Single-Fin Vortex Generator Base Geometry for Blade Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vortex generator devices for wind turbine blades lack design flexibility, mounting strength, and uniform aerodynamic properties, leading to potential mounting errors and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A vortex generator device with a base and fins designed for improved mounting strength, featuring a concave inner side, adhesive material for secure attachment, and adjustable edge angles to align with wind turbine blades, allowing for precise and robust mounting while reducing noise and turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional vortex generator devices are used, then the basic aerodynamic function is achieved, but the mounting strength is insufficient and design flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base is divided into multiple edge parts (first edge part, second edge part, third edge part, fourth edge part) with different functions. The first and second edge parts provide alignment features with straight edges, while the third and fourth edge parts provide mounting surface attachment. This segmentation allows both strong mounting and flexible alignment during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The base has an asymmetric configuration with a first primary angle between the first and second edge parts in the range of 15-30 degrees. This asymmetric angle provides both structural strength for mounting and alignment capability, resolving the contradiction between strong mounting and design flexibility.
2Reliability
If conventional vortex generator devices are used, then the basic aerodynamic function is achieved, but mounting errors and noise issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second edge parts are designed with straight edges that can be preliminarily aligned with the wind turbine blade before final mounting. This preliminary alignment action ensures correct positioning and reduces mounting errors, which in turn reduces noise caused by improper installation.
3Device complexity
If the base edge parts are made short, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision during mounting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Only the first and second edge parts that require alignment are made straight and extended, while other parts of the base can have optimized shapes for mounting. This local application of straight edge quality provides alignment precision without unnecessarily increasing overall device complexity.
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 the design flexibility and mounting strength of vortex generator devices, ensuring secure attachment and improved aerodynamic properties, reducing the risk of mounting errors and noise effects on wind turbine blades.
Implementation Method 1
The inner side of the base is provided with adhesive material for attaching the vortex generator device to a surface of the wind turbine blade
Implementation Method 2
a first fin protruding from the outer side and extending along a first fin axis
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex generator device for a wind turbine blade, and a wind turbine blade is disclosed, the vortex generator device comprising a base with an inner side and an outer side, and a first fin protruding from the outer side and extending along a first fin axis, wherein the vortex generator device is a single-fin vortex generator device, and the base has a first edge part and a second edge part, the first edge part and the second edge part forming a primary angle in the range from 5 degrees to 60 degrees.