Wind Turbine Blade Vortex Generators on Concave Mounting Line

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbine blades face inefficiencies due to sub-optimum aerodynamic profiles, particularly in the root and transition regions, leading to flow separation and increased drag, which limits energy yield and blade lifespan.

Innovation Solution

The placement of vortex generators along a concave mounting line on the suction side of the wind turbine blade, positioned between the expected separation line and the leading edge, minimizes induced drag and enhances aerodynamic performance by preventing or moving flow separation towards the trailing edge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vortex generators are arranged along a straight line or conventional pattern, then the blade structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the aerodynamic performance is sub-optimal with flow separation occurring in root and transition regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic performanceVSAvoidmounting line configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting line for vortex generators is configured as a concave curve rather than a straight line. This curvature allows the vortex generators to be positioned strategically along the suction side surface, following the airflow patterns and preventing flow separation in the root and transition regions more effectively than a straight-line arrangement would achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

Vortex generators are positioned at specific locations along the concave mounting line, with different spacing and orientation in different regions (root, transition, and airfoil regions). This localized optimization addresses the specific aerodynamic challenges of each region while maintaining overall blade performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the blade uses a standard aerodynamic profile, then the manufacturing is straightforward, but the energy yield is limited due to flow separation and increased drag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy yieldVSAvoiddrag

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Vortex generators are installed to convert the harmful effect of flow separation into beneficial three-dimensional flow structures. The vortex generators create controlled vortices that energize the boundary layer, preventing premature flow separation and reducing drag, thereby converting what would be a performance-limiting factor into an aerodynamic advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The concave mounting line configuration changes the spatial parameters of vortex generator placement, positioning them at optimized locations along the suction side surface. This parameter optimization enhances the aerodynamic performance by controlling flow attachment and separation characteristics, leading to reduced drag and increased energy yield.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If vortex generators are placed to prevent flow separation, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but the blade structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic efficiencyVSAvoidvortex generator arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The concave mounting line provides a systematic framework that simplifies the complex task of vortex generator placement. By following this predetermined curved path, the vortex generators are automatically positioned at optimal locations for flow control, reducing the need for complex individual positioning calculations while maintaining high aerodynamic efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 configuration improves aerodynamic properties, increasing energy yield and reducing drag, thereby enhancing the efficiency and lifespan of wind turbine blades.

Implementation Method 1

the suction side of the wind turbine blade is provided with a plurality of vortex generators positioned along a mounting line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex generation: Vortex Generator

Implementation Method 2

preventing or moving flow separation towards the trailing edge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow separation control: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentUS10047720B2Wind turbine blade comprising vortex generators

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 LM WP PATENT HLDG AS

AI summary

Disclosed is a wind turbine blade and a method for retrofitting a wind turbine blade, the wind turbine blade extending in a longitudinal direction along a pitch axis and having a tip end and a root end as well as a blade length, the wind turbine blade further comprising a profiled contour including a pressure side and a suction side, as well as a leading edge and a trailing edge with a chord having a chord length extending there between, the profiled contour, when being impacted by an incident airflow generating a lift, wherein the suction side of the wind turbine blade is provided with a plurality of vortex generators positioned along a mounting line having a proximal end point nearest the root end and a distal end point nearest the tip end, wherein the mounting line is a concave line seen from the trailing edge of the wind turbine blade.