Computational fluid dynamics based iterative learning control of peak loads in wind turbines

Improving the aerodynamic effectiveness and hence energy production of wind turbines is of critical importance and there is currently research into to the inclusion of smart devices in rotor blades in conjunction with collective and individual pitch control. The main objective is to reduce fatigue loads which have periodic and non-periodic components. This paper gives results on the use of iterative learning control in this application area based on first constructing a simple but realistic computational fluid dynamics model to represent flow past an airfoil. As a first investigation into the control of wind turbines using such a model, the design of control laws with a simple structure is investigated.