Movable Vortex Generator Assembly for Wind Turbine Blades
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The separation of the boundary layer from the rotor blade outer surface in wind turbines reduces aerodynamic efficiency and annual power production due to the formation of a boundary layer that separates as wind flows over the cylindrically shaped root portions of the blades.
Innovation Solution
A vortex generator assembly is integrated into the rotor blade, selectively positionable within the boundary layer to form vortices that increase momentum and facilitate reattachment, thereby enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a cylindrically shaped root portion is used on the rotor blade, then the blade structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the boundary layer separates from the outer surface reducing aerodynamic efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade is divided into distinct sections: a cylindrically shaped root portion for structural simplicity and manufacturing ease, and a separately controllable vortex generator assembly that can be positioned independently within the boundary layer. This segmentation allows the root portion to maintain its manufacturing advantages while the vortex generator assembly addresses the aerodynamic efficiency problem through active boundary layer control.
2Productivity
If the vortex generator assembly is extended into the boundary layer, then momentum is increased and boundary layer separation is mitigated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex generator assembly is designed with movable components that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation. The assembly can be extended into the boundary layer when aerodynamic efficiency needs improvement, and retracted or positioned flush with the outer surface when drag reduction is prioritized. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to varying operational conditions, optimizing performance while managing complexity through controlled actuation mechanisms.
3Productivity
If the vortex generator assembly is positioned flush with the outer surface, then drag is reduced and aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but boundary layer separation may occur under certain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor boundary layer conditions, flow separation detection, and aerodynamic performance parameters. This feedback information is fed to a control system that automatically adjusts the vortex generator assembly position and orientation. When separation is detected, the assembly is extended or angled to generate vortices that reattach the boundary layer. When flow is attached and drag needs reduction, the assembly is positioned flush with the surface. This closed-loop feedback control ensures reliable boundary layer attachment while maintaining optimal aerodynamic efficiency across varying operational conditions.
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
The vortex generator assembly increases the annual energy production of wind turbines by maintaining a laminar flow and improving aerodynamic efficiency by preventing boundary layer separation and reducing drag.
Implementation Method 1
The vortex generator assembly facilitates the formation of vortices within the boundary layer, which increases a momentum of the boundary layer thus mitigating a separation of the boundary layer from the rotor blade outer surface
Implementation Method 2
The vortex generator assembly facilitates transferring momentum from a free stream region of the boundary layer to a separated region of the boundary layer to enable reattachment of the boundary layer
Implementation Method 3
The blades are oriented such that wind passing over the blades turns the rotor and rotates the shaft, thereby driving the generator to generate electricity. As wind flows over an outer surface of the rotor blade, a boundary layer is formed over the outer surface that facilitates generating lift across the rotor blade
Implementation Method 4
As wind flows over an outer surface of the rotor blade, a boundary layer is formed over the outer surface that facilitates generating lift across the rotor blade
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vortex generator assembly (50) for use with a wind turbine rotor blade (22) is provided. The wind turbine rotor blade having a leading edge (120) and an axially spaced trailing edge (122), the vortex generator assembly includes at least one vortex generator (134) coupled to the wind turbine rotor blade, the vortex generator including at least one sidewall (110) extending outwardly a radial distance from an outer surface (52) of the wind turbine rotor blade, the vortex generator selectively positionable between a first position (174) and a second position (176), an actuator (138) coupled to the at least one vortex generator, the actuator configured to position the at least one vortex generator between the first position and the second position, and a control system (36) operatively coupled to the at least one vortex generator for moving the vortex generator between the first position and the second position.