LAUSR

Abstract In this paper, a new type of blade model driven by single input for vertical axis wind turbine was developed, and it could achieve synchronous active deformation for both of blade leading edge and trailing edge. Firstly, by taking the concept of ribs and by taking NACA0012 airfoil as an example, the mechanical structure and skin with adhesion mechanism of pre-tightening force was adopted based on the continuous deflection and deformation mode of the blade leading and trailing edges with constant thickness. In this way, the adaptive blade could achieve reciprocating smooth deformation with different cambers. Secondly, the experimental platform for measurement of wind tunnel force and flow visualization was built up, where the smoke wire instrument, seven-hole probe, two-component balance were applied for measuring of quasi steady force and flow visualization under different deformation quantities. Finally, the aerodynamic performance of adaptive blade under different deformation factors was revealed. It is found that within an appropriate range of deformation factor, the blade aerodynamic performance can be improved by deforming. When exceeding the critical camber, the friction resistance becomes a dominant factor effecting blade aerodynamic performance. In all, the experimental results in this paper could provide reference for subsequent unsteady experiments.