Keywords

Abstract

Blade pitch angle;

 Power output;

 Rotational speed;

 Vibration level;

 Wind turbine

The optimization of wind turbine performance is a critical issue for enhancing energy conversion efficiency. This study investigates the effects of blade pitch angles and Variable Frequency Drive settings on the performance of a wind turbine system using the Spectra Quest wind turbine simulator. Employing a Taguchi design of experiments with a full factorial approach, a total of 81 experimental tests are conducted to analyze the influence of three blade pitch angles (0°, 10°, and 20°) combined with three distinct Variable Frequency Drive settings (12, 15, and 18) on shaft rotational speed, power output, and vibration levels. Using Taguchi's response analysis and analysis of variance, this research identifies Variable Frequency Drive as the most influential factor on turbine performance metrics. Regression modelling further elucidates the complex relationships between the operational parameters and performance outcomes. The results reveal significant interactions between the input parameters and demonstrate that lower blade pitch angles in conjunction with higher Variable Frequency Drive settings maximize both shaft rotational speed (171 rpm) and power output (24.102 W), maintaining acceptable vibration levels. The best pitch angle input parameters are found to be β1=0o, β2=0o and β3=0o with a VFD setting of 18. A notable increase in air resistance at higher pitch angles corroborates the findings of previous studies, highlighting the need for optimal parameter settings to enhance turbine efficiency.

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