Serrated Wind Turbine Blade Element for Noise and Lightning Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines generate noise during operation and are vulnerable to lightning strikes, with existing noise reduction methods and lightning protection systems often compromising aerodynamic properties and being complex to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A noise reduction element for wind turbine blades featuring serrations that are electrically conductive and designed to attract and conduct lightning current to ground, while maintaining aerodynamic performance and simplifying manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If serrations are added to the trailing edge of the wind turbine blade to reduce noise, then noise during operation is reduced, but the aerodynamic properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only specific portions of the serration structure electrically conductive (the tip regions) rather than the entire structure. This localized conductivity approach allows the serrations to maintain their noise-reducing aerodynamic shape while providing lightning protection only where most needed at the exposed tips.
Solution Approach 2:
The serration structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reduces operational noise through its geometric design and provides lightning protection through the electrically conductive material. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by combining noise reduction and lightning protection in a single integrated structure rather than separate components.
2Reliability
If lightning receptors are provided on the wind turbine blade to protect from lightning strikes, then lightning protection is improved, but the aerodynamic properties need to be assessed and optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lightning receptor function with the existing serration structure. Instead of adding separate protruding receptors that would disrupt aerodynamics, the conductive portions of the serrations themselves serve as lightning receptors, combining both functions in one integrated element.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the existing serration geometry as the template for lightning protection, copying the aerodynamic shape while adding electrical conductivity. This allows the structure to maintain its noise-reducing form while gaining lightning protection capability without requiring separate optimized receptor designs.
3Reliability
If protruding lightning receptors are used to protect the wind turbine blade, then lightning protection is improved, but the aerodynamic properties are more significantly impacted compared to embedded receptors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only specific portions of the serration structure electrically conductive (the tip regions) rather than the entire structure. This localized conductivity approach allows the serrations to maintain their noise-reducing aerodynamic shape while providing lightning protection only where most needed at the exposed tips.
4Reliability
If separate lightning protection systems and noise reduction structures are implemented, then both functions are achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lightning receptor function with the existing serration structure. Instead of adding separate protruding receptors that would disrupt aerodynamics, the conductive portions of the serrations themselves serve as lightning receptors, combining both functions in one integrated element.
Solution Approach 2:
The serration structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reduces operational noise through its geometric design and provides lightning protection through the electrically conductive material. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by combining noise reduction and lightning protection in a single integrated structure rather than separate components.
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 serrated noise reduction element effectively reduces wind turbine noise and protects against lightning strikes with minimal impact on aerodynamic properties, leading to a simpler and less costly manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
At least a part of the first serration part, such as the entire first serration part or a part of the first serration part, is electrically conductive and configured to attract and conduct lightning current to ground
Data Source
AI summary
A noise reduction element extends between a first end and a second end in a first direction. The noise reduction element extends between a third end and a fourth end in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The noise reduction element includes a base part configured to be attached to a trailing edge of a wind turbine blade. The base part has a first base part surface and a second base part surface. The base part extends between the first end and a first position in the first direction. The noise reduction element includes a first serration part having a serration pressure surface and a serration suction surface and extending in the first direction between the first position and the second end. The first serration part has a thickness in a third direction between the serration pressure surface and the serration suction surface.