Distributed Aerodynamic Control using Active Trailing-Edge Flaps for Large Wind Turbines. Issue 4 (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Feil, Roland; Abbas, Nikhar; Bortolotti, Pietro; Johnson, Nick; Mertz, Ben
• Is Part Of: Journal of physics. Volume 1618:Issue 4(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: distributed aerodynamic control -- active trailing-edge flaps -- MDAO -- large rotors; Physics -- Congresses; 530.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1618/4/042026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-6588

Abstract

Abstract: This work presents a numerical framework to investigate distributed aerodynamic control devices for application in large wind turbines. Tool capabilities were extended to facilitate multiple aerodynamic polar tables. The airfoil aerodynamics characteristics were automatically determined, and blade-pitch, generator-torque, and trailing-edge-flap controllers were tuned in-the-loop according to a specific blade design. This automated workflow allows analysis and optimization of trailing-edge flaps, enabling codesign studies. Results targeted reductions of root-flap-bending moment derivatives. The applied trailing-edge-flap control reduced the standard deviation of root-flap-bending moments by more than 6% and benefit related parameters, e.g., reduce blade-tip deflections, by up to 8%. Because of varying thrust distributions along the blade span, different flap designs have nonlinear characteristics in terms of the control objective and show best performance when located at the radial position with maximum thrust. In general, larger flaps provide a greater influence to reduce the target control objective.