An Experimental Study on a Wind Turbine Rotor Affected by Pitch Imbalance

An experimental and numerical investigation about the pitch imbalance effect on a wind turbine model is performed. The characterization of power losses loads generated small-scale validation an analytical framework for performance unbalanced rotors are proposed. Starting from optimal collective assessment (performed to identify condition with maximum coefficient), just one blade was systematically changed: it seen that presence misalignment associated degradation performance, visible both experiments Blade Element Momentum (BEM) calculations (modified account load asymmetry). Up 30% 15% thrust increase achievable when imbalanced rotor operates at tip speed ratios around five, clearly highlighting importance avoiding this phenomenon dealing industrial applications. predicts result within 5% accuracy. Additional simulations showed that, away pitch, can provide or decrease respect balanced case, suggesting how operator maximise production rotor. analysis axial lateral forces sensitivity loads’ standard deviation present. observed in all cases.