New research on blade tip improvements

Testing on the wind turbine

In this project, researchers tested the developed innovations on the large-scale 130 m diameter wind turbine, in Wieringermeer, Netherlands. The turbine is powered by two-piece blades, which allows the outer 12 m of the blades to be replaced by several innovative tips.

"Innovations in wind turbine blades are essential to make renewable wind energy even more affordable." Peter Eecen, R&D Manager at TNO Wind Energy.

We are proud to have validated blade innovations and aerodynamic simulation tools in the field, together with GE Vernova and LM Wind Power. Thereto, we used advanced measurement techniques in a unique setup that combines detailed wind inflow measurements and unsteady pressure measurements on the blade." Peter Eecen, R&D Manager at TNO Wind Energy.

"Our revolutionary two-piece blade design has helped us drive down the levelized cost of energy. Here, in this project, we have applied new technology to significantly increase speed and reduce cost associated with testing and validation," said Ben Hendriks, Chief Engineer Turbine System Integration at LM Wind Power.

Innovative add-ons on wind turbine blades

Various innovative blade add-ons, such as spoilers, serrations, vortex generators, ‘turbulators’ and blade tip improvements are validated using advanced measurement techniques. The results will accelerate widescale application of rotors with higher annual energy production and thus a considerably lower cost of offshore wind energy.

These solutions can be applied to newly manufactured wind turbines in the factory, but they can partly also be retrofitted to existing offshore wind farms.

The consortium comprising of TNO, GE Vernova and LM Wind Power was established in 2020 to test new research on blade tip improvements. The TIADE project was carried out with partial funding from the ‘Topsector Energiesubsidie’ of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.