Deformable Trailing Edge Actuation for Wind Turbine Load Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine blades face challenges in rapidly adapting to changing wind conditions due to the slow response of pitch systems and the high energy required to overcome structural resistance for aerodynamic control, leading to inefficiencies in load alleviation and aerodynamic changes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a deformable trailing edge (DTE) section with slits dividing it into suction and pressure side subsections, equipped with actuators that allow coordinated deformation, reducing bending stiffness and energy consumption while maintaining variable shape and aerodynamic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pitch systems are used to adapt blade position to varying wind conditions, then the wind turbine can adjust to changing wind speeds, but the control response is slow and cannot react to sudden wind gusts
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing edge is made dynamically deformable through the integration of smart materials (piezoelectric actuators) that can change the blade's aerodynamic geometry in real-time. This allows the blade to actively adapt its shape to varying wind conditions, including sudden gusts, without the mechanical inertia limitations of traditional pitch systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pitch system with an aerodynamic control mechanism using smart materials. Instead of rotating the entire blade via mechanical actuators, the trailing edge deforms locally through piezoelectric actuation, substituting a slow mechanical system with a faster aerodynamic response system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If trailing edge flaps are hinged to change aerodynamics, then aerodynamic forces can be modified, but flow separation occurs causing abrupt changes and reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and geometry parameters of the trailing edge continuously through smart material actuation. The trailing edge geometry is modified by controlling the deformation of piezoelectric materials, allowing smooth parameter changes that prevent flow separation and maintain efficient airflow over the blade surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The trailing edge is constructed as a flexible, deformable structure using smart materials that can change shape without creating abrupt geometric discontinuities. This flexible design allows the trailing edge to adapt aerodynamically while maintaining smooth airflow, avoiding the flow separation problems associated with rigid hinged flaps.
3Speed
If smart materials or mechanical actuators are used to continuously vary aerofoil geometry, then aerodynamic forces can be controlled instantaneously, but a lot of energy is required to overcome the blade's bending stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the deformation action to only the trailing edge portion of the blade, rather than attempting to deform the entire blade structure. By localizing the smart material actuators to the trailing edge, the energy required to overcome bending stiffness is dramatically reduced while still achieving effective aerodynamic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies smart materials locally to the trailing edge region where they can produce the most significant aerodynamic effect with minimal energy input. This localized approach concentrates the deformation action where it is most effective, reducing the total energy required compared to whole-blade actuation systems.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the DTE section is made more deformable by adding slits, then bending stiffness is reduced and energy consumption decreases, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The DTE section is segmented into suction side and pressure side subsections by slits, allowing independent deformation of each side. This segmentation reduces the bending stiffness and energy required for deformation while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed nature of the slits and the load-bearing capacity of the remaining material.
Solution Approach 2:
The DTE section utilizes composite construction with smart materials integrated into the structure. The combination of traditional composite materials with piezoelectric actuators creates a structure that is both strong enough to maintain integrity and deformable enough to reduce energy consumption during actuation.
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 solution enables wind turbine blades to efficiently adapt to changing wind conditions by reducing energy consumption and improving bending behavior, allowing for more effective load mitigation and aerodynamic shape modification without complicating the blade structure.
Implementation Method 1
smart materials or mechanical actuators integrated in a deformable material changing the outer geometry in the leading and trailing edge region
Data Source
AI summary
Wind turbine blades comprising a deformable trailing edge (DTE) section extending chordwise and spanwise, wherein the DTE section is split in a suction side subsection and a pressure side subsection by one or more slits, wherein the DTE section comprises one or more actuators acting on at least one of the suction side and pressure side subsections, and wherein the suction side and pressure side subsections and the actuators are arranged such that deformation of one of the subsections is associated with a substantially corresponding deformation of the other subsection.