Hi,
We were thinking about using FAST to model the micro size turbine (D = 0.45 m) in the DOE Collegiate Wind Competition. Assuming we have accurate input data (aero data and mode shapes) is there any other reason to expect that the FAST model might become invalid at this small scale? At this scale, rotor speed is up around 2500-3000 rpm and output power is around 30 W.
Thanks,
Tom Nordenholz
California Maritime Academy
Dear Tom,
FAST should be able to model microturbines if the input parameters to FAST are suitably set.
Please note that high rotor rotational speeds typically correspond with high structural natural frequencies, so, you’ll likely require a much smaller time step than an equivalent FAST model for a distributed- or utility-scale wind turbine.
Best regards,