Solution AEP increase
Increase asset value through
aerodynamic performance optimization
Aerodynamics impact revenue
Increase asset value through aerodynamic performance optimization
PowerCurve’s aerodynamic blade upgrades help wind asset owners increase annual energy production (AEP),
reduce performance losses, and improve the profitability
of existing turbine fleets. Even moderate production gains can translate into significant additional revenue
and stronger asset value over the remaining project lifetime.
Blade performance challenges
Wind turbine performance naturally declines over time due to:
- Leading-edge erosion
- Surface roughness and contamination
- Blade ageing and repairs
- Inherent aerodynamic limitations in thick root airfoils
These factors reduce aerodynamic efficiency, lower power output, and negatively impact project cash flow and portfolio performance.
At the same time, many operators face increasing pressure to:
- Improve asset profitability
- Reduce production losses
- Extend turbine lifetime
- Avoid costly major component upgrades
- Maximize return from existing infrastructure
Key value
drivers
1.
Improved revenue generation from existing assets
2.
Short investment payback periods
3.
Scalable implementation across portfolios
Impact on asset performance
The solutions improve the turbine’s aerodynamic efficiency in the sub-rated wind speed region, where turbines operate most of the time. By stabilizing airflow and delaying flow separation, the turbine can achieve higher power output at lower wind speeds, capture more energy across varying operating conditions, improve production consistency, and recover losses caused by blade degradation.
For asset managers, this translates directly into higher annual revenue, improved project IRR, reduced LCOE across the remaining asset lifetime, and increased value from existing operational assets.
Case with client
| 3.4 MW turbine |
| IEC II site |
| Measured AEP increase: +2.6% |
| Evaluation period: 10 months |
Our technology
Typical advantages include faster payback periods, fleet-wide scalability, compatibility with existing O&M strategies,
and increased AEP without major turbine modifications — supporting stronger project economics across operating assets.
DragonScale
DragonScale is an aerodynamic blade upgrade solution developed to increase annual energy production (AEP) and improve the long-term financial performance of modern wind turbine fleets.
The solution can be installed across the full blade length to reduce aerodynamic losses caused by flow separation in the inboard blade region and performance degradation from leading-edge roughness further outboard. By improving airflow attachment across critical blade sections, DragonScale helps turbines capture more energy under real operating conditions.
Its optimized aerodynamic design improves overall blade efficiency and supports measurable AEP gains, contributing to higher revenue generation, improved asset utilization, and stronger project economics over the remaining lifetime of the turbine.
Click here to see our CTO, Nicholas Gaudern explain the vortex generator technology.
Vortex generators
Vortex Generators (VGs) are aerodynamic blade upgrades developed to improve turbine efficiency and recover production losses across operating wind assets.
The VG panels optimize airflow across the blade surface by energizing the boundary layer and reducing aerodynamic stall caused by blade design limitations, surface degradation, and leading-edge wear. This improves airflow attachment and allows the turbine to maintain higher aerodynamic efficiency across varying operating conditions.
For asset owners and portfolio managers, the result is increased power production, improved annual energy production (AEP), and enhanced revenue generation from existing turbine fleets. The solution also supports long-term asset value optimization by helping restore aerodynamic performance without major turbine modifications or operational disruption.
Click here to see our CTO, Nicholas Gaudern explain the vortex generator technology.
Gurney flaps
Gurney Flaps are aerodynamic blade upgrades developed to improve energy capture and increase the performance of existing wind turbine assets.
The solution enhances aerodynamic efficiency in the root region of the blade, where thick airfoils typically limit performance and reduce overall power production. By improving lift generation in this critical blade area, Gurney Flaps help turbines capture additional energy across normal operating conditions.
For asset owners and operators, this contributes to increased annual energy production (AEP), improved project economics, and better utilization of existing turbine infrastructure without major operational disruption or large-scale retrofit investments.
Click here to see our CTO, Nicholas Gaudern explain the vortex generator technology.
2.000+
Upgraded turbines
Our blade upgrade solutions are installed on more than 2000 turbines
50+
Different blade models
We have worked with more than 50 different blade models.
+ 28.000
Households
Every year our solutions provide added energy equal to more than the consumption of 28.000 households.
+ 2.000
blade upgrades
More than 2.000 upgraded wind turbine blades operate with PowerCurve aerodynamic solutions
Impact on the Power Curve
Our aerodynamic upgrades improve the blade’s ability to generate lift at lower wind speeds. By energizing the boundary layer and stabilizing airflow along the blade surface, the upgrades delay flow separation and increase aerodynamic efficiency. As a result, the turbine reaches higher power output at lower wind speeds, effectively shifting the power curve to the left before rated power is achieved.
This improvement allows the turbine to capture more energy in the sub-rated region, where turbines operate most of the time, leading to increases in annual energy production (AEP).
“Since we upgraded our blades with PowerCurve’s vortex generators
we experienced a gain in energy production of 3.6%.”
– Jeppe Lyngaa, O&M at Green Wind Group
Download material
AEP Increase (PDF)
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PowerCurve is an independent global provider of blade upgrade solutions and consultancy services