Field test of an active flap system on a full-scale wind turbine

This article describes a series of validation tests of an active flap system (AFS) on a multi-megawatt wind turbine. A single blade of a 4 MW turbine with 130 m rotor diameter (SWT-4.0-130) is retrofitted in the outer 15–20 m with the AFS. The AFS is controlled remotely with a pneumatic pressure supply system located in the hub of the turbine. The measurements were performed between October 2017 and June 2019 using two different AFS configurations on the blade. A description of the system setup is given, as well as comparisons of measurements and aeroelastic simulations. The measurements quantify the static load control authority of the AFS in atmospheric conditions, providing a preliminary estimate of load impact potential for the concept. This article presents, furthermore, a new method for the characterization of the load impact of such a system and its dynamic response under atmospheric conditions based on a blade-to-blade load comparison.

Field test of an active flap system on a full scale wind turbine

This article describes a series of validation tests of an active flap system (AFS) on a multi-MW wind turbine. A single blade of a 4 MW turbine with 130 m rotor diameter (SWT-4.0-130) is retrofitted in the outer 15–20 m with the AFS. The AFS is controlled remotely with a pneumatic pressure supply system located in the hub of the turbine. The measurements are performed between October 2017 and June 2019 using two different AFS configurations on the blade. A description of the system setup is given, as well as comparisons of measurements and aeroelastic simulations. The measurements quantify the static load control authority of the AFS in atmospheric conditions, providing a preliminary estimate of load impact potential for the concept. The article presents furthermore a new method for the characterization of the load impact of the system and its dynamic response based on a blade-to-blade load comparison.

A review on electroactive polymers development for aerospace applications

Newfangled smart materials have inspired the researchers to look for more efficient materials that can respond to specific stimuli and retain the original shape. Electroactive polymers are such materials which are capable of sensing and real-time actuation. Various electroactive polymers are excellent candidates due to high strain rate, fast response, reliability and high mechanical compliance despite tough manufacturing. In this study, electroactive polymers are reviewed and the general enabling mechanisms employing their distinct characteristics are presented, and the factors influencing the properties of various electroactive polymers are also discussed. Our study also enumerates the current trends in the development of electroactive polymers along with its progress in aerospace discipline. The electromechanical properties of electroactive polymer materials endow them the capability to work as both sensors and actuators in the field of aerospace. Hence, we provide an overview of various applications of electroactive polymers in aerospace field, notably aircraft morphing. These actuators are vastly used in aerospace applications like Mars Nano-rover, space robotic, flapping wings and active flap. Therefore, the electroactive polymer applications such as effective actuators can be investigated more in their materials, molecular interactions, electromechanics and actuation mechanisms. Considering electroactive polymers unique properties, they will endeavour the great potential applications within aerospace industry.