Fatigue life assessment of a vertical axis wind turbine

Starting from the experience gained in an experimental campaign over a vertical axis wind turbine, and availing of a numerical model of the structural details, this paper investigates possible critical conditions of wind induced fatigue, considering the operational conditions and the actual wind speed. The wind turbine is located in the experimental facility of the Savona Harbor. Wind field is described using an advanced measuring network. Power production is recorded by the control system of the turbine. Structural response is acquired by servo-accelerometers and strain gages positioned on the supporting pole. After having identified the dynamic parameters of the system, the detailed numerical model of a limited portion of the structure allows to determine the suitable SN curve to be used in the fatigue life assessment.