Full-scale multibody modeling of a wind turbine based on experimental data

Full-scale numerical models of wind turbines and their components are widely used to determine dynamic loads acting on different elements of the structure and to set-up control strategies. The dynamic model of the wind turbine is commonly built using multibody simulation codes. Having reliable numerical models to test the control strategies already in the design phase is of primary importance. This paper illustrates the application to a full-scale wind turbine of a methodology for model updating of multibody simulation systems. As reference values, the experimental results from an experimental modal analysis campaign performed on the parked turbine are used. The correlation between the experimental and numerical results is evaluated using the difference between natural frequencies and the Modal Assurance Criterion values for each pair of correlated modes. The process is automated using an optimization environment. The results show an increased correlation between numerical and experimental results.