Is it worth investigating?

Wind & Water Rotor Aerodynamics
1

Hello everyone,

I would like the opinion of experiences people in this field, It may be a ‘no-brainer’ but I would appreciate your help.

Pitch regulated wind turbine seems to be indicated for the future of wind energy. Obviously pitch-regulated WT have numerous advantages, however with the increasing research on local active flow controllers, I was wondering if there is any interest in investigating a large size stall-regulated wind turbine equipped with active flow controllers. The idea is that in addition to alleviate unsteady loads the active flow controllers can be used to regulate the power output in the rated power region. The multi-disciplinary involved including structure, aerodynamic, economic and electric makes it difficult for me to foresee the answer.

Thanks for your time.
Regards,
terence.

2

Dear Terence,

I don’t know the answer to your question, but one challenge I see is the high loads experienced on a fixed-pitch wind turbine when the rotor is parked/idling in very high winds. Pitch-controlled rotors can shed this load (feathering the blades to to be leading-edge into the wind), but fixed-pitch rotors cannot; and I don’t think the active flow controllers will be of much help under this condition.

Best regards,