Calculating Wind Turbine Torque - Get the Right Result!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of torque for wind turbines, specifically addressing discrepancies in calculated values compared to those presented in a referenced book. Participants are examining the moment of inertia values and the implications of different symbols used in the equations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes a mismatch in torque calculations compared to a book, questioning the moment of inertia value.
  • Another participant expresses similar confusion regarding the torque value and suggests a potential error in the author's use of powers of ten.
  • A participant introduces the concept of polar moment of inertia, indicating a need for further study on the topic.
  • Calculations provided by one participant yield a net torque of 785.4 Nm, derived from converting RPM to rad/s and applying the torque formula.
  • Concerns are raised about the dimensional consistency in the author's equations, particularly regarding the use of symbols for moment of inertia.
  • Discussion includes a calculation of moment of inertia from other sources, suggesting a value of 113,000 kgm², which contrasts with the author's figure of 7500 kg/m².
  • Another participant humorously points out the implications of the mass distribution for the blades based on the moment of inertia values discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct torque value or the moment of inertia. Multiple competing views and calculations are presented, indicating ongoing uncertainty and debate.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential issues with the author's notation and dimensional analysis, suggesting that these may contribute to the discrepancies in calculations. The discussion remains focused on the interpretation of the provided data and formulas.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in wind turbine mechanics, torque calculations, and the application of moment of inertia in engineering contexts may find this discussion relevant.

neonwarrior
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Hello everyone,

I am reading a book about wind power turbines and found a calculation. I tried it myself and the numbers doesn't match.

Here is an image of the data and result.
Capture.PNG


I don't get to the same torque.

And also what do you think about the moment of inertia value?

Before the data the author gave the formula:

1665195381364.png


Thanks in advance
 
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Hi,

neonwarrior said:
I don't get to the same torque.
I don't get the same torque either. Do we agree on some value ?
[edit] It might just be a simple power of 10 the author 'forgot')

And also what do you think about the moment of inertia value?
Again, what do you get for a reasonable size windmill ?

[edit] The author makes a mess of symbols and dimensions. Uses ##J## for moment of inertia (the 7500 kg/m2) AND for polar moment (m4) .
I find no way to balance dimensions in ##(5-4)##

##\ ##
 
Last edited:
Hi BvU,
Thank you for your reply.

I wasn't aware that there was another moment of inertia (the polar). It's time to read myselft a physics textbook first LOL.

What I get is :

In the first one: converting first the rpm to rad/s

Net torque = J . (DELTA w)/ 5 seconds = 785.4 Nm

And the other question:
I calculated from some papers of windmills a moment of inertia of 113,000 kgm2

from a paper.PNG


And from this paper there are some values: https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/70596755.pdf
values.PNG


Yes, as you said, I think also there is a 10 factor missing or something.

Neonwarrior
 
neonwarrior said:
Net torque = J . (DELTA w)/ 5 seconds = 785.4 Nm
Same here -- from the given data.

##I## is the symbol of choice for moment of inertia. With three blades times ##{1\over 3} ML^2##, 50 m long wings you would have left over 1 kg of mass for each wing :oldlaugh: if the total ##I## is 7500 kg m2

These guys mention 12.5 tonne per blade... so more like a factor of 10000 ...

##\ ##
 
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