Experimental validation of a numerical 3-D finite model applied to wind turbines design under vibration constraints: TREVISE platform

• Published in: Mechanics & industry : an international journal on mechanical sciences and engineering applications 2017-01, Vol.18 (8), p.806
• Main Authors: Serra, Roger, Sellami, Takwa, Jelassi, Sana, Darcherif, Abdel Moumen, Berriri, Hanen, Mimouni, Med Faouzi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Design; experimental modal analysis; Finite element method; Finite volume method; finite volumes method; Frequency response functions; impact hammer; Mathematical models; Modal analysis; Modal data; Model testing; Numerical analysis; Numerical methods; Parameter identification; Resonant frequencies; Sensors; shaker; Stress concentration; Three dimensional models; TREVISE platform; Turbine blades; Turbines; Vibration; Vibration analysis; vibration measure; Vibration tests; Wind power; Wind turbine-tower-foundation; Wind turbines
• ISSN: 2257-7777; 2257-7750
• DOI: 10.1051/meca/2017046

With the advancement of wind turbines towards complex structures, the requirement of trusty structural models has become more apparent. Hence, the vibration characteristics of the wind turbine components, like the blades and the tower, have to be extracted under vibration constraints. Although extracting the modal properties of blades is a simple task, calculating precise modal data for the whole wind turbine coupled to its tower/foundation is still a perplexing task. In this framework, this paper focuses on the investigation of the structural modeling approach of modern commercial micro-turbines. Thus, the structural model a complex designed wind turbine, which is Rutland 504, is established based on both experimental and numerical methods. A three-dimensional (3-D) numerical model of the structure was set up based on the finite volume method (FVM) using the academic finite element analysis software ANSYS. To validate the created model, experimental vibration tests were carried out using the vibration test system of TREVISE platform at ECAM-EPMI. The tests were based on the experimental modal analysis (EMA) technique, which is one of the most efficient techniques for identifying structures parameters. Indeed, the poles and residues of the frequency response functions (FRF), between input and output spectra, were calculated to extract the mode shapes and the natural frequencies of the structure. Based on the obtained modal parameters, the numerical designed model was up-dated.