The rotor blades of these systems were originally developed for the aircraft industry and are not specifically optimized for use in wind energy systems. Increasingly, age-related repairs on these wind energy plants are becoming necessary. In the framework of a project undertaken by Deutsche Windguard GmbH, it is foreseen that rotor blades from these existing wind energy plants will be investigated in wind tunnels, and options will be developed for their modification which can be implemented in the process of scheduled repair work. The goal is a substantial increase in energy yield through aerodynamic optimization of the rotor blades.
Toward this end the models of the rotor blades will be evaluated in the wind tunnels of Deutsche Windguard and the University of Oldenburg (Universität Oldenburg). The effectiveness of the proposed alterations will be projected with the aid of simulation calculations and mathematical models.
In this manner the technical and economic feasibility, and the potential energy yield improvement can be tested. Finally the altered mechanical loads will be assessed in order to establish that the type certificate of the wind energy plant remains valid.
The project aims at a potential energy yield increase of 6 %. If the attempt to integrate the modification of rotor blades into the process of regular repair and maintenance work is successful, it could become possible to make important improvements in the system in a simple and economical way.
Project Operation:
Deutsche WindGuard GmbH
Oldenburger Straße 65
26316 Varel
Telefon 04451|9515-0
Telefax 04451|9515-29
info@windguard.de
www.windguard.de
Ref. 27118
