Increasing the regulating ability of lift force in the power-limited mode of wind turbines based on plasma technology

Abstract

This article presents theoretical calculations of using a plasma actuator in a wind turbine for increasing its regulating ability. Calculations were done taking into account the pressure difference caused by an ozone layer. A series of calculations were carried out based on the QuickField software with the use of calculations of elastic deformations for determination of the influence on the resultant lift force. Distribution of the dielectric strength was calculated that is required for estimation of the ionization area. Vector diagrams were presented which show the influence of the plasma actuator at different sides of a wind turbine blade on the resultant lift force. The equation describing the influence of the plasma actuator was derived. Investigations carried out in this article have shown that the maximum regulating effect is about 25%. It should be noted that the position of the plasma actuator on the blade also influences the value of the lift force. Therefore, regulating properties of wind turbines are improved. Theoretical calculations were validated experimentally at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Denver. Note that the main advantages of the plasma actuator as the part of a wind turbine are simplicity and the possibility of increasing regulating properties of a wind turbine.