Curved Tower Vortex Generators for Wind Turbine ViV Suppression

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbines experience vortex-induced vibrations (ViV) due to periodic vortex shedding at the tower, which can lead to structural risks and safety hazards, and existing solutions like Scruton helixes are time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

The wind turbine incorporates vortex generators with curved fins that generate strong vortex pairs in one direction and weak pairs in the opposite direction, reducing ViV by deflecting airflow asymmetrically, using a curvature in the fin chord and aerodynamic shape to optimize airflow interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vortex generators are used to suppress vortex-induced vibrations, then ViV is reduced, but the complexity and cost of the solution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuppression of vortex-induced vibrationsVSAvoidcomplexity of vortex generator arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing vortex generators only at specific locations on the tower where they are most effective, rather than covering the entire surface. The vortex generators are strategically positioned to address the most critical vortex shedding zones, reducing overall complexity while maintaining suppression effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curvature by designing the fin chord with a specific curved profile rather than a straight configuration. This curved geometry optimizes the vortex generation characteristics, enhancing the suppression of vortex-induced vibrations while using fewer and simpler vortex generator elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If Scruton helixes are attached around the tower to prevent ViV, then vortex-induced vibrations are reduced, but the installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of vortex-induced vibrationsVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tower surface into specific zones where vortex generators are placed, rather than requiring continuous coverage. This segmentation allows for faster installation by focusing on critical areas only, reducing the overall installation time while maintaining effective ViV suppression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses simpler, more easily installed vortex generator elements that can be quickly attached and removed, replacing the more complex Scruton helixes. These simplified components reduce installation time and cost while achieving the same vibration suppression goal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If vortex generators are used to combat ViV, then structural safety is improved, but the cost of the solution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural safetyVSAvoidcost of vortex generator system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by using a reduced number of vortex generators strategically positioned to achieve adequate suppression of vortex-induced vibrations. Rather than using maximum coverage, the optimized placement provides sufficient protection at lower cost, avoiding excessive spending on over-engineered solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 design effectively suppresses ViV by minimizing vortex pair generation in adverse flow directions, reducing resonance and alternating loads on the tower, thus enhancing safety and structural integrity while lowering installation complexity and cost.

Implementation Method 1

a vortex generator is connected to the outer surface of the building structure, which is designed and arranged to generate vortices in an air stream passing by the outer surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex generation: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

Periodic vortex shedding at a tower of the wind turbine leads to an excitation of the tower

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKármán vortex street: Kármán Vortex Street

Implementation Method 3

the fin chord of the vortex generator has a curvature such that a first end of the fin chord has a smaller angle to the horizontal than the opposite second end of the fin chord

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow deflection: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentUS12504003B2Wind turbine and associated vortex generator

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH

AI summary

A wind turbine comprising a tower, a nacelle arranged on the tower, a generator, and a rotor comprising at least one rotor blade, wherein the wind turbine comprises vortex generators arranged on an outer surface of the tower, wherein the vortex generators have a fin extending from the outer surface of the tower, and wherein the fin has a height extending perpendicularly from the surface of the tower and a fin chord extending parallel to the surface of the tower. The fin chord has a curvature such that a first end of the fin chord has a smaller angle to the horizontal than the opposite second end of the fin chord.