SIMULATION OF DOWNBURST WIND FIELD AND EFFECTS OF WIND TURBINE

Hu Chuanxin; Qing Wenjie; Guan Wensong; Zhao Lin; Wu Kaiming

doi:10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0033

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Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica ›› 2026, Vol. 47 ›› Issue (5) : 357-367. DOI: 10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0033

SIMULATION OF DOWNBURST WIND FIELD AND EFFECTS OF WIND TURBINE

Hu Chuanxin^1,2, Qing Wenjie¹, Guan Wensong¹, Zhao Lin³, Wu Kaiming⁴

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Abstract

To study the dynamic response characteristics of wind turbines under downburst conditions, a physical simulator is used to generate the downburst wind field under varying aspect ratios. Combined with FAST software, the NREL 5 MW wind turbine serves as the research object to investigate the dynamic response of wind turbines at different positions within the downburst wind field. The effects of yaw angle and shutdown position on the dynamic response of the blades and tower base structure are compared and analyzed. The results indicate that as the aspect ratio decreases in downburst flows, the peak wind speed increases significantly. The horizontal wind speed vertical profile varies, initially rising and then falling with height. Radial position, yaw angle, and shutdown position notably impact the structural response of the wind turbine. Near the region directly beneath the downburst the blade root experiences peak internal forces. At a yaw angle of approximately 30°, the blade may exhibit aeroelastic instability, reaching maximum bending moments at the blade root of 78.29 MN·m and at the tower base of 108 MN·m. When the wind turbine is at a radial distance of 400 meters and a yaw angle of 30° during shutdown, aerodynamic instability in the blade triggers vibrations in the tower, thereby significantly elevating the risk of structural damage. If the blade reaches its ultimate load-bearing moment, it can lead to chain aeroelastic instability and overall structural damage. Wind turbines with a shutdown yaw angle of 0° and in the shutdown state are most advantageous when facing extreme downburst conditions.

Key words

wind turbines / dynamic response / rotors / downburst / wind field characteristics / chain aeroelastic instability

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Hu Chuanxin, Qing Wenjie, Guan Wensong, Zhao Lin, Wu Kaiming. SIMULATION OF DOWNBURST WIND FIELD AND EFFECTS OF WIND TURBINE[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica. 2026, 47(5): 357-367 https://doi.org/10.19912/j.0254-0096.tynxb.2025-0033

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