Sizing and control of trailing edge flaps on a smart rotor for maximum power generation in low fatigue wind regimes

An extension of the spectrum of applicability of rotors with active aerodynamic devices is presented in this paper. Besides the classical purpose of load alleviation, a secondary objective is established: optimization of power capture. As a first step, wind speed regions that contribute little to fatigue damage have been identified. In these regions, the turbine energy output can be increased by deflecting the trailing edge (TE) flap in order to track the maximum power coefficient as a function of local, instantaneous speed ratios. For this purpose, the TE flap configuration for maximum power generation has been using blade element momentum theory. As a first step, the operation in non‐uniform wind field conditions was analysed. Firstly, the deterministic fluctuation in local tip speed ratio due to wind shear was evaluated. The second effect is associated with time delays in adapting the rotor speed to inflow fluctuations caused by atmospheric turbulence. The increase in power generation obtained by accounting for wind shear has been demonstrated with an increase in energy production of 1%. Finally, a control logic based on inflow wind speeds has been devised, and the potential of enhanced power generation has been shown by time‐domain simulations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.