Wind Turbine Blade Deformable Trailing Edge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind turbine blade systems face inefficiencies in adapting to varying wind conditions due to high energy consumption and abrupt aerodynamic changes caused by traditional pitch systems and smart materials, which can lead to reduced load management and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a wind turbine blade with a deformable trailing edge section comprising a multistable sheet with bistable elements that change shape without continuous energy supply, allowing for versatile blade configurations to adapt to stable wind conditions and non-homogeneous wind fields by switching bistable elements between stable positions, and enabling adjustments in twist and curvature to optimize aerodynamic performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional pitch systems are used to adapt blade position to varying wind speeds, then the wind turbine can adjust to different wind conditions, but high energy consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying wind speedsVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The blade incorporates a deformable trailing edge section that can dynamically change its shape and curvature in response to varying wind conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the blade to optimize its aerodynamic performance across different wind speeds without requiring continuous energy input, as the deformable structure passively responds to aerodynamic loads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The trailing edge section changes its geometric parameters (curvature, shape) based on wind conditions. By varying the curvature of the trailing edge, the blade can adapt its aerodynamic characteristics to match different wind speeds, reducing the need for active pitch control and associated energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If trailing edge flaps hinged to a main body are used to change aerodynamics, then the blade can adapt to wind conditions, but flow separation occurs causing abrupt aerodynamic changes and reduced efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic adaptabilityVSAvoidaerodynamic stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The trailing edge section is constructed as a flexible, deformable structure that can smoothly change its shape. This flexible design allows for gradual, continuous aerodynamic adjustments rather than abrupt changes, preventing flow separation and maintaining stable airflow over the blade surface across varying wind conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable trailing edge provides continuous, smooth aerodynamic adaptation rather than discrete, hinged movements. This dynamic flexibility ensures that the blade maintains attached flow and avoids abrupt aerodynamic changes, thereby preserving efficiency and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If smart materials or mechanical actuators are used to change outer geometry in leading and trailing edge regions, then instantaneous and local control of aerodynamic forces is achieved, but relatively high energy consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstantaneous control of aerodynamic forcesVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable trailing edge section is designed to automatically adapt to changing wind conditions through passive aerodynamic mechanisms. The structure self-regulates its shape in response to aerodynamic loads without requiring active control systems, smart materials, or mechanical actuators, thereby achieving instantaneous adaptation with minimal to zero energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution provides cost-effective load management and enhanced wind turbine efficiency by allowing stable blade shape configurations without continuous energy consumption, effectively adapting to changing wind conditions and improving rotor torque performance across varying wind speeds and profiles.

Implementation Method 1

Each DTE has a multistable sheet comprising a plurality of bistable elements. Each bistable element has two stable positions. Upon changing one or more bistable elements from one stable position to the other stable position a shape of the trailing edge section changes.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBistability: Metastability

Data Source

PatentUS10422318B2Wind turbine blade

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 GE RENEWABLE TECH WIND BV

AI summary

Wind turbine blades comprising one or more deformable trailing edge sections having a multistable sheet comprising a plurality of bistable elements, each bistable element having two stable positions, wherein the multistable sheet is attached in a cantilever manner to a structural portion of the blade and extends in a chordwise direction, and the multistable sheet is connected to a skin of the blade such that upon changing one or more bistable elements from one stable position to the other stable position a shape of the trailing edge section changes. The application further relates to wind turbines comprising such blades and methods of controlling loads on the blades.