The study of rotor blade aerodynamic performances of wind turbine has been presented in this thesis. This study was focused on aerodynamic effects changed by blade surface distribution as well as grid solution along the airfoil. The details of numerical calculation from Fluent were described to help predict accurate blade performance for comparison and discussion with available data. The direct surface curvature distribution blade design method for two-dimensional airfoil sections for wind turbine rotors have been discussed with the attentions to Euler equation, velocity diagram and the factors which affect wind turbine performance and applied to design a blade geometry close to an existing wind turbine blade, Eppler387, in order to argue that the blade surface drawn by direct surface curvature distribution blade design method contributes aerodynamic efficiency. The FLUENT calculation of NACA63-215V showed that the aerodynamic characteristics agreed well with the available experimental data at lower angles of attack although it was discontinuities in the surface curvature distributions between 0.7 and 0.8 in x/c. The discontinuities were so small that the blade performance could not be affected. The design of Eppler 387 blade performed to reduce drag force. The discontinuities of surface distribution matched the curve of the pressure coefficients. It was found in the curvature distribution that the leading edge pressure side had difficulties to connect to Bezier curve and also the trailing edge circle was never be tangent to the lines of trailing edge pressure and suction sides due to programming difficulties.

Aerodynamics of wind turbines

There is an indispensable need for fluid flow rate and direction sensors in various medical, industrial and environmental applications. Besides the critical demands on sensing range of flow parameters (such as rate, velocity, direction and temperature), the properties of different target gases or liquids to be sensed pose challenges to the development of reliable, inexpensive and low powered sensors. This paper presents an overview of the work done on design and development of Microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based flow sensors in recent years. In spite of using some similar principles, diverse production methods, analysis strategies, and different sensing materials, MEMS flow sensors can be broadly categorized into three main types, namely thermal sensors, piezoresistive sensors and piezoelectric sensors. Additionally, some key challenges and future prospects for the use of the MEMS flow sensors are discussed briefly.

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Design and applications of MEMS flow sensors: A review

A review on recent advancements of substructures for offshore wind turbines

This paper represents an expert view from Europe of future emerging technologies within the wind energy sector considering their potential, challenges, applications and technology readiness and how they might evolve in the coming years. These technologies were identified as originating primarily from the academic sector, some start-up companies and a few larger industrial entities. The following areas were considered: airborne wind energy, offshore floating concepts, smart rotors, wind-induced energy harvesting devices, blade tip-mounted rotors, unconventional power transmission systems, multi-rotor turbines, alternative support structures, modular high voltage direct current generators, innovative blade manufacturing techniques, diffuser-augmented turbines and small turbine technologies. The future role of advanced multiscale modelling and data availability is also considered. This expert review has highlighted that more research will be required to realise many of these emerging technologies. However, there is a need to identify synergies between fundamental and industrial research by correctly targeting public and private funding in these emerging technology areas as industrial development may outpace more fundamental research faster than anticipated.

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Jiale Li

Papers

A review on recent advancements of substructures for offshore wind turbines

Feasibility study of offshore wind turbines with hybrid monopile foundation based on centrifuge modeling

Lateral bearing capacity of hybrid monopile-friction wheel foundation for offshore wind turbines by centrifuge modelling

Investigation on offshore wind turbine with an innovative hybrid monopile foundation: An experimental based study

LiDAR technology for wind energy potential assessment: Demonstration and validation at a site around Lake Erie