Power performance of a model floating wind turbine subjected to cyclic pitch motion: A wind tunnel study

Wind tunnel experiments were performed with a miniature floating wind turbine model to study the effects of cyclic pitch motion on its power performance. The cyclic pitch motion was prescribed by two key parameters: pitch frequency and amplitude. The power performance of the turbine model was investigated at a frequency range of 0.1 − 5.0Hz and an amplitude range of 0 − 30°. Both the mean and time variation of the power production were analyzed, and the effects of the pitch parameters, i.e., the pitch amplitude and frequency, were investigated and discussed. The results show a clear periodicity of power variation and its dependence on pitch frequency and amplitude. For relatively small pitch frequencies (0.5 − 3.0Hz), the mean power and periodic power variation can be predicted based on the uniform and steady flow assumption. Compared to the power output in the baseline case of no pitch dynamics, cyclic pitch motions were found to cause higher power fluctuations, which were contributed by both the pitch motion and flow turbulence. Finally, the temporal variation of the free-rotation speed, used as an indicator of available aerodynamic power, is found to be periodic when the turbine is under cyclic pitch motion. This suggests the possibility of applying dynamic rotor control strategies to maximize power production.