Modal Analysis of A small H-Darrieus Wind Turbine Based on 3D CAD, FEA

Abstract

Rotary machines have many rotating structures necessity design-optimization. Their structure motions are controlled at low-frequency by rigidity, at high-frequency by inertia and at-resonance level by damping. Using modal model, dynamic design of the structure developed can be predicted, analyzed and improved. Recently, H-Darrieus wind turbine has (HDWT) received considerable attention due to its inherent structural characteristics. This machine intends a promising design of renewable energy conversion system in urban areas and isolates sites. Though, the system suffers of several dynamic problems caused by geometry, centrifugal and aerodynamic cyclic loadings. Present paper investigated dynamic design-optimization of a three-bladed (HDWT) based on its natural structural parameters using 3D CAD, FEA using SolidWorks modeling and simulation. From simulation result obtained, the first five natural frequencies of the system, corresponding mass participate, damping factor, and mode shapes are predicted and analyzed. The static and dynamic stability and reliability of the system are shown since security factor and all quality indicators  tested, amplification factors, and resonant amplitude ratios are consistent according to the recommendations of structure dynamics standards. Furthermore, critical operating conditions of wind turbine under forcing excitations of the wind speeds at various regimes are also treated and assessed.