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Study on the Dynamic Characteristics of a Wind Turbine Tower Based on Wind Tunnel Experiments

Author

Listed:
  • Yong Yao

    (Guangdong Energy Group Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510630, China)

  • Chi Yu

    (Guangdong Energy Group Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510630, China)

  • Mumin Rao

    (Guangdong Energy Group Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510630, China)

  • Zhaowei Wang

    (State Key Laboratory of Bridge Safety and Resilience, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
    Key Laboratory for Wind and Bridge Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China)

  • Xugang Hua

    (State Key Laboratory of Bridge Safety and Resilience, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
    Key Laboratory for Wind and Bridge Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China)

  • Chao Chen

    (State Key Laboratory of Bridge Safety and Resilience, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
    Key Laboratory for Wind and Bridge Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China)

Abstract

This study aims to comprehensively investigate the dynamic characteristics of the tower of a scaled wind turbine model through wind tunnel tests. A model was scaled from the NREL 5 MW prototype wind turbine with a geometric scale ratio of 1/75, based on the similarity rules in thrust coefficient and dynamic characteristics. A series of wind tunnel tests were carried out on the scaled wind turbine model under different operating conditions and parked conditions with different yaw angles, and the modal parameters of the scaled model were identified by the stochastic subspace identification method and rotor stop tests. It was found that the vibration response of the tower in the fore–aft direction achieved its maximum value when the yaw angle was 90° with feathered blades, while the tower vibration response in the side–side direction was relatively severe with the yaw angle ranging from 10° to 50°. These observations are found to be well aligned with the aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil. Moreover, the experimental results indicate that the scaled wind turbine model can reflect the vibration responses of its full-scale counterpart in the fore–aft direction. The natural frequencies and mode shapes of the scaled model can be accurately identified by different methods, but the identified damping ratios are relatively scattered.

Suggested Citation

  • Yong Yao & Chi Yu & Mumin Rao & Zhaowei Wang & Xugang Hua & Chao Chen, 2024. "Study on the Dynamic Characteristics of a Wind Turbine Tower Based on Wind Tunnel Experiments," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-20, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:16:p:4080-:d:1457719
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gao, Rongzhen & Yang, Junwei & Yang, Hua & Wang, Xiangjun, 2023. "Wind-tunnel experimental study on aeroelastic response of flexible wind turbine blades under different wind conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 219(P2).
    2. Wen, Binrong & Tian, Xinliang & Dong, Xingjian & Li, Zhanwei & Peng, Zhike & Zhang, Wenming & Wei, Kexiang, 2020. "Design approaches of performance-scaled rotor for wave basin model tests of floating wind turbines," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 573-584.
    3. Chen, Chao & Duffour, Philippe & Fromme, Paul & Hua, Xugang, 2021. "Numerically efficient fatigue life prediction of offshore wind turbines using aerodynamic decoupling," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 1421-1434.
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    Cited by:

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