In the current scenario, there is a continuous need for increasing the efficiency of the aerodynamics of wind turbine blades through research studies. Vibration in a wind turbine blade has lot to do on its performance. An effective approach is required by wind mill including to control the vibration to achieve better results. The objective of this research is to investigate the vibration characteristics of the prototype horizontal axis wind turbine blade developed by using 3D modelling software. Shape memory alloys with their variable material properties offer an alternative adaptive mechanism hence it is used as a damping material. A prototype blade with S1223 profile was manufactured and the natural frequency was found over the surface of the blade. Similarly, results were studied by increasing the number of alloys wires over the blade up to three. Results showed that the embedment of shape memory alloys over the blade’s surface increases the natural frequency and reduce the amplitude of vibration because of super elastic nature of alloys. Also it was observed that the natural frequency increased by 6% and reduced the amplitude by about 93% where three wires of 0.5mm diameter were kept for the length of 720mm.
INVESTIGATIONS ON VIBRATION CHARACTERISTICS OF SMA EMBEDDED HORIZONTAL AXIS WIND TURBINE BLADE
