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As part of the CORTIR Phase 3 project supported by the EUDP (Energy Technology Development and Demonstration Program), we have performed a field measurement campaign on the 7MW ORE Catapult Levenmouth Demonstration Turbine in Scotland, featuring 83.5-meter blades. The field measurement campaign was done in close collaboration with our partners ORE Catapult and Global Wind Service (GWS), this campaign aimed to monitor panel deformation and its critical impact on trailing edge bondlines, providing essential real-world validation for our advanced 3D non-linear FEM models at Bladena. Our team successfully installed a sophisticated data acquisition (DAQ) system equipped with displacement sensors inside the blade, carefully designed to capture localized deformations without compromising blade integrity. Thanks to meticulous onsite teamwork, strategic safety planning, and favorable wind conditions, the sensor installation was completed smoothly. The measurement campaign is now concluded, and the collected data has been processed. Two key plots are shown below: one illustrating breathing between trailing edge panels, and another showing distortion in the trailing edge box region. In both cases, the measured data aligns well with our FEM model predictions, confirming that the model captures the blade’s real-world behavior with only minimal adjustments. This represents a significant step forward for the CORTIR project and our ongoing validation efforts. We are excited to be working with ORE Catapult and leveraging the value of their open access R&D turbine. The data collected will provide vital feedback in exploring potential improvements of future simulation modelling and test processes by improving the link between infield measurements and technology validation methods. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to push the boundaries of wind turbine innovation!
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