Wind Turbine Spinner Aerodynamic Shape for Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wind turbine designs have non-power producing regions around the spinner that hinder aerodynamic efficiency and rotor torque contributions, as they allow easy airflow with minimal axial induction, resulting in reduced power generation.

Innovation Solution

The integration of aerodynamic shapes, such as upwind and downwind airfoil portions, into the spinner to enhance axial induction and direct airflow to more efficient regions of the blades, transforming traditionally non-power producing areas into power producing regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the spinner and blade root region are designed with cylindrical cross-section to allow easy airflow, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the axial induction is small and aerodynamic efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of airflowVSAvoidaerodynamic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transitioning from a uniform cylindrical cross-section to an aerodynamic cross-section specifically in the spinner and blade root region. This localized change optimizes the airflow characteristics in the critical inboard region where axial induction is needed, while maintaining the simplicity of the overall structure. The aerodynamic cross-section is implemented only where it provides the most benefit for increasing axial induction and improving aerodynamic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If the spinner allows easy airflow with minimal axial induction, then the structure is simple, but the rotor torque contribution is reduced due to speed up effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidrotor torque

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the cross-sectional geometry parameter of the spinner and blade root region from cylindrical to aerodynamic shape. This geometric parameter change fundamentally alters the airflow characteristics, increasing axial induction and reducing the speed up effect. The result is improved rotor torque contribution while maintaining relative structural simplicity through the use of a streamlined shape rather than complex components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If air flow bends in toward the spinner and root region, then the airflow is directed to inboard regions, but flow is denied to outboard regions where rotor torque contributions are larger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow directionVSAvoidrotor torque contribution

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inversion principle by reversing the natural airflow tendency. Instead of allowing air to bend in toward the spinner and root region (which occurs with cylindrical cross-sections), the aerodynamic cross-section is designed to direct airflow outward toward the blade tips. This inverted airflow pattern ensures that outboard regions receive adequate flow for torque generation, while the aerodynamic shape maintains necessary axial induction in the inboard region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This solution significantly increases the aerodynamic efficiency and power production of wind turbines by improving airflow distribution and axial induction, directing air to outboard regions where it can contribute more effectively to rotor torque and aerodynamics.

Implementation Method 1

the spinner and the generally cylindrical root region of the blades allow air to easily flow over the spinner and inboard region of the blades contributing near zero aerodynamic advantage to the wind turbine system. Moreover, because of the ease of air flow over the spinner and inboard region of the blades, the axial induction inboard is typically small.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAxial induction:

Implementation Method 2

aerodynamic shapes, such as upwind and downwind airfoil portions, into the spinner to enhance axial induction and direct airflow to more efficient regions of the blades

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic shape: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 3

the aerodynamic shape exhibits an axial induction to an air flow over the respective aerodynamic shape that is at least as high as an axial induction exhibited by portions of the blades adjacent to the shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy extraction from air flow:

Data Source

PatentUS8985947B2Power producing spinner for a wind turbine

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY AS

AI summary

A power producing spinner (28) for a wind turbine (10), the wind turbine (10) having a plurality of blades (18) interconnected about an axis of rotation (30) by a hub (20). The power producing spinner (28) includes an aerodynamic shape (34) extending radially outward from the axis of rotation (30) to define an upwind airfoil portion (40) disposed upwind of an inboard portion (42) of each blade (18) of the wind turbine (10). The power producing spinner (28) is effective to extract energy from an air flow (44) flowing over the spinner (28) and to increase an aerodynamic efficiency of the blades (18).