Wind Turbine Blade Slat Assembly for Flow Separation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine blades face challenges in aerodynamic performance due to their design, particularly in the root and transition regions, which affect energy production and operational loads, especially as blades increase in size and require longer operational lifetimes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a slat assembly on the wind turbine blade, comprising a slat device supported by a support device, positioned at a distance from the blade surface, improves aerodynamic performance by enhancing lift generation and reducing load separation, with features like endplates and adjustable attachments to optimize aerodynamic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the blade width increases in the root and transition regions to facilitate mounting and reduce structural loads, then the ease of manufacture and structural strength improve, but the aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to increased drag and reduced lift generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing slat devices specifically in the root and transition regions where aerodynamic performance is typically compromised. These slats create localized aerodynamic improvements without requiring changes to the overall blade structure or mounting configuration, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while enhancing energy production in previously underperforming regions
Solution Approach 2:
The slat assembly acts as an intermediary element between the blade surface and the airflow. By positioning slats at a distance from the blade surface via support devices, the invention mediates the interaction between the non-ideal root/transition region geometry and the airflow, improving aerodynamic performance without modifying the fundamental blade structure
2Productivity
If the blade operates for extended periods to maximize energy production, then the energy output increases, but the accumulated loads and structural stress increase, potentially reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The slat devices are pre-configured in fixed positions to optimize aerodynamic performance before the blade undergoes extended operation. This preliminary aerodynamic optimization ensures that the blade generates efficient lift from the outset, maximizing energy production while distributing loads more favorably across the blade structure during prolonged operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the aerodynamic parameters in the root and transition regions by introducing slats at specific distances from the blade surface. This parameter modification improves the lift-to-drag ratio in these regions, allowing the blade to operate more efficiently over extended periods with reduced cumulative structural stress
3Productivity
If slat devices are positioned close to the blade surface to maximize aerodynamic effect, then the aerodynamic performance improves, but the risk of flow separation and structural interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving the slat devices from the two-dimensional blade surface into the third dimension, positioning them at a controlled distance above the surface. This dimensional transition allows the slats to generate beneficial aerodynamic effects while avoiding the harmful flow separation that would occur if they were positioned too close to the blade surface
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 slat assembly enhances the aerodynamic performance of wind turbine blades, increasing energy production and reducing operational loads, while being durable and securely attached to withstand the demands of wind turbine operation.
Implementation Method 1
the profiled contour generating a lift when being impacted by an incident airflow
Implementation Method 2
improves the aerodynamic performance of the blade
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a wind turbine blade for a rotor of a wind turbine having a substantially horizontal rotor shaft, the rotor comprising a hub from which the blade extends in a substantially radial direction when mounted to the hub. The wind turbine blade comprises a profiled contour defining a leading edge and a trailing edge, a pressure side and a suction side connecting the leading edge and the trailing edge, the profiled contour generating a lift when being impacted by an incident air-flow, and a slat assembly located on the blade, the slat assembly comprising a slat device being supported by a support device positioning the slat device in a distance from the surface of the blade.