Presentations
Investigation of the effects of individual pitch control of a wind turbine on loads, power and acoustic emissions
Anna Wegner, Group Manager, Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (IWES)
Abstract
As wind turbines grow larger, their rotor blades sweep across more extensive areas. Because wind speed varies with height above the ground, blades experience different loads during each rotation. Most modern wind turbines are already equipped with individual pitch control (IPC) actuators, which primarily aim to reduce turbine loads. With the global expansion of renewable energy, the acceptance of wind turbines by local communities is becoming increasingly important. Consequently, the acoustic emissions of wind turbines are also a critical factor. In this study, we present an in-depth analysis of the effects of IPC operation on a modern multi-megawatt wind turbine, focusing on power production, loads, and noise emissions. For times. when the turbine was operated in IPC mode, we find higher acoustic emissions in region 2 of the power curve, the same trend was also seen in power production i.e. higher power production below the rated power in region 2. We find lower or no clear changes in loads and DELs depending on the turbine component and other influencing factors.
