VAWT (Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine) stochastic loads produced by atmospheric turbulence
Blade fatigue life is an important element in determining the economic viability of the Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). A principal source of blade fatigue is thought to be the stochastic (i.e., random) aerodynamic loads created by atmospheric turbulence. This paper discusses the development of a model for the simulation of these stochastic loads, given the rotor geometry, operating conditions, and assumed turbulence properties. A Double-Multiple-Streamtube analysis is employed, which includes the effects of wind shear. Reynolds number variations, different airfoil sections and chord lengths along the blade span, and an empirical model for dynamic stall effects. Calculations are presented for the VAWT 34-m Test Bed currently being assembled at Bushland, Texas. Time histories of the loads, as well as their Fourier spectra, are presented and discussed. An unexpected finding is that the average output power is predicted to be more sensitive to turbulence level than had previously been thought. 24 refs., 11 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 5901554
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-87-1256C; CONF-880132-2; ON: DE88001355
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
170602* -- Wind Energy Engineering-- Turbine Design & Operation
DATA
DYNAMIC LOADS
FATIGUE
FOURIER TRANSFORMATION
INFORMATION
INTEGRAL TRANSFORMATIONS
MACHINERY
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NUMERICAL DATA
THEORETICAL DATA
TRANSFORMATIONS
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
TURBULENCE
VERTICAL AXIS TURBINES
WIND TURBINES