Operational modal analysis of a 2.5MW wind turbine using optical measurement techniques and strain gauges

This work presents the results of in-field tests performed on a 2.5MW, 80m diameter wind turbine. During the two test campaigns, dynamic response of the structure was monitored by using three different measurement systems, namely conventional strain gauges, photogrammetry and laser interferometry, whereas the turbine was both at parked condition and rotating. The recorded data were analysed by using an operational modal analysis algorithm based on the least square complex exponential method and several turbine parameters (eigenfrequencies and damping ratios) were extracted. The obtained system parameters were then qualitatively compared with the results presented in a study from literature, which includes both aeroelastic simulations and in-field measurements performed on a similar size and capacity wind turbine. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.