Nonlinear High-Frequency Micro-Vibration Analysis and Control of a Wind Turbine Blade Based on the Differential Evolution Algorithm

Aiming at the nonlinear high-frequency micro-vibration (HFMV) phenomenon that would cause hidden faults of blade fracture failure of a wind turbine, this study calibrated a new type of HFMV aerodynamic force, elaborated on the nonlinear aeroelastic behavior of a 2D airfoil-based structural nonlinear system driven by HFMV aerodynamic forces, and proposed a control plan based on flutter suppression. Based on structural reinforcement based on a nonlinear tuned vibration absorber (NTVA), the flutter wind speed was increased, and artificial structural damping was introduced to analyze the flutter wind speed. The control planning adopted a new unified pitch control system based on the “screw rod–translational slider (nut)” transmission, which was driven by the hydraulic system to drive the ball screw and further drive the slider translation, achieving pitch motion. The control method adopted an optimal trajectory control and the optimal proportional-derivative (PD) controller adjustment technology based on the differential evolution algorithm (DEA). It achieved analysis of flap-wise bending/twist displacement responses, analysis of pitch angle changing, and display of slider driving force. The robustness of the control algorithm was validated by the control results displayed at different wind speeds near the flutter wind speed. The robustness of engineering applications for controlling performance was also validated on the controller hardware-in-the-loop simulation platform through an “object linking and embedding (OLE)” technology based on process control. Finally, the driving performance and wear consumption in engineering applications were discussed. On the basis of ensuring the control effect, the control algorithm was improved, and the fractional-order optimal PD control was adopted, so that the system could stabilize at the “0” consumption state when achieving flutter suppression.