Use of the WEST-1 wind turbine simulator to predict blade fatigue load distribution
The WEST-1 wind turbine simulator is an implementation of mathematical models for an aeroelastic horizontal-axis wind turbine rotor using current hybrid electronics technology. High-speed digital and analog circuitry enable the computation of complex dynamic characteristics and performance of a wind turbine in real time. To test the ability of WEST-1 to predict blade fatigue load distribution, actual wind signals were fed into the simulator and the response data were recorded and processed in the same manner as actual wind turbine data. The WEST-1 simulator was operated in a stable, unattended mode for six hours. The probability distribution of the cyclic flatwise bending moment for the blade was comparable to that for an actual wind turbine in winds with low turbulence. The input from a stationary anemometer was found to be inadequate for use in the prediction of fatigue load distribution for blade design purposes and modifications are necessary.
- Research Organization:
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (USA). Lewis Research Center
- DOE Contract Number:
- AI01-76ET20320
- OSTI ID:
- 5407304
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/NASA/20320-56; NASA-TM-83532; CONF-830631-13; ON: DE84004144
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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