Abstract

Aerodynamic loading is one of the most dominating environmental excitations of Floating Wind Turbines (FWTs) and plays an important role in the FWT dynamics. In this study, we developed a model Spar-type FWT and then constructed a dedicated experiment apparatus to reveal the aerodynamic loading effects. As for the floater motion, the wind loading serves as an external exciting force, as well as potential damping source and equivalent added mass item. To take all these roles into account, we proposed a concept of aerodynamic loading effect. The presence of aerodynamic loading effect is validated by free decay tests and white noise wave tests. Results show that the aerodynamic loading effect alters the natural frequencies and damping ratios of the FWT system. We suggest the FWT designers refer to the altered natural frequencies when designing the floater and the FWT controllers. We experimentally observed that the increased aerodynamic loading seems to suppress the pitch resonance vibration while amplifies the resonance vibration at surge frequency. Besides, the nacelle motions, blade loads, and the tower dynamics, are all significantly impacted by the aerodynamic loading effect. The presented results are potentially helpful for optimizing FWTs and developing advanced FWT controllers.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.