Finite volume free vibration analysis of a new aerodynamic styling wind turbine

Abstract

Due to the short life cycles of large-scale wind turbines and difficulties in getting permission for farms installations, micro-scale turbines have become interesting sustainable solutions to product energy. However, micro-size turbines have to be able to generate balanced powers while ensuring maximum life services under unpredictable environment conditions. Hence, designers must mainly investigate the dynamic characteristics of turbine tower–foundation systems in order to protect the structural security and stability of the system under vibration constraints. In this framework, this article aims to analyze the vibration behavior of modern micro-turbines. A new aerodynamic styling wind turbine, which is Rutland 504 six-bladed commercial turbine, is selected in this study in order to highlight the impacts of extra components like ring, nose, and tail on the vibrational properties. Accordingly, a three-dimensional model of the turbine tower–foundation system was created basing on finite volume method. The newest version of ANSYS academic software is used. Dynamic properties of the numerical model were determined by solving equations of motion. After identifying mode shapes and natural frequencies, experimental modal testing was applied to validate the numerical model. Then, deformations and vibrations of different components of the system were studied under free vibration conditions. The components of the system most sensitive to vibrate were determined. Moreover, the stress distributions were discussed in order to identify the components most exposed to fatigue fractures.