Inspired by nature, researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada have developed a new wing extension that can be added to wind turbine blades. By imitating the characteristics of the wings of the Andean condor, they have created a design feature that can increase wind turbine production by up to ten percent.
The Andean condor, known as the world’s largest flightless bird, has a wingspan of more than three meters and weighs between 11-15 kilograms. One unique ability of the Andean condor is its capability to fly long distances without flapping its wings. This inspired engineers at the University of Alberta to develop a wing cantilever that could reduce air resistance and improve efficiency.
Over the years, the aerodynamics of wind turbine blades have evolved to increase efficiency. The engineers at the University of Alberta aimed to further reduce air resistance by drawing from the characteristics of the Andean condor’s wings. The wing extension, reminiscent of the wing of the Andean condor, is attached to the tip of the wind turbine blade, a design feature commonly seen in airplanes to prevent wing wake vortices.
Through simulations, the research team discovered that adding this new design feature improved torque and power output, attributed to changes in airflow around
