Fluid-Structure-Characteristics of Flexible Wings for Wind Turbines

• Applicants: Professor Dr.-Ing. Kai-Uwe Bletzinger; Professor Dr.-Ing. Christian Breitsamter
• Subject Area: Fluid Mechanics ; Applied Mechanics, Statics and Dynamics
• Term: from 2015 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 280772364

Rotors for wind turbines featuring flexible wings may optionally obtain a similar aerodynamic performance compared to conventional rotor blade concepts. In this context, the present research concentrates on the interaction between air flow and flexible structure of a membrane-type lifting surface, which has a significant influence on the aerodynamic performance on the one hand and on the structural loads on the other hand. The investigations are based on a wing configuration with load-bearing beam structure and flexible wing. The adaption characteristics of the flexible wing should on the one hand allow a desired target pressure distribution and aerodynamic performance, and on the other hand provide lower structural loads relative to conventional structural designs along with a reduction of peak loads in highly unsteady or gusty incoming flow. The focus of the work is on the methods for high-quality numerical simulations of the interaction between the flexible wing and the acting flow and the validation of the simulation results by performing wind tunnel experiments for a wing segment. A future aim is to show the possible potentials of “FlexWing” applications and to exploit the results of these investigations for feasibility and economic studies.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr.-Ing. Roland Wüchner