System and method of manipulating a boundary layer across a rotor blade of a wind turbine

Abstract

An air distribution system for manipulating a boundary layer of air across a wind turbine rotor blade. The wind turbine rotor blade includes at least one sidewall that defines a cavity therein. The sidewall extends between a leading edge and an axially-spaced trailing edge, and defines a chordwise axis between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The air distribution system includes a plurality of bleed flow assemblies that are positioned within the rotor blade and are configured to discharge air into the boundary layer to reduce a separation of the boundary layer from the rotor blade. Each bleed flow assembly of the plurality of bleed flow assemblies includes a bleed flow conduit that is coupled to an inner surface of the sidewall and is oriented with respect to the chordwise axis between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The bleed flow conduit is configured to channel air through the rotor blade. An inlet aperture is defined through the bleed flow conduit and through the sidewall to channel air into the bleed flow conduit. An outlet aperture is defined through the bleed flow conduit and through the sidewall to discharge air from the bleed flow conduit and into the boundary layer.