Method for operating a wind turbine with reduced blade fouling
US8092172B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 5, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/72
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of operating a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine has at least one rotor blade and an active flow control (AFC) system. The at least one rotor blade has at least one aperture defined through a surface thereof, and the AFC system is configured to modify aerodynamic properties of the at least one rotor blade by ejecting gas through the at least one aperture. The method includes operating the wind turbine in a first mode, determining an environmental condition surrounding the wind turbine indicative of fouling of the AFC system, and operating the wind turbine in a second mode different than the first mode based on the environmental condition. The second mode facilitates reducing fouling of the AFC system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.