Vortex generator: what is it, applications and benefits | WTS Energy (2024)

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Vortex generator: what is it, applications and benefits | WTS Energy? ›

A vortex generator actively creates controlled vortices to improve aerodynamic performance in fluid dynamics. Professionals frequently apply it to wind turbine blades or aircraft wings. They play a crucial role in enhancing aerodynamic performance by manipulating airflow patterns.

A vortex generator (also called VG) is a device that initiates and maintains vortex motion in fluid flow. However, the term usually applies to devices that generate localized vortices on a lifting surface to improve the airflow over them.

Simple and inexpensive to implement, VGs do have drawbacks: they increase the minimum drag and may decrease the maximum lift-to-drag ratio.

Vortex generators primarily serve to enhance overall aerodynamics rather than directly increase lift. Their key function lies in managing airflow to reduce drag by controlling the boundary layer and minimizing flow separation.

You may see them installed on horizontal stabilizers and the leading edges of wings. On multiengine aircraft, vortex generators improve controllability at slow airspeeds and reduce stall speeds, permitting slower approaches. The slower stall speed can yield a higher takeoff weight, thus improving the useful load.

Vortex generators play a crucial role in enhancing aerodynamic performance by manipulating airflow patterns. These devices are commonly used in applications such as wind turbine blades and aircraft wings to control and optimize airflow, improving efficiency and stability.

A vortex is believed to be a swirling center of energy that can produce a range of physical, emotional, and spiritual effects. Many people believe that the Sedona Vortexes are particularly powerful and can enhance meditation, self-discovery, and spiritual growth.

Vortex generators are positioned obliquely so that they have an angle of attack with respect to the local airflow in order to create a tip vortex which draws energetic, rapidly moving outside air into the slow-moving boundary layer in contact with the surface.

Vortex flow meter disadvantages

It has poor anti-vibration performance. External vibrations can cause measurement errors in the vortex flowmeter and may not even work properly.

Second, this study examines the use of vortex generators on automobiles and trucks, positioned at the back of these vehicles to reduce air drag and improve fuel efficiency. Studies show that vortex generators can increase vehicle fuel economy by 10% to 20%.

What is the best shape for a vortex generator? ›

The results reveal that triangular shape vortex generators are best suited to control boundary layer separation. An optimum angle of VGs is obtained for 12°with a 3 mm distance between vortex generators located at 50% of the chord.

Conclusions The addition of vortex generators results in increased drag and hence decreased cruise true airspeed and range.

How much do vortex generators reduce stall speed? Some other suppliers claim dramatic reductions in stall speeds, but usually this more due to ASI error at the high angle of attack that VGs allow. The real verified reduction in stall speed is usually 3-5 knots.

The downside may be a cruise speed loss of a knot in slower airplanes and up to 3 knots in twins, although not all owners say they see slower cruise with VGs. Vortex generators appeared nearly 50 years ago, initially to channel localized areas of disturbed airflow over wings that lead to loss of control response.

If more than 5 VGs are damaged or missing, the aircraft is not airworthy.

Unlike roughly textured fabrics, which creates a series of random and poorly organized vortices on the surface of the body, VG are believed to reduce drag by creating a series of orderly vortices that stir the BL of air next to the body.

This reduces vehicle sway, improves stability in gusty cross-wind conditions and increases fuel economy.

As you can see, the motion of the tufts was significantly more controlled and orderly with the addition of the vortex generators. This indicates reduced flow reversal, resulting in reduced flow separation and likely lower drag!

The high flow velocity shock of the fluid causes vibrations in the vortex body, which reduces the measurement accuracy. Not suitable for low Reynolds number fluids measurements; Low meter factor (compared to turbine flow meter); It is not suitable for the pulsating flow.