Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Noise Reducer Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind turbine rotor blades face challenges in reducing noise across multiple operating points and extended ranges, as traditional noise reducers are often designed for a single operating point and fail to adequately address aerodynamic noise issues.

Innovation Solution

A rotor blade assembly with a noise reducer featuring a plurality of noise reduction features, each comprising a first surface mounted to the pressure or suction side and a second surface that interacts with wind flow, interrupting the aerodynamic contour and reducing noise by absorbing wind energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional noise reducers are attached to rotor blades, then noise is reduced at a single operating point, but the noise reducer cannot be accurately adjusted to multiple operating points and extended ranges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidadjustment to multiple operating points

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The noise reducer is divided into multiple adjustable segments or components that can be independently positioned. Each segment can be adjusted to create different aerodynamic profiles suitable for various operating conditions, allowing the single noise reducer device to adapt across multiple operating points rather than being fixed for one condition only

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The noise reducer incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow it to change its configuration in response to varying operating conditions. This enables the noise reducer to maintain optimal noise reduction performance across extended operational ranges by adapting its geometry to match different wind speeds, blade pitch angles, and rotational speeds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Power

If rotor blades are designed to capture increased kinetic energy, then energy capture is improved, but acoustic noise similarly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekinetic energy captureVSAvoidacoustic noise

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The noise reducer applies localized aerodynamic modifications at specific regions of the rotor blade where noise is generated. By targeting the trailing edge and other noise-critical areas with specialized flow control features, the invention reduces acoustic emissions locally without requiring a reduction in overall blade size or kinetic energy capture capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The noise reducer utilizes the aerodynamic flow conditions that create noise and converts them into beneficial effects. By strategically placing geometric features that manipulate the boundary layer and wake structures, the invention transforms potentially harmful turbulent flows into more controlled flow patterns that reduce noise generation while maintaining or enhancing energy capture efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 noise reducer effectively reduces noise emissions and enhances rotor blade efficiency by adapting to varying wind flow conditions across multiple operating points, improving noise reduction capabilities beyond traditional solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a second portion configured to interact with wind flowing past the other of the pressure side or the suction side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic interaction:

Implementation Method 2

The second surface interrupts an aerodynamic contour of the one of the pressure side or the suction side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic contour interruption:

Data Source

PatentUS8414261B2Noise reducer for rotor blade in wind turbine

Publication Date: 2013.04.09 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

A rotor blade assembly and a method for reducing the noise of a rotor blade for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade has surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade assembly further includes a noise reducer configured on a surface of the rotor blade, the noise reducer including a plurality of noise reduction features. Each of the plurality of noise reduction features includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes a first portion mounted to one of the pressure side or the suction side and a second portion configured to interact with wind flowing past the other of the pressure side or the suction side. The second surface interrupts an aerodynamic contour of the one of the pressure side or the suction side.