A comparison of spanwise aerodynamic loads estimated from measured bending moments versus direct pressure measurements on horizontal axis wind turbine blades

Conference · Tue Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:5085028

Simms, D A; Butterfield, C P

Two methods can be used to determine aerodynamic loads on a rotating wind turbine blade. The first is to make direct pressure measurements on the blade surface. This is a difficult process requiring costly pressure instrumentation. The second method uses measured flap bending moments in conjunction with analytical techniques to estimate airloads. This method, called ALEST, was originally developed for use on helicopter rotors and was modified for use on horizontal axis wind turbine blades. Estimating airloads using flap bending moments in much simpler and less costly because measurements can be made with conventional strain gages and equipment. This paper presents results of airload estimates obtained using both methods under a variety of operating conditions. Insights on the limitations and usefulness of the ALEST bending moment technique are also included. 10 refs., 6 figs.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-83CH10093
• OSTI ID: 5085028
• Report Number(s): NREL/TP-257-4507; CONF-9109112-3; ON: DE92001158
• Resource Relation: Conference: 21. American Wind Energy Association conference: windpower '91, Palm Springs, CA (United States), 24-27 Sep 1991
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

17 WIND ENERGY
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
DYNAMIC LOADS
A CODES
TURBINE BLADES
PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
AERODYNAMICS
AIRFOILS
HORIZONTAL AXIS TURBINES
STRAIN GAGES
WIND
COMPUTER CODES
FLUID MECHANICS
MACHINERY
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
MECHANICS
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
WIND TURBINES
AERODYNAMIC LOADS
WIND TURBINE
BLADES
ALEST
170602* - Wind Energy Engineering- Turbine Design & Operation
990200 - Mathematics & Computers