Passive Airfoil Modifying Device for Wind Turbine Blades

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbine blades with actively controlled lift modifying devices are complex and costly to manufacture and maintain, and they do not effectively address noise generation and aerodynamic performance issues at negative angles of attack.

Innovation Solution

A passive airfoil modifying device using a deformable element that changes shape in response to local air pressure, eliminating the need for active control systems and sensors, and is suitable for high cambered airfoil profiles to improve lift performance and reduce noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If actively controlled lift modifying means are incorporated into the airfoil profile, then lift performance is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelift performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member automatically adjusts the airfoil profile based on aerodynamic loads without requiring external control systems. The member deforms passively in response to pressure differences across the blade surface, eliminating the need for sensors, actuators, and control electronics while maintaining adaptive lift enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex active mechanical control systems (actuators, pumps, controllers) with a passive elastic mechanical system. The elastic member uses its inherent elasticity and aerodynamic pressure differentials to achieve profile modification, substituting complex active mechanics with simpler passive mechanics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If actively controlled lift modifying means are used, then lift performance is enhanced, but maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelift performanceVSAvoidmaintenance costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is a maintenance-free component that automatically adapts to varying aerodynamic conditions throughout the turbine's operational life. With no moving parts, sensors, or control systems to fail, the member eliminates regular maintenance requirements while continuously providing lift enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member is designed as a simple, replaceable component with no complex subsystems. If degradation occurs, the entire member can be replaced as a single unit without requiring maintenance of associated control systems, reducing overall maintenance complexity and costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed modified airfoil profile is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to varying flight conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to flight conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member transforms the static airfoil profile into a dynamic one that automatically adapts to varying aerodynamic conditions. The member's elasticity allows it to deform in response to changing pressure differentials across the blade, providing real-time profile adjustment without complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the airfoil profile from fixed to variable by incorporating the elastic member. The member's deformation in response to aerodynamic pressure differentials dynamically alters the effective airfoil geometry, allowing adaptation to varying angles of attack and flight conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides a cost-effective and simple method to modify the airfoil profile of wind turbine blades, enhancing lift performance at negative angles of attack and reducing noise by passively adapting to local air pressure, thus improving aerodynamic efficiency without the complexity of active control systems.

Implementation Method 1

the deformable element is passively deformed by means of a local air pressure acting on the airfoil modifying device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11674497B2Wind turbine blade and a method of operating such a wind turbine blade

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 LM WIND POWER INT TECH II APS

AI summary

This invention relates to an airfoil modifying device, a wind turbine blade and a method of modifying an airfoil profile of the wind turbine blade. The airfoil modifying device comprises a deformable element connected to a filler element, both configured to deform between a retracted position and an extended position. The airfoil modifying device is passively deformed by the local air pressure acting on the blade surface and thus the airfoil modifying device.