Hamish Macdonald, PhD student

hamish.m.macdonald@strath.ac.uk

Project title: Wind Turbine Leading Edge Erosion and Damage

The typical wind turbine is subjected to numerous environmental conditions over the course of a 20+ year lifespan. Factors such as salinity, UV, heat, moisture and airborne particulates, can all contribute to the damage of wind turbine blades. With the increasing number of wind farms being proposed in hostile offshore environments, there is an increased risk of blade damage due to these factors. Such influences can result in the loss of the aerodynamic profile, which can reduce the annual energy production of the turbine. Damage is particularly evident in the erosion of the wind turbine leading edge, due to rain and hailstone impact. These hazards to the material integrity of the blade are of on-going concern to the industry; however there is a considerable lack of literature within this area of research. Through both numerical modelling and experimental work, this PhD will address the precise damage mechanisms associated with precipitation and the other factors. The suitability of current protection measures will also be assessed and future design options evaluated.

Return