Design and analysis of a segmented blade for a 50 MW wind turbine rotor

Extreme-size wind turbines face logistical challenges due to their sheer size. A solution, segmentation, is examined for an extreme-scale 50 MW wind turbine with 250 m blades using a systematic approach. Segmentation poses challenges regarding minimizing joint mass, transferring loads between segments and logistics. We investigate the feasibility of segmenting a 250 m blade by developing design methods and analyzing the impact of segmentation on the blade mass and blade frequencies. This investigation considers various variables such as joint types (bolted and bonded), adhesive materials, joint locations, number of joints and taper ratios (ply dropping). Segmentation increases blade mass by 4.1%–62% with bolted joints and by 0.4%–3.6% with bonded joints for taper ratios up to 1:10. Cases with large mass growth significantly reduce blade frequencies potentially challenging the control design. We show that segmentation of an extreme-scale blade is possible but mass reduction is necessary to improve its feasibility.

Aerodynamic Performance Characterization of a Drag-Based Elliptical-Bladed Savonius Wind Turbine Rotor

Among the existing wind energy harvesters, the vertical-axis Savonius wind turbine rotor is found to be suitable for small-scale power generation. It is a drag-driven device where the pressure of the fluid stagnating within its blades results in its rotation. The high starting torque and poor operational efficiency of this type of turbine rotor are its distinguishing features. The main geometric and flow parameters that influence its performance are its blade profile, overlap ratio, aspect ratio and Reynolds number (Re). Among these parameters, the blade profile influences significantly on the power production. Recent studies have shown that, choice of an elliptic blade can help in harnessing more wind energy, however, it is desirable to characterize this choice through detailed studies. The present study aims at evaluating the performance of a two-elliptical-bladed Savonius turbine rotor for its dynamic torque and power characteristics. In order to characterize its performances, the developed rotor is experimented in an open circuit low speed wind tunnel. The experiments have been carried out at different Re values so as to estimate the dependence of rotor performance on Re. When the Re is increased from 57310 to 164766, the maximum power coefficient (CPmax) of the turbine rotor has shown an improvement of 43%.

Taurine-Modified Boehmite Nanoparticles for GFRP Wind Turbine Rotor Blade Fatigue Life Enhancement

Advanced nanoparticle-reinforced glass fibre composites represent a promising approach to improving the service life of fatigue-loaded structures such as wind turbine rotor blades. However, processing particle-reinforced resins using advanced infusion techniques is problematic due to, for example, higher viscosity as well as filtering effects. In this work, the effects of boehmite nanoparticles on viscosity, static properties and fatigue life are investigated experimentally. Whereas rheological analysis reveals a significant increase of viscosity in the case of pristine boehmite particles, an additional taurine surface modification of the particles can effectively reduce viscosity increase. As regards mechanical properties, significant improvements of both static as well as fatigue properties are found. The addition of 15 wt.% of boehmite particles increases fatigue life by a maximum of 270% compared to the unmodified fibre-reinforced epoxy. Transmitted light-based investigation of the damage mechanisms shows delayed initiation and smaller growth rates for laminates containing boehmite particles. At the same time, the observed mechanisms and their accumulation along the relative cycle number do not change significantly. In addition, by characterising autonomous heating, the so-called Risitano fatigue limit is determined. The results reveal that with increasing particle content there is an increase in the fatigue limit.

Flight Altitudes of Raptors in Southern Africa Highlight Vulnerability of Threatened Species to Wind Turbines

Energy infrastructure, particularly for wind power, is rapidly expanding in Africa, creating the potential for conflict with at-risk wildlife populations. Raptor populations are especially susceptible to negative impacts of fatalities from wind energy because individuals tend to be long-lived and reproduce slowly. A major determinant of risk of collision between flying birds and wind turbines is the altitude above ground at which a bird flies. We examine 18,710 observations of flying raptors recorded in southern Africa and we evaluate, for 49 species, the frequency with which they were observed to fly at the general height of a wind turbine rotor-swept zone (50–150 m). Threatened species, especially vultures, were more likely to be observed at turbine height than were other species, suggesting that these raptors are most likely to be affected by wind power development across southern Africa. Our results highlight that threatened raptor species, particularly vultures, might be especially impacted by expanded wind energy infrastructure across southern Africa.

CALCULATION OF THE PARAMETERS OF THE WIND TURBINE ROTOR EDDY CURRENT SENSOR

Eddy current sensors are used to measure shaft clearance in wind turbines and to check that there is a thin film of oil in the clearance. In this case, the oil is usually applied under pressure. Because the eddy current sensors are resistant to oil, pressure and temperature, this allows them to operate reliably in these hostile environments. When the gap becomes too large, a maintenance warning is generated. Eddy current sensors help detect axial and radial deflection of the turbine shaft. Radial movement occurs when the shaft is off-center. Axial movement indicates that the shaft is tilted relative to the central axis. Both cannot be eliminated completely. However, with significant deviations, increased bearing wear occurs. If such situations are detected, the turbine should be shut down as soon as possible for maintenance, even before an accident occurs. Finally, eddy current sensors are used to measure forces or torques applied to the nacelle. These influences can be caused by vibration, wind loads or other factors that, over time, can lead to the destruction of the entire structure. Eddy current sensors can also be used to measure axial, radial or tangential deflection of clutch discs, which ensure the safety of the rotor in the event of strong winds. This article provides a method for calculating an inductive sensor. This calculation will allow you to correctly develop a wind turbine eddy current sensor.