Wind tunnel tests of a free yawing downwind wind turbine

D R S Verelst,T J Larsen,J W Van Wingerden

doi:10.1088/1742-6596/555/1/012103

Abstract

This research paper presents preliminary results on a behavioural study of a free yawing downwind wind turbine. A series of wind tunnel tests was performed at the TU Delft Open Jet Facility with a three bladed downwind wind turbine and a rotor radius of 0.8 meters. The setup includes an off the shelf three bladed hub, nacelle and generator on which relatively flexible blades are mounted. The tower support structure has free yawing capabilities provided at the base. A short overview on the technical details of the experiment is given as well as a brief summary of the design process. The discussed test cases show that the turbine is stable while operating in free yawing conditions. Further, the effect of the tower shadow passage on the blade flapwise strain measurement is evaluated. Finally, data from the experiment is compared with preliminary simulations using DTU Wind Energy's aeroelastic simulation program HAWC2.

Highlights

During February and April 2012 a series of wind tunnel tests were performed at the TU Delft Open Jet Facility (OJF) with a three bladed downwind wind turbine and a rotor radius of 0.8 meters
This paper discussed the work in progress of wind tunnel test results analysis and comparison with HAWC2 simulations
A three bladed downwind wind turbine is stable in yaw for the considered test cases

Summary

Introduction

During February and April 2012 a series of wind tunnel tests were performed at the TU Delft Open Jet Facility (OJF) with a three bladed downwind wind turbine and a rotor radius of 0.8 meters. Wind tunnel tests of a free yawing downwind wind turbine. DRS Verelst and TJ Larsen (DTU Wind Energy), JW van Wingerden (TU Delft) Abstract During February and April 2012 a series of wind tunnel tests were performed at the TU Delft Open Jet Facility (OJF) with a three bladed downwind wind turbine and a rotor radius of 0.8 meters.

Results

Conclusion