Vortex Generator Pair Geometry for Wind Turbine Blades

Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbine blade aerodynamics face boundary layer separation at high angles of attack, leading to reduced lift, which existing vortex generator arrangements fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

An improved configuration of vortex generator pairs with specific geometric ratios and angles is implemented on wind turbine blades, optimizing the placement and design of triangular vortex generators to delay airflow separation and reduce drag while increasing lift.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vortex generator pairs are arranged with conventional geometric ratios (l/h=2, s/h=2.5, z/h=6, β=18 degrees), then boundary layer separation is delayed, but drag is increased and lift is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboundary layer attachmentVSAvoiddrag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the geometric ratios of vortex generators (l/h, s/h, z/h) and the skew angle (β) to achieve improved aerodynamic performance. Specifically, it adjusts these parameters to delay boundary layer separation while minimizing drag increase and maximizing lift, thereby resolving the contradiction between boundary layer attachment and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If vortex generator pairs are arranged with conventional geometric ratios (l/h=2, s/h=2.5, z/h=6, β=18 degrees), then boundary layer separation is delayed, but lift is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboundary layer attachmentVSAvoidlift

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the geometric ratios of vortex generators (l/h, s/h, z/h) and the skew angle (β) to achieve improved aerodynamic performance. Specifically, it adjusts these parameters to delay boundary layer separation while minimizing drag increase and maximizing lift, thereby resolving the contradiction between boundary layer attachment and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If vortex generator pairs are arranged with optimized geometric ratios (l/h between 1-5, s/h between 4-15, z/h between 7-20, β between 6-16 degrees), then drag is reduced and lift is increased, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedragVSAvoidgeometric ratio precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines specific ranges for geometric parameters (l/h between 1-5, s/h between 4-15, z/h between 7-20, β between 6-16 degrees) that balance aerodynamic performance with manufacturability. These ranges provide sufficient tolerance for manufacturing while achieving optimal drag reduction and lift increase, resolving the contradiction between energy loss and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of energy

If vortex generator pairs are arranged with optimized geometric ratios (l/h between 1-5, s/h between 4-15, z/h between 7-20, β between 6-16 degrees), then drag is reduced and lift is increased, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedragVSAvoidvortex generator arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent defines specific ranges for geometric parameters (l/h between 1-5, s/h between 4-15, z/h between 7-20, β between 6-16 degrees) that balance aerodynamic performance with manufacturability. These ranges provide sufficient tolerance for manufacturing while achieving optimal drag reduction and lift increase, resolving the contradiction between energy loss and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 new configuration significantly enhances aerodynamic performance by delaying stall and reducing drag, resulting in higher energy yield from wind turbines with improved lift-to-drag ratios.

Implementation Method 1

Vortex generators are used on wind turbine blades in order to induce turbulent airflow vortices as the aerodynamic profile of the blade is impacted upon by an incident airflow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex generation: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

boundary layer separation occurs when an airfoil profile experiences a relatively high angle of attack, which can cause a separation of attached airflow from the suction side of the airfoil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBoundary layer separation: Flow Separation

Implementation Method 3

The creation of these vortices acts to delay separation of the attached airflow from the aerodynamic profile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentUS10974818B2Vortex generator arrangement for an airfoil

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 LM WIND POWER AS

AI summary

A particular arrangement of vortex generators for an airfoil is described. The vortex generators are provided in pairs, preferably on a wind turbine blade, wherein by arranging the vortex generators according to specified characteristics, a surprising improvement in blade performance is provided over the prior art systems.