Wind Turbine Blade Vortex Generator Retrofit Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine blades with vortex generators face challenges in maintaining a long-lasting connection and adjusting aerodynamic characteristics due to the influence of extension parts and platforms, which can lead to unintended blade characteristics and lack of adjustability.
Innovation Solution
The method involves positioning vortex generators with a platform and extension part on the blade surface, where the platform is fixed partly within a recess formed into the blade, allowing for adjustable and secure attachment, protected from environmental influences, and enabling easy retrofitting and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vortex generators are attached to the blade by glue, then the blade can be manufactured with vortex generators, but the connection cannot ensure long-lasting stability under ambient influences
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex generator is divided into two functional parts: a platform for attachment and an extension part for vortex generation. This segmentation allows the platform to be securely integrated into the blade structure while the extension part maintains aerodynamic function, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform of the vortex generator is inserted into a recess formed in the blade surface, creating a nested structure. This nesting protects the glued connection from ambient influences such as ice, salt, and frost, ensuring long-lasting stability throughout the blade's service life.
2Reliability
If vortex generators are integrated during blade manufacturing, then they are fixed for the whole lifetime, but adjustment is not possible if needed later
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the vortex generator into a platform and an extension part, the design enables the platform to be securely fixed in the recess during manufacturing while allowing the entire vortex generator assembly to be replaced or adjusted later if aerodynamic optimization is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a completely fixed integrated structure to a dynamically adjustable configuration where vortex generators can be removed and reinstalled, allowing adaptation to changing operational requirements while maintaining secure attachment when installed.
3Ease of manufacture
If the platform and extension part are used, then vortex generators can be attached, but the aerodynamic characteristics are influenced by the extension part and platform surface extension
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex-generating function is extracted and concentrated into the extension part, which is positioned to extend from the blade surface. The platform is designed to minimize surface extension and aerodynamic interference, allowing precise control over the aerodynamic characteristics while maintaining ease of attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension part is specifically designed with optimized geometry and positioning to generate the desired vortexes, while the platform is designed with minimal aerodynamic impact. This local optimization ensures that each component performs its specific function without adversely affecting overall aerodynamic characteristics.
4Ease of manufacture
If vortex generators are attached with glued connection, then installation is simple, but the connection is exposed to ambient influences like ice, salt, frost
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is inserted into a recess formed in the blade surface, creating a protected nested structure. This nesting shields the glued connection from harmful ambient factors such as ice, salt, and frost, while the overall installation process remains simple and straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess acts as an intermediary structure that physically separates and protects the glued connection from the harsh external environment. This mediator structure allows the simple glued attachment method to remain effective while eliminating exposure to damaging ambient conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A blade of a wind turbine is provided with at least one vortex-generator (61), which is positioned at the blade-surface. The vortex-generator is constructed and arranged in a way that it contributes to the aerodynamic characteristics of the blade. The vortex-generator comprises a platform (41) and an extension-part (31). The blade contains a recess (71), which is constructed and arranged to receive at least a part of the platform of the vortex-generator. The platform is fixed within the recess.