Project description
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Torsten Faber, Head of WETI at Flensburg University of Applied Sciences, explains: "The difference between the wind direction and the alignment of the rotor hub is known as the yaw angle error. If this is greater than zero, the possible rotor area exposed to the flow is reduced. In addition, there are further aerodynamic influences, which have a particular impact on the energy yield and the load effects. No sufficient has been done into these effects in practice." The reasons for this are that it is difficult, and in most cases impossible, to detect a nacelle misalignment without additional sensors. If a yaw angle error is detected, the sensors for detecting loads on the structure are usually missing, as these are not standard in commercial wind turbines.
Faber and his research assistant Marcel Schedat have therefore taken on this problem and have been investigating the effects of yaw angle errors since the beginning of the year. In addition to theoretical analysis, particular emphasis was placed on practical research, which is why a measurement campaign was initiated on a real wind turbine in Eggebek (see image). "We have now installed a considerable repertoire of measurement technology in the research facility, which allows us to validate findings that were previously only known in theory," says Schedat. Since the middle of this year, data has already been recorded at various positions on the wind turbines and the first evaluations are expected soon.