Beyond single rotors : enhancing performance in multi-rotor wind turbines

Abstract

This presentation details advanced modeling and real-time control for a 23-rotor, 5 MW fixed-pitch wind turbine. The work leverages modeling of aerodynamic interactions and dynamic inflow to develop strategies that maximize energy capture and manage structural loads through thrust reallocation and failure compensation. A central result is the introduction of a novel, efficient control algorithm that uses intentional yaw misalignment ("furling") to actively reduce structural bending moments, providing a simple, self-optimizing approach for next-generation multi-rotor architectures.