Plasma Actuator for Wind Turbine Blade Deicing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques fail to effectively control boundary-layer separation and deice wind turbine blades simultaneously, leading to aerodynamic efficiency losses and hazardous conditions in cold areas, with existing methods being either passive or having limitations like unnecessary flow enhancement.
Innovation Solution
A compact, air-source-independent plasma actuator with no moving parts, powered by ambient air, that ionizes airflow to modify boundary layer separation and increase surface temperature for deicing, applicable as a tape on wind turbine blades with minimal modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive methods like vortex generators are used to delay flow separation, then flow separation is delayed, but the device complexity increases and cannot simultaneously deice the blades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical vortex generators with an active plasma actuator system that uses electrical fields to control boundary layer separation. The plasma actuator ionizes ambient air to create body forces that actively manipulate the boundary layer, providing both flow control and deicing capabilities without the structural complexity of mechanical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma actuator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls boundary layer separation to prevent flow detachment and provides thermal heating to deice the wind turbine blades. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate deicing systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable flow separation control.
2Extent of automation
If external air sources are used for plasma actuators, then plasma generation is enabled, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma actuator system is designed to use ambient air as the gas source, eliminating the need for external compressed air supplies or air storage systems. The actuator draws air directly from the surrounding environment, significantly reducing device complexity and power consumption while maintaining full plasma actuation capability for boundary layer control and deicing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional deicing methods are used, then ice accumulation is reduced, but aerodynamic efficiency is not improved and pressure losses continue
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma actuator provides dual functionality by simultaneously preventing ice accumulation through thermal heating and controlling boundary layer separation to maintain aerodynamic efficiency. The same electrical discharge that heats the blade surface to melt ice also energizes the boundary layer, reducing pressure losses and improving overall aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of electrical discharge heating (which could cause ice melting) into a beneficial dual-purpose system. The thermal effect prevents ice accumulation while the associated plasma body forces simultaneously control boundary layer separation, turning a potential single-function deicing method into a multi-benefit system that addresses both deicing and aerodynamic efficiency.
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 plasma actuator actively controls flow separation, enhances aerodynamic efficiency by preventing ice accumulation, and reduces pressure losses on wind turbine blades, offering versatility and efficient operation with low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The gradient in electric field 24 yields a body force, which acts on the external flow 22 and imparts momentum to the fluid particles
Implementation Method 2
An active plasma actuator 10 is provided for controlling boundary-layer separation and wind-turbine blade deicing by ionizing air
Implementation Method 3
The gradient in electric field 24 also results in a surface temperature increase, which can be controlled by adjusting the operation frequency of the device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A system for deicing a wind turbine blade includes an electrically powered active plasma actuator (10) applied to a desired portion of a wind turbine blade (30). The activated plasma actuator (10) energizes the air (22,26) in the vicinity of the plasma actuator (10) to increase the surface temperature of the wind turbine blade (30) in the vicinity of the plasma actuator (10) sufficiently to reduce or eliminate the collection of ice on a desired portion of the wind turbine blade (30).