Rotor Blade Extension Body Aerodynamic Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotor blade extension bodies for wind turbines are cylindrical and do not generate lift, leading to increased air resistance and reduced power output despite increasing the swept area.
Innovation Solution
A rotor blade extension body with a vortex generator on the suction side and an air resistance element, such as an L-profile, on the pressure side, which reduces resistance and creates lift by mixing the boundary layer, enhancing energy yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a cylindrical rotor blade extension body is used to lengthen the rotor blade, then the swept area and power output are increased, but air resistance increases and lift is not generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the rotor blade extension body by adding aerodynamic profile elements (camber, thickness distribution) to transform it from a simple cylindrical shape to a shape that generates lift. This parameter change enables the extension body to interact beneficially with the airflow, converting harmful drag into useful lift forces that increase power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor blade extension body combines the structural cylindrical form with additional aerodynamic profile structures attached to its surface. This composite approach maintains the simple cylindrical support structure while adding aerodynamic surfaces that generate lift, effectively combining structural simplicity with aerodynamic efficiency.
2Area of stationary object
If a cylindrical rotor blade extension body is used to lengthen the rotor blade, then the swept area is increased, but no lift is generated and power extraction efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the aerodynamic parameters of the extension body by introducing camber and thickness variations along the surface. These parameter changes enable the extension body to generate lift forces that contribute to power extraction, transforming it from a passive structural element to an active aerodynamic component that enhances power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic profile is applied locally to specific portions of the cylindrical extension body surface. By concentrating the lift-generating aerodynamic features in optimal locations along the extension body, the patent maximizes power extraction efficiency while maintaining the overall structural simplicity of the cylindrical form.
3Power
If aerodynamic devices are attached to the rotor blade with support brackets, then lift generation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support structure and the aerodynamic profile into a single integrated rotor blade extension body. The cylindrical body serves both as the structural support and as the mounting surface for the aerodynamic profile, eliminating the need for separate support brackets and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical extension body performs multiple functions: it provides structural support for extending the rotor blade, serves as a mounting surface for aerodynamic profiles, and itself contributes to lift generation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall device.
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 efficiently increases power output by reducing resistance and generating lift, thereby improving the energy yield of wind turbines at a low cost.
Implementation Method 1
the lift-generating element comprises a vortex generator, such as a vortex generator (particularly a conventional one), on a suction side of the rotor blade extension body
Implementation Method 2
which reduces resistance and creates lift by mixing the boundary layer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a rotor blade extension body (6, 6', 6") for use with a rotor blade (5, 5', 5") of a rotor of a wind turbine (1), wherein the rotor blade extension body (6, 6', 6") is longitudinally extended and is designed, for example, as a steel tube segment. The rotor blade extension body (6, 6', 6") according to the invention is characterized in that a lift-generating element (8, 9, 13, 14, 15) is attached to the circumference (12) of the rotor blade extension body (6, 6', 6").