VAWT (Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines) stochastic loads using a 3-D turbulence simulation
The stochastic (i.e., random) aerodynamic loads created by atmospheric turbulence are thought to be a primary cause of premature blade fatigue in Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs). This paper describes a computer program for the prediction of these stochastic loads, based on a full 3-D simulation of the turbulence field. Computed results using this model are compared with the deterministic (periodic) loads which occur in the absence of turbulence, and with the predictions of an earlier model which employed a 1-D simulation of the turbulence. The results show that not only are instantaneous loads significantly influenced by turbulence, but that load distributions averaged over numerous revolutions are affected as well. A particularly interesting finding is that, for the same mean wind speed, the average output power is altered by turbulence. 16 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6826573
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-88-0916C; CONF-880916-2; ON: DE89001371
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DYNAMIC LOADS
FLUID FLOW
MACHINERY
SIMULATION
THREE-DIMENSIONAL CALCULATIONS
TURBINES
TURBOMACHINERY
TURBULENT FLOW
WIND LOADS
WIND TURBINES