Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Trailing Edge Profile Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine rotor blades are designed with fixed geometry based on standardized load parameters, which do not account for location-specific conditions, leading to inefficiencies and noise generation due to vortices at the trailing edge.
Innovation Solution
A rotor blade with a profile element that can be attached at the trailing edge, extending beyond the standard dimension to adapt profile depth based on location-specific load levels, increasing the wind-acted surface area and power generation by utilizing a load reserve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotor blades are designed with fixed geometry based on standardized load parameters, then structural integrity and safety are ensured, but efficiency and power output are reduced due to overdimensioning at locations with lower actual loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rotor blade geometry adaptable through attachable profile elements that can be added or removed based on actual location-specific load conditions. This transforms the fixed geometry into a dynamic configuration that optimizes the balance between structural integrity and power output for different operating environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the profile depth parameter of the rotor blade through the attachment of profile elements. This allows the geometric parameters to be adjusted according to location-specific load levels, enabling optimization of both structural safety and aerodynamic efficiency for different installation sites.
2Ease of manufacture
If rotor blades have fixed geometry defined during production, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to location-specific conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the rotor blade into a basic fixed structure and separate attachable profile elements. This segmentation maintains the simplicity of manufacturing the core blade while enabling customization through the addition of modular profile elements that adapt to specific location conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-manufacturing standardized profile elements that can be attached later during installation or maintenance. This allows the basic blade to be manufactured once with fixed geometry, while adaptability is achieved through preliminary preparation of interchangeable profile elements for different location requirements.
3Productivity
If profile depth is increased to capture more wind energy, then power output increases, but noise emissions increase due to vortex formation at the trailing edge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding profile elements specifically at the trailing edge region where vortex formation occurs. This localized modification optimizes the profile depth at the critical area for noise reduction while maintaining or enhancing the overall power generation capability of the blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful vortex formation into a beneficial effect by using the trailing edge profile elements to control and redirect the vortex flow. This transforms the noise-generating vortices into controlled flow patterns that enhance aerodynamic performance while reducing noise emissions.
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 enhances power output and reduces noise emissions by dynamically adjusting the profile depth to match location-specific conditions, maintaining aerodynamic properties and optimizing annual energy production.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one profile element makes it possible to provide a larger surface acted on by the wind at the existing rotor blade, this being associated with an increase in power
Implementation Method 2
The difference in pressure between the suction side and the pressure side can result in the generation of vortices, which may ensure an emission of noise
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor blade having a rotor blade trailing edge which extends between a rotor blade root and a rotor blade tip over a rotor blade length, and having a profile depth which is established between the rotor blade trailing edge and a rotor blade leading edge. For the purpose of improving efficiency, at least one profile element having a continuous profile section, for the purpose of changing the profile depth of the rotor blade, is able to be attached at or in the region of the rotor blade trailing edge, wherein the extension of the profile section beyond the rotor blade trailing edge is determined in a manner dependent on a standardized load-dependent dimensioning of the profile depth of the rotor blade and a load level which is established at an erection location of the wind turbine.