Computational Investigations of Small Deploying Tabs and Flaps for Aerodynamic Load Control

Abstract

The cost of wind-generated electricity can be reduced by mitigating fatigue loads acting on the blades of wind turbine rotors. One way to accomplish this is with active aerodynamic load control devices that supplement the load control obtainable with current full-span pitch control. Techniques to actively mitigate blade loads that are being considered include individual blade pitch control, trailing-edge flaps, and other much smaller trailing-edge devices such as microtabs and microflaps. The focus of this paper is on the latter aerodynamic devices, their time-dependent effect on sectional lift, drag, and pitching moment, and their effectiveness in mitigating high frequency loads on the wind turbine. Although these small devices show promise for this application, significant challenges must be overcome before they can be demonstrated to be a viable, cost-effective technology.