Virtual Scientific Laboratory ‘wind Tunnel’ for Investigating the Fatigue Durability of Wind Turbine Blade Roots

Due to the rapid depletion of non-renewable energy resources and the exacerbation of environmental crises caused by global warming, humanity is actively seeking alternatives in the form of renewable energy sources. These sources are not only becoming an integral part of the modern energy sector but also serve as a foundation for building a sustainable future. Among these sources, wind energy stands out, being one of the most promising options for both developed economies and private investors interested in long-term "green" projects. Modern wind turbines are rapidly increasing in size, which allows for enhanced efficiency. However, this also creates new challenges. The blades, which are the primary components for converting wind energy into electrical energy, are subjected to constant cyclical, i.e., time-varying, mechanical loads and are exposed to aggressive external environments. The reliability and efficiency of wind turbine operation significantly depend on the continuous monitoring and analysis of their condition, as well as on the forecasting of fatigue longevity of the components that are most critical and subject to the highest loads. The article investigates the processes for preparing input data for the software products TurbSim and OpenFAST, which are utilized in the model for predicting the fatigue longevity of wind turbine blade roots, employing the rainflow counting method and the Palmgren-Miner linear damage accumulation hypothesis. A method and software model for automating the generation of configuration files have been proposed to ensure the accuracy and correctness of modeling while minimizing the impact of human factors on the preparation of input data. The logic of its operation is illustrated using a UML sequence diagram. The results have high practical value, as the proposed method allows for a reduction in time costs and an increase  in  modeling accuracy.