The feasibility of using synthetic jet actuators to enhance the performance of wind turbine blades was explored in wind tunnel experiments on a small scale model blade. Using this technique, the global fl ow fi eld over the blade was altered such that fl ow separation was mitigated. Consequently, this resulted in a signifi cant decrease in the vibration of the blade. Global fl ow measurements were conducted, where the moments and forces on the blade were measured using a six component wall-mounted load cell. The effect of the actuation was also examined on the surface static pressure at two spanwise locations; near the blade's root and near its tip. In addition, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique was used to quantify the fl ow fi eld over the blade. Using synthetic jets, the fl ow over the blade was either fully or partially reattached, depending on the angle of attack, and the Reynolds number. Furthermore, the changes induced on the moments and forces, as well as on the blade vibrations were found to be proportionally controllable by either changing the momentum coeffi cient, the number of synthetic jets used, or by the driving waveform. Finally, a proof-of-concept closed-loop control system was developed to test the ability of using synthetic jet actuators to restore and maintain fl ow attachment and reduce the vibrations in the blade during dynamic pitching maneuvers. The control system demonstrated the ability of synthetic jet actuators to reduce blade vibrations during dynamic motion depending upon their control concept, which might be either pitch or active stall control. 222Active control of fl ow separation and structural vibrations V. Maldonado et al.

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