Innovative paper unveils important findings of torsional loads that will boost the performance of large wind turbines.

In recent years, wind energy experts have faced significant challenges in maintaining the structural integrity of large wind turbine blades. However, a groundbreaking keynote paper has emerged, offering a comprehensive solution to this problem and equipping wind energy companies with innovative methods to optimize productivity and profitability.
 
This influential paper sheds light on the critical role of torsional loads, which have been identified as a major contributing factor to the growing incidence of structural damages in large wind turbine blades. It highlights the new set of challenges arising from the scaling up of blade sizes without giving due consideration to torsional load components.
 
The increasing concern among prominent wind turbine owners/operators (WTOs) and the recognition of inadequate consideration of torsional loads in testing campaigns by DNV underscore the significance of this topic. Collaborating with esteemed institutions such as Shell, DTU (Technical University of Denmark), and AAU (Aalborg University), Bladena has dedicated the past two years to extensive research on the pivotal role of torsional loads.

Torsional load components on a blade. Illustration by KirtXThomsen.

​The paper comprehensively examines the new challenges faced by wind turbine blades, focusing on both experimental and numerical perspectives. On the experimental front, a rigorous large-scale test was conducted at the DTU test facility, while non-linear geometrical 3D FEM simulations were performed from a numerical standpoint. The detailed findings from both approaches are extensively discussed within the paper.

A 15m cut-out of a wind turbine blade on the large-scale test rig in the test facility of DTU Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering

A notable highlight of the study is the identification of ever-increasing torsional loads as a potential cause for shear-web and sandwich skin debonding in critical areas of wind turbine blades, including the transition zone and the max chord area. The paper delves into the root causes of failure modes such as CSSD (cross-sectional shear distortion) and breathing (out-of-plane deformation of unsupported panels), which can directly result from applied torsional loads. Furthermore, the paper offers recommendations and suggestions aimed at mitigating the occurrence of catastrophic failures currently observed in the field. These proposed remedies are considered valuable additions to the wind energy industry.
 
Read the full paper for more information under the following link: https://www.bladena.com/news/innovative-paper-unveils-important-findings-of-torsional-loads-that-will-boost-the-performance-of-large-wind-turbines 
 
If you have any questions or comments do not hesitate to contact us on [email protected]. If you would like to hear more, sign up to attend our webinar on the topic on the 14th of July, 14:00-14:30 CEST by submitting the form below.

Torsional Effects on Wind Turbine Blades and Impact on Field Damages - Keynote paper