ISBN 9783843946032

978-3-8439-4603-2, Reihe Luftfahrt

Birger Luhmann
A Flexible Hub Connection for Load Reduction on Two-bladed Wind Turbines

175 Seiten, Dissertation Universität Stuttgart (2019), Softcover, A5

Zusammenfassung / Abstract

This thesis presents a novel system for reducing fatigue and extreme loads on two-bladed wind turbines, the so-called flexible hub connection.

Its innovative principle is based on the structural separation between the rotor-hub unit and the nacelle carrier. An elastic interface allows the decoupling of structural loads which are imposed on the support structure from the rotor side.

The objective of this thesis is to validate the function of the flexible hub connection with regard to its load reduction capability. The modal properties of the modified system topology are analyzed in detail, the load mechanisms in relation to the aeroelastic interaction are identified and the load reduction potential is quantified under real operating conditions.

The optimal parametrization of the coupling elements is discussed with regard to stability, resonances, operating loads and maximum deformations.