Development and validation of a CFD Technique for the aerodynamic analysis of HAWT

Gómez-Iradi, S., Steijl, R. and Barakos, G. N. (2009) Development and validation of a CFD Technique for the aerodynamic analysis of HAWT. Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, 131(3), 031009. (doi: 10.1115/1.3139144)

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Abstract

This paper demonstrates the potential of a compressible Navier–Stokes CFD method for the analysis of horizontal axis wind turbines. The method was first validated against experimental data of the NREL/NASA-Ames Phase VI (Hand, , 2001, “Unsteady Aerodynamics Experiment Phase, VI: Wind Tunnel Test Configurations and Available Data Campaigns,” NREL, Technical Report No. TP-500-29955) wind-tunnel campaign at 7 m/s, 10 m/s, and 20 m/s freestreams for a nonyawed isolated rotor. Comparisons are shown for the surface pressure distributions at several stations along the blades as well as for the integrated thrust and torque values. In addition, a comparison between measurements and CFD results is shown for the local flow angle at several stations ahead of the wind turbine blades. For attached and moderately stalled flow conditions the thrust and torque predictions are fair, though improvements in the stalled flow regime are necessary to avoid overprediction of torque. Subsequently, the wind-tunnel wall effects on the blade aerodynamics, as well as the blade/tower interaction, were investigated. The selected case corresponded to 7 m/s up-wind wind turbine at 0 deg of yaw angle and a rotational speed of 72 rpm. The obtained results suggest that the present method can cope well with the flows encountered around wind turbines providing useful results for their aerodynamic performance and revealing flow details near and off the blades and tower.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Barakos, Professor George and Steijl, Dr Rene
Authors: Gómez-Iradi, S., Steijl, R., and Barakos, G. N.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
Journal Name:Journal of Solar Energy Engineering
Publisher:American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ISSN:0199-6231
ISSN (Online):1528-8986

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