Design of a wind turbine rotor for maximum aerodynamic efficiency

The design of a three‐bladed wind turbine rotor is described, where the main focus has been highest possible mechanical power coefficient, CP, at a single operational condition. Structural, as well as off‐design, issues are not considered, leading to a purely theoretical design for investigating maximum aerodynamic efficiency. The rotor is designed assuming constant induction for most of the blade span, but near the tip region, a constant load is assumed instead. The rotor design is obtained using an actuator disc model, and is subsequently verified using both a free‐wake lifting line method and a full three‐dimensional Navier–Stokes solver. Excellent agreement is obtained using the three models. Global CP reaches a value of slightly above 0.51, while global thrust coefficient CT is 0.87. The local power coefficient C_p increases to slightly above the Betz limit on the inner part of the rotor; the local thrust coefficient C_t increases to a value above 1.1. This agrees well with the theory of de Vries, which states that including the effect of the low pressure behind the centre of the rotor stemming from the increased rotation, both C_p and C_t will increase towards the root. Towards the tip, both C_p and C_t decrease due to tip corrections as well as drag. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Research on wind turbine rotor models using NACA profiles

In this study, rotation rates and power coefficients of miniature wind turbine rotor models manufactured using NACA profiles were investigated. For this purpose, miniature rotor models with 310 mm diameter were made from “Balsa” wood. When all properties of rotor models were taken into account, a total of 180 various combinations were obtained. Each combination was coded with rotor form code. These model rotors were tested in a wind tunnel measurement system. Rotation rates for each rotor form were determined based on wind speed. Power coefficient values were calculated using power and tip speed rates of wind. Rotor models produced a rotation rate up to 3077 rpm, with a power coefficient rate up to 0.425. Rotor models manufactured by using NACA 4412 profiles with 0 grade twisting angle, 5 grade blade angle, double blades had the highest rotation rate, while those manufactured by using NACA 4415 profiles with 0 grade twisting angle, 18 grade blade angle, 4 blades had the highest power coefficient.     

A full-scale prediction method for wind turbine rotor noise by using wind tunnel test data

The development of a low-noise wind turbine rotor and propeller is often cost-effective and is in fact a race against time to those who wish to build and test a small-scale rotor instead of an expensive full-scale rotor. The issue of this approach has to do with the interpretation of wind tunnel model test data in terms of both the frequency band and sound pressure level information for the noise scaling effect.This paper discusses a prediction method for the estimation of the noise generated from a full-scale wind turbine rotor using wind tunnel test data measured with both a small-scale rotor and a 2D section of the blade. The 2D airfoil self-noise and the scaled rotor noise were investigated with a series of wind tunnel experiments. Wind tunnel data post-processing considered four aspects: removal of the test condition effect, scaling to full scale, consideration of the wind turbine rotor operating conditions, and the most important terms of full-scale rotor noise as adjustments to address the differences between the wind tunnel test conditions and the full-scale operating conditions.A full-scale rotor noise prediction results comparison was performed by initially dividing the test conditions into the condition of a 2D section noise test and the condition of a small-scale rotor noise test. Based on an airfoil section, the rotor was selected from a blade section at r/R = 0.75. The small-scale rotor was scaled down by a factor of 5.71 for the wind tunnel test.Finally, the full-scale rotor noise data was compared with the wind tunnel test data using a scaling estimation method.     

A hybrid actuator disc – Full rotor CFD methodology for modelling the effects of wind turbine wake interactions on performance

The performance of individual wind turbines is crucial for maximum energy yield, however, their performance is often reduced when turbines are placed together in an array. The wake produced by the rotors interacts with downstream turbines, resulting in a reduction in power output. In this paper, we demonstrate a new and faster modelling technique which combines actuator disc theory, modelled using wind tunnel validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and integrated into full rotor CFD simulations. This novel hybrid of techniques results in the ability to analyse performance when simulating various array layouts more rapidly and accurately than using either method on its own.It is shown that there is a significant power reduction from a downstream turbine that is subjected to the wake of an upstream turbine, and that this is due to both a reduction in power in the wind and also due to changes in the aerodynamics. Analysis of static pressure along the blade showed that as a result of wake interactions, a large reduction in the suction peak along the leading edge reduced the lift generated by the rotor and so reduced the torque production and the ability for the blade to extract energy from the wind.     

Assessment of wind characteristics and wind turbine characteristics in Taiwan

Wind characteristics and wind turbine characteristics in Taiwan have been thoughtfully analyzed based on a long-term measured data source (1961–1999) of hourly mean wind speed at 25 meteorological stations across Taiwan. A two-stage procedure for estimating wind resource is proposed. The yearly wind speed distribution and wind power density for the entire Taiwan is firstly evaluated to provide annually spatial mean information of wind energy potential. A mathematical formulation using a two-parameter Weibull wind speed distribution is further established to estimate the wind energy generated by an ideal turbine and the monthly actual wind energy generated by a wind turbine operated at cubic relation of power between cut-in and rated wind speed and constant power between rated and cut-out wind speed. Three types of wind turbine characteristics (the availability factor, the capacity factor and the wind turbine efficiency) are emphasized. The monthly wind characteristics and monthly wind turbine characteristics for four meteorological stations with high winds are investigated and compared with each other as well. The results show the general availability of wind energy potential across Taiwan.     

Dynamic characteristics and enhanced performance of a novel wind turbine rotor analyzed via experiments and numerical simulation

The enormous demand for large wind turbine rotors has led to a need to develop high‐performance and reliable wind turbine rotors. The flexibility of the huge blade was a challenge in creating a balanced design with regard to dynamic behavior, mass, and power output. To enhance the wind turbine rotor, a newly designed wind turbine system with a supporting rod and damper was proposed and investigated. A scaled blade was experimentally tested, with the results indicating an increase in both frequency and damping of the system. Through the use of a self‐coded numerical model, the correlations between the design constraints and the dynamic behavior, tip displacement, and additional mass of the rotor were demonstrated. This showed that the novel rotor has some preferable characteristics in both static and dynamic aspects. In particular, this blade is stiffer and has a smaller tip displacement compared with a traditional cantilevered blade. These characteristics enabled the effective application of the novel rotor to a 5‐MW wind turbine to achieve a 15.16% power output increase based on the blade element momentum theory with Prandtl correction, as well as 5.1% mass savings. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of delaminations on local buckling in wind turbine blades

In this article the effect of delaminations on the load carrying capacity of a large wind turbine blade is studied numerically. For this purpose an 8.65 m long blade section with different initial delaminations in the main spar was subjected to a flapwise dominated bending moment. The model was setup in Abaqus and cohesive elements were chosen for modelling delamination growth.For initial delaminations with a width of 30–50% of the cap width the study showed that delamination close to the surface started to grow in load ranges of normal operation conditions and led to local buckling modes. The local buckling caused high strains and stresses in the surrounding of the delamination, which exceeded the material design properties and therefore should be considered as dangerous.Delaminations placed near the mid-surface of the cap did not have a significant effect on the blade response under normal operation conditions. In the simulations the static load exceeded the design load by more than 40% before delamination growth or cap buckling occurred.It could be concluded that delamination induced near-surface buckling modes have to be considered critical due to an onset of local sublaminate buckling below the design load level.     

Load analysis of hydraulic‐pneumatic flywheel configurations integrated in a wind turbine rotor

In this paper, the impact on the mechanical loads of a wind turbine due to a previously proposed hydraulic‐pneumatic flywheel system is analysed. Load simulations are performed for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5‐MW wind turbine using fatigue, aerodynamics, structures, and turbulence (FAST). It is discussed why FAST is applied although it cannot simulate variable rotor inertia. Several flywheel configurations, which increase the rotor inertia of the 5‐MW wind turbine by 15%, are implemented in the 61.5‐m rotor blade. Load simulations are performed twice for each configuration: Firstly, the flywheel system is discharged, and secondly, the flywheel is charged. The change in ultimate and fatigue loads on the tower, the low speed shaft, and the rotor blades is juxtaposed for all flywheel configurations. As the blades are mainly affected by the flywheel system, the increase in ultimate and fatigue loads of the blade is evaluated. Simulation results show that the initial design of the flywheel system causes the lowest impact on the mechanical loads of the rotor blades although this configuration is the heaviest.     

Investigation on wind power potential on Hong Kong islands—an analysis of wind power and wind turbine characteristics

This paper discusses the potential for electricity generation on Hong Kong islands through an analysis of the local weather data and typical wind turbine characteristics. An optimum wind speed, u_op, is proposed to choose an optimal type of wind turbine for different weather conditions. A simulation model has been established to describe the characteristics of a particular wind turbine. A case study investigation allows wind speed and wind power density to be obtained using different hub heights, and the annual power generated by the wind turbine to be simulated. The wind turbine's capacity factor, being the ratio of actual annual power generation to the rated annual power generation, is shown to be 0.353, with the capacity factor in October as high as 0.50. The simulation shows the potential for wind power generation on the islands surrounding Hong Kong.     

LCA sensitivity analysis of a multi-megawatt wind turbine

During recent years renewables have been acquiring gradually a significant importance in the world market (especially in the Spanish energetic market) and in society; this fact makes clear the need to increase and improve knowledge of these power sources. Starting from the results of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of a multi-megawatt wind turbine, this work is aimed to assess the relevance of different choices that have been made during its development. Looking always to cover the largest possible spectrum of options, four scenarios have been analysed, focused on four main phases of lifecycle: maintenance, manufacturing, dismantling, and recycling. These scenarios facilitate to assess the degree of uncertainty of the developed LCA due to choices made, excluding from the assessment the uncertainty due to the inaccuracy and the simplification of the environmental models used or spatial and temporal variability in different parameters. The work has been developed at all times using the of Eco-indicator99 LCA method.     

Fault analysis of wind turbine generators in India

Wind energy has become a techno-economically viable source of energy and is considered as a preferable renewable energy resources option in the power sector in India. If the current pace of development is maintained for at least a few decades, India would soon possess the highest windfarm installation in the world and a significant portion of the country's energy needs could be met through wind power. The available wind energy resource can be utilised to the greater extent by optimally siting the windfarms, by appropriate machine selection and by proper maintenance. An attempt has been made to evaluate the performance of wind turbine generators for the largest demonstration windfarm (10 MW) in Asia. This windfarm is situated at Lamba, Gujarat State with 50 wind turbine machines of 200 kW capacity. The technical availability, real availability, capacity factor and maximum down time of the wind turbine generators have been calculated and plotted over the year. About 30 fault conditions have been identified and analysed by pareto diagram.     

基于小波包IRN网络的燃气轮机转子故障诊断

提出一种基于小波包和带有偏差单元的内部回归神经网络相结合的燃气轮机转子故障诊断方法。利用小波包分析去除噪声信号干扰,简化燃机转子故障特征提取。带有偏差单元的内部回归神经网络的记忆特性好,收敛速度快、稳定性强。小波包和带有偏差单元的内部回归神经网络的结合,大大提高了诊断速度及诊断准确性。     

Measurements of a 2-Stage Axial Turbine with Shrouded Rotor Cavities

This paper presents preliminary measurements of a 2-stage axial turbine with shrouded rotor cavities. The research facility and measurement techniques are reported. The flow field at both inlet and outlet was measured using 5-hole probes as well as temperature probes. The measurement results indicate that the inlet flow field is periodical in the tangential direction due to the influence of the first-stator leading-edge. The horse-shoe vortexes cause substantial flow blockage and turbulence near the endwall. Unsteady measurements of the rotor radial tip clearance show that one of the second-rotor blades has a little bigger clearance than the others.     

Performances of ideal wind turbine

If there is an ideal wind turbine, its performances will be the pursuit goals for designing the actual wind turbine. In this paper, the wind turbine that has the maximum efficiency is defined as ideal wind turbine, which has three main features: lift-drag ratio is infinite, it has enough number blades so that the blade tip and root losses can be ignored, and its blades are limited in width. Using blade element theory, the differential equations of power, torque, lift and thrust of blade element were derived, and the expressions of power, torque, lift and thrust coefficients of the ideal wind turbine were gained by integrating along the blade span. Research shows that the power, torque and lift coefficients of the ideal wind turbine are functions of tip-speed ratio. When the lift-drag ratio and the tip-speed ratio is approaching infinity, power coefficient of the ideal wind turbine is close to the Betz limit; The torque limit is 0.401 when the tip-speed ratio equals about 0.635; The Lift limit is 0.578 when the tip-speed ratio equals about 0.714; The thrust coefficient is 8/9, which is unrelated with tip-speed ratio. For any wind turbine which tip-speed ratio is less than 10, the power coefficient is unlikely to exceed 0.585, for any high-speed wind turbine which tip-speed ratio is greater than 6, the torque coefficient in steady state is unlikely to exceed 0.1, and the lift coefficient is unlikely to exceed 0.2.     

Innovative improvement of a drag wind turbine performance

Drag type wind turbines have strong potential in small and medium power applications due to their simple design. However, a major disadvantage of this design is the noticeable low conversion efficiency. Therefore, more research is required to improve the efficiency of this design. The present work introduces a novel design of a three-rotor Savonius turbine with rotors arranged in a triangular pattern. The performance of the new design is assessed by computational modeling of the flow around the three rotors. The 2D computational model is firstly applied to investigate the performance of a single rotor design to validate the model by comparison with experimental measurements. The model introduced an acceptable accuracy compared to the experimental measurements. The performance of the new design is then investigated using the same model. The results indicated that the new design performance has higher power coefficient compared with single rotor design. The peak power coefficient of the three rotor turbine is 44% higher than that of the single rotor design (relative increase). The improved performance is attributed to the favorable interaction between the rotors which accelerates the flow approaching the downstream rotors and generates higher turning moment in the direction of rotation of each rotor.     

A comprehensive investigation of trailing edge damage in a wind turbine rotor blade

Wind turbine rotor blades are sophisticated, multipart, lightweight structures whose aeroelasticity‐driven geometrical complexity and high strength‐to‐mass utilization lend themselves to the application of glass‐fibre or carbon‐fibre composite materials. Most manufacturing techniques involve separate production of the multi‐material subcomponents of which a blade is comprised and which are commonly joined through adhesives. Adhesive joints are known to represent a weak link in the structural integrity of blades, where particularly, the trailing‐edge joint is notorious for its susceptibility to damage. Empiricism tells that adhesive joints in blades often do not fulfil their expected lifetime, leading to considerable expenses because of repair or blade replacement. Owing to the complicated structural behaviour—in conjunction with the complex loading situation—literature about the root causes for adhesive joint failure in blades is scarce. This paper presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of energy release rates at the tip of a transversely oriented crack in the trailing edge of a 34m long blade for a 1.5MW wind turbine. First, results of a non‐linear finite element analysis of a 3D blade model, compared with experimental data of a blade test conducted at Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU) Wind Energy (Department of Wind Energy, Technical University of Denmark), showed to be in good agreement. Subsequently, the effects of geometrical non‐linear cross‐section deformation and trailing‐edge wave formation on the energy release rates were investigated based on realistic aeroelastic load simulations. The paper concludes with a discussion about critical loading directions that trigger two different non‐linear deformation mechanisms and their potential impact on adhesive trailing‐edge joint failure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Study on the rotor design method for a small propeller-type wind turbine

Small propeller-type wind turbines have a low Reynolds number, limiting the number of usable airfoil materials. Thus, their design method is not sufficiently established, and their performance is often low. The ultimate goal of this research is to establish high-performance design guidelines and design methods for small propeller-type wind turbines. To that end, we designed two rotors: Rotor A, based on the rotor optimum design method from the blade element momentum theory, and Rotor B, in which the chord length of the tip is extended and the chord length distribution is linearized. We examined performance characteristics and flow fields of the two rotors through wind tunnel experiments and numerical analysis. Our results revealed that the maximum output tip speed ratio of Rotor B shifted lower than that of Rotor A, but the maximum output coefficient increased by approximately 38.7%. Rotors A and B experienced a large-scale separation on the hub side, which extended to the mean in Rotor A. This difference in separation had an impact on the significant decrease in Rotor A’s output compared to the design value and the increase in Rotor B’s output compared to Rotor A.     

小型风力机风轮主动侧偏机构试验研究

根据输出的功率信号,对尾翼侧偏角度进行调节,可以在保证主动侧偏型小型风力发电机稳定安全运行的基础上,实现风能最大利用.通过实验得出不同侧偏角下风轮功率的输出,然后根据模拟输出功率信号,测试在不同工况下,主动侧偏机构动作的正确性和可行性,为整机试验做好前期准备工作.     

Wind tunnel and numerical study of a small vertical axis wind turbine

This paper presents a combined experimental and computational study into the aerodynamics and performance of a small scale vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT). Wind tunnel tests were carried out to ascertain overall performance of the turbine and two- and three-dimensional unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were generated to help understand the aerodynamics of this performance.Wind tunnel performance results are presented for cases of different wind velocity, tip-speed ratio and solidity as well as rotor blade surface finish. It is shown experimentally that the surface roughness on the turbine rotor blades has a significant effect on performance. Below a critical wind speed (Reynolds number of 30,000) the performance of the turbine is degraded by a smooth rotor surface finish but above it, the turbine performance is enhanced by a smooth surface finish. Both two bladed and three bladed rotors were tested and a significant increase in performance coefficient is observed for the higher solidity rotors (three bladed rotors) over most of the operating range. Dynamic stalling behaviour and the resulting large and rapid changes in force coefficients and the rotor torque are shown to be the likely cause of changes to rotor pitch angle that occurred during early testing. This small change in pitch angle caused significant decreases in performance.The performance coefficient predicted by the two dimensional computational model is significantly higher than that of the experimental and the three-dimensional CFD model. The predictions show that the presence of the over tip vortices in the 3D simulations is responsible for producing the large difference in efficiency compared to the 2D predictions. The dynamic behaviour of the over tip vortex as a rotor blade rotates through each revolution is also explored in the paper.     

The concept of a smart wind turbine system

A smart wind turbine concept with variable length blades and an innovative hybrid mechanical-electrical power conversion system was analyzed. The variable length blade concept uses the idea of extending the turbine blades when wind speeds fall below rated level, hence increasing the swept area, and thus maintaining a relatively high power output. It is shown for a typical site, that the annual energy output of such a wind turbine that could double its blade length, could be twice that of a corresponding turbine with fixed length blades. From a cost analysis, it is shown that the concept would be feasible if the cost of the rotor could be kept less than 4.3 times the cost of a standard rotor with fixed length blades. Given the variable length blade turbine system exhibits a more-or-less linear maximum power curve, as opposed to a non-linear curve for the standard turbine, an innovative hybrid mechanical-electrical power conversion system was proposed and tested proving the feasibility of the concept.