Experimental lift control using fluidic jets on a model wind turbine

This study focuses on the experimental implementation of a fluidic lift control strategy on wind turbine blades with the objective of reducing the aerodynamic load fluctuations experienced by the rotors. Blades are equipped with a row of blowing jets located in the vicinity of the rounded trailing-edge of the airfoil. Two configurations are performed: a translational configuration (2D configuration with free blade tip), and a rotational case where the blades are mounted in the wind turbine bench of the laboratory. The actuation modifies the flow near the trailing-edge and changes the whole pressure distribution around the airfoil as well as the spanwise lift distribution on the blade. Load, flapwise bending moment and pressure measurements as well as Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) show respectively the actuation effectiveness in terms of load modification and flow topology alteration. (paper)