Plasma Airflow Control on Wind Turbine Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind power generation in Japan is hindered by rapid changes in wind velocity and direction, leading to unstable outputs and decreased efficiency, necessitating the development of windmills that can adapt to these variations.
Innovation Solution
A wind power generation system incorporating an airflow generation device with electrodes separated by a dielectric, which generates plasma-induced flow to control wind flow variations, utilizing pulse modulation voltage to manage stall states and improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind power generation is implemented in Japan with mountain climate conditions, then power generation can be introduced, but wind velocity and direction change rapidly causing unstable outputs and decreased efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control by varying the voltage applied to the airflow generation device based on real-time wind conditions. The control unit adjusts the voltage dynamically to maintain optimal airflow over the blade surface despite rapid changes in wind velocity and direction, thereby stabilizing power generation output while adapting to varying environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the control unit monitors wind velocity, wind direction, and power generation output, then adjusts the voltage to the airflow generation device accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to compensate for rapid environmental changes and maintain stable, efficient power generation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If voltage is applied continuously to the airflow generation device, then airflow control is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic voltage pulses to the airflow generation device rather than continuous voltage. The control unit delivers voltage in controlled pulses synchronized with the blade rotation and wind conditions, maintaining effective airflow control while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous voltage application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on operating conditions. The control unit adjusts voltage magnitude, pulse duration, and frequency according to wind velocity, wind direction, and blade position, optimizing the balance between airflow control effectiveness and energy consumption by applying voltage only when and where needed.
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 system effectively prevents complete stall states and maintains output along the power curve, enhancing wind power generation efficiency by optimizing airflow over blades and stabilizing energy production.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow generation device generating plasma induced flow by plasma generated by applying a voltage between electrodes disposed to face each other via a dielectric
Data Source
AI summary
A wind power generation system 10 of an embodiment includes a rotor 40 having blades 42, an airflow generation device 60 provided in a leading edge of each of the blades 42 and having a first electrode 61 and a second electrode 62 which are separated via a dielectric, a discharge power supply 65 applying a voltage between the electrodes of the airflow generation device 60, and a control unit 110 controlling the discharge power supply 65. The control unit 110 controls the voltage to perform pulse modulation so that the value of a relational expression fC/U is 0.1 or larger and 9 or smaller where f is a pulse modulation frequency of the voltage, C is a chord length of the blades 42, and U is a relative velocity combining a peripheral velocity of the blades 42 and a wind velocity, so as to generate plasma induced flow.