Aero-elastic coupled numerical analysis of small wind turbine-generator modelling

In this paper a practical modelling methodology is presented for a series of aero- servo- elastic-coupled numerical analyses of small wind turbine operation, with particular emphasis on variable speed generator modelling in various wind speed conditions. The following characteristics are determined using the available computer tools: the tip speed ratio as a function of the generator constant (under the assumption of constant wind speed), the turbine coefficient of power as a function of the tip speed ratio (the torque curve is modified accordingly and generator speed and power curves are plotted), turbine power curves and coefficient of power curve as functions of the incoming wind speed. The last stage is to determine forces and torques acting on rotor blades and turbine tower for specific incoming wind speeds in order to examine the impact of the stall phenomena on these values (beyond the rated power of the turbine). It is shown that the obtained results demonstrate a valuable guideline for small wind turbines design process.