Abstract

Monitoring the flow features over wind turbine blades is a challenging task that has become more and more crucial. This paper is devoted to demonstrate the ability of the e-TellTale sensor to detect the flow separation/reattachment dynamics over wind turbine blades. This sensor is made of a strip with a strain gauge sensor at its base. The velocity field was acquired using TR- PIV measurements over an oscillating thick blade section equipped with an e-TellTale sensor. PIV images were post-processed to detect movements of the strip, which was compared to movements of flow. Results show good agreement between the measured velocity field and movements of the strip regarding the separation/reattachment dynamics.

 

“This work was carried out within the framework of the WEAMEC project ASAPe “Add-on Systems for wind turbine performance improvement”, with funding from the Pays de la Loire Region“

The ASAPe project propose to develop a serie of original, robust and simple ADD-ON system, composed of E-penon sensors and/or wireless pressure sensors as well as fluidic actuators of pulsed jet type, capable of dynamically adapting wind turbine blade aerodynamic and thus to decrease aerodynamic loads. This system will be progressively brought to maturity by using a bidimensional blade profile in the aerodynamic wind tunnel of LHEEA lab. (gust at an intermediate scale) and the Jules Verne wind tunnel of CSTB (fluctuating wind at full scale). At full scale, a real wind turbine blade profile will be provided by industrials who have signed a support letter for this projet (EDF-EN and VALOREM). Also, a prospectif work will be conducted to prepare wind field test (choice of the site, the wind turbine type, the position and control strategy …).

More detail about the ASAPe project