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

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...

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Main Authors: Michal Lipian, Pawel Czapski, Damian Obidowski
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-04-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/7/1832
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author Michal Lipian
Pawel Czapski
Damian Obidowski
author_facet Michal Lipian
Pawel Czapski
Damian Obidowski
author_sort Michal Lipian
collection DOAJ
description 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.
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spelling doaj.art-c0607339cfd7430ea5cb9f77885767932023-11-19T21:15:08ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732020-04-01137183210.3390/en13071832Fluid–Structure Interaction Numerical Analysis of a Small, Urban Wind Turbine BladeMichal Lipian0Pawel Czapski1Damian Obidowski2Institute of Turbomachinery, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, PolandDepartment of Strength of Materials, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, PolandInstitute of Turbomachinery, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, PolandWhile 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.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/7/1832small wind turbine (SWT)computational fluid dynamics (CFD)compositesfluid–structure interaction (FSI)
spellingShingle Michal Lipian
Pawel Czapski
Damian Obidowski
Fluid–Structure Interaction Numerical Analysis of a Small, Urban Wind Turbine Blade
Energies
small wind turbine (SWT)
computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
composites
fluid–structure interaction (FSI)
title Fluid–Structure Interaction Numerical Analysis of a Small, Urban Wind Turbine Blade
title_full Fluid–Structure Interaction Numerical Analysis of a Small, Urban Wind Turbine Blade
title_fullStr Fluid–Structure Interaction Numerical Analysis of a Small, Urban Wind Turbine Blade
title_full_unstemmed Fluid–Structure Interaction Numerical Analysis of a Small, Urban Wind Turbine Blade
title_short Fluid–Structure Interaction Numerical Analysis of a Small, Urban Wind Turbine Blade
title_sort fluid structure interaction numerical analysis of a small urban wind turbine blade
topic small wind turbine (SWT)
computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
composites
fluid–structure interaction (FSI)
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/13/7/1832
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