Portfolio of technologies to improve aerodynamic performance of wind turbines
Short description
ECN has developed a portfolio of technologies that could be used to improve the aerodynamic performance of wind turbines. The portfolio consists of several 'add-ons' such as root spoilers, vortex generators and winglets and can be used to retro-fit already installed wind turbines or can be integrated in the design of new blades.
Based on our experience, we believes that this portfolio of technologies has the potential to increase the Annual Energy Production of a typical wind farm with some 2-5%.
Main technical features
Please find details on the add-on technologies that improve blade aerodynamics in the PDF in the document section.
Innovative aspects
Blade root spoiler - creates more lift in the root section of a blade
Swallowtail - reduces noise, base drag and flow unsteadiness
Shark teeth - help to mix the airflow and decrease wake effects
Winglets - make the flow at the blade tip region become 2D and thus increases the power output by reducing drag
Vortex generators - ‘attach’ the flow to the surface of the blade to reduce flow separation
Blade extensions - increase the length of the blades and the 'swept area'
Applications
- Retrofitting onshore wind turbines
- Integrate in new blade designs (for onshore and offshore turbines)
Related documents
Type of partner sought
Companies,Research organizationsTasks to be performed by the partner you are looking for.
ECN is looking for:
- companies in the value chain (OEMs, service&maintenance companies, blade manufacturers) that are interested to further develop and commercialize this technology;
- we are also interested in meeting entrepreneurs, who would like to create a new startup in close collaboration with ECN to further develop and commercialize this technology.
- wind farm owners / potential launching customers, who are willing to collaborate in a demonstration project
Type of transaction: license/joint venture/spin-out.
Mr Sjoerd WITTKAMPF (ECN)