Role of Partial Flexibility on Flow Evolution and Aerodynamic Power Efficiency over a Turbine Blade Airfoil

Abstract

In this study, the aerodynamic performance of a cambered wind turbine airfoil with a partially flexible membrane material on its suction surface was examined experimentally across various angles of attack and Reynolds numbers. It encompassed physical explanation at the pre/post-stall regions. The results of particle image velocimetry revealed that the laminar separation bubble was diminished or even suppressed when a local flexible membrane material was employed on the suction surface of the wind turbine blade close to the leading edge. The results of the deformation measurement indicated that the membrane had a range of flow modes. This showed that the distribution of aerodynamic fluctuations due to the presence of LSB-induced vortices was reduced. This also led to a narrower wake region occurring. Aerodynamic performance improved and aerodynamic vibration significantly lowered, particularly at the post-stall zone, according to the results of the aerodynamic force measurement. In addition to the lift force, the drag force was enormously reduced, corroborating and matching well with the results of PIV and deformation measurements. Consequently, significant benefits for a turbine blade were notably observed, including aerodynamic performance enhancement, increased aerodynamic power efficiency, and reduced aerodynamic vibration.