Two Danish wind energy companies have in cooperation with the Technical University of Denmark and wind energy cluster Hub North developed PowerCurve, a system to improve the performance of wind turbines. It consists of a series of specially designed plastic components installed on the turbine blade from base to tip.
The shape of the plastic components exploit known natural forces such as aerodynamics. The product is based on the concept of so-called vortex generators, whose purpose is to draw the wind closer to the turbine blade, thereby transferring more power to it. The technology has previously been used for different purposes such as making fluids go through pipes faster and in WW1 fighter planes. They are now using the same natural forces to increase the energy that makes the turbine blade spin. Researchers in aerodynamics from the Technical University of Denmark have performed very complex calculations of exactly how these plastic components should be shaped on individual turbines depending on size and type. PowerCurve’s product is currently being tested and the tests will show how much more power, turbines can produce using PowerCurve’s vortex generators compared to other turbines in the area. The tests are performed on sites in the USA and in the UK, Spain, Sweden and Denmark. PowerCurve offers turnkey solutions, where the company handles product and mounting, a DIY kit with instructions and accessories as well as a basic package containing just the plastic components. With all packages, the components must be designed for the size and type of turbine in question.
