Validated aerodynamic Models for non-uniform, Dynamic Inflow of large Offshore wind Rotors

Cause

The upscaling of wind turbine rotors, makes inflow non-homogeneities (e.g. shear, veer, oblique inflow) more and more important in the aerodynamic loads evaluation, carrying along a big portion of uncertainty in the design of large blades as they violate the assumptions of the Blade Element Momentum theory (BEM), which is the standard design tool.

Objective

Project DIMOR aims to reduce LCOE by improving and validating engineering models for aeroelastic design of wind turbines taking advantage of unique experimental campaigns and blending a mix of complementary expertise within a cooperative framework.

Short description

In DIMOR the performance of state of the art BEM models will be improved for non-uniform inflow conditions by comparing against free vortex wake model results (of higher fidelity) as well as unique experimental datasets generated within the project. The uniqueness lays in the use of the new ForWind infrastructure: a large turbulent wind tunnel with an active grid that allows to produce a non-uniform dynamic inflow in a fully controlled way, and thus to replicate typical field conditions within a wind tunnel environment. Combining this with TNO's know-how on engineering model improvement, and with design expertise and field data from a leading industrial partner, will maximise the project's impact.

Result

The model improvements achieved within DIMOR will allow further upscaling and cost reductions for next generation wind turbines. Current generation machines will benefit as well of a more accurate aerodynamic modelling, as their control strategies can be re-tuned and the expected life of critical components re-assessed.