Exploratory Applications of New Aerodynamic Control Devices

A new class of aerodynamic control devices have recently been designed specifically for wind turbine applications. These new controls were tested to evaluate their effectiveness in modulating wind turbine power output and for slowing or stopping a wind turbine in high wind or loss of generator situations.

While these control devices were developed specifically for wind turbine applications, there exists the possibility that alternate aviation uses exist. In particular, these trailing-edge control devices were evaluated for reducing aircraft landing distances, generating rapid rates of descent, deep stall or spin recovery and for high angle of attack control.