International collaborative research in wind turbine rotor aerodynamics
Abstract
Five organizations from four countries are collaborating to conduct detailed wind turbine aerodynamic test programs. Fullscale atmospheric testing will be conducted on turbines configured to measure aerodynamic forces on rotating airfoils. The purpose of these test programs is to come to a better understanding of the steady and unsteady aerodynamic behavior of wind turbine rotors, and provide information needed to build accurate aerodynamic models for design codes. Stall, dynamic inflow, yaw conditions, and tower effects all contribute to unknown aerodynamic responses. These unknown responses make it extremely difficult to produce cost-effective wind turbine designs. Turbines behave unexpectedly, experiencing power surges and higher fatigue loads than predicted. In order to evolve state-of-the-art wind turbine designs, these aerodynamic effects must be quantified and understood. This paper describes a coordinated international research effort that is underway to accelerate this key research area, and help develop a more thorough understanding of wind turbine aerodynamics.
- Publication:
-
Presented at the 13th Energy-Sources Technology Conference and Exhibition (ETCE) on Wind Energy
- Pub Date:
- December 1993
- Bibcode:
- 1993etce.confR..23S
- Keywords:
-
- Aerodynamic Characteristics;
- Aerodynamic Loads;
- Rotor Aerodynamics;
- Wind Turbines;
- Airfoils;
- Dynamic Response;
- Turbine Blades;
- Unsteady Aerodynamics;
- Energy Production and Conversion