Modal Analysis of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Rotor Blade with Distinct Configurations under Aerodynamic Loading Cycle

Abstract

Q-Blade simulation tool was employed in modal analysis of horizontal axis wind turbine blade with three distinct configurations (with spar, no spar and solid) to determine the configuration with adequate structural integrity under aerodynamic loading conditions. The blade configurations were analysed in four different modes based on the flapwise and edgewise response of the blade to aerodynamic loads/forces, and the corresponding modal eigenfrequencies were evaluated. Bending due to combined effects of flapwise and edgewise modal frequencies on the blade were also evaluated at different rotor blade speeds ranging from 2-8m/s. It was observed that the solid blade configuration had the least modal eigenfrequencies for both flapwise and edgewise response in all the four modes as follows: 22.03 and 62.60 Hz in mode 1, 58.0 and 212.8 Hz in mode 2, 122.6 and 600.6 Hz in mode 3, 194.4 and 1118.9 Hz in mode 4. The rotor blade configuration with No spar had the highest modal eigenfrequencies for both flapwise and edgewise response in all the four modes followed by the blade configuration with spar. Bending of the rotor blade due to combined effects of flapwise and edgewise modal frequencies at the aforementioned blade speeds were also highest in blade configuration with No spar and lowest in the solid blade configuration. The low modal eigenfrequencies and low bending values on the solid blade configuration imply high stiffness and strength but with additional mass, which is why 6000 series aluminium was selected in order to minimize the extra weight.

Keywords

• Wind Turbine
• Rotor Blade
• Modal Analysis
• Bending
• Eigenfrequencies
• Failure

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