Testing Rotating Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blade Designs in a Laboratory Wind Tunnel

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth W. Van Treuren ◽  
Jason R. Gregg
Keyword(s):  
Surface Roughness ◽  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Wind Turbine Blade ◽  
Wind Tunnel Testing ◽  
Wind Turbine Blades

The importance of renewable and alternative energy is rapidly gaining attention. A national goal of replacing 20% of the United States electricity generation with wind power by 2030 has been proposed but such an ambitious goal is dependent on many parameters. Improved aerodynamic performance of wind turbine blades is one parameter necessary to achieve this goal. Blade testing is traditionally done using 2D airfoils in a laboratory wind tunnel, developing the lift and drag coefficients, and then using this data to predict wind turbine blade performance. Dimensional analysis has been used successfully in design of rotating machinery such as pumps, developing a series of dimensionless pump parameters with which to scale a particular pump design to a larger or small size. These parameters lead to similarity or affinity laws which relate any two homologous states for two pumps that are geometrically and dynamically similar. Affinity laws could be applied to wind turbines however the conditions tested in the wind tunnel do not match what would be expected in a full scale wind machine. As with pumps, the laws would apply only if the model and full scale wind turbine would operate at identical Reynolds numbers and are exactly similar (i.e. relative surface roughness and tip conditions). Reynolds numbers in the model tests are smaller than those achieved by the actual wind turbines while the surface roughness of the model is generally larger. This leads to the need for empirical equations to predict performance. This paper examines current wind tunnel testing and the problems with scaling wind turbine blades. It also outlines a methodology to test 3-D model wind turbine blades in a wind tunnel. Blades are designed and manufactured according to existing criteria, mounted to a generator, and their performance is then tested in the wind tunnel. Challenges with wind tunnel testing as well as extrapolation of the wind tunnel data to actual applications will be addressed.

scholarly journals PSO-BP Neural Network-Based Strain Prediction of Wind Turbine Blades

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1889 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Liu ◽  
Zheng Liu ◽  
Zhongwei Liang ◽  
Shun-Peng Zhu ◽  
José A. F. O. Correia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neural Network ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Wind Turbine Blade ◽  
Blade Design ◽  
Wind Turbine Blades ◽  
Static Testing ◽  
Bpnn Model

The full-scale static testing of wind turbine blades is an effective means to verify the accuracy and rationality of the blade design, and it is an indispensable part in the blade certification process. In the full-scale static experiments, the strain of the wind turbine blade is related to the applied loads, loading positions, stiffness, deflection, and other factors. At present, researches focus on the analysis of blade failure causes, blade load-bearing capacity, and parameter measurement methods in addition to the correlation analysis between the strain and the applied loads primarily. However, they neglect the loading positions and blade displacements. The correlation among the strain and applied loads, loading positions, displacements, etc. is nonlinear; besides that, the number of design variables is numerous, and thus the calculation and prediction of the blade strain are quite complicated and difficult using traditional numerical methods. Moreover, in full-scale static testing, the number of measuring points and strain gauges are limited, so the test data have insufficient significance to the calibration of the blade design. This paper has performed a study on the new strain prediction method by introducing intelligent algorithms. Back propagation neural network (BPNN) improved by Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) has significant advantages in dealing with non-linear fitting and multi-input parameters. Models based on BPNN improved by PSO (PSO-BPNN) have better robustness and accuracy. Based on the advantages of the neural network in dealing with complex problems, a strain-predictive PSO-BPNN model for full-scale static experiment of a certain wind turbine blade was established. In addition, the strain values for the unmeasured points were predicted. The accuracy of the PSO-BPNN prediction model was verified by comparing with the BPNN model and the simulation test. Both the applicability and usability of strain-predictive neural network models were verified by comparing the prediction results with simulation outcomes. The comparison results show that PSO-BPNN can be utilized to predict the strain of unmeasured points of wind turbine blades during static testing, and this provides more data for characteristic structural parameters calculation.

Finite Element Modeling of a Dual Axis Resonant Test System for Wind Turbine Blades

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Desmond ◽  
Darris White ◽  
William Barott
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Fatigue Testing ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Test System ◽  
Full Scale ◽  
Wind Turbine Blade ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Wind Turbine Blades ◽  
Design Assessment

Structural testing of wind turbine blades is required for designing reliable, structurally efficient blades. Full-scale blade fatigue testing conducted at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) provides blade manufacturers quantitative information on design details including design assessment, manufacturing quality, and design durability. Blade tests can be conducted as a single axis test (flapwise or lead-lag) or a dual-axis test (flapwise and lead-lag simultaneously). Dual-axis testing is generally the preferred full-scale test method as it simulates to a greater extent the characteristic loading the blade is subjected to in the field. Historically, wind turbine blade fatigue testing has been performed through forced displacement methods using hydraulic systems which directly apply load to the blade. More efficient methods of fatigue testing are being developed at the NWTC that employ resonant excitation systems to reduce hydraulic supply requirements, increase the test speed, and improve distributed load matching. In the case of a dual-axis resonant test, the blade is excited through multiple actuators at two distinct frequencies corresponding to the flapwise and lead-lag frequencies. A primary objective of a dual-axis test is to test the blade to equivalent damage moments in multiple axes. A code was developed to simulate the performance of the dual-axis resonant test system, comparing the predictions to actual test results. Modeling of this test system was performed using a MATLAB script that integrates the NREL FAST code with a commercial dynamic simulator package ADAMS. This code has the advantage over existing methods to more accurately simulate the coupled response between the flapwise and lead-lag directions. In summary, this paper will provide information on the modeling of wind turbine blade dual-axis resonant test systems.

Experimental investigations of flow over NACA airfoils 0021 and 4412 of wind turbine blades with and without Tubercles

2021 ◽  
pp. 0309524X2110071
Author(s):  
Usman Butt ◽  
Shafqat Hussain ◽  
Stephan Schacht ◽  
Uwe Ritschel
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Drag Coefficient ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Critical Region ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Experimental Investigations ◽  
Wind Turbine Blades

Experimental investigations of wind turbine blades having NACA airfoils 0021 and 4412 with and without tubercles on the leading edge have been performed in a wind tunnel. It was found that the lift coefficient of the airfoil 0021 with tubercles was higher at Re = 1.2×105 and 1.69×105 in post critical region (at higher angle of attach) than airfoils without tubercles but this difference relatively diminished at higher Reynolds numbers and beyond indicating that there is no effect on the lift coefficients of airfoils with tubercles at higher Reynolds numbers whereas drag coefficient remains unchanged. It is noted that at Re = 1.69×105, the lift coefficient of airfoil without tubercles drops from 0.96 to 0.42 as the angle of attack increases from 15° to 20° which is about 56% and the corresponding values of lift coefficient for airfoil with tubercles are 0.86 and 0.7 at respective angles with18% drop.

Machine Learning Aided Prediction of Rain Erosion Damage on Wind Turbine Blade Sections

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Castorrini ◽  
Paolo Venturini ◽  
Fabrizio Gerboni ◽  
Alessandro Corsini ◽  
Franco Rispoli
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Energy Production ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Wind Turbine Blade ◽  
Wind Turbine Blades ◽  
Coating Materials ◽  
Erosion Modelling ◽  
Rain Erosion

Abstract Rain erosion of wind turbine blades represents an interesting topic of study due to its non-negligible impact on annual energy production of the wind farms installed in rainy sites. A considerable amount of recent research works has been oriented to this subject, proposing rain erosion modelling, performance losses prediction, structural issues studies, etc. This work aims to present a new method to predict the damage on a wind turbine blade. The method is applied here to study the effect of different rain conditions and blade coating materials, on the damage produced by the rain over a representative section of a reference 5MW turbine blade operating in normal turbulence wind conditions.

Design and Analysis of Wind Turbine Blades: Winglet, Tubercle, and Slotted

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alka Gupta ◽  
Abdulrahman Alsultan ◽  
R. S. Amano ◽  
Sourabh Kumar ◽  
Andrew D. Welsh
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Wind Turbine Blade ◽  
Wind Turbine Blades ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Governing Factor

Energy is the heart of today’s civilization and the demand seems to be increasing with our growing population. Alternative energy solutions are the future of energy, whereas the fossil-based fuels are finite and deemed to become extinct. The design of the wind turbine blade is the main governing factor that affects power generation from the wind turbine. Different airfoils, angle of twist and blade dimensions are the parameters that control the efficiency of the wind turbine. This study is aimed at investigating the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine blade. In the present paper, we discuss innovative blade designs using the NACA 4412 airfoil, comparing them with a straight swept blade. The wake region was measured in the lab with a straight blade. All the results with different designs of blades were compared for their performance. A complete three-dimensional computational analysis was carried out to compare the power generation in each case for different wind speeds. It was found from the numerical analysis that the slotted blade yielded the most power generation among the other blade designs.

Research on Wind Turbine Blade Loads and Dynamics Factors

2014 ◽  
Vol 1014 ◽  
pp. 124-127
Author(s):  
Zhi Qiang Xu ◽  
Jian Huang
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Wind Turbine Blade ◽  
Strength Analysis ◽  
Wind Turbine Blades ◽  
Turbine Wheel

Wind turbines consists of three key parts, namely, wind wheels (including blades, hub, etc.), cabin (including gearboxes, motors, controls, etc.) and the tower and Foundation. Wind turbine wheel is the most important part ,which is made up of blades and hubs. Blade has a good aerodynamic shape, which will produce aerodynamic in the airflow rotation, converting wind energy into mechanical energy, and then, driving the generator into electrical energy by gearbox pace. Wind turbine operates in the natural environment, their load wind turbine blades are more complex. Therefore load calculations and strength analysis for wind turbine design is very important. Wind turbine blades are core components of wind turbines, so understanding of their loads and dynamics by which the load on the wind turbine blade design is of great significance.

scholarly journals Preparation and Anti-Icing of Hydrophobic Polypyrrole Coatings on Wind Turbine Blade

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Bin Qu ◽  
Zhou Sun ◽  
Fang Feng ◽  
Yan Li ◽  
Guoqiang Tong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Contact Angle ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Water Contact Angle ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Wind Turbine Blade ◽  
Wind Turbine Blades ◽  
Water Contact

This paper describes the method of preparing strong hydrophobic polypyrrole (PPy) on wind turbine blades. The water contact angle of strong hydrophobic PPy coatings was 127.2°. The strong hydrophobic PPy coatings exhibited excellent anti-icing properties. The maximum icing weight of strong hydrophobic PPy coating blade was almost 0.10 g while the maximum icing weight of no coating blade was found to be 26.13 g. The maximum icing thickness of a strong hydrophobic PPy coating blade was only 1.08 mm. The current research will provide a better technique to create anti-icing coatings on wind turbine blades and other outdoor equipment.

scholarly journals Bionic Design of Wind Turbine Blade Based on Long-Eared Owl’s Airfoil

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weijun Tian ◽  
Zhen Yang ◽  
Qi Zhang ◽  
Jiyue Wang ◽  
Ming Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Lift Coefficient ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Lower Surface ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Wind Turbine Blade ◽  
Wind Turbine Blades ◽  
Bionic Design ◽  
Bionic Blade

The main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a bionic design for the airfoil of wind turbines inspired by the morphology of Long-eared Owl’s wings. Glauert Model was adopted to design the standard blade and the bionic blade, respectively. Numerical analysis method was utilized to study the aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoils as well as the blades. Results show that the bionic airfoil inspired by the airfoil at the 50% aspect ratio of the Long-eared Owl’s wing gives rise to a superior lift coefficient and stalling performance and thus can be beneficial to improving the performance of the wind turbine blade. Also, the efficiency of the bionic blade in wind turbine blades tests increases by 12% or above (up to 44%) compared to that of the standard blade. The reason lies in the bigger pressure difference between the upper and lower surface which can provide stronger lift.

scholarly journals Aerodynamic Analysis on Wind Turbine Aerofoil

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3.27) ◽  
pp. 456
Author(s):  
Albi . ◽  
M Dev Anand ◽  
G M. Joselin Herbert
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Blade ◽  
Cfd Simulation ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Wind Turbine Blade ◽  
Wind Turbine Blades ◽  
Ansys Fluent ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Drag Forces ◽  
Lift And Drag

The aerofoils of wind turbine blades have crucial influence on aerodynamic efficiency of wind turbine. There are numerous amounts of research being performed on aerofoils of wind turbines. Initially, I have done a brief literature survey on wind turbine aerofoil. This project involves the selection of a suitable aerofoil section for the proposed wind turbine blade. A comprehensive study of the aerofoil behaviour is implemented using 2D modelling. NACA 4412 aerofoil profile is considered for analysis of wind turbine blade. Geometry of this aerofoil is created using GAMBIT and CFD analysis is carried out using ANSYS FLUENT. Lift and Drag forces along with the angle of attack are the important parameters in a wind turbine system. These parameters decide the efficiency of the wind turbine. The lift force and drag force acting on aerofoil were determined with various angles of attacks ranging from 0° to 12° and wind speeds. The coefficient of lift and drag values are calculated for 1×105 Reynolds number. The pressure distributions as well as coefficient of lift to coefficient of drag ratio of this aerofoil were visualized. The CFD simulation results show close agreement with those of the experiments, thus suggesting a reliable alternative to experimental method in determining drag and lift.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document