Optimization of wind turbine performance by vibration control and deicing

Renewable energy has known spectacular development in the last decades as a solution to the climate change effect. Wind energy is one of the most popular technologies for power generation. However, the variable operation and extreme meteorological conditions challenge integrating this technology, especially in cold climate regions. These conditions favor the blade's vibration and icing, leading to a drop in efficiency, high stop time, and even failure. This paper presents a solution to optimize the wind turbine performance in harsh meteorological conditions and under undesired vibrations. The method uses the piezoelectric patches to control the blade's vibration and deice its surface. An equivalence model is presented for the vibration control mode to approximate the variable section blade with a planar beam. In addition, we present the analytical model for the vibration control and a complete optimization of the piezoelectric actuator/sensor pair position and controller parameters using the genetic algorithm. Finally, the numerical model of variable section blade with piezoelectric actuator and accreted ice is presented for the deicing mode. The results show the system's efficiency in eliminating the blade's vibration quickly and destroying the ice bond with the surface as the generated transversal stress exceeds the ice-aluminum adhesion force.