Validation of a 20 m Wind Turbine Blade Model

Abstract

In the projects Smartblades and Smartblades 2 a full-scale 20 m rotor blade for the NREL CART3 wind turbine was designed, built and tested. The rotor blade was intended to have a strong bending–torsion coupling. By means of the experiments, the proof for the technology in question was supposed to be provided. The experimental work was accompanied by simulations. The aim of the paper was to describe and publish a reference finite element model for the 20 m rotor blade. The validation procedure is presented, as are the modelling strategy and the limitations of the model. The finite element model is created using quadratic finite shell elements and quadratic solid elements. Different data sets were used for the validation. First, the data of static test bench experiments were used. The validation comprised the comparison of global displacement and local strain measurements for various flap and edge bending tests and for torsion unit loading tests. Second, the blades’ eigenfrequencies and eigenvectors in clamped and free–free scenarios were used for validation. Third, the mass distributions of the finite element and real blade were investigated. The paper provides the evaluated experimental data, and all analysed scenarios and the corresponding finite element models in Abaqus, Ansys and Nastran and formats as a reference dataset.

Displacement Field Variable Modeling Method for Heterogeneous Materials in Wind Power Blade Core Plates

“…The explicit dynamic algorithm solved the finite element model of the three-point bending structure. The finite element model was pre-processed [18,19], including the elemental and material definition, mesh division, boundary condition definition and external load application. Linear condition constraints modeled homogeneous solids, and heterogeneous solids were modeled by laying up composite materials.…”

Development of a Procedure for Torsion Measurement Using a Fan-Shaped Distance Meter System

“…In context, comprehensive investigation of deformations of rotor blades are crucial to further improve the performance and reliability of wind turbines and to ensure long-term usability. Deformation measurement sensors installed in blades are complex to use; moreover, they do not last the entire life time, while older blades do not have any sensors installed at all [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Alternatively, optical methods with high-resolution cameras placed inside rotor blades can be used to capture the surface structure within the blade [10,11].…”