An LM Wind Power and Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands project has found that by extending wind turbine blades with new tip designs can increase power output by as much as 6%.
The InnoTip project looked at three new tip designs called winglet, shark fin and turbulators.
The winglet tip consists of a bend on the tip, the turbulator involves wake reduction geometry and the shark fin improves flow characteristics around the tip area, LM and ECN said.
InnoTip project manager at LM Wind Power Jordy van Kalken said: “Using the insights we’ve gained gives new avenues for changing the design of blades to improve output and efficiency without necessarily changing the structural design or production processes.
“We’ve already included this knowledge as part of new blade developments and look forward to bringing even better performing blades to the market.”
Image: ECN
