Siemens' blades modified at London Array

UK: Siemens modified the blades at the 630MW London Array, off England's Kent coast, to improve their aerodynamics.

by Ben Miller 21 January 2014

  • Siemens’ service rope access technicians installing the power curve upgrade at Horns Rev wind farm by accessing the blades by rope.

    Siemens’ service rope access technicians installing the power curve upgrade at Horns Rev wind farm by accessing the blades by rope.

  • Components that make up Siemens' power curve upgrade include a DinoShell, DinoTail and Vortex Generator.

    Components that make up Siemens' power curve upgrade include a DinoShell, DinoTail and Vortex Generator.

  • The DinoShells extends from the blade shoulder towards the root

    The DinoShells extends from the blade shoulder towards the root

  • The DinoTail is placed at the blades chord close to the ends. They enhance the lift by extending the blade chord and help decrease noise emissions

    The DinoTail is placed at the blades chord close to the ends. They enhance the lift by extending the blade chord and help decrease noise emissions

  • Vortex generators, which come in different sizes, are placed in several sections of the blades. They help mixing very close to the blade surface which also extends the lift

    Vortex generators, which come in different sizes, are placed in several sections of the blades. They help mixing very close to the blade surface which also extends the lift

  • The DinoShell can be seen in its position

    The DinoShell can be seen in its position

  • View from the nacelle where the power curve upgrade has been installed at the onshore wind farm in Schleswig-Holstein

    View from the nacelle where the power curve upgrade has been installed at the onshore wind farm in Schleswig-Holstein

  • A Siemens technician at the blade, which shows the rows of vortex generators at Schleswig-Holstein

    A Siemens technician at the blade, which shows the rows of vortex generators at Schleswig-Holstein

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The German turbine manufacturer’s blade modifications involved adding a 'power curve upgrade' (PCU), which, according to the company, can increase annual energy production by 1.5% at an annual average wind speed of 7.5m/s.

The upgrade consists of three tailor made aerodynamic components and a software update. The components are strategically placed on the outside of the blades to optimise aerodynamics.

A spokesperson for London Array said: "Since our turbines were originally developed, there have been improvements to blade aerodynamics.

"As a result, we implemented a blade upgrade package, meaning we are getting more energy out of the same infrastructure."

Siemens states the upgrade enable the turbine to better utilise the wind resulting in a better power performance.

A spokesperson for Siemens said: By utilizing aerodynamically tuned add-on components, including the DinoTails, DinoShells and Vortex Generators, blade performance can be improved.

"These add-on components are strategically placed along the blade length to expand the blade profile near the root, improve the trailing edge flow characteristics, and improve the flow characteristics along the blade surface."

The PCU is available for Siemens’ SWT-2.3-82, SWT-2.3-93 and SWT-3.6-107 turbines – on and offshore - and has been available since 2010. It was installed at the 209MW Horns Rev II wind farm.