Co-Flow Jet Wind Turbine Blades for Low-Speed Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horizontal axis wind turbine blades have low power generation efficiency due to the first portion lacking an airfoil cross-sectional shape, and require load and efficiency controlling mechanisms that vary with wind direction and speed.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a co-flow jet system in wind turbine blades, featuring injection and suction openings, channels, and fluid pressurizers to enhance aerodynamic performance by increasing lift, reducing drag, and controlling blade pitch and rotor yaw through fluid jets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the first portion of the blade has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape, then the blade structure is simpler to manufacture, but the power generation efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is designed with different cross-sectional shapes in different portions: the first portion (root area) maintains a cylindrical shape for manufacturing simplicity, while the second portion (tip area) transitions to an airfoil cross-sectional shape to maximize power generation efficiency. This local differentiation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function.
2Device complexity
If conventional blade design is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the cut-in speed is high and load control requires additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A co-flow jet system is integrated into the blade, using pressurized fluid (air or water) delivered through channels to the trailing edge. The fluid creates a jet that enhances the aerodynamic forces on the blade, enabling operation at lower wind speeds and providing active control capability without requiring complex mechanical pitch or yaw mechanisms.
3Productivity
If co-flow jet system is added to the blade, then power output and low-speed efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The co-flow jet system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enhances power generation at low speeds, provides active load control capability, and can influence blade pitch and rotor yaw. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require separate control mechanisms into a single integrated system.
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
Enhances power output, reduces cut-in speed, improves low-speed efficiency, and provides dynamic control over blade load and rotor yaw, thereby optimizing energy production.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of a co-flow jet system in wind turbine blades, featuring injection and suction openings, channels, and fluid pressurizers to enhance aerodynamic performance
Implementation Method 2
The fluid pressurizer is disposed within the channel
Data Source
AI summary
Wind turbine blades and wind turbine systems that include a co-flow jet are described. An example wind turbine blade has a main body and a fluid pressurizer. The main body has a first portion, a second portion, a leading edge, a trailing edge, an injection opening, a suction opening, and a channel. The first portion has a first cross-sectional shape and the second portion has a second cross-sectional shape that is different than the first cross-sectional shape. The injection opening is disposed on the first portion between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The channel extends from the suction opening to the injection opening. The fluid pressurizer is disposed within the channel.