The Corten Vortex Generator
The Corten Vortex Generator is a CFD-optimized vortex generator made from PVDF, an engineering plastic that is inherently UV-stable and highly erosion-resistant. It is easy to apply, non-intrusive, and has been tested for 20 years of maintenance-free operation on wind turbines. Designed for universal compatibility, it can be installed on any wind turbine rotor.
The Corten Vortex Generator boosts energy yield by:
- Up to 3% for variable-speed turbines
- Up to 10%, and in some cases even 20%, for constant-speed turbines
It is available in six sizes, suitable for blade chord lengths between 0.3 and 5 meters. The technology was patented by CortEnergy in 2013 and is currently owned by Enercon via Wobben Properties, though CortEnergy retains application rights for wind turbines up to 500 kW.
Superior Aerodynamic Performance
The exceptional lift-to-drag ratio of the Corten Vortex Generator is achieved through a synergistic design with a high-lift airfoil. The shape was iteratively refined using physical insights and CFD simulations, with validation conducted in multiple wind tunnels. The image shows testing in the ONERA wind tunnel in Toulouse, where results confirmed that Corten Vortex Generators outperform traditional rectangular and triangular vortex generators.