Existing Floating Offshore Wind Turbine (FOWT) platforms are usually designed using static or rigid-body models for the concept stage and, subsequently, sophisticated integrated aero-hydro-servo-elastic models, applicable for design certification. For the new technology of FOWTs, a comprehensive understanding of the system dynamics at the concept phase is crucial to save costs in later design phases. This requires low-and medium-fidelity models. The proposed modeling approach aims at representing no more than the relevant physical effects for the system dynamics. It consists, in its core, of a flexible multibody system. The applied Newton-Euler algorithm is independent of the multibody layout and avoids constraint equations. From the nonlinear model a linearized counterpart is derived. First, to be used for controller design and second, for an efficient calculation of the response to stochastic load spectra in the frequency-domain. From these spectra the fatigue damage is calculated with Dirlik's method and short-term extremes by assuming a normal distribution of the response. The set of degrees of freedom is reduced, with a response calculated only in the two-dimensional plane, in which the aligned wind and wave forces act. The aerodynamic model is a quasistatic actuator disk model. The hydrodynamic model includes a simplified radiation model, based on potential flow-derived added mass coefficients and nodal viscous drag coefficients with an approximate representation of the second-order slow-drift forces. The verification through a comparison of the nonlinear and the linearized model against a higher-fidelity model and experiments shows that even with the simplifications, the system response magnitude at the system eigenfrequencies and the forced response magnitude to wind and wave forces can be well predicted. One-hour simulations complete in about 25 seconds and even less in the case of the frequency-domain model. Hence, large sensitivity studies and even multidisciplinary optimizations for systems engineering approaches are possible.
In this study, an innovative concept for load reduction on the two-bladed Skywind 3.4 MW prototype is presented. The load reduction system consists of a flexible coupling between the hub mount, carrying the drive train components including the hub assembly, and a nacelle carrier supported by the yaw bearing. This paper intends to assess the impact of introducing a flexible hub connection on the system dynamics and the aero-elastic response to aerodynamic load imbalances. In order to limit the rotational joint motion, a cardanic spring-damper element is introduced between the hub mount and the nacelle carrier flange, which affects the system response and the loads. A parameter variation of the stiffness and damping of the connecting spring-damper element has been performed in the multi-body simulation solver Simpack. A deterministic, vertically sheared wind field is applied to induce a periodic aerodynamic imbalance on the rotor. The aero-structural load reduction mechanisms of the coupled system are thereby identified. It is shown that the fatigue loads on the blades and the turbine support structure are reduced significantly. For a very low structural coupling, however, the corresponding rotational deflections of the hub mount exceed the design limit of operation. The analysis of the interaction between the hub mount motion and the blade aerodynamics in a transient inflow environment indicates a reduction of the angle of attack amplitudes and the corresponding fluctuations of the blade loading. Hence, it can be concluded that load reduction is achieved by a combination of reduced structural coupling and a mitigation of aerodynamic load imbalances.
Wind flow transfers forces to the wind turbine's rotor blades. These then set the rotor in motion. The hub and the gearbox, where present, transfer this rotational energy to the generator for conversion into electrical power. All the rotating components have significant mass and are located at the head of a slender, elastic load‐bearing tower in which they induce dynamic effects. The resulting vibrations, generated at the upper end of the tower, are modified by the dynamic properties of the tower structure and pass through the foundations into the ground. Broadband seismometers record these ground vibrations not only directly adjacent to the wind turbine but also at greater distances of (up to) several kilometers from the turbine. We are aware that local residents and opponents of wind power consider that these vibration phenomena bear potential negative health effects. In the context of this paper, seismic vibrations were measured at the foundation of a 2 MW reference turbine. These seismic signals were compared to numerical simulations. Based on this, we explain the physical background. In the past, any ground vibrations measured have usually been attributed exclusively to the excitation frequencies from the rotor. However, the investigations presented here show that the structural properties of the tower structure significantly influence the type and intensity of the vibrations induced in the ground and dominate the ground motion amplitudes. Finally, we show that the targeted use of absorbers can significantly reduce the vibrations induced in the ground.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.