Dynamic Vortex Elements on Wind Turbine Blades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind turbine blades lack dynamic vortex generators that can effectively adapt to varying wind and airflow conditions, limiting their aerodynamic efficiency and stability across a wide range of operational states.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of dynamic vortex elements made from a flexible material sheet with a piezoelectric activating mechanism, allowing the elements to change configuration between retracted and extended positions in response to varying power characteristics, and potentially assuming a neutral position to minimize drag when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If static vortex generators are used, then flow transition stability is improved in low velocity regions, but versatility for varying airflow conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow transition stabilityVSAvoidversatility for varying airflow conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vortex generators are made dynamically controllable through piezoelectric actuators that can change their protrusion state. This allows the VGs to transition between retracted and extended positions based on real-time airflow conditions, resolving the contradiction between providing stable flow transition when extended and adapting to varying conditions by being retractable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the geometric parameter of the vortex generators (protrusion height) from fixed to variable. By controlling the piezoelectric actuators, the VGs can adjust their effective height to optimize performance across different Reynolds numbers and wind speeds, thereby achieving both stability and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If retractable vortex generators are deployed, then aerodynamic characteristics are improved in active state, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Traditional mechanical retractable VG systems are replaced with piezoelectric actuators that use electrical fields to control the protrusion state. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, springs, and motors, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to deploy and retract VGs for optimized aerodynamic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The vortex generators are constructed using flexible material sheets that can be actuated by piezoelectric elements. This flexible construction allows for simple deployment and retraction mechanisms without requiring rigid mechanical structures, thereby improving aerodynamic efficiency while keeping the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Force

If vortex generators are extended, then lift force is increased and drag is reduced, but noise generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelift forceVSAvoidnoise generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vortex generators can dynamically adjust their protrusion state based on operating conditions. During normal operation, they are extended to maximize lift and minimize drag. When noise reduction is required, they can be retracted to reduce turbulence and noise generation, providing control over the harmful acoustic effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances the aerodynamic characteristics of wind turbine blades by optimizing lift and reducing drag across different wind conditions, improving energy conversion efficiency and stability while minimizing noise generation.

Implementation Method 1

The material sheet comprises a piezoelectric material and the activating mechanism includes a controllable power source connected to the piezoelectric material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2394911B1Wind turbine blades with controllable aerodynamic vortex elements

Publication Date: 2015.02.25 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

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AI summary

A wind turbine blade (16) has a suction side surface (20) and a pressure side surface (22). A plurality of dynamic vortex elements (24) are formed on at least one of the suction side (20) or the pressure side surfaces (22). The vortex elements (24) are activatable between a first retracted position that is inwardly recessed relative to a neutral plane of the surface on which they are formed and a second extended position that is outwardly protruding relative to the neutral plane of the surface.