing edge noise caused by turbulence in the boundary layer interaction with the blade.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the measurement and regulation of the trailing edge surface temperature of wind turbine blades using heating elements and temperature sensors to maintain a predetermined temperature differential between the ambient air and the trailing edge surface, thereby reducing skin friction and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbines operate at full power to maximize energy production, then annual energy production increases, but aerodynamic noise increases causing installation restrictions and reduced operational freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by heating the boundary layer at the trailing edge of the blade, changing the temperature parameter to modify flow characteristics. This thermal parameter change delays transition and reduces turbulence, thereby reducing noise while allowing full-power operation
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are applied locally at the trailing edge portion of the blade rather than throughout the entire blade. This local application of thermal energy targets the specific region where transition and turbulence generation occur, reducing noise without requiring system-wide modifications
2Object-generated harmful factors
If heating elements are applied to the trailing edge to reduce noise, then trailing edge noise decreases, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The heating elements are applied locally at the trailing edge portion of the blade rather than throughout the entire blade. This local application of thermal energy targets the specific region where transition and turbulence generation occur, reducing noise without requiring system-wide modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature sensors and control logic that monitor boundary layer temperature and adjust heating element power accordingly. This feedback mechanism maintains optimal heating levels to sustain laminar flow and reduce noise while preventing excessive energy consumption
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
This approach decreases trailing edge noise and reduces the need for noise-reduced operating modes, resulting in increased annual energy production by minimizing turbulence and skin friction at the blade's trailing edge.
Implementation Method 1
regulating a trailing edge surface temperature of a trailing edge portion of the rotor blade
Implementation Method 2
measuring a reference temperature of the wind turbine... measuring the trailing edge surface temperature... regulating the trailing edge surface temperature to maintain a predetermined temperature differential
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing noise generated by a wind turbine includes measuring a reference temperature of the wind turbine. The method also includes regulating a trailing edge surface temperature of a trailing edge portion of a rotor blade attached to the wind turbine. In addition, the method includes measuring the trailing edge surface temperature. Further, the method includes regulating the trailing edge surface temperature to maintain a predetermined temperature differential between the reference temperature and the trailing edge surface temperature.