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2 pages, 168 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue “Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines”

by Giovanni Ferrara and Alessandro Bianchini

Energies 2021, 14(6), 1616; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14061616 - 15 Mar 2021

Viewed by 1043

Abstract

To fulfill global needs for a more sustainable energy, a further development of wind energy is fostered [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

Research

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23 pages, 7300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Use of Modern Engineering Codes for Designing a Small Wind Turbine: An Annotated Case Study

by Francesco Papi, Alberto Nocentini, Giovanni Ferrara and Alessandro Bianchini

Energies 2021, 14(4), 1013; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14041013 - 15 Feb 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3120

Abstract

While most wind energy comes from large utility-scale machines, small wind turbines (SWTs) can still play a role in off-grid installations or in the context of distributed production and smart energy systems. Over the years, these small machines have not received the same [...] Read more.

While most wind energy comes from large utility-scale machines, small wind turbines (SWTs) can still play a role in off-grid installations or in the context of distributed production and smart energy systems. Over the years, these small machines have not received the same level of aerodynamic refinement of their larger counterparts, resulting in a notably lower efficiency and, therefore, a higher cost per installed kilowatt. In an effort to reduce this gap during the design of a new SWT, the scope of the study was twofold. First, it aimed to show how to combine and best exploit the modern engineering methods and codes available in order to provide the scientific and industrial community with an annotated procedure for a full preliminary design process. Secondly, special focus was put on the regulation methods, which are often some of the critical points of a real design. A dedicated sensitivity analysis for a proper setting is provided, both for the pitch-to-feather and the stall regulation methods. In particular, it is shown that stall regulation (which is usually preferred in SWTs) may be a cost-effective and simple solution, but it can require significant aerodynamic compromises and results in a lower annual energy output in respect to a turbine making use of modern stall-regulation strategies. Results of the selected case study showed how an increase in annual energy production (AEP) of over 12% can be achieved by a proper aerodynamic optimization coupled with pitch-to-feather regulation with respect to a conventional approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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26 pages, 10155 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation and Validation of an Advanced Wind Energy Controller in Aero-Servo-Elastic Simulations Using the Lifting Line Free Vortex Wake Model

by Sebastian Perez-Becker, David Marten, Christian Navid Nayeri and Christian Oliver Paschereit

Energies 2021, 14(3), 783; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14030783 - 02 Feb 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2794

Abstract

Accurate and reproducible aeroelastic load calculations are indispensable for designing modern multi-MW wind turbines. They are also essential for assessing the load reduction capabilities of advanced wind turbine control strategies. In this paper, we contribute to this topic by introducing the TUB Controller, [...] Read more.

Accurate and reproducible aeroelastic load calculations are indispensable for designing modern multi-MW wind turbines. They are also essential for assessing the load reduction capabilities of advanced wind turbine control strategies. In this paper, we contribute to this topic by introducing the TUB Controller, an advanced open-source wind turbine controller capable of performing full load calculations. It is compatible with the aeroelastic software QBlade, which features a lifting line free vortex wake aerodynamic model. The paper describes in detail the controller and includes a validation study against an established open-source controller from the literature. Both controllers show comparable performance with our chosen metrics. Furthermore, we analyze the advanced load reduction capabilities of the individual pitch control strategy included in the TUB Controller. Turbulent wind simulations with the DTU 10 MW Reference Wind Turbine featuring the individual pitch control strategy show a decrease in the out-of-plane and torsional blade root bending moment fatigue loads of 14% and 9.4% respectively compared to a baseline controller. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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23 pages, 11478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Validation of CFD 2D Models for the Simulation of Micro H-Darrieus Turbines Subjected to High Boundary Layer Instabilities

by Rosario Lanzafame, Stefano Mauro, Michele Messina and Sebastian Brusca

Energies 2020, 13(21), 5564; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13215564 - 23 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2285

Abstract

The simulation of very small vertical axis wind turbines is often a complex task due to the very low Reynolds number effects and the strong unsteadiness related to the rotor operation. Moreover, the high boundary layer instabilities, which affect these turbines, strongly limits [...] Read more.

The simulation of very small vertical axis wind turbines is often a complex task due to the very low Reynolds number effects and the strong unsteadiness related to the rotor operation. Moreover, the high boundary layer instabilities, which affect these turbines, strongly limits their efficiency compared to micro horizontal axis wind turbines. However, as the scientific interest toward micro wind turbine power generation is growing for powering small stand-alone devices, Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs)might be very suitable for this kind of application as well. Furthermore, micro wind turbines are widely used for wind tunnel testing, as the wind tunnel dimensions are usually quite limited. In order to obtain a better comprehension of the fluid dynamics of such micro rotors, in the present paper the authors demonstrate how to develop an accurate CFD 2D model of a micro H-Darrieus wind turbine, inherently characterized by highly unstable operating conditions. The rotor was tested in the subsonic wind tunnel, owned by the University of Catania, in order to obtain the experimental validation of the numerical model. The modeling methodology was developed by means of an accurate grid and time step sensitivity study and by comparing different approaches for the turbulence closure. The hybrid LES/RANS Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation, coupled to a transition model, demonstrated superior accuracy compared to the most advanced unsteady RANS models. Therefore, the CFD 2D model developed in this work allowed for a thorough insight into the unstable fluid dynamic operating conditions of micro VAWTs, leading the way for the performance improvement of such rotors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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18 pages, 10524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and 3D CFD Static Performance Study of a Two-Blade IceWind Turbine

by Hamdy Mansour and Rola Afify

Energies 2020, 13(20), 5356; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13205356 - 14 Oct 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5587

Abstract

The IceWind turbine, a new type of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine, was proposed by an Iceland based startup. It is a product that has been featured in few published scientific research studies. This paper investigates the IceWind turbine’s performance numerically. Three-dimensional numerical simulations [...] Read more.

The IceWind turbine, a new type of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine, was proposed by an Iceland based startup. It is a product that has been featured in few published scientific research studies. This paper investigates the IceWind turbine’s performance numerically. Three-dimensional numerical simulations are conducted for the full scale model using the SST K-ω model at a wind speed of 15.8 m/s. The following results are documented: static torque, velocity distributions and streamlines, and pressure distribution. Comparisons with previous data are established. Additionally, comparisons with the Savonius wind turbine in the same swept area are conducted to determine how efficient the new type of turbine is. The IceWind turbine shows a similar level of performance with slightly higher static torque values. Vortices behind the IceWind turbine are confirmed to be three-dimensional and are larger than those of Savonius turbine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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12 pages, 4278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aerodynamic Investigation of a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine with Split Winglet Using Computational Fluid Dynamics

by Miguel Sumait Sy, Binoe Eugenio Abuan and Louis Angelo Macapili Danao

Energies 2020, 13(18), 4983; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13184983 - 22 Sep 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3424

Abstract

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources, and the most developed energy extraction device that harnesses this energy is the Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT). Increasing the efficiency of HAWTs is one important topic in current research with multiple [...] Read more.

Wind energy is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources, and the most developed energy extraction device that harnesses this energy is the Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT). Increasing the efficiency of HAWTs is one important topic in current research with multiple aspects to look at such as blade design and rotor array optimization. This study looked at the effect of wingtip devices, a split winglet, in particular, to reduce the drag induced by the wind vortices at the blade tip, hence increasing performance. Split winglet implementation was done using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) on the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) Phase VI sequence H. In total, there are four (4) blade configurations that are simulated, the base NREL Phase VI sequence H blade, an extended version of the previous blade to equalize length of the blades, the base blade with a winglet and the base blade with split winglet. Results at wind speeds of 7 m/s to 15 m/s show that adding a winglet increased the power generation, on an average, by 1.23%, whereas adding a split winglet increased it by 2.53% in comparison to the extended blade. The study also shows that the increase is achieved by reducing the drag at the blade tip and because of the fact that the winglet and split winglet generating lift themselves. This, however, comes at a cost, i.e., an increase in thrust of 0.83% and 2.05% for the blades with winglet and split winglet, respectively, in comparison to the extended blade. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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18 pages, 5459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uncertainty Quantification of the Effects of Blade Damage on the Actual Energy Production of Modern Wind Turbines

by Francesco Papi, Lorenzo Cappugi, Simone Salvadori, Mauro Carnevale and Alessandro Bianchini

Energies 2020, 13(15), 3785; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13153785 - 23 Jul 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2877

Abstract

Wind turbine blade deterioration issues have come to the attention of researchers and manufacturers due to the relevant impact they can have on the actual annual energy production (AEP). Research has shown how after prolonged exposure to hail, rain, insects or other abrasive [...] Read more.

Wind turbine blade deterioration issues have come to the attention of researchers and manufacturers due to the relevant impact they can have on the actual annual energy production (AEP). Research has shown how after prolonged exposure to hail, rain, insects or other abrasive particles, the outer surface of wind turbine blades deteriorates. This leads to increased surface roughness and material loss. The trailing edge (TE) of the blade is also often damaged during assembly and transportation according to industry veterans. This study aims at investigating the loss of AEP and efficiency of modern multi-MW wind turbines due to such issues using uncertainty quantification. Such an approach is justified by the stochastic and widely different environmental conditions in which wind turbines are installed. These cause uncertainties regarding the blade’s conditions. To this end, the test case selected for the study is the DTU 10 MW reference wind turbine (RWT), a modern reference turbine with a rated power of 10 MW. Blade damage is modelled through shape modification of the turbine’s airfoils. This is done with a purposely developed numerical tool. Lift and drag coefficients for the damaged airfoils are calculated using computational fluid dynamics. The resulting lift and drag coefficients are used in an aero-servo-elastic model of the wind turbine using NREL’s code OpenFAST. An arbitrary polynomial chaos expansion method is used to estimate the probability distributions of AEP and power output of the model when blade damage is present. Average AEP losses of around 1% are predicted mainly due to leading-edge blade damage. Results show that the proposed method is able to account for the uncertainties and to give more meaningful information with respect to the simulation of a single test case. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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20 pages, 5165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Investigations of the Savonius Turbine with Deformable Blades

by Krzysztof Sobczak, Damian Obidowski, Piotr Reorowicz and Emil Marchewka

Energies 2020, 13(14), 3717; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13143717 - 19 Jul 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3554

Abstract

Savonius wind turbines are characterized by various advantages such as simple design, independence of wind direction, and low noise emission, but they suffer from low efficiency. Numerous investigations were carried out to face this problem. In the present paper, a new idea of [...] Read more.

Savonius wind turbines are characterized by various advantages such as simple design, independence of wind direction, and low noise emission, but they suffer from low efficiency. Numerous investigations were carried out to face this problem. In the present paper, a new idea of the Savonius turbine with a variable geometry of blades is proposed. Its blades, made of elastic material, were continuously deformed during the rotor revolution to increase a positive torque of the advancing blade and to decrease a negative torque of the returning blade. In order to assess the turbine aerodynamic performance, a two-dimensional numerical model was developed. The fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method was applied where blade deformations were defined by computational solid mechanics (CSM) simulations, whereas computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations allowed for transient flow prediction. The influence of the deformation magnitude and the position of maximally deformed blades with respect to the incoming wind direction were studied. The aerodynamic performance increased with an increase in the deformation magnitude. The power coefficient exceeded Cp = 0.30 for the eccentricity magnitude of 10% and reached 0.39 for the highest magnitude under study. It corresponded to 90% improvement in comparison to Cp = 0.21 in the case of the fixed-shape Savonius turbine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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18 pages, 9698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Actuator Disk Model Relative to Actuator Surface Model for Predicting Utility-Scale Wind Turbine Wakes

by Zhaobin Li and Xiaolei Yang

Energies 2020, 13(14), 3574; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13143574 - 10 Jul 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2921

Abstract

The Actuator Disk (AD) model is widely used in Large-Eddy Simulations (LES) to simulate wind turbine wakes because of its computing efficiency. The capability of the AD model in predicting time-average quantities of wind tunnel-scale turbines has been assessed extensively in the literature. [...] Read more.

The Actuator Disk (AD) model is widely used in Large-Eddy Simulations (LES) to simulate wind turbine wakes because of its computing efficiency. The capability of the AD model in predicting time-average quantities of wind tunnel-scale turbines has been assessed extensively in the literature. However, its capability in predicting wakes of utility-scale wind turbines especially for the coherent flow structures is not clear yet. In this work, we take the time-averaged statistics and Dynamic Mode Decomposition (DMD) modes computed from a well-validated Actuator Surface (AS) model as references to evaluate the capability of the AD model in predicting the wake of a 2.5 MW utility-scale wind turbine for uniform inflow and fully developed turbulent inflow conditions. For the uniform inflow cases, the predictions from the AD model are significantly different from those from the AS model for the time-averaged velocity, and the turbulence kinetic energy until nine rotor diameters (D) downstream of the turbine. For the turbulent inflow cases, on the other hand, the differences in the time-averaged quantities predicted by the AS and AD models are not significant especially at far wake locations. As for DMD modes, significant differences are observed in terms of dominant frequencies and DMD patterns for both inflows. Moreover, the effects of incoming large eddies, bluff body shear layer instability, and hub vortexes on the coherent flow structures are discussed in this paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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17 pages, 9906 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wake Statistics of Different-Scale Wind Turbines under Turbulent Boundary Layer Inflow

by Xiaolei Yang, Daniel Foti, Christopher Kelley, David Maniaci and Fotis Sotiropoulos

Energies 2020, 13(11), 3004; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13113004 - 11 Jun 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2675

Abstract

Subscale wind turbines can be installed in the field for the development of wind technologies, for which the blade aerodynamics can be designed in a way similar to that of a full-scale wind turbine. However, it is not clear whether the wake of [...] Read more.

Subscale wind turbines can be installed in the field for the development of wind technologies, for which the blade aerodynamics can be designed in a way similar to that of a full-scale wind turbine. However, it is not clear whether the wake of a subscale turbine, which is located closer to the ground and faces different incoming turbulence, is also similar to that of a full-scale wind turbine. In this work we investigate the wakes from a full-scale wind turbine of rotor diameter 80 m and a subscale wind turbine of rotor diameter of 27 m using large-eddy simulation with the turbine blades and nacelle modeled using actuator surface models. The blade aerodynamics of the two turbines are the same. In the simulations, the two turbines also face the same turbulent boundary inflows. The computed results show differences between the two turbines for both velocity deficits and turbine-added turbulence kinetic energy. Such differences are further analyzed by examining the mean kinetic energy equation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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15 pages, 4984 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Understanding the Aerodynamic Behavior and Energy Conversion Capability of Small Darrieus Vertical Axis Wind Turbines in Turbulent Flows

by Francesco Balduzzi, Marco Zini, Andreu Carbó Molina, Gianni Bartoli, Tim De Troyer, Mark C. Runacres, Giovanni Ferrara and Alessandro Bianchini

Energies 2020, 13(11), 2936; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13112936 - 08 Jun 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2534

Abstract

Small Darrieus vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have recently been proposed as a possible solution for adoption in the built environment as their performance degrades less in complex and highly-turbulent flows. Some recent analyses have even shown an increase of the power coefficient for [...] Read more.

Small Darrieus vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) have recently been proposed as a possible solution for adoption in the built environment as their performance degrades less in complex and highly-turbulent flows. Some recent analyses have even shown an increase of the power coefficient for the large turbulence intensities and length scales typical of such environments. Starting from these insights, this study presents a combined numerical and experimental analysis aimed at assessing the physical phenomena that take place during the operation of a Darrieus VAWT in turbulent flows. Wind tunnel experiments provided a quantification of the performance variation of a two-blade VAWT rotor for different levels of turbulence intensity and length scale. Furthermore, detailed experiments on an individual airfoil provided an estimation of the aerodynamics at high turbulence levels and low Reynolds numbers. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to extend the experimental results and to quantify the variation in the energy content of turbulent wind. Finally, the numerical and experimental inputs were synthetized into an engineering simulation tool, which can nicely predict the performance of a VAWT rotor under turbulent conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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25 pages, 9287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Analysis on the Effectiveness of Gurney Flaps as Power Augmentation Devices for Airfoils Subject to a Continuous Variation of the Angle of Attack by Use of Full and Surrogate Models

by Piotr Wiśniewski, Francesco Balduzzi, Zbigniew Buliński and Alessandro Bianchini

Energies 2020, 13(8), 1877; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13081877 - 12 Apr 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3338

Abstract

The disclosing of new diffusion frontiers for wind energy, like deep-water offshore applications or installations in urban environments, is putting new focus on Darrieus vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs). To partially fill the efficiency gap of these turbines, aerodynamic developments are still needed. This [...] Read more.

The disclosing of new diffusion frontiers for wind energy, like deep-water offshore applications or installations in urban environments, is putting new focus on Darrieus vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs). To partially fill the efficiency gap of these turbines, aerodynamic developments are still needed. This work in particular focuses on the development of a mathematical model that allows predicting the possible performance improvements enabled in a VAWT by application of the Gurney flaps (GFs) as a function of the blade thickness, the rotor solidity and geometry of the Gurney flap itself. The performance of airfoil with GFs was evaluated by means of detailed simulations making use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The accuracy of the CFD model was assessed against the results of a dedicated experimental study. In the simulations, a dedicated method to simulate cycles of variation of the angle of attack similar to those taking place in a cycloidal motion (rather than purely sinusoidal ones) was also developed. Based on the results from CFD, a multidimensional interpolation based on the radial basis functions was conducted in order to find the GF design solution that provides the highest efficiency for a given turbine in terms of airfoil and solidity. The results showed that, for the selected study cases based on symmetric airfoils, the GF positioned facing outwards from the turbine, which provides the upwind part of the revolution, can lead to power increments ranging from approximately 30% for the lower-solidity turbine up to 90% for the higher-solidity turbine. It was also shown that the introduction of a GF should be coupled with a re-optimization of the airfoil thickness to maximize the performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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15 pages, 4231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fluid–Structure Interaction Numerical Analysis of a Small, Urban Wind Turbine Blade

by Michal Lipian, Pawel Czapski and Damian Obidowski

Energies 2020, 13(7), 1832; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13071832 - 10 Apr 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3402

Abstract

While the vast majority of the wind energy market is dominated by megawatt-size wind turbines, the increasing importance of distributed electricity generation gives way to small, personal-size installations. Due to their situation at relatively low heights and above-ground levels, they are forced to [...] Read more.

While the vast majority of the wind energy market is dominated by megawatt-size wind turbines, the increasing importance of distributed electricity generation gives way to small, personal-size installations. Due to their situation at relatively low heights and above-ground levels, they are forced to operate in a low energy-density environment, hence the important role of rotor optimization and flow studies. In addition, the small wind turbine operation close to human habitats emphasizes the need to ensure the maximum reliability of the system. The present article summarizes a case study of a small wind turbine (rated power 350 W @ 8.4 m/s) from the point of view of aerodynamic performance (efficiency, flow around blades). The structural strength analysis of the blades milled for the prototype was performed in the form of a one-way Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI). Blade deformations and stresses were examined, showing that only minor deformations may be expected, with no significant influence on rotor aerodynamics. The study of an unorthodox material (PA66 MO polyamide) and application of FSI to examine both structural strength and blade deformation under different operating conditions are an approach rarely employed in small wind turbine design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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19 pages, 7047 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Experimental Study on the Actuator Line Method with Anisotropic Regularization Kernel

by Zhe Ma, Liping Lei, Earl Dowell and Pan Zeng

Energies 2020, 13(4), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13040977 - 21 Feb 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1835

Abstract

Nowadays, actuator line method (ALM) has become the most potential method in wind turbine simulations, especially in wind farm simulations and fluid-structure interaction simulations. The regularization kernel, which was originally introduced to ALM to avoid numerical singularity, has been found to have great [...] Read more.

Nowadays, actuator line method (ALM) has become the most potential method in wind turbine simulations, especially in wind farm simulations and fluid-structure interaction simulations. The regularization kernel, which was originally introduced to ALM to avoid numerical singularity, has been found to have great influence on rotor torque predictions and wake simulations. This study focuses on the effect of each parameter used in the standard kernel and the anisotropic kernel. To validate the simulation, the torque and the wake characteristics of a model wind turbine were measured. The result shows that the Gaussian width ϵ (for standard kernel) and the parameter in chord length direction ϵ_c (for anisotropic kernel) mainly affect the normal velocity of each blade element when using ALM but have little effect on the tangential velocity calculation. Therefore, these parameters have great influence on the attack angle and rotor torque prediction. The thickness parameter

ϵ_{t}

is the main difference between the standard kernel and the anisotropic kernel and it has a strong effect on the wind turbine wakes simulation. When using the anisotropic kernel, the wake structure is clearer and less likely to disperse, which is more consistent with the experimental results. Based on the studies above, a non-uniform mesh is recommended when using the anisotropic regularization kernel. Using a mesh refined in the main flow direction, ALM with anisotropic kernel can predict torque and wake characteristics better while maintaining low computational costs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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20 pages, 5139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fluid–Structure Interaction Simulations of a Wind Gust Impacting on the Blades of a Large Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine

by Gilberto Santo, Mathijs Peeters, Wim Van Paepegem and Joris Degroote

Energies 2020, 13(3), 509; https://doi.org/10.3390/en13030509 - 21 Jan 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2983

Abstract

The effect of a wind gust impacting on the blades of a large horizontal-axis wind turbine is analyzed by means of high-fidelity fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations. The employed FSI model consisted of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model reproducing the velocity stratification of [...] Read more.

The effect of a wind gust impacting on the blades of a large horizontal-axis wind turbine is analyzed by means of high-fidelity fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations. The employed FSI model consisted of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model reproducing the velocity stratification of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and a computational structural mechanics (CSM) model loyally reproducing the composite materials of each blade. Two different gust shapes were simulated, and for each of them, two different amplitudes were analyzed. The gusts were chosen to impact the blade when it pointed upwards and was attacked by the highest wind velocity due to the presence of the ABL. The loads and the performance of the impacted blade were studied in detail, analyzing the effect of the different gust shapes and intensities. Also, the deflections of the blade were evaluated and followed during the blade’s rotation. The flow patterns over the blade were monitored in order to assess the occurrence and impact of flow separation over the monitored quantities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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18 pages, 1815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Acoustic Source Model for Applications in Low Mach Number Turbulent Flows, Such as a Large-Scale Wind Turbine Blade

by Hui Tang, Yulong Lei and Xingzhong Li

Energies 2019, 12(23), 4596; https://doi.org/10.3390/en12234596 - 03 Dec 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2871

Abstract

Aerodynamic noise from wind turbine blades is one of the major hindrances for the widespread use of large-scale wind turbines generating green energy. In order to more accurately guide wind turbine blade manufacturers to optimize the blade geometry for aerodynamic noise reduction, an [...] Read more.

Aerodynamic noise from wind turbine blades is one of the major hindrances for the widespread use of large-scale wind turbines generating green energy. In order to more accurately guide wind turbine blade manufacturers to optimize the blade geometry for aerodynamic noise reduction, an acoustic model that not only understands the relation between the behavior of the sound source and the sound generation, but also accounts for the compressibility effect, was derived by rearranging the continuity and Navier–Stokes equations as a wave equation with a lump of source terms, including the material derivative and square of the velocity divergence. Our acoustic model was applied to low Mach number, weakly compressible turbulent flows around NACA0012 airfoil. For the computation of flow fields, a large-eddy simulation (LES) with the dynamic Smagorinsky subgrid scale (SGS) model and the cubic interpolated pseudo particle (CIP)-combined unified numerical procedure method were conducted. The reproduced turbulent flow around NACA0012 airfoil was in good agreement with the experimental data. For the estimation of acoustic fields, our acoustic model and classical sound source models, such as Lighthill and Powell, were performed using our LES database. The investigation suggested that the derived material derivative of the velocity divergence plays a dominant role as sound source. The distribution of the sources in our acoustic model was consistent with that of the classical sound source models. The sound pressure level (SPL) predicted based on the above-mentioned LES and our newly derived acoustic model was in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. The influence of the increase of Mach number on the acoustic field was investigated. Our acoustic source model was verified to be capable of treating the influence of Mach numbers on the acoustic field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Simulation of Wind Turbines)

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