Solution AEP increase
Engineering
We maximize AEP from wind turbines
Aerodynamic upgrades for improved wind turbine performance
PowerCurve develops, manufactures and supplies aerodynamic blade upgrade solutions that optimize airflow behavior,
reduce flow separation, and improve wind turbine performance through validated aerodynamic principles.
Why blades lose performance
Blade performance challenges
At PowerCurve we address two distinct aerodynamic issues on both old and new blades to optimize wind turbine performance. Operating blades are subject to wear and tear on the outer blade part causing leading edge roughness that over time results in significant AEP losses due to flow detachment on the blade.
In the inboard region of the blade, the shape is thicker to support the turbine’s structure. But this thickness creates aerodynamic challenges—specifically, flow separation or stall, where the wind no longer flows smoothly across the surface. This reduces lift and power production.
Typical performance loss drivers
1.
Leading-edge erosion reduces
the lift coefficient and negatively impacts aerodynamic performance.
2.
Surface contamination increases
drag and lowers overall efficiency.
3.
Ageing blades deviate from their original aerodynamic design, resulting in reduced performance.
Benefits from our blade upgrade solution
- Recover performance loss
- Increase annual energy production
- Short investment payback period
- Load neutral solution
- Field proven technology
Optimize aerodynamics and increase AEP
Every blade has structural constraints in the root area — but that also means every blade has room for aerodynamic improvement. By energizing the boundary layer, our upgrades keep the airflow attached longer, improving lift and increasing AEP. Even though the inboard region moves slower than the tip, enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency still contributes to noticeable AEP gains across the full blade span.
In the outboard region, leading edge erosion and surface wear often cost operators valuable AEP (annual energy production). Our solutions help re-energize flow in this critical region by re-attaching the flow on the blade, restoring aerodynamic stability and improving turbine performance.
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).
Our technology
PowerCurve develops aerodynamic blade upgrade solutions for wind turbines using a mix of blade upgrade technologies.
All solutions are engineered using CFD and BEM-based aerodynamic analysis combined with field data, with each
configuration adapted to blade geometry, surface condition and site-specific operating conditions.
DragonScale
DragonScale is the next-generation aerodynamic blade add-on for superior AEP increase on modern turbines.
Read more
- Proven aerodynamic imprIt can be applied on the entire blade length to mitigate flow seperation in the inboard region on the blade from thick aerofoils and towards the outer blade part from leading edge roughness.ovements.
- The optimized shape and design improves aerodynamic efficiency and allows for even higher AEP increase.
- DragonScale can be installed on the suction side towards the leading edge throughout the entire blade length.
- Click here to download our product katalog
Vortex generators
Our Vortex Generators (VGs) panels are used to optimise flow across the entire blade surface.
Read more
- Wind turbine blades can experience significant amounts of stall due to both inherent design choices and blade surface degradation.
- VGs energise the flow, reduce stall, and increase power production.
- VGs can be used on entire blade length mainly for legacy turbines
- Click here to see our CTO, Nicholas Gaudern explain how our vortex generators work.
- Click here to download our product katalog
Gurney flaps
The root region performance of all wind turbine blades is dominated by poorly-performing thick aerofoils.
Read more
- PowerCurve Gurney flaps boost lift where it is needed most to increase power production.
- Gurney flaps can be installed on the trailing edge of the blade in the outboard region.
- Click here to see our CTO, Nicholas Gaudern explain the gurney flap technology.
- Click here to download our product katalog
+ 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
+ 15
Countries
We provide our services all over the world
+ 28.000
Households
Every year our solutions provide added energy equal to more than the consumption of 28.000 households
Case with client
| AEP increase: +2.6% |
| 2.0 MW turbine |
| IEC II site |
| Evaluation period: 10 months |
Data collection period
We validate performance improvements using a side-by-side methodology, comparing an upgraded turbine with a reference turbine under similar operating conditions.
AEP increase is quantified by analysing power output before and after installation across defined measurement periods, ensuring a representative dataset covering varying wind conditions.
Analysing power difference
The analysis is based on filtered SCADA data, where invalid datapoints and outliers are removed to ensure accuracy. Statistical methods are applied to determine the AEP improvement and associated uncertainties.
This approach provides a robust and transparent validation of performance gains, based on real operational data.ance Validation
“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
Technical benefits
- Restores aerodynamic efficiency
- Improves lift-to-drag ratio
- Delays flow separation
- Increases energy capture in sub-rated wind speeds
- Consistent performance across operating conditions
- Validated through field data and analysis
- Engineered for long-term durability
Download material
AEP Increase Brochure (PDF)
DragonScale Brochure (PDF)
Want to know more?
We are here if you want to know more about our services
We maximaze power performance
PowerCurve is an independent global provider of blade upgrade solutions and consultancy services