Study on Performance Evaluation of Blade Erosion Prevention Sheet for Wind Power Generators

Abstract

A special wind tunnel test apparatus is being developed to evaluate the weather resistance of erosion sheets for wind turbines in snowy and cold regions. Mechanisms for feeding sand and snow as erosion sources were investigated; the first is a slope-type feeding device. This device was fabricated with a thermal-melt 3D printer for use with sand grains, but the slope angle was too small to allow the sand grains to stagnate. The second is a brush-type feeding device for snowflakes. Two opposing brushes are rotated in opposite directions to entrain snowflakes. It was found that snowflakes are ejected from the feeder immediately after rotation, but after operation, snowflakes adhere to the brush surface. We plan to improve both feeders and verify their durability against erosion sheets.