Time domain structural response calculations for vertical axis wind turbines

Conference · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:6629075

Dohrmann, C R; Veers, P S

Structural response of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) during transient events such as starting and stopping or during variable speed operation cannot be estimated with existing frequency domain techniques. Time domain simulation is presented, including the effects of changes in rotation speed on turbine response. The method for predicting the structural response of VAWTs during variable speed events differs from that used to analyze constant speed operation in two ways: (1) the equations of motion no longer have constant coefficients and (2) additional terms contribute to the stiffness matrix and loading vector. The structural matrices are obtained at several discrete rotor speeds using NASTRAN and interpolated for intermediate speeds. The equations of motion are then numerically integrated in a separate program. Results for constant speed operation in turbulence-free winds agree favorable with those from a frequency domain analysis. Reasonable results are obtained for a change in rotor speed which passes through a structural resonance. 3 refs., 9 figs.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 6629075
• Report Number(s): CONF-890102-4; ON: DE89002185
• Resource Relation: Conference: ASME energy-sources technology conference and exhibition and 7. intersociety cryogenic symposium, Houston, TX, USA, 22 Jan 1989; Other Information: Paper copy only, copy does not permit microfiche production
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

17 WIND ENERGY
VERTICAL AXIS TURBINES
FREQUENCY DEPENDENCE
CALCULATION METHODS
EQUATIONS OF MOTION
NUMERICAL DATA
RESONANCE
TESTING
TURBULENCE
DATA
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS
INFORMATION
MACHINERY
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
WIND TURBINES
170600* - Wind Energy Engineering