Wind Turbine Blade Root Double Leading Edge Profile
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine blade designs in the root region fail to achieve optimal lift coefficients at high angles of attack and are sensitive to soiling conditions, while also being costly to manufacture due to limitations in chord and twist values.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine blade with a root region profile featuring a 'double leading edge' design, characterized by a higher relative thickness of 30%-50% and a curvature distribution that includes a secondary leading edge, reducing sensitivity to soiling and allowing for cost-efficient manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional high relative thickness profiles (24%-26%) are used in the root region, then manufacturing costs are reduced and manufacturing precision is maintained, but lift coefficient is moderate and sensitivity to soiling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leading edge is segmented into a primary leading edge and a secondary leading edge, creating a double leading edge structure. This segmentation allows the profile to generate higher lift coefficients while reducing sensitivity to soiling, as the secondary leading edge promotes turbulent flow that is less affected by surface roughness and deposited particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the traditional two-dimensional airfoil concept by adding a third dimensional feature - the secondary leading edge protrudes into the flow path, creating a three-dimensional flow control mechanism that enhances lift and reduces soiling sensitivity simultaneously.
2Reliability
If higher relative thickness profiles (30%-50%) with double leading edge are used, then lift coefficient at high angles of attack is improved and soiling sensitivity is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex double leading edge geometry is applied locally only to the root region of the blade where high lift coefficients at high angles of attack are most beneficial, while the rest of the blade can use simpler profiles. This localized application reduces overall manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired aerodynamic performance improvement.
3Reliability
If higher relative thickness profiles are used, then maximum lift coefficient is improved, but chord and twist values must be reduced to optimize manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the profile by introducing the secondary leading edge and increasing relative thickness to 30%-50%. This parameter change allows the blade to achieve higher maximum lift coefficients without requiring excessive chord lengths or twist angles, thereby optimizing the balance between aerodynamic performance and manufacturing ease.
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 'double leading edge' profile enhances lift coefficients at high angles of attack, reduces sensitivity to soiling, and optimizes manufacturing costs by improving aerodynamic performance in the root region.
Implementation Method 1
designed for inducing a transition from laminar to turbulent flow near the leading edge
Implementation Method 2
A profile in the root region of the blade is desired to have a high maximum lift coefficient and a high lift-to-drag ratio
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an aerodynamic profile for the root of a wind turbine blade having a double leading edge, including a leading edge (13), a trailing edge (15) and suction and pressure sides (17, 19) between the leading edge (13) and the trailing edge (15). The profile (5, 5', 5") has a relative thickness in the 30%-50% range in at least on section (37) of the root region (31). In addition, the convex portion (21) of the pressure side (19) is configured such that the curvature thereof decreases from a value C0 at the leading edge (13) to a value C1 at a first point P1 and subsequently increases to the value C2 at a second point P2, after which it decreases to a value 0 at the end of the convex portion (21).