Wind Turbine Blade Aerodynamic Devices for Wake Recovery Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for controlling wake interactions in wind parks do not consistently optimize power output and load on downstream turbines, particularly due to limited pitch actuation capacity and inefficient wake recovery.
Innovation Solution
Implementing movable aerodynamic devices on wind turbine blades that can be controlled based on radial position and azimuth angle to influence airflow, creating asymmetric forces and enhancing wake turbulence for faster recovery to free-stream conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional pitch control settings are adjusted to increase wake flow speed, then wake recovery is improved, but the limited pitch actuation capacity restricts the optimization potential
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade is segmented into multiple radial zones, each equipped with independent aerodynamic devices that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows different parts of the blade to perform different functions: some sections create asymmetric forces for wake deflection while others maintain optimal power generation, thereby overcoming the limitation of conventional uniform pitch control and maximizing optimization potential within actuation capacity constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
Different aerodynamic devices are activated at different radial positions along the blade according to local flow conditions and control objectives. The control system applies local quality by adjusting the angle of attack or deployment state of aerodynamic devices at specific radial locations to create targeted asymmetric forces in the wake, enabling precise wake manipulation without requiring full-blade pitch changes and thus maximizing the use of limited actuation capacity.
2Productivity
If downstream turbines are positioned close to upstream turbines, then wind park density and energy production are improved, but wake effects from upstream turbines reduce power output and increase loads on downstream turbines
Solution Approach 1:
The aerodynamic devices on the rotor blade are controlled to create asymmetric force distributions in the wake. By deploying devices at specific azimuth angles and radial positions, the system generates intentional asymmetric flow patterns that deflect the wake laterally away from downstream turbines. This asymmetric wake control allows closer turbine spacing while minimizing the harmful velocity deficit and turbulence impacts on downstream turbines, thereby maintaining high wind park productivity.
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
Enhances Annual Energy Production (AEP) by improving wake recovery and reducing power and load impact on downstream turbines through strategic activation of aerodynamic devices.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing wake turbulence for faster recovery to free-stream conditions
Implementation Method 2
creating asymmetric forces and enhancing wake turbulence
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a wind turbine for controlling wake wherein the wind turbine includes at least a rotor blade and a plurality of aerodynamic devices for influencing the airflow flowing on the rotor blade, the aerodynamic device being movable between at least a respective first configuration and a second respective configuration, the method including the step of moving the aerodynamic device between the first configuration and the second configuration for influencing a wake generated by the wind turbine.