Enhancing Wind Turbine Blade Preventive Maintenance Procedure through Computational Fluid Dynamics-Based Prediction of Wall Shear Stress

Wasan Palasai, Chalermpol Plengsa-Ard and Mongkol Kaewbumrung ()
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Wasan Palasai: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Princess of Naradhiwas University, Narathiwat 96000, Thailand
Chalermpol Plengsa-Ard: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Mongkol Kaewbumrung: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya 13000, Thailand

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-24

Abstract: Wind turbine blades are essential parts of wind energy systems and are frequently exposed to harsh environmental elements, such as strong winds, turbulence, and corrosive atmospheric elements. Over time, these circumstances may result in serious harm to blades, such as delamination and erosion, which may negatively affect the wind turbine’s functionality and durability. Accurate prediction of various types of damage is crucial to improve the toughness and lifespan of wind turbine blades and to maximize the overall effectiveness of wind energy systems. This article presents a novel computational fluid dynamics (CFDs)-based method for analyzing the distribution of wall shear stress on turbine blades, aimed at publicizing the yearly maintenance procedure. The investigation results from the CFDs, when compared with the current situation in a wind turbine farm in Thailand, confirmed that our wall shear stress modeling accurately predicted wind turbine damage. A maximum wall shear stress level higher than 5.00 Pa in the case of PA 90°, incoming air velocity 10.00 m/s, and 15 rpm was the main contribution to presenting the erosion and delamination from current drone inspection in wind turbine farms. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated the potential of using CFDs to predict wind turbine blade delamination and erosion, thereby significantly contributing to the development of specific and accurate yearly preventive maintenance. The proposed CFDs-based approach should serve as a sustainability tool for local human development, benefiting wind turbine engineers and operating technicians by providing them with a deeper understanding of the local flow conditions and wall shear stress distribution along wind turbine blades. This enables them to make informed decisions regarding blade design and maintenance.

Keywords: wind turbines; wall shear stress; delamination; erosion; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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