Sizing and Control of Trailing Edge Flaps on a Smart Rotor for Maximum Power Generation in Low Fatigue Wind Regimes

In this paper an extension of the spectrum of applicability of rotors with active aerody-namic devices is presented. Besides the classical purpose of load alleviation, a secondary objective is established: power capture optimization. As a _rst step, wind speed regions that contribute little to fatigue damage have been identi_ed. For these regions the turbine energy output can be increased by deecting the trailing edge (TE) ap in function of local, instantaneous speed ratios. For this purpose, sizing of TE ap con_guration for maximum power generation is established using blade element momentum theory.
The investigation then focuses on operation in non-uniform wind _eld conditions. Firstly, the deterministic uctuation in local tip speed ratio due to wind shear was evaluated. The second e_ect is associated with delays in adapting the rotor speed to time varying inow. The increase of power generation due to wind shear has been demonstrated with an in-crease of energy yield of 1%. Finally a control logic based on inowing wind speeds has been devised.