Vortex Generator Base Recess for Adhesive Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vortex generator devices for wind turbine blades require a recess to be milled into the blade for installation, which is tedious and undesirable, and subsequent sealing of the joint area is necessary to prevent detachment, complicating the retrofitting process.
Innovation Solution
A vortex generator device with a recess or undercut on its inner side to house an adhesive, eliminating the need for post-installation sealing, as the adhesive is protected by the surrounding base and can be pre-applied, allowing direct mounting on the blade surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a recess is milled into the blade for installing vortex generator strips, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is pre-applied to the back surface of the vortex generator strip within a recess area, before installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site recess milling and subsequent sealing operations, while ensuring reliable attachment through protected adhesive placement.
2Reliability
If a recess is milled into the blade for installing vortex generator strips, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is pre-applied to the back surface of the vortex generator strip within a recess area, before installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site recess milling and subsequent sealing operations, while ensuring reliable attachment through protected adhesive placement.
3Device complexity
If the vortex generator strip is mounted directly on the blade surface with adhesive, then the installation process is simplified, but the risk of detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The back surface of the vortex generator strip is divided into two zones: a recess area where adhesive is applied and provides strong bonding, and a surrounding raised area that contacts the blade surface and provides mechanical protection and additional bonding area. This local quality differentiation ensures both simplified installation and high attachment reliability.
4Reliability
If sealing means are applied to the joint area of the vortex generator strip, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive application area and the protective sealing function are merged into a single integrated structure: the recess area on the back surface of the vortex generator strip. The adhesive provides both bonding and sealing functions, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations.
5Strength
If the adhesive is exposed on the back surface of the vortex generator strip, then the adhesion is maximized, but the adhesive is vulnerable to damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The back surface of the vortex generator strip is divided into two zones: a recess area where adhesive is applied and provides strong bonding, and a surrounding raised area that contacts the blade surface and provides mechanical protection and additional bonding area. This local quality differentiation ensures both simplified installation and high attachment reliability.
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
Simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for additional sealing steps and reduces the risk of detachment, while maintaining effective adhesion and minimal interference with airflow.
Implementation Method 1
The inner side of the base is provided with a recess or undercut for containing an adhesive. Thereby, the adhesive, e.g. in form of an adhesive tape or strip, may be inserted into the recess or undercut so that the surrounding parts of the inner side of the base protects the adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A vortex generator device (70) for mounting on a wind turbine blade (10) is disclosed. The device comprises: a base (71) having, when mounted on an exterior of the wind turbine blade (10), an inner side (72) for attaching on a surface, such as the exterior of the wind turbine blade (10), and an outer side (73) facing away from the exterior of the wind turbine blade (10). The device is provided with a vane vortex generator pair comprising a first vane (79) and a second vane (80) protruding from the outer side (73) of the base (71). The inner side (72) of the base (71) is provided with a recess (74) or undercut for obtaining an adhesive (81).