Rotor Blade Noise Cancellation via Spanwise Sensors and Chordwise Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines generate significant noise due to flow-induced edge noise, which limits their operational viability and requires ongoing efforts in noise reduction, with existing solutions like serrations and active noise cancellation systems still falling short in effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A rotor blade design featuring spanwise sensors and chordwise actuators that detect flow characteristics and produce anti-noise signals to cancel out flow-induced edge noise, optimizing sensor and actuator placement for efficient noise reduction across a broad range of directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If serrations are added to the rotor blade trailing edge, then noise reduction is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trailing edge is segmented into multiple serrated elements arranged in a specific pattern, dividing the noise reduction function across multiple discrete components rather than a single continuous structure
Solution Approach 2:
Serrations are applied locally at the trailing edge where noise generation is most intense, rather than modifying the entire blade structure, concentrating the complexity only where needed for noise reduction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If active noise cancellation systems are implemented, then noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic actuators that can actively adjust their position or shape in real-time based on detected flow conditions, allowing adaptive noise cancellation without requiring a fully active control system
Solution Approach 2:
Passive aerodynamic elements serve as intermediaries between the active sensors and the noise generation point, translating sensor data into physical modifications of the flow field that reduce noise without requiring direct active control at the trailing edge
3Productivity
If wind turbines operate at full power, then productivity is improved, but noise emission increases limiting operational viability
Solution Approach 1:
The noise reduction mechanism dynamically adapts to varying operating conditions, maintaining effectiveness across different power output levels without requiring the turbine to operate in curtailed modes
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 effectively reduces noise emissions by accurately predicting and canceling out broadband noise sources, enhancing the operational efficiency and economic viability of wind turbines while minimizing the number of required actuators and costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least two sensors for detecting flow characteristics of the fluid and for providing sensor signals
Implementation Method 2
at least two actuators for producing an anti-noise signal based on a sensor signal
Implementation Method 3
flow-induced edge noise of the rotor blade, which is generated by the fluid, is at least partly cancelled out by the anti-noise signal
Data Source
AI summary
A rotor blade with a leading edge and a trailing edge is provided, wherein the rotor blade is designed and configured for being exposed to a fluid flowing substantially from the leading edge to the trailing edge, the rotor blade includes at least two sensors designed for detecting flow characteristics of the fluid and providing respective sensor signals, and the rotor blade further includes at least two actuators for producing an anti-noise signal based on a sensor signal, the sensors are arranged spanwise and the actuators are arranged chordwise at the surface of the rotor blade, and the actuators are arranged and prepared such that flow-induced edge noise of the rotor blade, which is generated by the fluid, is at least partly cancelled out by the anti-noise signal. Also provided is a method for creating such rotor blade and a related wind turbine.