EDF Renewable Services (EDF RS) has entered an agreement with wind technologies provider 3M for the installation of 3M wind vortex generators on power projects across the US.

The partnership will combine the materials expertise of 3M with the installation and wind turbine blade repair teams from EDF RS. The deal will see turnkey solutions offered to owners of windpower projects to enhance efficiency and optimise annual energy production (AEP).

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Wind vortex generators are small attachments developed from durable materials that energise a flow around the wind turbine blade and help reduce flow separation. These 3M generators are positioned based on each blade's unique design, shape, and properties.

In addition, the generators are applied using 3M acrylic foam tape, which accommodates the flexing and residual forces acting on the turbine blade surface, while delivering high adhesive strength in challenging weather conditions.

The partnership will provide windpower plant owners with an economically viable upgrade opportunity that can help enhance annual energy production (AEP) by 2%-3%.

"Wind vortex generators energise the flow around a blade’s surface and reduce aerodynamic separation."

It is reported tha the 3M wind vortex generator collaboration can stabilise aerodynamics, balance load effects, and reduce noise due to lesser stall.

3M Renewable Energy Solutions' wind energy global business manager Santhosh Chandrabalan said: “As the largest third-party provider of O&M services in North America, EDF RS is the perfect collaborator for 3M as we continue our commitment to building, protecting, and enhancing the performance of wind turbines.

“When properly installed, wind vortex generators energise the flow around a blade’s surface and reduce aerodynamic separation, improving the turbine’s performance in terms of power, loads and service life.”

To date, almost 2,000 initial deployments of wind vortex generators have already produced a 2% increase in AEP.

Image: EDF Renewable Services has collaborated with 3M and Smart Blade to build maximum performing, highly reliable, and quick-to-install aerodynamic enhancement system 3M Wind Vortex Generators. Photo: courtesy of Business Wire.