Flexible Trailing Edge Projections for Low-Noise Airfoils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic structures, such as wind turbine blades, generate undesirable noise and turbulence due to rigid trailing edge projections that resist the natural flow vector, reducing efficiency and performance, and limiting turbine farm density and proximity to residential areas.
Innovation Solution
Implement flexible projections that conform to the natural flow vector at the trailing edge, reducing interference and noise by bending to match the local median air pressure vector arc, with adjustable stiffness and material composition to avoid resonance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If rigid trailing edge projections are used to reduce noise, then noise attenuation is improved, but turbulence is generated which reduces effectiveness and creates harmful downstream effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid projections with flexible projections that can dynamically adapt their shape and orientation in response to changing flow conditions. The flexible projections are designed to bend and conform to the natural flow vector at the trailing edge, allowing them to maintain effectiveness across varying operating conditions while reducing turbulence generation. This dynamic adaptation enables the projections to respond to changes in angle of attack and flow velocity without creating harmful turbulent wakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the projections from rigid to flexible, allowing them to change their geometric parameters (shape, orientation, curvature) in response to flow conditions. The flexible projections are designed with specific material properties and structural characteristics that enable them to deform and conform to the natural flow vector, thereby reducing interference with the flow while maintaining noise attenuation capabilities.
2Ease of manufacture
If rigid projections with preset curvature are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to varying operating conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning from static rigid projections with fixed curvature to dynamic flexible projections that can adapt their shape during operation. The flexible projections maintain manufacturing simplicity through standardized designs while gaining operational adaptability through their ability to respond to changing flow conditions, angle of attack, and velocity. This dynamic capability allows the same projection structure to perform effectively across a broad range of operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing flexible projections with specific material properties and structural characteristics that enable them to change their geometric parameters in response to operating conditions. The projections are designed to bend and conform to the natural flow vector based on real-time flow conditions, providing adaptability without requiring complex manufacturing processes. The material selection and structural design allow the projections to automatically adjust their shape and orientation as needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If projections resist the natural flow vector to create destructive interference, then noise reduction is achieved, but efficiency is reduced due to increased turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing projections that statically resist the flow vector with flexible projections that dynamically adapt to the flow direction. The flexible projections bend and conform to the natural flow vector at the trailing edge, reducing resistance and turbulence while maintaining the ability to create destructive interference for noise reduction. This dynamic alignment ensures that the projections work with the flow rather than against it, preserving turbine efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of flow resistance into a beneficial outcome by designing flexible projections that naturally conform to the flow vector. Instead of resisting the flow and creating turbulence, the flexible projections align with the flow direction, using the flow's own characteristics to achieve noise reduction through destructive interference while minimizing negative impacts on efficiency. The projections leverage the natural flow pattern to achieve their noise attenuation function without the harmful side effects of turbulence.
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 turbine efficiency and allows for increased turbine density and proximity to residential areas by reducing noise and turbulence, while maintaining operational performance across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of flexible projections bend to conform to the local median air pressure vector arc at the trailing edge
Implementation Method 2
the flexible projections can conform to the curvature of the natural flow vector at the trailing edge, thereby reducing the interference between the flow vector and the projection
Data Source
AI summary
A structure is proposed for traversing a fluid environment and reducing the interference of the fluid flow vector at a trailing edge of the structure. The structure comprises an elongate body having a root, a wingtip, a leading edge and the trailing edge. The structure has a plurality of flexible projections positioned along the trailing edge extending from a base to a tip. The plurality of flexible projections bend to conform to a curvature of the fluid flow vector at the trailing edge and have a first resonant frequency above an oscillating force generated by the fluid flow vector.