UpWind Solutions, a comprehensive operations and maintenance (O&M) service provider, has installed vortex generator (VG) technology on turbines at six of BP Wind’s wholly-owned U.S. wind farms: Titan 1, in South Dakota; Edom Hills in California, Flat Ridge 1 in Kansas; and Trinity Hills, Silver Star 1 and Sherbino 2 in Texas. When several hundred VGs are installed on wind turbine blades, they improve aerodynamic efficiency and thereby increase the power generated by the turbines.
UpWind Solutions’ vortex generators are a cost effective upgrade that improves the cross flow on wind turbine blades, resulting in an estimated 1 to 3% increase in annual energy production (AEP). The VG solution was developed in partnership with aerodynamic experts SMART BLADE and materials and adhesives experts 3M to create a durable high performance product that can be installed efficiently, with high accuracy, and optimized for different blade profiles.
“The proven benefits of our vortex generator solution to increase AEP on multiple turbine technologies has allowed us implement an effective power upgrade solution for many of BP’s wholly-owned wind farms. We’re very excited about the work we’re doing to improve wind turbine performance with our Vortex Generator,” said Peter Wells, Chief Executive Officer at UpWind Solutions.
Filed Under: News, O&M