Exploring the aeroelastic response of active flaps and optimal inflow-based control settings on a validated aeroelastic model of an 8MW prototype wind turbine

Abstract The detailed aeroelastic response of a 8 MW prototype wind turbine with active flaps is simulated with a validated HAWC2 model, where the aerodynamic impact and passive flexibility of the flaps is simulated based on wind tunnel tests, and the potential for power and loads optimization with flap settings is explored. The wind tunnel test and the corresponding flap input data are described, together with the aeroelastic model and simulation setup. The normal power production operational response of the turbine with the passive flap is simulated and compared to a stiff flap setting. Moreover, optimized flap control settings are derived as a function of rotor averaged low-pass filtered wind speed, focusing on increasing power performance and decreasing blade loads. The flap settings are simulated in normal power production cases and the potential for power/loads optimized operation is quantified.