An investigation was undertaken to identify the aerodynamic performance of five separate trailing-edge control devices and to evaluate their potential for wind turbine overspeed control applications. A modular two-dimensional wind tunnel model was constructed and aerodynamic performance data were acquired. To further interpret their potential, the controls were evaluated using a performance analysis computer program and a generic wind turbine geometry. On the basis of the investigation results, the Spoiler-Flap control configuration was deemed best suited for turbine braking applications. This particular control exhibited a good suction coefficient behavior over a broad angle-of-attack range and good turbine braking capabilities, especially at low tip-speed ratios.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Topics:
Brakes, Wind turbines, Braking, Turbines, Computer software, Geometry, Suction, Wind tunnels
1.
Johnson, B. L., 1995, “Facility Description for the Walter H. Beech 7 × 10 Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel,” Aerodynamic Laboratory, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS.
2.
Miller, L. S., 1994, “Aerodynamic Devices for Wind Turbine Performance Enhancement: Phase I,” National Renewable Energy Laboratory Report, Subcontract No. XAD-133365-01, Oct.
3.
Miller, L. S., 1995, “Aerodynamic Devices for Wind Turbine Performance Enhancement, Phase II,” National Renewable Energy Laboratory Report, Subcontract No. XAD-3-133365-01, Fall.
4.
Quandt, Gene A., 1994, “Wind Turbine Trailing-Edge Aerodynamic Brake Design,” National Renewable Energy Laboratory Report, Subcontract No. TAD 3-13400, Summer.
5.
Rae W. H., and Pope, A., 1984, Low-Speed Wind Tunnel Testing, 2nd ed., John Wiley and Sons, New York.
6.
Snyder, M. H., and Staples, D. L., 1985, “Wind-II Users Manual,” Wind Energy Report No. 15, Wind Energy Laboratory, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, July.
7.
Snyder, M. H., Wentz, W. H., Jr., and Coa, H., 1985, “Additional Reflection Plane Tests of Control Devices on an NACA 23024 Airfoil,” Center for Energy Research Studies, WER No. 23, Wichita State University, Feb.
8.
Snyder, M. H., Wentz, W. H., Jr., and Coa, H., 1987, “Summary of Control Effectiveness of Vented Defector-Ailerons,” Center for Energy Research Studies, WER No. 32, Wichita State University, Wichita, KS, July.
9.
Toll, T. A., and Ivey, M. F., 1945, “Wind-Tunnel Investigation of a Rectangular NACA 2212 Airfoil with Semispan Ailerons and with Nonperforated, Balanced Double Split Flaps for use as Aerodynamic Brakes,” NACA Wartime Report, L-56, Apr.
10.
Wayman, T.R., 1993, “Vented and Deflected Aileron for Aerodynamic Control of Power Modulation and Braking of Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbines,” M.S. Thesis, Wichita State University, Sept.
This content is only available via PDF.
Copyright © 1996
 by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
You do not currently have access to this content.