Effect of wind turbine yaw on rotor rotational speed

In summary, the conversation discusses the gyroscopic forces acting on a wind turbine as it yaws, with the magnitude depending on the speed of yawing. It is mentioned that with good bearings, the rotor rotational speed should not slow down as it is phase-locked to the grid. However, there is a suggestion that applying brakes or designing a system to slow down the rotor rotational speed during rapid changes in wind direction could help minimize the gyroscopic forces.
  • #1
james6008
14
0
Hi

From what I understand as the rotor yaws, there are gyroscopic forces that act upon it and the magnitude of these depends on the speed of yawing (e.g. 10 degrees per second). What happens to the rotor rotational speed during yawing? Does it slow down? Is the aim to slow down the rotor rotational speed to minimise the gyroscopic forces?
 
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  • #2
james6008 said:
Hi

From what I understand as the rotor yaws, there are gyroscopic forces that act upon it and the magnitude of these depends on the speed of yawing (e.g. 10 degrees per second). What happens to the rotor rotational speed during yawing? Does it slow down? Is the aim to slow down the rotor rotational speed to minimise the gyroscopic forces?

With good bearings it shouldn't slow down. The speed of the wind turbine is usually phase-locked to the grid anyway, so the rotational speed will not vary for a typical wind turbine.
 
  • #3
berkeman said:
With good bearings it shouldn't slow down. The speed of the wind turbine is usually phase-locked to the grid anyway, so the rotational speed will not vary for a typical wind turbine.
But I thought gyroscopic forces depend on the rotational speed of the rotor and the angular velocity of yaw movement of the turbine. So in order to minimise the gyroscopic forces you apply brakes or design a system that slows down the rotor rotational speed during rapidly change in wind direction when wind turbine is yawing.
 

What is the effect of wind turbine yaw on rotor rotational speed?

The effect of wind turbine yaw on rotor rotational speed is that it causes the rotor to rotate at a slower speed. This is because yawing, or changing the direction of the turbine to face the wind, disrupts the smooth flow of air over the rotor blades, causing a decrease in the wind energy captured and transmitted to the rotor.

How does wind turbine yaw affect power production?

Wind turbine yaw can have a significant impact on power production. As mentioned before, yawing causes a decrease in the rotational speed, which in turn decreases the amount of wind energy captured and converted into electricity. This results in a decrease in power production, which can affect the overall efficiency and profitability of a wind turbine.

What factors can influence the effect of wind turbine yaw on rotor rotational speed?

Several factors can influence the effect of wind turbine yaw on rotor rotational speed. These include wind speed, wind direction, turbine design, and the angle of the blades. Additionally, environmental factors such as turbulence and wind shear can also affect the performance of a wind turbine.

Can wind turbine yaw be controlled?

Yes, wind turbine yaw can be controlled through the use of a yaw control system. This system uses sensors to detect wind direction and automatically adjusts the turbine's direction to face the wind. This helps to optimize the energy capture and maintain a consistent rotational speed, resulting in more efficient power production.

What are the potential benefits of optimizing wind turbine yaw?

Optimizing wind turbine yaw can result in several benefits. These include increased power production, improved turbine efficiency, and reduced wear and tear on the turbine components. It can also help to reduce noise and vibration, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly operation of wind turbines.

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