Solution noise reduction
Noise reduction solutions for wind turbine blades
Aerodynamic upgrades for noise reduction
Aerodynamic blade upgrades engineered to reduce trailing-edge noise and
minimize noise-related curtailment without compromising turbine performance.
Why turbine noise is an issue
Trailing-edge aerodynamic add-ons designed to reduce noise emissions from wind turbine blades by modifying boundary layer flow and acoustic scattering mechanisms.
Reduces aerodynamic noise generated at the trailing edge Lowers overall sound pressure levels (up to ~5 dB(A) OASPL depending on turbine and site conditions) Minimizes the need for noise-related curtailment
Noise constraints often force turbines into reduced power modes. By addressing noise at the source, turbines can operate closer to nominal performance, increasing AEP while remaining compliant.
Typical
noise reduction drivers
1.
Wind turbines located close to residential areas face increased risk of noise restrictions and curtailment.
2.
Local noise regulations can force turbines into curtailment and reduced power output.
3.
Increasing rotor size and tip speed generate higher aerodynamic noise emissions.
Benefits
- Aerodynamic noise reduction retro fit
- Stay compliant with noise regulations
- Can be combined with existing and new blade add-ons
- Load neutral solutions
Reduce noise without reducing performance
PowerCurve’s noise reduction solutions reduce aerodynamic noise generated at the blade trailing edge by modifying the interaction between turbulent airflow and the blade surface. The solution stabilizes the boundary layer flow and reduces pressure fluctuations responsible for acoustic emissions during turbine operation.
By lowering the overall turbine noise level, turbines can operate with fewer noise-related restrictions and reduced dependence on low-noise operational modes. This helps maintain annual energy production while ensuring compliance with local noise regulations.
The solution is designed as a load-neutral retrofit compatible with existing blade add-ons and standard turbine configurations, allowing integration without significant impact on turbine operation or structural loading.
How aerodynamic noise is reduced
The dominant aerodynamic noise from a wind turbine is generated at the blade trailing edge, where turbulent airflow interacts with the blade surface and creates pressure fluctuations that radiate as sound.
PowerCurve’s noise reduction solution modifies the airflow behavior in this region by optimizing the trailing-edge geometry. This changes the scattering mechanism responsible for converting turbulence in the boundary layer into aerodynamic noise.
By reducing turbulence-induced pressure fluctuations, the solution lowers overall turbine noise emissions while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. This allows turbines to operate closer to normal operating modes with reduced need for noise-related curtailment and associated AEP losses.
Our technology
PowerCurve develops aerodynamic noise reduction solutions for existing wind turbines
designed to reduce trailing-edge noise emissions while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and AEP.
The solutions are engineered and validated using CFD-based aerodynamic and combined with field data from real operating conditions.
SilentEdge
Achieve 5 dB(A) OASPL Noise Reduction
Our new noise reduction solution is developed with an optimized and revolutionary shape, providing significant additional noise reduction. It is applied to the trailing edge of the blade, where a mechanism called scattering transforms turbulence in the blade boundary layer into sound. The SilentEdge modifies the scattering mechanism, thus reducing the generated noise. This reduces the overall noise level of the turbine and limits the need for noise-related curtailment, which can otherwise severely impact AEP.
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
“The noise reduction from SilentEdge serrations was measured on a Statkraft 2.5MW turbine in Sweden by DTU“
• A 5dB(A) reduction in peak OASPL was measured
How performance is validated
Performance improvements are evaluated using:
- SCADA-based operational data
- Before/after noise measurements
- Power curve comparison under noise-constrained operation
Technical benefits
- Reduces turbulence-induced trailing-edge noise generation
- Maintains aerodynamic efficiency during noise-reduced operation
- Stable acoustic performance across varying wind conditions
- Engineered for long-term durability in harsh operating environments
Download material
Noise reduction brochure (PDF)
Want to know more?
We are here if you want to know more about our solutions to increase AEP.
We maximaze power performance
PowerCurve is an independent global provider of blade upgrade solutions and consultancy services