Session: 09-01-08 Wind Energy: Design and Process II

Submission Number: 179671

An Experimental Comparison of Dynamic Responses of Onshore and Offshore Floating Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines by Hybrid Model Tests 

Offshore floating vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have the potential to reduce the structural responses of onshore VAWTs. Discrepancies in their dynamic responses have been investigated numerically, but very limited experimental studies have been conducted yet. The Froude-Reynolds number incompatibility in the wave basin model testing of floating wind turbines is particularly challenging for VAWTs, as accurate reproduction of both aerodynamic thrust and lateral forces is required. In this study, structural responses of both onshore and floating vertical-axis wind turbines are compared and analyzed based on hybrid model tests. A self-developed aerodynamic load reproduction device is used to simulate the aerodynamic thrust and lateral forces of the VAWTs. A three-blade H-type VAWT is tested in both onshore environment and offshore environment when mounted on a semi-submersible platform in a wave basin. The results show that the dominant response frequency of the upper structure varies with the environmental condition and exhibits distinct resonances at different aerodynamic excitation frequencies. Furthermore, the resonance does not occur at the dominant aerodynamic frequency but instead appears at approximately twice the frequency. These findings help pave the way for improving the understanding of aero-structural coupling in floating vertical-axis wind turbines and provide a reference for future hybrid model testing.

Presenting Author: Shixiang Deng Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Presenting Author Biography: Deng Shixiang is a Ph.D. candidate at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Research focuses on the coupled dynamic responses of floating vertical-axis wind turbines, with emphasis on aero-hydro-servo coupling and hybrid model testing on semi-submersible platforms.

Authors:

Shixiang Deng Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Zhengshun Cheng Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Minghao Cui Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Cao Qun China Ship Scientific Research Center
Lei Liu Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Lijun Yang Shanghai Jiao Tong University