The ATLAS system was tested on Clipper’s 2.5-MW C96 wind turbine.
SgurrControl, part of Wood Group’s clean energy business, has completed the two-year testing and validation of its patented Advanced Turbine Load Alleviation System (ATLAS), proving that the groundbreaking solution significantly extends the lifespan of wind turbines by reducing blade and drivetrain loads.
Onsite testing demonstrated the potential to double-blade fatigue life. The 10% reduction in blade fatigue load initially modeled was validated in the test campaign. Application of the findings offers even greater benefits for the life span of offshore turbine blades. In addition, new wind-turbine designs are expected to benefit from capital (CAPEX) cost reductions of 5%.
The R&D project, funded by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC, now Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy), deployed and commissioned ATLAS on the University of Minnesota’s test turbine – a 2.5-MW Clipper C96.
SgurrControl validated the ATLAS system using field data and analysis, which allowed a complete assessment of the impact and benefits.
The view from the nacelle. The test turbine was also equipped with a blade load and acceleration measurement system.
ATLAS involves pitching the blades independently so that they respond actively to the varying wind field across the rotor. The existing pitch system is used such that no physical changes are required.
The test turbine was also equipped with a blade load and acceleration measurement system, which enabled further insight into the effects of ATLAS.
Global technology firm, Romax Technology, partnered with SgurrControl on this project. Engineers using the wind turbine drivetrain design and simulation tool RomaxWind independently assessed the impact of ATLAS on the drivetrain and pitch bearings.
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