Smart Loads Management for Damaged O shore Wind Turbine Blades: Economic Incentive and High Fidelity Damage Modeling.
Abstract not provided.
Griffith, Daniel↗
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Field Testing of LIDAR-Assisted Feedforward Control Algorithms for Improved Speed Control and Fatigue Load Reduction on a 600-kW Wind Turbine: Preprint
A severe challenge in controlling wind turbines is ensuring controller performance in the presence of a stochastic and unknown wind field, relying on the response of the turbine to generate control actions. Recent technologies such as LIDAR, allow sensing of the wind field before it reaches the rotor. In this work a field-testing campaign to test LIDAR Assisted Control (LAC) has been undertaken on a 600-kW turbine using a fixed, five-beam LIDAR system. The campaign compared the performance of a baseline controller to four LACs with progressively lower levels of feedback using 35 hours of collected data.
17 WIND ENERGY↗
Optimization-Based Calibration of FAST.Farm Parameters Against SOWFA: Preprint
FAST.Farm is a medium-delity wind farm modeling tool that can be used to assess power and loads contributions of wind turbines in a wind farm. The objective of this paper is to undertake a calibration procedure to set the user parameters of FAST.Farm to accurately represent results from large-eddy simulations. The results provide an in- depth analysis of the comparison of FAST.Farm and large-eddy simulations before and after calibration. The comparison of FAST.Farm and large-eddy simulation results are presented with respect to streamwise and radial velocity components as well as wake-meandering statistics (mean and standard deviation) in the lateral and vertical directions under different atmospheric and turbine operating conditions.
17 WIND ENERGY↗
OC6 Phase 1: Investigating the under-prediction of low-frequency hydrodynamic loads and responses of a floating wind turbine.
Abstract not provided.
Robertson, Amy↗
Challenges in Rotor Aerodynamic Modeling for Non-Uniform Inflow Conditions
Within an international collaboration framework, the accuracy of rotor aerodynamic models used for design load calculations of wind turbines is being assessed. Where the use of high-fidelity computation fluid dynamics (CFD) and mid-fidelity free-vortex wake (FVW) models has become commonplace within the wind energy community, these still fail to meet the requirements in terms of execution time and computational cost needed for design load calculations. The fast but engineering fidelity blade-element/momentum (BEM) method can therefore still be considered the industry workhorse for design load simulations. At the same time, upscaling of wind turbine rotors makes inflow non-uniformities (e.g. shear, veer, turbulence) more important. The objective of this work is to assess model accuracy in non-uniform inflow conditions, which violate several BEM assumptions. Thereto a comparison in turbulent inflow has been executed including a wide variety of codes, focusing on the DanAero field measurements, where a 2.3-MW turbine was equipped with, among other sensors, a pressure measurement apparatus. The results indicate that, although average load patterns are in good agreement, this does not hold for the unsteady loads that drive fatigue damage and aero-elastic stability. A simplified comparison round in vertical shear was initiated to investigate the observed differences in a more controlled manner. A consistent offset in load amplitude was observed between CFD and free-vortex codes on the one hand and BEM-type codes on the other hand. To shed more light on the observations, dedicated efforts are ongoing to pinpoint the cause for these differences, in the end leading to guidelines for an improved BEM implementation.
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KC-135 wing and winglet flight pressure distributions, loads, and wing deflection results with some wind tunnel comparisons
A full-scale winglet flight test on a KC-135 airplane with an upper winglet was conducted. Data were taken at Mach numbers from 0.70 to 0.82 at altitudes from 34,000 feet to 39,000 feet at stabilized flight conditions for wing/winglet configurations of basic wing tip, 15/-4 deg, 15/-2 deg, and 0/-4 deg winglet cant/incidence. An analysis of selected pressure distribution and data showed that with the basic wing tip, the flight and wind tunnel wing pressure distribution data showed good agreement. With winglets installed, the effects on the wing pressure distribution were mainly near the tip. Also, the flight and wind tunnel winglet pressure distributions had some significant differences primarily due to the oilcanning in flight. However, in general, the agreement was good. For the winglet cant and incidence configuration presented, the incidence had the largest effect on the winglet pressure distributions. The incremental flight wing deflection data showed that the semispan wind tunnel model did a reasonable job of simulating the aeroelastic effects at the wing tip. The flight loads data showed good agreement with predictions at the design point and also substantiated the predicted structural penalty (load increase) of the 15 deg cant/-2 deg incidence winglet configuration.
Montoya, L. C.↗
Loads and performance data from a wind-tunnel test of model articulated helicopter rotors with 2 different blade torsional stiffnesses
A passive means of tailoring helicopter rotor blades to improve performance and reduce loads was evaluated. The parameters investigated were blade torsional stiffness, blade section camber, and distance between blade structural elastic axis and blade tip aerodynamic center. This offset was accomplished by sweeping the tip. The investigation was conducted at advance ratios of 0.20, 0.30, and 0.40. Data are presented without analysis; however, cross referencing of performance data and harmonic loads data may be useful to the analyst for validating aeroelastic theories and design methodologies as well as for evaluating passive aeroelastic tailoring or rotor blade parameters.
Yeager, W. T., Jr.↗
Evidence for mass-loading of the Venus magnetosheath
The observed magnetic field configuration in the Venus magnetosheath contains information about the solar wind mass-loading processes occurring as a result of the extension of the neutral atmosphere into the magnetosheath. In this paper, magnetic field signatures of various mass-loading processes are discussed and experimental results from the Pioneer Venus Orbiter magnetometer experiment are examined for evidence of these signatures. The data suggest that the -V(bar)XB(bar) acceleration process, stochastic pickup of ionospheric ions, and J(bar)XB(bar) force 'scavenging' at the ionopause all occur at various times.
Luhmann, J. G.↗
Performance and load data from Mod-0A and Mod-1 wind turbine generators
Experimental data, together with supporting analysis, are presented on the power conversion performance and blade loading of large, horizontal-axis wind turbines tested at electric utility sites in the U.S. Four turbine rotor configurations, from 28 to 61 meters in diameter, and data from five test sites are included. Performance data are presented in the form of graphs of power and system efficiency versus free-stream wind speed. Deviations from theoretical performance are analyzed statistically. Power conversion efficiency averaged 0.34 for all tests combined, compared with 0.31 predicted. Round blade tips appeared to improve performance significantly. Cyclic blade loads were normalized to develop load factors which can be used in the design of rotors with rigid hubs.
Spera, D. A.↗
Gust Load Alleviation Control and Gust Estimation for a High Aspect Ratio Wing Wind Tunnel Model
This paper presents the gust load alleviation (GLA) study of the aspect ratio 13.5 Common Research Model (CRM) wind-tunnel model. This study details the design of the GLA controller in preparation for wind-tunnel testing in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center. An aeroservolastic (ASE) model was first reduced using a model reduction method that takes advantage of the sinusoidal steady-state response. Then, the reduced model was used to design an extended-state Kalman filter which estimates the states and the sinusoidal gust input. The GLA control was then derived using the optimal control solution to a multi-objective cost function. The results of the GLA controller indicate a 75.6% reduction in wing-root strain while maintaining robust stability margins. The final paper will include performance under sub-optimal conditions, e.g., sensor noise, uncertainty in gust frequency, etc..
Christopher Forte↗
Gust Load Alleviation Control and Gust Estimation for a High Aspect Ratio Wing Wind Tunnel Model
This paper presents the gust load alleviation (GLA) study of the aspect ratio 13.5 Common Research Model (CRM) wind-tunnel model. This study details the design of the GLA controller in preparation for wind-tunnel testing in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel at NASA Langley Research Center. An aeroservolastic (ASE) model is first reduced using a model reduction method that takes advantage of the sinusoidal steady-state response. Then, the reduced model is used to design an extended-state Kalman filter which estimates the states and the sinusoidal gust input. The GLA control is then derived using the optimal control solution to a multi-objective cost function. The results of the GLA controller indicate a 69.07% reduction in wing-root strain without sensor noise and 68.45% reduction with sensor noise, while maintaining robust stability margins. An adaptive GLA controller is developed for uncertain gust frequency and shows a 71.03% reduction in wing root strain compared to the non-adaptive control reduction of just 39.19%.
Christopher Forte↗
Planetary Load Sharing in Three-Point- Mounted Wind Turbine Gearboxes: Preprint
Wind turbine gearboxes do not achieve their expected design life. The cost of gearbox replacements and rebuilds and the downtime associated with these failures increase the cost of wind energy. In 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy established the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Gearbox Reliability Collaborative (GRC). Its goals are to understand the root causes of premature gearbox failures and improve their reliability. To date, the GRC has focused on a 750-kW drivetrain with a three-stage, three-point-mounted gearbox. A nonproprietary version of the gearbox containing CRBs with C3 clearances in the planetary stage was customized. Two of these gearboxes, GB1 and GB2, were manufactured and then tested in the National Wind Technology Center's 2.5-MW dynamometer and in the field. Major GRC findings include the detrimental effect of rotor moments on planetary load sharing and predicted fatigue, and the risk of bearing sliding in low-torque conditions for three-point configuration drivetrains. Based on the knowledge gained from testing and analysis of the original design, the GRC gearbox was redesigned to improve its load-sharing characteristics and predicted fatigue. This new gearbox is named GB3. As shown in Figure 1, its key improvement is the incorporation of preloaded TRBs that support the planet carrier and planets. Roller loads can be optimized and bearing life maximized with a small preload [4]. These preloaded bearings, along with interference-fitted planet pins, improve alignments and load-sharing characteristics. A semi-integrated planet bearing design also increases capacity and eliminates outer race fretting. Romax Technology, with Powertrain Engineers and the Timken Company (Timken), completed the redesign. Timken manufactured and instrumented the planet gears and bearings. Brad Foote Gearing manufactured the other gearing and assembled the gearbox.
17 WIND ENERGY↗
Comparison of Second-Order Loads on a Tension-Leg Platform for Wind Turbines: Preprint
The first objective of this work is to compare the two floating offshore wind turbine simulation packages {DIFFRAC+aNySIM} and {WAMIT+FAST}. The focus is on second-order wave loads, and so first- and second-order wave loads are applied to a structure sequentially for a detailed comparison and a more precise analysis of the effects of the second-order loads. aNySIM does not have the capability to model flexible bodies, and so the simulations performed in this tool are done assuming a rigid body. FAST also assumes that the platform is rigid, but can account for the flexibility of the tower. The second objective is to study the effects of the second-order loads on the response of a TLP floating wind turbine. The flexibility of the tower must be considered for this investigation, and therefore only FAST is used.
17 WIND ENERGY↗
Development of an Aeroservoelastic Model for Gust Load Alleviation of the NASA Common Research Model Wind Tunnel Experiment
As aircraft move to using composite materials as their primary structure they become lighter and more flexible as well. This presents some significant challenges in association with gust load alleviation. In this paper we develop an aeroservoelastic model for use in developing controllers that utilize distributed control surfaces for active gust load alleviation in a set of wind tunnel experiments. The model is based on an preexisting aeroelastic wing tunnel model and compares the baseline functionality to it. We also provide simple full state feedback simulations for the model.
Cramer, Nick↗
An Investigation of Passive and Semi-Active Tuned Mass Dampers for a Tension Leg Platform Floating Offshore Wind Turbine in ULS Conditions
Offshore Wind Turbines (OWTs) are subjected to complex external loadings caused by combined wind and wave sources. The application of structural damping control techniques to OWTs using Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) has shown to be effective in reducing the integrated system loads and accelerations. In this work, the impact of passive and semi-active (S-A) TMD’s applied to both fixed-bottom (monopile) and floating (tension leg platform) OWTs are evaluated under the Fatigue Limit State (FLS) and Ultimate Limit State (ULS). Different S-A control logics like ON/OFF state damping based on the ground hook (GH) control policy are implemented, and the frequency response of each algorithm is investigated. It is shown that the performance of each algorithm varies according to the load conditions such as FLS (normal operation) and ULS (idling state). Fully-coupled time domain simulations are conducted through the developed simulation tool for structural control integrated into the high-fidelity wind turbine design code, FASTv8. Compared to the passive TMD, it is shown that a S-A TMD results in higher load reductions, as well as, smaller strokes under both FLS and ULS conditions. In FLS analysis, the S-A TMD using Displacement Based Ground Hook (DB-GH) control is capable of reducing the fore-aft and side-to-side damage equivalent loads for the monopile substructure by approximately 12 % and 64 %, respectively. The ultimate loads at the tower base for the floating substructure (TLP) are also reduced by 9% with S-A TMD followed by Inverse Velocity Based Ground Hook control (IVB-GH). The dynamic characteristics and practical feasibility of a magnetorheological (MR) damper (for S-A control) are also evaluated.
17 WIND ENERGY↗
Improving Wind Turbine Drivetrain Reliability Using a Combined Experimental, Computational, and Analytical Approach
Nontorque loads induced by the wind turbine rotor overhang weight and aerodynamic forces can greatly affect drivetrain loads and responses. If not addressed properly, these loads can result in a decrease in gearbox component life. This work uses analytical modeling, computational modeling, and experimental data to evaluate a unique drivetrain design that minimizes the effects of nontorque loads on gearbox reliability: the Pure Torque(R) drivetrain developed by Alstom. The drivetrain has a hub-support configuration that transmits nontorque loads directly into the tower rather than through the gearbox as in other design approaches. An analytical model of Alstom's Pure Torque drivetrain provides insight into the relationships among turbine component weights, aerodynamic forces, and the resulting drivetrain loads. Main shaft bending loads are orders of magnitude lower than the rated torque and are hardly affected by wind conditions and turbine operations.
17 WIND ENERGY↗
Buck/boost regulator
A voltage regulated DC to DC converter uses an inductor and a capacitor as storage elements. The inductor is composed of two windings having a common junction. A transformer with a center tap connected to the common junction of the two windings is connected at either end of its winding to ground through controlled switches. One winding of the inductor and either end of the transformer winding are connected by power diodes to the capacitor which supplies the output voltage to a load. The other winding of the inductor is connected to a fourth power diode as a clamping diode. Input voltage is supplied to the inductor through a third controlled switch. A pulse width modulator connected to the output of the converter alternately closes and opens the switches connected to either end of the transformer winding and also closes the switch supplying input voltage to the inductor each time either of the switches connected to the ends of the transformer winding are closed. The duty cycle of the closing and opening of the several switches is adjusted by the pulse modulator to regulate the output voltage.
Paulkovich, J.↗
Hydraulic Calibrator for Strain-Gauge Balances
Instrument for calibrating strain-gauge balances uses hydraulic actuators and load cells. Eliminates effects of nonparallelism, nonperpendicularity, and changes of cable directions upon vector sums of applied forces. Errors due to cable stretching, pulley friction, and weight inaccuracy also eliminated. New instrument rugged and transportable. Set up quickly. Developed to apply known loads to wind-tunnel models with encapsulated strain-gauge balances, also adapted for use in calibrating dynamometers, load sensors on machinery and laboratory instruments.
Skelly, Kenneth↗