Laboratory test rig to explore basic performance
The fist testing of a new prototype will typically be done in a small test rig in the laboratory where the flap deflection is measured as function of the activation pressure.
The present set-up shown here was used in the first INDFLAP project. The deflection was measured by an electronic device (blue box) using a laser beam. Correlating with the activation pressure measurement gives a precise characterization of the dynamic response of the flap.
|
|
Wind tunnel testing
After having measured the flap deflection characteristics of a flap prototype the next step will typically be to measure the aerodynamic performance by wind tunnel testing. This means that a blade section is build that fits to the wind tunnel used for the testing. Then the flap system is mounted on the blade section and the testing will show the lift and drag characteristics of the flap system.
These data can the next can be used in simulations to show the potentials of the flap system on real turbines.
|
|
Rotating test rig
The rotating test rig was developed during the first INDUFLAP project from 2011-2014.
It was found that the gap between wind tunnel testing and full scale testing was too big.
We found that there is a need to test the flap system in a realistic rotating environment and real atmospherics flow conditions before going to full scale tests. The rotating test rig is intended to fill out this gap. It comprises a 2m span and 1m chord blade section where the flap system is mounted. The blade section is instrumented with pressure taps and inflow sensors so that aerodynamic loads can be monitored during flap activation. Further the 10m boom on which the blade section is mounted can be pitched so that the combined pitch and flap control can be investigated.
|
|
Full scale testing
The overall goal of the present project is to demonstrate an active flap system on a full scale turbine. A Siemens Wind Power turbine will be used for that purpose. A number of measurements will be conducted to document the performance of the prototype flap system.
|
|