A scaled wind turbine model-based aerodynamic testing apparatus for offshore floating wind turbines

In marine applications, the scaled wind turbine model (SWTM) based aerodynamic testing apparatus is regarded as one of the most effective approaches to predict the aerodynamic performance of offshore floating wind turbines (OFWTs). To fully disclose the aerodynamics of OFWTs, such kind of apparatus should meet two design requirements: (1) accurate representation of the aerodynamic characteristics of reference wind turbines and (2) reasonable reproduction of the environmental factors from real-world wind-wave-coupled field. Baring with these considerations, the authors propose a cost-effective SWTM-based aerodynamic testing apparatus, which consists of an innovative SWTM, a wind-wave simulator (WWS) and a data acquisition and analyses system. The proposed SWTM is featured by a double-deck tower, which satisfies the requirements of similarity in geometry, stiffness and mass, and a set of redesigned blades. The proposed WWS is capable of simulating both the time-varying inflow wind and the wave-induced platform motions through a wind field generator and a motion simulator. Based on the developed apparatus, a series of aerodynamic tests are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the apparatus design. In addition, the coupling effects of inflow wind and platform motions on the aerodynamics of OFWT are further revealed through experimental tests.