Aerodynamic Upgrades with Vortex Generators and Gurney Flaps: Validation

Waila AB is preparing an independent analysis of the yield impact of aerodynamic upgrades with vortex generators and gurney flaps on Vestas V90 wind turbines for a German municipal utility group.

In order to be able to assess the success of aerodynamic upgrades, a filtering and scaling of the scada data of the WTG is carried out in the first step. Among other things, air density fluctuations at the site are taken into account in order to be able to make an assessment of the long-term energy yield potential of the WTGs which is decoupled from the fluctuating wind conditions.

A successful validation of the upgrade impact, carried out independently of the turbine manufacturer, is the prerequisite for a solid economic evaluation of optimization investments in existing wind fleets.