Slat with tip vortex modification appendage for wind turbine
US9175666B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2012 |
| Grant date | Nov 3, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 2, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/72
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A slat (30) extending along an inboard portion of a wind turbine main blade element (22). The slat may have an end vortex modification appendage, such as winglet (34), endplate (64), raked wingtip (70), or down turned wingtip (72), and may be located behind a line defined perpendicular to a mean camber line of the main blade element at a leading edge of the main blade element. At least the leading edge (42S) of the slat may be disposed within a zone (48) of airflow that generally parallels the suction side (40) of the main blade element. The slat may have a flatback trailing edge (44F). Vortex generators (60) may be attached to the slat. Slats may be retrofitted to a wind turbine rotor (20) by attaching them to the spar caps (56) of the blades or to the hub (26) of the rotor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.