Fluid–Structure Interaction Numerical Analysis of a Small, Urban Wind Turbine Blade

Abstract

While the vast majority of the wind energy market is dominated by megawatt-size wind turbines, the increasing importance of distributed electricity generation gives way to small, personal-size installations. Due to their situation at relatively low heights and above-ground levels, they are forced to operate in a low energy-density environment, hence the important role of rotor optimization and flow studies. In addition, the small wind turbine operation close to human habitats emphasizes the need to ensure the maximum reliability of the system. The present article summarizes a case study of a small wind turbine (rated power 350 W @ 8.4 m/s) from the point of view of aerodynamic performance (efficiency, flow around blades). The structural strength analysis of the blades milled for the prototype was performed in the form of a one-way Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI). Blade deformations and stresses were examined, showing that only minor deformations may be expected, with no significant influence on rotor aerodynamics. The study of an unorthodox material (PA66 MO polyamide) and application of FSI to examine both structural strength and blade deformation under different operating conditions are an approach rarely employed in small wind turbine design.

Numerical Investigations of the Savonius Turbine with Deformable Blades

“…Because the pressure variation around the blade for the considered wind speed (v = 4 m/s) was less than 100 Pa, the two-way coupling, where the pressure load on blades would be transferred from the flow to the structural analysis, was disregarded. The one-way system coupling method was successfully used and presented in [27]. Due to the complexity of blade deformations, combined with their rotation, a tool outside the fluid flow solver was needed to define the instantaneous rotor geometry.…”

“…The FSI is a very wide concept of solvers coupling in order to obtain high-fidelity numerical solutions. Solvers can be one-way coupled once the data, i.e., loads from the fluid acting on the wall, are transferred to the structural solver where stress and strains are determined [27,28]. Another example of one-way coupling takes place where the deformation of the structure influences the flow structure and loads determined in the fluid solver.…”

Optimization and Experimental Investigation of 3D Printed Micro Wind Turbine Blade Made of PLA Material

“…This editorial provides a swift archetype of a wind turbine with the required parameters by providing numerical models of a wind turbine rotor [ 28 ]. A 3D printing method was used, and the product was tested in a domestic wind tunnel.…”

Performance Analysis of PLA Material Based Micro-Turbines for Low Wind Speed Applications

“…Based on discussions of blade deformation and stress, fluid–structure interaction research of wind blades was conducted [ 7 ]. The angle of attack and wind speed of the three different airfoils—S811, S822 and S826—used to produce the three and five-blade configurations, based on structural steel and aluminum alloy, were analyzed [ 8 ]. A 750 kW horizontal axis wind turbine system made of E-glass/epoxy composite material-based wind blades were designed and analyzed, where it was found that the proposed blade has a number of advantages over the ones currently in use, including safety, stability under a variety of stress conditions, and resistance to a variety of loads, including aerodynamic loads, ice build-up loads, hydrothermal loads, and mechanical loads [ 9 ].…”