College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Date
3-2021
Primary Advisor
John Fabijanic, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
The Cal Poly Wind Power club (CPWP) has sponsored our senior project team to design and implement a system to dynamically pitch the blades of their prototype horizontal-axis wind turbine. A blade pitching system can improve a turbine’s efficiency under certain operating conditions and prevent failure under extreme wind speeds. To ensure reliable control, the pitching system must be able to pitch quickly and accurately. Turbine efficiency can be improved by a pitching system with low power draw and low inertia about the rotor axis. The turbine is subjected to static and dynamic loading occurring due to changing aerodynamic forces, acceleration, and rotor imbalance; key considerations for structural integrity include reducing inertia about the rotor axis as well as reducing the moment on the cantilevered end of the turbine’s main shaft. Target values for these criteria were developed by studying existing designs, research papers and via information provided by the Cal Poly Wind Power club. The pitching system developed by this senior project team uses rack and pinions to convert linear motion to angular rotation of the blades about the pitch axis. This system is controlled by two linear actuators mounted within the nacelle.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/621