Novel on-field method for pitch error correction in wind turbines

Blade manufacturing tolerances cause aerodynamic rotor imbalance in wind turbines. Until now photometric technology and laser based devices have been used in wind industry for on-field pitch correction. These techniques present in some cases many difficulties to achieve a good and accurate measurement of pitch settings of the turbine blades. Here we introduce a novel method based on laser scanner measurements that was recently patented, leading to significant AEP improvements in various wind farms. First, static and dynamic FAST simulations are presented to outline the consequences of pitch angle misalignment over AEP. Later on, a detailed description of the patented methodology is exposed. The recommended pitch corrections as well as AEP improvements obtained in one of the on-field studied wind farms are introduced as a case study. This paper concludes outlining the advantages of this methodology over previously existing techniques.