Abstract
AbstractAeroelastic simulations of a 2.3 MW wind turbine rotor operating in different complex atmospheric flows are conducted using high fidelity fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations. Simpler blade element momentum (BEM) theory based simulations are likewise conducted for comparison, and measurements from field experiments are used for validation of the simulations. Good agreement is seen between simulated and measured forces. It is found that for complex flows, BEM‐based simulations predict similar forces as computational fluid dynamics (CFD)‐based FSI, however with some distinct discrepancies. Firstly, stall is predicted for a large part of the blade using BEM‐based aerodynamics, which are not seen in either FSI simulations or measurements in the case of a high shear. This leads to a more dynamic structural response for BEM‐based simulations than for FSI. For a highly yawed and sheared flow case, the BEM‐based simulations overpredict outboard forces for a significant part of the rotation. This emphasizes the need of validation of BEM‐based simulations through higher fidelity methods, when considering complex flows. Including flexibility in simulations shows only little impact on the considered rotor for both FSI‐ and BEM‐based simulations. In general, the loading of the blades increases slightly, and the rotor wake is almost identical for stiff and flexible FSI simulations.
Highlights
Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) operate in various flow conditions influenced by, for example, wind shear and veer, atmospheric turbulence, tilt and yaw misalignments
Aeroelastic simulations of a 2.3 MW wind turbine rotor operating in different complex atmospheric flows are conducted using high fidelity fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations
Simpler blade element momentum (BEM) theory based simulations are likewise conducted for comparison, and measurements from field experiments are used for validation of the simulations
Summary
Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) operate in various flow conditions influenced by, for example, wind shear and veer, atmospheric turbulence, tilt and yaw misalignments. This results in an unsteady loading of the rotor as the blades experience varying wind speeds during their rotation. Aeroelastic phenomena, become increasingly relevant as wind turbines are expanding in size and blades become more flexible, due to mass restrictions. This increases the risk of instabilities from vortex induced vibrations (VIVs) and flutter, which in the worst case scenario can lead to structural failure. But though very important, is the effects of flexibility on power production, as flexible blades will bend and twist, changing the loads and thereby the driving forces of the turbine
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