Blade Wear Control in Wind Turbines

Multi-objective optimization method for aerodynamic structural loads of wind turbine blades using genetic algorithms and load simulation to find optimal blade designs with improved performance and stability. The method involves iteratively evolving blade shapes using genetic algorithms to simultaneously optimize aerodynamic power and structural load criteria. Load simulation is used to calculate blade loads and check stability. The genetic algorithm mutates blade designs, evaluates loads, and selects fitter offspring until convergence.

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Method and system to improve wind turbine blade efficiency and durability by identifying weak spots and performing non-destructive modifications. The method involves using CAD models of the wind turbine and blades, meshing them, and running two-way fluid-solid simulations to analyze blade pressure distributions. Weak points are identified and modifications like cavity covers are applied to improve wind energy capture and reduce vibrations.

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Robust optimization design method for thick airfoils inside wind turbine blades that takes into account uncertainty in inflow Reynolds number. The method involves using Monte Carlo simulation with Latin hypercube sampling to accurately represent the stochastic inflow conditions. This allows quantifying the impact of Reynolds number variability on airfoil performance and optimizing for robustness. The optimization goals are to improve lift levels and reduce sensitivity to Reynolds number fluctuations in the large angle of attack range.

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Wind turbine blades with a protective cover that is more resistant against wear in the transition area between the protective cover and the blade surface. The protective cover is made of a polymer material, like polyurethane, and is attached along at least a part of a longitudinal edge of the blade. The cover has a U-shaped cross-section with a thicker central section and thinner peripheral sections. A layer of adhesive and an oblique joint between the cover and blade surface provides a smooth transition.

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Wind turbine blades with an improved lightning protection system that reduces erosion and wear at the blade tip. The blade has a replaceable conductive blade tip module that fits over and protects the tip of the main blade. The module overlaps the blade tip to shield the junction from weathering and electrical heating during lightning strikes. This reduces erosion and damage at the critical junction between the blade and the lightning receptor. The module can be replaced if worn or damaged, extending the life of the blade.

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Method for locally improving efficiency of modular wind turbine blades without redesigning the whole blade. The method involves optimizing specific sections of the blade like the root and tip. At the root, a box-shaped component called the root box is added around the leaf root. This box modifies the root airfoil shape to improve lift and utilization of root airflow. At the tip, a tip extension and winglet are added to increase lift and reduce drag compared to the original tip shape.

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Method for optimizing the design of wind turbine blade trailing edge airfoils using computational fluid dynamics and optimization algorithms. The method involves constructing parameterized expressions for the trailing edge shape and optimizing the design using particle swarm optimization. This allows controlling the blunt trailing edge profile to improve blade performance without sacrificing aerodynamic characteristics.

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