Wind Turbine Vortex Generator With Rear Fin Stiffening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vortex generators for wind turbine rotor blades are prone to damage from aerodynamic loads and environmental factors, leading to reduced service life and the need for frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
A vortex generator design featuring a base plate with a rearward stiffening section supporting the fin, maintaining a simple and compact shape while enhancing stability and durability, allowing it to withstand adverse conditions without impairing aerodynamic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fin extends beyond the rear edge of the base plate to improve aerodynamic performance, then the vortex generator can generate effective vortices, but the fin becomes more susceptible to damage from aerodynamic loads and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a thickened transition region at the rear edge where the fin attaches. This local thickening provides enhanced structural support and stiffness precisely where the fin experiences the highest aerodynamic loads, while the rest of the base plate maintains a simpler, lighter construction. This resolves the contradiction by strengthening only the critical area rather than the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension (thickness variation) to the base plate design. By varying the thickness in the vertical dimension at the transition region, the design adds structural capacity without increasing the planar footprint or complicating the overall geometry. This dimensional approach allows the fin to extend beyond the rear edge for aerodynamic effectiveness while the thickened base plate provides the necessary strength to withstand loads.
2Strength
If the base plate is thickened to increase strength and durability, then the vortex generator can withstand adverse conditions, but the overall size and complexity of the component increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly thickening the entire base plate, the patent applies thickness variation only at the critical transition region where the fin attaches to the base plate. This localized approach provides the necessary strength and durability to withstand adverse conditions while keeping the rest of the base plate simple and compact, thus avoiding unnecessary increases in overall structural complexity.
3Strength
If the fin is supported along its full length by the base plate, then the fin is well-supported structurally, but the base plate becomes more complex and larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides fin support not along the full length of the fin, but specifically at the critical transition region where the fin meets the base plate. This localized support at the root of the fin provides sufficient structural reinforcement to handle the aerodynamic loads without requiring the base plate to extend or become more complex along the entire fin length.
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 design provides increased stability and longevity, ensuring the vortex generator remains functional throughout the wind turbine rotor blade's service life with minimal impact on aerodynamic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
vortex generators cause small vortices in the boundary layer of a surrounding airflow. This can prevent or delay a separation of flow under certain operating conditions
Implementation Method 2
vortex generators cause small vortices in the boundary layer of a surrounding airflow
Implementation Method 3
A transition region between the fin and the base plate is thickened so that the fin can better withstand aerodynamic forces
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
A vortex generator for a wind turbine rotor blade, comprising • a base plate having - a lower surface configured for being mounted to an outer surface of the wind turbine rotor blade, - an upper surface opposite the lower surface, - a front edge, - a rear edge and - a longitudinal axis, - wherein the rear edge of the base plate comprises a perpendicular section arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and • at least one plate-shaped fin with - a first longitudinal section arranged at the upper surface of the base plate, - a second longitudinal section which extends beyond the rear edge and has a lower edge which is not connected to the base plate, characterized in that • the first longitudinal section comprises a rear part arranged rearwards of the perpendicular section and • the base plate comprises a first stiffening section arranged rearwards of the perpendicular section and forming a transition to the rear part.