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Proportional Control of Aerodynamic Forces using an Active Gurney Flap on a Wind Turbine Section
  • +2
  • Siyang Hao,
  • Alexander Koh-Bell,
  • Rehaan Irani,
  • Jenya Kirsch-Posner,
  • Kenneth Breuer
Siyang Hao
Brown University School of Engineering

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Alexander Koh-Bell
Brown University School of Engineering
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Rehaan Irani
Brown University School of Engineering
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Jenya Kirsch-Posner
Brown University School of Engineering
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Kenneth Breuer
Brown University School of Engineering
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Abstract

Real-time, proportional deployment of an Active Gurney Flap (AGF) located near the trailing edge of the wind turbine blade on the pressure surface is used to modulate aerodynamic performance. Wind tunnel experiments are conducted using an AGF model based on the geometry of a commonly used wind turbine blade over a range of Re numbers from 160 ,000 to 414 ,000, angle of attack (AOA) from - 1 0 ◦ to 1 5 ◦ , and AGF deployment positions from 0 ◦ to 1 3 5 ◦ . The torque required to raise and lower the AGF was measured and found to be approximately C T = 0 . 1 , independent of the deployment rate and the Re number. Aerodynamic force measurements demonstrate that the deployment of the AGF is capable of improving the lift and pitch moment performance with an increased lift-to-drag ratio. Aerodynamic changes are proportional to the AGF deployment angle, with a maximum effect observed at 7 0 ◦ to the chord. The aerodynamic changes occur instantly as the flap is deployed, although sudden changes in aerodynamic loading induce mechanical vibration of the wind tunnel model on the supporting sting.
17 Jul 2024Submitted to Wind Energy
18 Jul 2024Submission Checks Completed
18 Jul 2024Assigned to Editor
18 Jul 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
17 Aug 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
18 Sep 20241st Revision Received
03 Oct 2024Submission Checks Completed
03 Oct 2024Assigned to Editor
03 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
15 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned