Solution AEP increase
Operations
We maximize AEP from existing assets
AEP increase
PowerCurve supplies blade add-ons that increase power production by optimizing airflow behavior on the blade.
Our technologies are field-proven and designed for turbine lifetime.
Blade performance challenges
Wind turbine blades are continuously exposed to harsh operating conditions that over time impact aerodynamic performance. In the outer blade region, leading edge erosion, surface wear, and roughness disturb the airflow across the blade surface. This results in lower power production and AEP loss.
In the inboard blade region, the blade profile is thicker to provide the structural strength needed to withstand operational loads. However, these thick aerofoils are also more prone to flow separation and stall, where the airflow can no longer stay attached to the blade surface. This reduces aerodynamic efficiency and limits the turbine’s overall performance.
Typical performance loss drivers
1.
Leading-edge erosion
Rain, particles, and general wear gradually damage the leading edge surface, disturbing the airflow and reducing aerodynamic efficiency.
2.
Surface roughness and contamination
Dirt, insects, repairs, and surface imperfections disrupts airflow and negatively impact blade performance.
3.
Blade ageing and wear
Over time, blades lose their original aerodynamic condition, resulting in reduced lift, lower efficiency, and decreased power production.
Optimize aerodynamics and increase AEP
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.
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.
Case with client
| 3.4 MW turbine |
| IEC II site |
| Measured AEP increase: +2.6% |
| Evaluation period: 10 months |
Our AEP increase solutions
PowerCurve develops aerodynamic blade upgrade solutions designed for efficient installation, durable attachment, and improved wind turbine performance under real operating conditions.
All designs are based on aerodynamic modelling with CFD and BEM-based analysis, combined with empirical data from field installations.
Each configuration is adapted to:
- Turbine type and blade geometry
- Blade surface condition. Erosion, roughness and repairs
- Airfoil distribution and local flow characteristics
- Site-specific conditions. Wind class, turbulence intensity and contamination level
Our technolgy
DragonScale
DragonScale® is installed directly on the blade surface to improve airflow attachment and recover lost aerodynamic performance. The solution is designed for installation across large parts of the blade and is adapted to both thick aerofoil regions and areas affected by leading edge wear.
The technology is engineered for efficient field installation, long-term durability, and reliable attachment under demanding operating conditions. DragonScale® can be installed using standard rope access or platform-based installation methods.
Vortex generators
Our Vortex Generator (VG) panels are aerodynamic add-ons installed on the blade surface to improve airflow and reduce stall. They are commonly used on operating turbines where blade ageing, erosion, or original blade design causes aerodynamic performance losses.
The VG panels are designed for practical field installation with focus on consistent positioning, efficient installation procedures, and durable long-term operation on the blade surface.
Gurney flaps
PowerCurve Gurney flaps are installed on the blade trailing edge in the inner blade region to improve airflow behaviour and increase lift in this region. The solution is primarily used in areas where thick aerofoils reduce aerodynamic efficiency.
The design supports efficient field installation and secure attachment while maintaining long-term operational reliability under continuous turbine loading and environmental exposure
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 blade upgrades are installed directly on the blade surface to improve airflow behaviour and recover lost aerodynamic performance. The technologies help reduce flow separation, stabilize the airflow, and allow the turbine to generate more power more efficiently.
Aerodynamic challenges such as erosion and contamination gradually disturb the airflow across the blade surface, making the turbine less efficient and reducing overall energy production over time. Applying our blade upgrade will recover some of the lost AEP from these challenges.
Our blade upgrades improve airflow across the blade surface, allowing the turbine to generate more power at lower wind speeds. This shifts the power curve to the left in the sub-rated region, where turbines operate most of the time.
By reducing flow separation and improving aerodynamic efficiency, the turbine can capture more energy across a wider operating range, resulting in higher 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
Benefits
- Recover lost turbine performance
- Increase annual energy production (AEP)
- Fast and simple installation
- Field proven technology
- Load neutral solution
Durability and installation
PowerCurve technologies are installed directly on the blade using a high-strength wet-adhesive bonding system designed for long-term operational durability. Installations can be performed uptower by certified rope technicians or using lift platforms, depending on site requirements and turbine accessibility.
We support installation teams with online training and comprehensive installation guides to ensure consistent installation quality and procedures. The technologies are engineered for the full turbine lifetime and, based on 14 years of operational experience, we have had no reported failures or detachments.
We maximaze power performance
PowerCurve is an independent global provider of blade upgrade solutions and consultancy services