Sand-Laden Wind Erosion Pair Experimental Analysis of Aerodynamic Performance of the Wind Turbine Blades

Abstract

In the Inner Mongolia region, sand and dust storms are prevalent throughout the year, with sand erosion having a particularly significant impact on the performance of wind turbine blades. To enhance the performance stability of wind turbines and reduce operation and maintenance costs, this study delves into the specific impact of sand-laden wind erosion on the aerodynamic performance of scaled-down wooden wind turbine blades. The experiment conducts vehicle-mounted tests on scaled models of 1.5 MW wind turbine blades that have been eroded by wind-sand flows from different zones, analyzing the changes in aerodynamic performance of wind turbines caused by the erosion. The results indicate that with an increase in the angle of installation, both the overall power output and the wind energy utilization coefficient of the wind turbines show a declining trend. The power outputs of both the partially eroded group and the fully eroded group are unable to reach the rated power level of 100 W. Compared to the uneroded group, the leading-edge eroded group demonstrated higher power output and wind energy utilization coefficients across most wind speed ranges. This finding verifies the possibility that the drag-reducing effect caused by pits from leading-edge erosion has a positive impact on the aerodynamic performance of the blades. It also provides a new research perspective and strong evidence for the study of erosion effects on wind turbine blades and the optimization of their aerodynamic performance.