An Analogue Study on the Effect of Added Mass on a Model Turbine

1. Wind Power
- accounts for 3% of total electricity supply

2. Blades
- designed to maximize aerodynamic performance & wind capture
Longer & thinner blades may be associated with better power outputs
However, are they more susceptible to stress?
• Turbines are exposed to the environment
• Particles accumulating on the blades have
been linked to performance degradation

3. We know that…
…particles may disrupt the aerodynamic characteristics of a blade,
which can lead to poor performance
But, how does the mass of accumulated particles influence the
turbine’s performance?

4. Turbines experience constant pressure on their structure
& can suffer from imbalance.
• Gravitational loads are caused by gravity, which acts on the
turbine’s heavy components.
• Mass imbalance manifests from the non-uniform distribution of
mass amongst the turbine components.

5. For example, ice accretion has been associated with
load & imbalance.

6. Specifically, what happens to the rate of rotation when
we add mass…
• …near & far from the rotor?
• …near & far from leading edge?
• …on the rotor itself?
What is the effect of adding mass on a turbine?

7. Measurements of the rate of rotation per minute (RPM)
were taken for every different configuration
Added mass range examined: 2-9 g per blade

8. • The direction of added mass (facing or opposing the incident airflow) is
important.
• Balance is likely to influence the rate of rotation in the parallel
arrangement.
• Lighter masses generally either decrease the rotation rate, or have
minimal impact.
• The leading edge is influenced by the magnitude of added mass &
extent of length coverage.
• Parallel mass configuration is more dependent on the location of added
mass; whereas, vertical arrangement is more dependent on the
magnitude of mass.
So, what did the experiment show?

9. Following further research, the results could help to…
…design blades resilient to load imbalances
…form de-icing strategies

10. “Many frontier high-energy regions that are sought for wind farm
development including Nordic, warm-humid, and desert-like
environments often provide conditions detrimental to the surface of
the turbine blade.”
(Dalili et al., 2009; 428)
Reference: Dalili, N.; Edrisy, A. & Carriveau, R. (2009) A review of surface
engineering issues critical to wind turbine performance. Renewable and
Sustainable Energy Reviews, 13, 428-438.