Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Airflow Modifying Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airflow modifying elements for wind turbine blades are cumbersome to install, leading to increased time and cost, limiting production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An airflow modifying assembly with an alignment structure and interlocking bases featuring dovetail configurations, allowing for quick and accurate alignment and attachment to the rotor blade, reducing installation time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vortex generators are installed using adhesive tape and templates, then airflow modification is achieved, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment structure incorporates pre-marked chord-wise and span-wise lines that guide the placement of vortex generators before installation begins. This preliminary alignment guidance eliminates the need for time-consuming template placement during the installation process, reducing installation time while maintaining proper airflow modification effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment structure serves as an intermediary tool between the blade surface and the vortex generators. It provides a reference framework that ensures correct positioning and orientation of the vortex generators without requiring complex templates or measurement tools during installation
2Reliability
If conventional vortex generators are installed using adhesive tape and templates, then airflow modification is achieved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment structure is permanently attached to the blade and serves itself as the alignment reference for future vortex generator installations. This self-service alignment system eliminates the need for expensive template tools and complex measurement equipment, reducing installation costs while ensuring consistent airflow modification effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment structure uses simple, inexpensive markings and reference lines instead of expensive, complex templates. These simple alignment features can be easily reproduced or replaced if needed, providing a cost-effective solution that maintains proper vortex generator placement for effective airflow modification
3Manufacturing precision
If vortex generators are manually aligned on the blade surface, then proper airflow characteristics are obtained, but production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment structure has pre-established chord-wise and span-wise reference lines that are created during blade manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of alignment references enables rapid and accurate vortex generator placement during installation, achieving both high alignment precision and improved production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment structure acts as a permanent intermediary reference system on the blade surface. It provides continuous visual guidance for aligning vortex generators with the correct chord-wise and span-wise positions, ensuring manufacturing precision while accelerating the installation process and improving overall 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
The assembly significantly decreases installation time and cost by enabling efficient alignment and attachment of airflow modifying elements, improving aerodynamic performance and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
These structures are often referred to as 'vortex generators' and serve to create local regions of turbulent airflow over the surface of the blade as a means to prolong flow separation and thus optimize aerodynamic airflow around the blade contour
Implementation Method 2
when the angle of attack of the flow exceeds a certain critical angle, the flow does not reach the trailing edge, but leaves the surface at a flow separation line
Data Source
AI summary
A method and assembly for aligning airflow modifying elements on a rotor blade is disclosed. The airflow modifying assembly may be mounted onto a suction side surface or a pressure side surface of the rotor blade. Further, the airflow modifying assembly includes an alignment structure having a chord-wise extending face that may be fixed relative to the rotor blade at a predetermined position. The airflow modifying assembly further includes a first base having a root end, a tail end having an interconnecting profile, and a first plurality of airflow modifying elements. The root end is aligned with the chord-wise extending face such that the first base extends span-wise along the rotor blade. Additionally, the airflow modifying assembly includes at least one second base having a connector end with a complementary interconnecting profile and a plurality of airflow modifying elements, wherein the connector end is coupled to the tail end.