EDF Renewable Services is to install 3M wind vortex generators on turbines in the US, with the aim of increasing annual energy production by 2%–3%.
The companies said the collaboration will “provide wind plant owners with turnkey solutions to increase efficiency and maximize annual energy production”.
The 3M generators are small attachments made from durable materials that energize a flow around the blade and reduce flow separation, they added.
The system also stabilizes aerodynamics balance load effects and reduce noise due to reduced stall.
The companies said the generator installation can pay for itself in approximately one to two years.
3M Renewable Energy Solutions global business manager for wind energy Santhosh Chandrabalan said: “When properly installed, wind vortex generators energize the flow around a blade’s surface and reduce aerodynamic separation, improving the turbine’s performance in terms of power, loads and service life.”
EDF Renewable Services executive vice president Larry Barr said: “Entering into this agreement with a leading manufacturer of wind vortex generators, adhesives and blade coatings, collectively provides the best-in-class blade repair and blade enhancement services in the market.”
Image: EDF
EDF, 3M target blade efficiency
Installation of vortex generators could increase energy yield by 3%
By EBS