WO2014198354A1

WO2014198354A1 - Fastening of vortex generators

Info

Publication number: WO2014198354A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/000599
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bert Gollnick; Tilman RICHERS; Jens Kulenkampff; Marc Petsche
Original assignee: Senvion Se
Priority date: 2013-06-10
Filing date: 2014-03-10
Publication date: 2014-12-18
Also published as: DE102013210737A1; DE102013210737B4

Abstract

The invention relates to a rotor blade system (1) for a wind turbine, comprising: a rotor blade (10), which has a surface (12); and a vortex generator (21), which has a main body (22) and at least one vane (20) connected to the main body (22), wherein the vane (20) of the vortex generator (21) is or becomes arranged on the surface (12) of the rotor blade (10) as intended. The rotor blade system (1) according to the invention is further developed in that the rotor blade system (1) also comprises a positioning device (35; 22, 40; 26, 70; 25, 80) for orienting the rotor blade (10) and the vortex generator (21) in relation to each other. The invention further relates to a fastening device (46; 52, 54, 56) for a rotor blade system (1) of a wind turbine, which rotor blade system comprises: a rotor blade (10), which has a surface (12); and a vortex generator (21), which has a main body (22) and a vane (20) connected to the main body (22), wherein the vortex generator (21) is or becomes detachably fastened to the rotor blade (10) by means of the fastening device (46; 52, 54, 56) as intended, so that the vane (20) of the vortex generator (21) is or becomes arranged on the surface (12) of the rotor blade (10). The invention further relates to a rotor blade (10) and to a vortex generator (21).

Description

Attachment of vortex generators Description

The invention relates to a rotor blade system for a wind power plant comprising a rotor blade having a surface and comprising a vortex generator with a base body and at least one wing connected to the base body, wherein the wing of the vortex generator is intended or is arranged on the surface of the rotor blade.

The invention further relates to a fastening device for a rotor blade system of a wind turbine with a rotor blade having a surface, and with a vortex generator having a base body and a wing connected to the main body.

The invention further relates to a rotor blade and a vortex generator.

For modern wind turbines are rotor blade systems with a Rotor blade known to include a vortex generator with a wing to increase the buoyancy of the rotor blade. Such wings often have a triangular basic shape and are usually mounted upright on a surface of the rotor blade. When the rotor blade flows around, each blade generates a near-surface vortex, a so-called vortex. These vortices prevent the formation of an excessively thick turbulent boundary layer between the surface of the rotor blade and the laminar air flow flowing around the rotor blade, thereby suppressing tearing or detachment of the laminar flow from the rotor blade and exerting higher buoyant forces on the rotor blade. This can increase the energy yield of the wind turbine.

Under a wing is understood in the context of the invention, the part of a vortex generator, which generates a vortex in interaction with the air flowing under the wing. Under wing is understood in particular a vortex-generating sheet.

Rotor blade and vortex generator are usually matched components of a rotor blade system, the relative orientation of the rotor blade and vortex generator for the aerodynamic properties of the rotor blade system is of particular importance.

Furthermore, considerable aerodynamic forces act on the wing of the vortex generator during operation of the wind power plant, so that a correspondingly firm connection or attachment between the rotor blade and the vortex generator is unavoidable.

In known rotor blade systems, the vortex generator in the Usually glued to the rotor blade. This provides the required attachment between the rotor blade and the vortex generator, which, however, requires great precision and care in alignment between the rotor blade and the vortex generator during assembly. Furthermore, the replacement of a vortex generator, for example, in a demolished or broken wing, associated with considerable effort.

Based on this prior art, the object of the present invention is to improve the attachment of a vortex generator to a rotor blade, wherein in particular during assembly, the alignment or positioning of vortex generator and rotor blade relative to each other easier and / or the replacement of a vortex generator on a rotor blade to be relieved.

This object is achieved by a rotor blade system for a wind energy plant comprising a rotor blade with a surface and comprising a vortex generator with a base body and at least one wing connected to the main body, wherein the wing of the vortex generator is intended or is arranged on the surface of the rotor blade, said Rotor blade system further comprises a positioning means for alignment of the rotor blade and the vortex generator relative to each other.

The wing is in particular an aerodynamically relevant part of the vortex generator. The main body is in particular a component of the vortex generator, to which or with which the vortex generator is or is attached to a rotor blade. The main body is formed for example as the base of a wing or as a base plate. A vortex generator can in particular For example, two, have wings that are connected to the same body.

The invention particularly facilitates the alignment between the rotor blade and the vortex generator during assembly of the rotor blade system, in particular during attachment of the vortex generator to the rotor blade. The positioning device is in particular connected to the rotor blade and / or the vortex generator and / or remains after assembly on the rotor blade and / or the vortex generator. The positioning device may also include features that relate to the design of the rotor blade and / or the vortex generator and facilitate the alignment of the rotor blade and the vortex generator to one another.

In an advantageous development of the invention, the positioning device comprises a position marker for the vortex generator.

Dad urch is made possible to identify or determine the appropriate position of the vortex generator on the rotor blade already during the manufacture of the rotor blade, in particular the provision of an aerodynamically relevant surface of the rotor blade. For this, the position marking is preferably arranged on the surface of the rotor blade.

In addition, a position marking on the rotor blade or on the surface of the rotor blade enables the exact and reproducible alignment of the vortex generator relative to the rotor blade. In this case, the positioning mark is in particular a positioning mark for the main body of the vortex generator, wherein the vortex generator is attached to the main body on the surface of the rotor blade or is. In a particularly preferred development of the invention, the positioning mark is designed as a contact edge for the vortex generator, in particular for the main body of the vortex generator. For example, the vortex generator, in particular with its base body, placed on the surface of the rotor blade, pushed against the abutment edge and then attached to the rotor blade. As a result, a particularly simple and exact alignment of vortex generator and rotor blade is achieved to each other.

Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the surface of the rotor blade and a surface of the vortex generator, in particular a side of the base body of the vortex generator facing the rotor blade, are formed complementary to one another at least in sections, wherein the surface of the rotor blade is in particular curved.

As a result, a desired position of the vortex generator relative to the rotor blade is predetermined, in which the surfaces of the rotor blade and the vortex generator, which have complementary shapes, lie flat against one another. Here, in particular, a uniform distance of the surfaces from each other is achieved which facilitates the reliable attachment of the vortex generator to the rotor blade. In particular, in the desired position, a uniformly wider and thus generally advantageous adhesive gap results between the vortex generator and the rotor blade.

Furthermore, the target position, in particular in the case of complexly shaped surfaces of the rotor blade and vortex generator, is a particularly metastable position or position of the vortex generator on the surface of the rotor blade, in which the vortex generator and the rotor blade are intended to be aligned with each other. As a result, during the assembly of the rotor blade system, the alignment of the vortex generator and the rotor blade relative to one another is further facilitated.

A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the positioning device comprises a recess for the vortex generator, in particular for the main body of the vortex generator, on the surface of the rotor blade, wherein the base body, in particular at an intended direction of the rotor blade side, at least partially complementary to the shape the recess is formed.

As a result, in particular a stable setpoint position of the vortex generator is provided on the rotor blade with the advantages already mentioned.

In addition, there is the further advantage that the vortex generator is or can be attached to the rotor blade in such a way that a surface of the vortex generator continues or supplements an aerodynamically relevant surface of the rotor blade. On the one hand, this ensures a firm and reliable attachment of the vortex generator via its base body to the rotor blade and, on the other hand, prevents unwanted influencing of the aerodynamic properties of the rotor blade by the main body of the vortex generator, for example unwanted turbulence on a side surface or side edge of the base body.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recess has at least one side surface arranged obliquely to the adjacent surface of the rotor blade, which in particular serves as an abutment or sliding surface for the vortex generator, in particular for a complementary to the side surface at least partially complementary mating surface on Vortexgenerators is formed. The mating surface is for example an outer surface or surface on the main body of the vortex generator.

This ensures that an inserted into the recess vortex generator automatically aligns in the recess, which in particular in addition to the position and the orientation of the vortex generator is set relative to the rotor blade or is.

The side surface of the recess preferably has an inclination to a surface of the rotor blade arranged at the recess of 1: 5 (that is, for example, 1 1, 5 °) or less. As a result, sharp edges and the associated structural weakening of the rotor blade are avoided. In particular, in the case of a rotor blade which has load-bearing fibers in the region of the surface, it is advantageous to ensure a rectilinear alignment of the fibers and thus a load-bearing capacity of the fibers which is unimpaired by the recess.

Another advantage of a side surface with low inclination is that the side surface of the recess and the adjacent surface of the rotor blade in the manufacture of the rotor blade in one step jointly processed, for example, be polished. Also, a simple processing of all inner surfaces of the recess, for example, for roughening to prepare an adhesive bond of the rotor blade and the vortex generator, rode in a single work allows.

Preferably, the recess is conical in a direction transverse to the surface of the rotor blade. In particular, the recess is formed such that a cross-sectional area of the Recess as a function of the distance to a surface adjacent to the recess surface of the rotor blade is smaller.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the recess is formed asymmetrically in one direction along the surface of the rotor blade.

This prevents that the vortex generator can be inserted in a wrong orientation in the recess.

Preferably, the recess has a base surface on which a fastening device for fastening the vortex generator is arranged in the recess.

As a result, advantageously, the various functions of the recess, in particular for alignment or positioning of the vortex generator on the one hand and for attachment of the vortex generator on the other hand, spatially separated and divided into different areas of the recess. In particular, sliding or shifting of the vortex generator transversely to the fastening device is avoided.

A particularly preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the rotor blade system comprises at least a first vortex generator and a second vortex generator, which are arranged adjacent to each other on the rotor blade or intended, wherein the vortex generators, in particular the main body of the vortex generators, each one abutting edge for the other Vortexgenerator, wherein the abutting edge of the first vortex generator and the abutting edge of the second vortex generator are formed at least partially complementary to each other shape. In this way, in particular alignment between the first vortex generator and the second vortex generator is facilitated, for example by positioning the vortex generators with their respective abutting edges against one another. This ensures the alignment of several vortex generators to one another on a rotor blade.

In addition, a first, attached to a rotor blade vortex generator is in particular a positioning device for another vortex generator. As a result, the orientation relative to the rotor blade is simplified at least for the further vortex generator.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the first vortex generator and the second vortex generator are connectable to one another at the respective abutting edges, in particular detachably.

As a result, several Vortexgeneratoren can be combined to form a mutually aligned assembly, which are then aligned and fixed uniformly on a rotor blade. Preferably, a positive connection is provided at the respective abutting edges.

Another advantage of this is that without substantial overhead in the assembly of several smaller vortex generators can be provided instead of a large vortex generator. In particular, in the production of Vortexgeneratoren using a thermoplastic material has the advantage that it comes with smaller components less distortion during curing and so the manufacturing inaccuracies, in particular form and orientation of the aerodynamically relevant wing relative to the base body, are increased. The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a fastening device for a rotor blade system of a wind turbine with a rotor blade having a surface, and with a vortex generator having a base body and a wing connected to the main body, in particular for a rotor blade system, as above has been described according to the invention or preferably, wherein the vortex generator is fixed by means of the fastening device is detachably attached to the rotor blade as intended, so that the wing of the vortex generator is or is arranged on the surface of the rotor blade.

The fastening device is inventively designed for a releasable attachment or connection. As a result, replacement of a defective vortex generator, in particular in the field, is made possible or simplified.

A releasable fastening means, in particular, an attachment or connection which can be released without destroying the connected components, in particular without destroying the rotor blade and / or the vortex generator.

The fastening device may also include features that relate to the configuration of the rotor blade and / or the vortex generator and contribute to attachment of the vortex generator to the rotor blade or to a connection between vortex generator and rotor blade.

A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the fastening device for a positive connection between the vortex generator, in particular the main body of the vortex generator, and the rotor blade is formed is.

As a result, in particular a structurally simple, easily detachable and yet solid and reliable attachment possible. For example, the fastening device comprises a rail system, a hook system and / or a Velcro system.

A further preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the fastening device comprises a fusible bonding layer, wherein a melting temperature of a material of the bonding layer is less than a melting temperature of a material of the rotor blade and a melting temperature of a material of the vortex generator.

The fusible bonding layer allows attachment of the vortex generator to the rotor blade that is comparable to adhesive bonding, wherein the attachment or connection can be easily released again by the action of heat. In this case, the melting temperatures of the connecting layer, the vortex generator and the rotor blade are in particular matched to one another such that the material of the vortex generator and the rotor blade remains fixed and unchanged in its mechanical and structural properties during melting of the connecting layer.

Another advantage of a fusible link layer is that the application is relatively robust against contamination, so that in particular in case of replacement of a vortex generator in the field a reliable attachment of the new vortex generator is ensured.

A material of the bonding layer is, for example, a thermoplastic with a low melting temperature. A further preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the fastening device comprises a double-sided adhesive, in particular self-adhesive, or bonded intermediate layer.

This is, for example, an industrial adhesive tape with a double-sided self-adhesive carrier layer or an intermediate layer of a self-adhesive material.

The intermediate layer is preferably designed to be flexible, as a result of which, in particular, smaller unevennesses on the surfaces to be bonded can be compensated.

As a result, a surface bonding is ensured, so that even with moderate adhesive force per unit area a reliable attachment of the vortex generator is ensured. In particular, adhesive connections are made possible which are very resilient in one main connection direction and can be released by loading in another direction, in particular in a direction transverse to the main connection direction.

The intermediate layer or carrier layer comprises, for example, a material with inclusions of air or gas bubbles, for example of a foamed plastic.

Furthermore, the intermediate layer is in particular thinner than 1.5 mm, in particular thinner than 1 mm, in order to ensure the strength or stability of the adhesive bond, in particular in the case of transverse or shear loads.

In a particularly preferred development, the fastening comprises Supply device further comprises a sealing device between the vortex generator and the rotor blade.

As a result, in particular, the connection produced by means of the fastening device between the rotor blade and the vortex generator, for example against dirt and weathering influences such as moisture or icing, is protected. Thus, the invention allows the use of an easily detachable Befestigungsein direction and at the same time ensures that an unintentional detachment of the vortex generator is effectively prevented by the rotor blade.

The sealing device comprises, for example, a sealing lip integrated into the main body of the vortex generator. As a result, particularly in the case of a vortex generator produced by means of an injection molding process from thermoplastics, a particularly simple production is made by using a first thermoplastic for the base body and / or the wing and a second thermoplastic for the sealing lip, wherein in particular a flexibility of the second thermoplastic is greater than a flexibility of the first thermoplastic.

The sealing device comprises, for example, a sealing compound which is or is applied after attachment of the rotor blade and the vortex generator. A suitable sealant comprises in particular a silicone.

The sealing device comprises, for example, a seal which is or is arranged between the vortex generator and the rotor blade and, in particular when the vortex generator is attached to the rotor blade by means of the fastening device, seals or splits a gap between the rotor blade and the vortex generator or is clamped in such a gap. A previously described rotor blade system according to the invention preferably comprises a fastening device according to the invention. As a result, in particular the advantages of a detachable attachment or connection of the rotor blade and vortex generator and the advantages of a simple and accurate alignment of the rotor blade and the vortex generator to each other ensured, in particular, the features of the invention or measures under both aspects contribute to the benefits.

The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a rotor blade with a rotor blade system according to the invention.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a vortex generator of a rotor blade system according to the invention.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a vortex generator for a rotor blade of a wind turbine, in particular a vortex generator of a rotor blade system according to the invention, wherein the vortex generator a wing, which is arranged on a surface of the rotor blade is or will, comprises, the wing detachably connected to the Rotor blade or a main body of the vortex generator is connected or is, in particular a positive connection between the rotor blade or the main body of the vortex generator on the one hand and the wing is provided on the other hand.

As a result, the exchange of a single blade on a rotor blade is made possible or simplified in an alternative or cumulative manner to a simplified interchangeability of the vortex generator. Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments according to the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may satisfy individual features or a combination of several features.

The invention will be described below without limiting the general inventive idea by means of embodiments with reference to the drawings, reference being expressly made to the drawings with respect to all in the text unspecified details of the invention. Show it:

1 shows schematically a detail of a rotor blade system according to the invention in a perspective view;

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a vortex generator according to the invention;

Fig. FIG. 3 schematically shows the transition region between two adjacent vortex generators according to an embodiment of the invention in plan view; FIG.

4 is a schematic plan view of the transition region between two adjacent vortex generators according to a further embodiment of the invention;

5 is a schematic sectional view of a rotor blade system according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a rotor blade system according to another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7a-c schematically show sectional views of a positioning device according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 schematically shows a sectional view of a fastening device according to an embodiment of the invention;

9 is a schematic sectional view of a fastening device according to a further embodiment of the invention;

10 is a schematic sectional view of a fastening device according to a further embodiment of the invention;

1 1 schematically shows a sectional view of a fastening device with a sealing device according to an embodiment of the inventions ung;

Fig. 12 is a schematic sectional view of a fastening device with a sealing device according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1 schematically shows a sectional view of a fastening device with a sealing device according to another embodiment of the invention; Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view of a rotor blade system 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 1 5 schematically a sectional view along the

Line A-A of FIG. 14;

Fig. 16 is a schematic sectional view of a rotor blade system according to another embodiment of the invention; and

17 is a schematic sectional view of a rotor blade system according to another embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings, the same or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numerals, so that apart from a new idea each.

1 shows schematically a section of a rotor blade system 1 according to the invention with a rotor blade 1 0 in a perspective view. The rotor blade 10 has a cross section with an aerodynamic profile 14 and has a pressure side 15 and a suction side 16.

On the suction side 16 of the rotor blade 1 0, a plurality of vortex generators 21 of the rotor blade system are arranged side by side on the rotor blade surface 12. The vortex generators 21 each have small wings 20. The wings 20 have for example a triangular basic shape and are up to 140 mm long and 35 to 70 mm high. The rotor blade 1 0 is intended to flow against the rotor blade nose 1 7, as shown schematically by the arrow 30. In this case, the rotor blade 1 0 flows around from the rotor blade nose 17 to the rotor blade trailing edge 1 8.

Dad urch that the wings 20 are aligned transversely to the rotor blade surface 12 and obliquely to the direction of flow 30, creates a vortex or vortex downstream of each wing 20, wherein the orientation of a wing 20 to the direction 30 indicates the direction of rotation of the respective vortex. The orientation of the vanes 20 is preferably alternating, as shown in FIG. 1, so that adjacent vortices have opposite directions of rotation.

An example of a vortex generator 21 according to the invention is shown in FIG. The vortex generator 21 comprises two oppositely oriented wings 20, which are mounted on a base body 22 designed as a base plate or base plate. For example, the base body 22 and the wings 21 are manufactured as a unitary component of a thermoplastic material in an injection molding process.

The side surfaces 23 of the base body 22 are complementary in shape to each other, in the example shown rounded, formed. This results in relatively large contact surfaces between adjacent vortex generators 21, so that if several Vortexgenerato- ren 21 as in the rotor blade system 1 of the invention according to FIG. 1 are arranged in a row next to each other, they can be aligned adjacent to each other.

If, for example, one of the two vortex generators 21 is already fastened to a rotor blade 0, the position of the next th vortex generator 21 to a rotation relative to the first vortex generator 21 already predetermined, so that the alignment of the further Vortexgenerators 21 to the rotor blade 10 is substantially simplified.

3 shows the transition region between two vortex generators 21 according to a further embodiment of the invention. In this case, the side surfaces 23 of the main bodies 22 of the vortex generators 21 are formed so as to correspond in plan view to a zigzag line. As a result, twisting of the two vortex generators 21 with respect to one another is effectively prevented, so that the first vortex generator 21 unambiguously sets the orientation of the second vortex generator.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 4, where also a schematic plan view of the transition region between two vortex generators 21 is shown. In this case, the side surfaces 23 of the base bodies 22 are shaped such that the base bodies 22 of the side-by-side vortex generators 21 intermesh, so that the vortex generators 21 are connected to one another. As a result, in particular a plurality of vortex generators 21 can be connected and can be aligned together in the assembly relative to a rotor blade 10.

The embodiments of the side surfaces 23 according to the invention shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are to be understood as exemplary in particular, with any other shape-complementary configurations of the side surfaces 23 with which the described effect of the invention being achieved also being considered as being according to the invention.

5 shows a sectional view of a Ro door leaf system 1 with a along the direction of flow 30 aligned cutting plane. Shown is a section of a rotor blade 1 0 and a vortex generator 21 with a wing 20 and a designed as a base plate or base plate body 22nd

The surface 1 2 of the rotor blade 1 0 substantially corresponds to an aerodynamic profile 14, wherein the base body 22 is formed on its underside complementary to the shape of the surface of the surface 12 and the aerodynamic profile 14.

On the surface 12 a survey with a contact surface 35 for the vortex generator 21 and the body 22 of the vortex generator 21 is further provided, wherein the survey on the aerodynamic profile 14, the continuation of which is shown as a dotted line, is raised.

In the area of the vortex generator 21 and the elevation, the surface 12 of the rotor blade 1 0 is continued by the top 24 of the main body 22 of the vortex generator and the top of the survey. In this area, the effective surface of the rotor blade system 1 deviates correspondingly from the aerodynamic profile 14 of the rotor blade.

FIG. 6 shows a representation of a rotor blade system 1 comparable to FIG. 5 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Here, the rotor blade 1 0 has an incision for the vortex generator. The continuation of the aerodynamic profile 14 of the rotor blade 1 0 is shown in the region of the incision as a dotted line.

The incision has an edge in the direction of flow behind, the is designed as a contact surface 35 for a vortex generator 21. The base of the incision, just like the underside of the vortex generator, flat, in particular plan, formed.

In this embodiment, the top side 24 of the vortex generator 21 continues the rotor blade surface 12 such that the effective surface of the rotor blade system 1, formed from the rotor blade surface 12 and upper side 24 of the main body 22 of the vortex generator 21, corresponds to the aerodynamic profile 14.

A rotor blade system 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 7a to 7c, wherein in each case one of FIGS. 5 and 6 comparable sectional plane is shown.

The rotor blade system 1 comprises a rotor blade 10 and a vortex generator 21, the rotor blade system 1 being illustrated in FIG. 7a prior to attachment of the vortex generator 21 to the rotor blade 1 0.

The rotor blade 1 0 has on the rotor blade surface 1 2 a recess 40 with side surfaces 42 and a base surface 41. In this case, the base surface 41 of the recess 40 is aligned substantially parallel to the rotor blade surface 12. The side surfaces 42 connect the rotor blade surface 12 and the base surface 41, wherein the side surfaces 42 in particular have an inclination relative to the rotor blade surface 12 and the base surface 41. The inclination is preferably low, for example less than 1: 5. This is to be understood in particular that the side surfaces 42 are each angled relative to the rotor blade surface 1 2 and the base surface 41 are aligned, wherein the corresponding angle is less than about 1 1, 3 °.

The recess is formed asymmetrically, for example. There- In particular, it should be understood that the recess has an asymmetrical shape and / or an asymmetrical shaped cross-sectional area. In particular, two side surfaces 42 each have a different inclination to the rotor blade surface 12 or to the base surface 41.

The vortex generator 21 comprises a main body 22 and at least one wing 20. The main body 22 is formed on the underside at least partially complementary to the shape of the recess 40. In particular, the base body 22 has mating surfaces that are shaped or formed in a shape-complementary manner to the side surfaces 42 of the recess.

The asymmetrical shape or the asymmetrically shaped cross-sectional area of the recess 40 and the corresponding complementary shape of the vortex generator 21 ensure that the vortex generator 21 is inserted into the recess 40 only in the correct orientation.

7b shows the rotor blade system 1 after insertion of the vortex generator 21 into the recess 40. The size of the vortex generator 21 or of the main body 22 of the vortex generator 21 is selected such that a recess 40 between the rotor blade 10 and the vortex generator 21 Adhesive gap 44 remains. The adhesive gap 44 is preferably uniformly wide and is filled, for example, with a liquid adhesive.

Fig. FIG. 7c shows a representation comparable to FIG. 7b of a similar embodiment of the invention. Here it is provided in particular that the base body 22 is formed such that the mating surfaces are supported on the base body 22 in each case on a side surfaces 42 of the recess 40. This will before given when inserting the vortex generator 21 into the recess 40 an unambiguous position for the vortex generator 21.

In addition, such a gap between the rotor blade surface 12 and upper side 24 of the base body 22 is avoided, so that an aerodynamically optimal transition between the rotor blade surface 12 and the upper side 24 of the base body 22 is ensured.

Between the base surface 41 and the vortex generator 21 or the base of the base body 22 is a fastening device 46; 52, 54, 56 for attachment of the vortex generator on the rotor blade 1 0 or provided in the recess 40. To protect the fastening device 46; 52, 54, 56 from dirt, moisture and weathering may be provided between the side surfaces 42 of the recess 40 and the corresponding mating surfaces on the vortex generator 21, a sealing device. Preferred embodiments of the fastening device 46; 52, 54, 56 are shown in Figs. 8 to 10, preferred embodiments of the sealing device 62, 64, 66 in Figs. 1 1 to 1 3 shown schematically.

FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 schematically show, respectively within the scope of the invention, preferred devices 52, 54, 56 for releasably securing a vortex generator 21 to a base body 22 and at least one wing 20 on a rotor blade 10. In particular, the devices 52, 54, 56 shown are advantageous as fastening means 46; 52, 54, 56 in FIG. 7a to 7c usable.

I n the FIG. 8, 9 and 10 are, for reasons of clarity in an individual case, any existing measures or refinements to improve the aerodynamics at the transition between the rotor blade 1 0 and vortex generator 12 each not shown. 8 shows an attachment of the vortex generator 21 by means of an adhesive layer 52. This is in particular a chemically or physically detachable adhesive bond between the rotor blade 10 and the vortex generator 21, which can be configured as thick-film bonding or as thin-film bonding.

The adhesive layer 52 is formed, for example, as a foam tape with an intermediate layer of foamed plastic provided with adhesive on both sides. The intermediate layer is preferably slightly malleable, so that small bumps on the rotor blade 1 0 or on the vortex generator 21 can be compensated.

The adhesive layer 52 may in particular also comprise a flexible, adhesive material. Such adhesive solutions are available, for example, from tesa SE of Hamburg, Germany, under the brand name Powerstrips. A particular advantage of this is that the adhesive bond between the rotor blade 1 0 and vortex generator 21 is releasable stretching of the adhesive layer in the direction of the adhesive plane, while the adhesive bond is fixed and reliable in the usually occurring during operation of a wind turbine loads.

Fig. 9 shows an attachment of a vortex generator 21 to a rotor blade 10 by means of a form-fitting composite system 54. The composite system 54 comprises two surface sections, one of which is fastened to the rotor blade 10 and the other to the vortex generator 21. The surface portions each have a plurality of holding elements, which interact releasably positively with the corresponding holding elements of the respective other surface portion. Such composite systems 54 are available in a variety of industrial quality on the market. Both symmetrical and asymmetric composite systems 54 are used within the scope of the invention.

A symmetrical composite system 54 is understood in particular to mean that the two surface sections have identical retaining elements. For example, a corresponding symmetrical composite system 54 under the brand name Dual Lock is offered by the company 3M, in which the holding elements each have a mushroom-shaped cross-section.

An asymmetrical composite system 54 is understood in particular to mean a composite system 54 in which the two surface sections have different holding elements, for example hooks on the one hand and loops on the other hand.

In Fig. 10, a fusion bond is shown by means of a fusible interlayer 56 for attachment of a vortex generator 21 to a rotor blade 10. The intermediate layer 56 comprises, in particular, a fusible material and is formed, for example, in the form of a strip incorporated in the rotor blade surface 12. To secure the vortex generator 21, the intermediate layer 56 is heated until it melts and the vortex generator 21 is positioned in the at least partially liquid material of the intermediate layer 56. After cooling and solidification of the material results in a solid and reliable connection between the rotor blade 1 0 and vortex generator 21st At the same time, a simple interchangeability of the vortex generator 21 is ensured since the fusion bond can be easily released by heating the intermediate layer 56. In this case, a material of the intermediate layer 56 is matched in particular to a material of the rotor blade 10 and a material of the vortex generator 21 such that the melting temperature of the material of the intermediate layer 56 is in particular lower than the respective melting temperature of the material of the rotor blade 10 and of the material of the vortex generator 21. This ensures, in particular, that the structure and shape of the rotor blade 10 and the vortex generator 21 are retained when the intermediate layer is heated or melted.

A particular advantage in the fusion bond is that the strength of the compound is hardly affected by soiling or foreign matter. As a result, in particular in the field, a vortex generator 21 can be exchanged without special protective measures.

A fastening device 46; 52, 54, 56 is preferably protected by a sealing device 62, 64, 66 from dirt, weathering and moisture. Exemplary embodiments of a corresponding sealing device 62, 64, 66 are shown schematically in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, respectively.

In the case of FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, for reasons of clarity in individual cases, any measures or refinements which may be present to improve aerodynamics at the transition between rotor blade 1 0 and vortex generator 12 are not shown.

By way of example, FIG. 11 shows a sealing device 62, 64, 66 formed by means of a sealing compound 62. The sealing compound 62 is applied to the rotor blade 10 in the region of a transition between rotor blade 10 and vortex generator 21, in particular after attachment of the vortex generator 21. In this case, the sealing compound 62 is, for example, liquid. sig or viscous and cures after application at least partially, so that there is a on the other hand connected to the rotor blade 1 0 on the one hand and the vortex generator 21 seal. Preferably, the seal or sealant 62 is still flexible after curing.

For example, a material of the sealant comprises silicone.

When replacing the vortex generator 21, the seal or the sealant 62 is destroyed as a rule, so that residues, at least on the rotor blade 1 0, must be removed before a new vortex generator 21 can be mounted.

Fig. 12 shows a sealing device 62, 64, 66 in the context of the invention, in which this problem is avoided. Here, the vortex generator 21, in particular a main body 22 of the vortex generator 21, comprises a sealing lip 64, which rests against the rotor blade 10 when the vortex generator 21 is attached as intended.

For example, when the vortex generator 21 or the body 22 of the vortex generator is or is manufactured by an injection molding process, a sealing lip 64 can be made particularly easily by the use of different thermoplastics with different flexibility. In particular, a relatively flexible thermoplastic material is used for the base body 22 in the cooled state and for the sealing lip 64 in the cold state.

Fig. 1 3 shows a sealing device 62, 64, 66 in the context of the invention with a sealing element 66 inserted between the vortex generator 21 and the rotor blade 10. The sealing element 66 is independent of the choice of material and the manufacturing method of the vortex generator 21 and of the rotor blade 10 that in Individual cases of additional effort for assembly and functional control of a separate sealing element 66 can be accepted.

A rotor blade system 1 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. In this case, FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a rotor blade surface 12 of a rotor blade 10 and FIG. 1 5 is a schematic sectional view along the line A-A in FIG. 14th

On the rotor blade 1 0, in particular on the rotor blade surface 1 2, a rail 70 is arranged with an undercut, which is connected to the rotor blade, for example by means of a fastening device 46; 52, 54, 56.

The rotor blade system 1 further comprises a vortex generator 21 having a base plate 22 and a wing 20. The wing 20 is trapezoidal in the example shown, wherein in the context of the invention, other wing shapes for achieving the desired aerodynamic properties of the wing 20 are used.

The vortex generator 21 has, in particular on its base body 22, a retaining plate 26 which engages in the undercut of the rail 70. The rail 70 further includes a closable extension opening 72 on the guide groove 74 where the vortex generator 21 is or will be inserted with the support plate 26. Thus, the vortex generator 21 in particular along the rail 70 and the guide groove 74 is displaceable.

During assembly, the vortex generator 21 is particularly suitably secured against displacement in the rail 70. Thereby ensures exact positioning of the vortex generator 21 after assembly and at the same time ensures easy interchangeability of the vortex generator 21. The interchangeability of the vortex generator 21 is also ensured if the rail 70 is fixed, in particular non-destructively detachable, connected to the rotor blade 10.

By means of a rail 70, in particular a plurality of vortex generators 21 can be fastened to a rotor blade 1 0. If the vortex generators 21 in particular have mutually complementary side surfaces 23, the vortex generators 21 are supported against each other, so that only the outermost vortex generators 21 in a row have to be secured against displacement in the rail 70 or the guide groove 74. As a result, the assembly and alignment of a plurality of vortex generators 21 on a rotor blade 1 0 further simplified.

I n FIG. FIG. 16 shows a further example of a rotor blade system 1 according to the invention, wherein the illustrated sectional plane corresponds to that of FIG. 1 5 corresponds.

In this embodiment of the invention, a rail 70 is provided for a vortex generator 21, which is integrated in a rotor blade 1 0, in particular on a rotor blade surface 12. In particular, a base body 22 of the vortex generator 21 designed as a base plate engages in the rail 70.

Advantageously, the rail 70 and the base body 22 are shaped such that an upper side 24 of the vortex generator 21 or of the main body 22 continues the rotor blade surface 12 in an aerodynamically optimal or optimized manner. In Fig. 1 7 is another embodiment of a rotor blade system according to the invention, also shown in a schematic sectional view. In this example, the vortex generator 21 has a base body 22 and wings 20 with a curved upper edge. This wing shape is also to be understood in particular as an example and can deviate in individual cases due to the desired wing aerodynamics.

The vortex generator 21 has, in particular on an underside of the main body 22, flexible hooks 25. These may also be double hooks or spreader hooks, in particular so-called dovetails.

On a rotor blade 10 of the rotor blade system 1, a base 80 is fixed, for example by means of a fastening device 46; 52, 54, 56. The base 80 has openings into which the hooks 25 on the vortex generator 21 releasably engage. The arrangement of the openings on the base 80 and the particular coordinated arrangement of the hooks 25 on the vortex generator 21 indicate the position and orientation of the vortex generator 21 relative to the rotor blade 1 0.

As a result, an exact positioning of the vortex generator 21 relative to the rotor blade 10 is ensured and at the same time a simple interchangeability of the vortex generator 21 is ensured. The interchangeability of the vortex generator 21 is ensured even if the base 80 fixed, in particular non-destructively releasably connected to the rotor blade 1 0.

The attachment according to the invention of a vortex generator 21 by means of hooks 25 is also particularly suitable for attaching a single wing 20 to a base body 22 of a vortex generator 21 fasten, in particular, the base body 22 is formed as a base 80. As a result, in particular an interchangeability of a single wing is made possible.

Furthermore, the attachment according to the invention by means of hooks 25 for fixing a single wing 20 on a rotor blade 1 0 is suitable. In this case, in particular, the wing 20 as a Vortexgenerator 21 and the rotor blade 1 0 is formed as a base 80.

All mentioned features, including the drawings alone to be taken as well as individual features that are disclosed in combination with other features are considered alone and in combination as essential to the invention. Embodiments of the invention may be accomplished by individual features or a combination of several features. In the context of the invention, features which are identified by "particular" or "preferably" are to be understood as optional features.

Reference list

1 rotor blade system

10 rotor blade

12 Rotor blade surface 14 Rotor blade profile 1 5 Pressure side

16 suction side

17 Rotor blade nose 1 8 Trailing edge

20 wings

21 Vortex generator 22 Basic body 23 Side surface

24 top

25 hooks

26 holding plate

30 direction of flow 35 contact surface 40 recess

41 base area

42 side surface

44 adhesive gap

46 Fastening device 52 Adhesive layer 54 Composite system 56 Melting layer 62 Sealant

64 sealing lip

66 sealing element 70 rail

72 insertion opening 74 guide groove 80 sockets

Claims

Attachment of vortex generators claims

1 . A rotor blade system (1) for a wind energy plant comprising a rotor blade (1 0) having a surface (1 2) and comprising a vortex generator (21) having a base body (22) and at least one wing (20) connected to the base body (22) the vane (20) of the vortex generator (21) is arranged as intended on the surface (12) of the rotor blade (10), wherein the rotor blade system (1) further comprises a positioning device (35; 22, 40; 26, 70; 80) for alignment of the rotor blade (1 0) and the vortex generator (21) relative to each other.

2. Rotor blade system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning device (35; 22, 40; 26, 70; 25, 80) has a position marking (35), in particular a contact edge (35), for the vortex generator (21). , in particular for the main body (22) of the vortex generator (21), in particular on the surface (1 2) of the rotor blade (1 0) comprises.

3. Rotor blade system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized indicates that the surface (12) of the rotor blade (10) and a surface of the vortex generator (21), in particular a side of the base body (22) of the vortex generator (21) facing the rotor blade (10), are complementary in shape to each other at least in sections are, wherein the surface (12) of the rotor blade (1 0) is curved in particular.

4. Rotor blade system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the positioning device (35; 22, 40; 26, 70; 25, 80) has a recess (40) for the vortex generator (21), in particular for the main body (22) of the vortex generator (21), on the surface (1 2) of the rotor blade (1 0), wherein the base body (22), in particular at a designated the rotor blade (10) side facing, at least partially complementary to the shape the recess (40) is formed.

5. rotor blade system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the recess (40) at least one obliquely to the adjacent surface (1 2) of the rotor blade (1 0) angeord designated side surface (42), in particular as investment or Sliding surface for the vortex generator (21), in particular for a side surface (42) at least partially complementary shape counter surface on the vortex generator (21) is formed.

6. rotor blade system (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the recess (40) in one direction along the surface (1 2) of the rotor blade (1 0) is formed asymmetrically.

7. rotor blade system (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the recess (40) is a Basisflä- (41), to which a fastening device (46; 52, 54, 56) for fastening the vortex generator (21) in the recess (40) is arranged.

8. rotor blade system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the rotor blade system (1) comprises at least a first vortex generator (21) and a second vortex generator (21), which are arranged adjacent to each other on the rotor blade (1 0) or, wherein the vortex generators (21), in particular the main bodies (22) of the vortex generators (21), each have one abutment edge (23) for the respective other vortex generator (21), the abutting edge (23) of the first vortex generator (21) Vortex generator (21) and the abutment edge (23) of the second vortex generator (21) are formed at least partially complementary to each other shape.

9. rotor blade system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the first vortex generator (21) and the second vortex generator (21) at the respective abutting edges (23) with each other, in particular releasably, are formed connectable.

10. Fastening device (46, 52, 54, 56) for a rotor blade system (1) of a wind energy plant with a rotor blade (10), which has a surface (12), and with a vortex generator (21), which has a base body (22). and a wing (20) connected to the main body (22), in particular for a rotor blade system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vortex generator (21) is intended to be detachable by means of the fastening device (46; 52, 54, 56) is attached to the rotor blade (1 0) or is, so that the vane (20) of the vortex generator (21) on the surface (12) of the rotor blade (1 0) is arranged or is.

1 1. Fastening device (46; 52, 54, 56) according to claim 1 0, characterized in that the fastening device (46; 52, 54, 56) for a positive connection between the vortex generator (21), in particular the main body (22) of the vortex generator (21), and the rotor blade (1 0) is formed.

1 2. Fastening device (46; 52, 54, 56) according to claim 1 0 or 1 1, characterized in that the fastening means (46; 52, 54, 56) comprises a fusible link layer (56), wherein a melting temperature of a material of Connecting layer (56) is less than a melting temperature of a material of the rotor blade (1 0) and a melting temperature of a material of the vortex generator (21).

1 3. Fastening device (46; 52, 54, 56) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the fastening device (46; 52, 54, 56) has a double-sided adhesive, in particular self-adhesive, or bonded intermediate layer (52). includes.

14. Fastening device (46; 52, 54, 56) according to one of claims 1 0 to 1 3, characterized in that the fastening device (46; 52, 54, 56) further comprises a sealing device (62, 64, 66) between the vortex generator (21) and the rotor blade (1 0).

1 5. rotor blade system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the rotor blade system (1) comprises a fastening device (46; 52, 54, 56) according to one of claims 1 0 to 14.

16 rotor blade (1 0) of a rotor blade system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 or 1 5.

17. Vortex generator (21) of a rotor blade system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 or 15.

18. vortex generator (21) for a rotor blade (10) of a wind turbine, in particular Vortexgenerator (21) of a rotor blade system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or 15, wherein the vortex generator (21) has a wing (20), as intended a surface (12) of the rotor blade (10) is or is arranged, wherein the wing (20) is releasably connected to the rotor blade (10) or a base body (22) of the vortex generator (21) or is, in particular a positive Connection between the rotor blade (10) or the base body (22) of the vortex generator (21) on the one hand and the wing (20) on the other hand is provided.