Calibration and validation of an engineering model for vortex-induced vibration prediction in wind turbine towers

Abstract

The prediction of vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) caused by vortex shedding downstream of wind turbine towers is a complex and challenging engineering problem for wind turbine manufacturers. These vibrations typically occur when the turbine is in parked or idling mode or during the installation and commissioning phases. The paper reviews the current engineering framework for predicting VIV in wind turbine towers, with a focus on models that can be integrated into comprehensive aeroelastic design tools. It further explores the application of the Hartlen–Currie lift-oscillator model as a predictive tool for VIV in tower structures. In the paper, the free parameters of the Hartlen–Currie model are properly calibrated versus experimental results for rigid elastically mounted, untapered cylinders with the aim to capture the vibration amplitudes in the occurrence of lock-in events and the wind velocity at which maximum vibration amplitude is obtained. Once calibrated, the model is applied to simulate VIV in an elastic cantilevered cylinder. The results for both simply supported and cantilever configurations are then compared with experimental measurements and predictions from other widely used engineering models in the literature. The governing equations are expressed in a non-dimensional form to facilitate the calibration of the model's defining parameters. Comparisons with wind tunnel measurements show that the proposed model is capable of successfully predicting the maximum VIV vibration amplitudes and the frequency at which these occur.