Validation of Simplified Load Equations through Loads Measurement and Modeling of a Small Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine Tower

Rick Damiani, Scott Dana, Jeroen van Dam

Research output: NRELPoster

Abstract

As part of an ongoing effort to improve the modeling and prediction of small wind turbine dynamics, NREL tested a small horizontal axis wind turbine in the field at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC). The test turbine was a 2.1-kW downwind machine mounted on an 18-meter multi-section fiberglass composite tower. The tower was instrumented and monitored for approximately 6 months. The collected data were analyzed to assess the turbine and tower loads and further validate the simplified loads equations from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61400-2 design standards. Field-measured loads were also compared to the output of an aeroelastic model of the turbine. Ultimate loads at the tower base were assessed using both the simplified design equations and the aeroelastic model output. The simplified design equations in IEC 61400-2 do not accurately model fatigue loads. In this project, we compared fatigue loads as measured in the field, as predicted by the aeroelastic model, and as calculated using the simplified design equations.
Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - 2015

Publication series

NamePresented at AWEA WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition, 18-21 May 2015, Orlando, Florida

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/PO-5000-63924

Keywords

  • horizontal-axis
  • NREL
  • simplified loads equations
  • small wind turbine
  • tower loads analysis

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