Performance of a model wind turbine subject to simulated wave motion

Offshore wind energy technology is trending towards larger rotor sizes and floating platforms to increase efficiency and deployability in deep water. To better understand the relationship between floating structure movement and turbine performance, we conducted wind tunnel testing using a performance matched low-Reynolds number (Re = 1x10⁵) wind turbine rotor/generator system. The generator was mounted on a crank-rocker mechanism to emulate the motion of a floating turbine in the ocean. Power generation data was collected for a range of static and dynamic base configurations, wind speeds, and tip speed ratios. Experimental load curves were used to characterize overall turbine performance and to identify peak power generation. Cp_max decreased in both statically pitched forward and backwards configurations. In addition, we observe an inverse relationship between pitching frequency and Cp_max as well as effects of pitching on the wake deflection and tunnel blockage.