Publication Date:
2011-08-19
Description:
Field tests on a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) have shown that Vortex Generators (VGs) can increase the efficiency of large propeller type (horizontal axis) wind turbines. VGs are devices which are attached to the surfaces of an aerodynamic body to influence the boundary layer behavior. It is pointed out that VGs were originally developed for delaying stall on aircraft wings. An investigation was conducted regarding the possibility to employ VGs also for the improvement of the performance of an intermediate size HAWT with a diameter in the range from 24 to 46 meters. This investigation included wind tunnel tests involving a rotor blade tip section, and field tests. The wind tunnel tests showed that VGs can improve the peak lift capabilities of the section while only slightly increasing the drag. The field tests showed that VGs can increase the rotor power in winds above 6 m/s.
Keywords:
AERODYNAMICS
Format:
text
Permalink
