Our start up spun off from the Institute of Aerospace Technology at the City University of Applied Sciences in Bremen in 2016. Evoblades retrofittable "EvoFlap" spoiler, which we developed in a joint project with Deutsche Windtechnik, improves the aerodynamic flow around the root of the blade, which improves efficiency and ensures maximum performance of the wind turbine. The startup Evoblade emerged from the project which was supported by Wirtschaftsförderung Bremen GmbH. Another project partner was the Institute of Aerospace Technology (IAT)’s Wind Turbines Department at the City University of Applied Sciences in Bremen.


Installing the EvoFlap © Evoblade

Improve what matters: rotor blades

The technical and economic performance of a wind turbine is determined by the rotor blades. With the development and optimisation of the retrofittable flow element, we have achieved a significant improvement in the properties of both new and existing systems.

The results of a side-by-side comparison show an increase (annual increment) in the Annual Energy Production (AEP) of 6 % at a reference wind speed of 7 m/s. The "EvoFlap" trailing edge spoiler has significantly improved the performance of the pilot wind turbine (NEG Micon NM 82).

The spoiler can be fitted or retrofitted on all wind turbines with a slim blade root profile. We adapt the flow element individually for the respective blade type.

And: we want to go further with retrofittable improvements

Evoblade is currently developing other retrofittable performance-enhancing aerodynamic components including:

  • An aeroelastic flap for the trailing edge of the central rotor blade profile
  • A wing fence with an integrated flow channel to reduce radial flow at the blade root
  • A simple trailing edge spoiler for the blade root area

Our development focus for all of the above is on passive flow elements that do not require actuators and are therefore cost-effective and maintenance-free. All aerodynamic retrofits are mounted on the installed rotor blade. Our engineering team takes the energy transition and sustainability very seriously, which is why we are also focusing on small wind turbines.

"Our flow element is made of glass-fibre reinforced plastic, constructed in sandwich design and is therefore very light but at the same time extremely robust.
Depending on the service life of our spoiler, the service life of the rotor blade can be extended by up to two and a half years."
Dr.-Ing. Frank Kortenstedde, founder and CEO of Evoblade

Small vertical wind turbines for buildings

We are currently developing an innovative rotor for small wind turbines with a vertical axis as the basis for a wind energy module. The rotor utilises resistance and buoyancy and is planned for use on new and existing buildings.


Small wind turbine with stacked rotor © Evoblade

We have kept the system design as simple as possible to minimise potential fault sources and to ensure a long and low-cost service life. The vertical axis system makes the rotor independent of the wind direction. Due to the modular design, the number of rotors can be adapted to the local energy demand and available space. We plan to use different rotor sizes to cover a comprehensive range of bespoke requirements.

Conclusion Evoblade's core expertise is in aerodynamics and flow simulation as well as the development of flow elements for optimising and increasing the performance of wind turbines. We also focus on the development of a decentralised and complementary energy supply using small wind turbines based on reliable technology.

This Article is part of issue 02-2022 of the German Wind Power Magazine, the international magazine of the German Wind Energy Association (BWE) about innovations of the German wind industry. You can read the full magazine here, online and for free.