Open AccessRapid optimization of stall‐regulated wind turbine blades using a frequency‐domain method: Part 1, loads analysis
Author(s) -
Merz Karl O.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
wind energy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.743
H-Index - 92
eISSN - 1099-1824
pISSN - 1095-4244
DOI - 10.1002/we.1786
Subject(s) - drivetrain , stall (fluid mechanics) , brake , frequency domain , structural engineering , turbine , engineering , turbine blade , time domain , automotive engineering , computer science , mechanical engineering , torque , aerospace engineering , physics , computer vision , thermodynamics
A fast and effective loads analysis method was developed for the preliminary design of stall‐regulated blades. Calculations are conducted in the frequency domain, including a three‐dimensional representation of turbulence, for a rapid evaluation of lifetime loads. The structural model is simplified, consisting of a single flexible blade on a rigid drivetrain. Load cases are defined which consider ultimate, extreme operating (with and without tip brake deployment), and lifetime fatigue loads. It is shown, by comparison with time‐domain simulations, that the load cases provide a reasonable estimate of design‐driving loads. The method described in Part 1 of this article forms the basis for a novel optimization method in Part 2. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.