Design and evaluation of rotor blades for fluid structure interaction studies in wind tunnel conditions

Wind tunnel experiments with wind turbine models are a promising method for investigating fluid structure interaction (FSI) phenomena. However, the lack of suitable models that feature properly scaled blades and the complexity of aeroelastic and fluid dynamic measurements during turbine operation is challenging. In this paper, the design methodology for aeroelastically scaled blades which are intended for Model Wind Turbine Oldenburg (MoWiTO) 1.8 is presented. The scaling relations are formulated, initiating from the existing turbines' design. Next, the manufactured blades are equipped on MoWiTO and are subsequently evaluated, during operation under gusty wind fields produced by an active grid. The tip deflection is recorded using an innovative photogrammetry setup. Simulations of an OpenFAST model, which has properties extracted from the scaling formulation, are used as reference. The recorded loads and blade deformations show similar dynamics, compared to the reference. These results prove the design successful, and the capability of measuring FSI phenomena in wind tunnel environment is showcased.