Predicting wind turbine blade loads using vorticity transport and RANS methodologies

Fletcher, T.M., Brown, R.E., Kim, R.E. and Kwon, O.J. (2009) Predicting wind turbine blade loads using vorticity transport and RANS methodologies. In: European Wind Energy Conference 2009, Marseille, France, March 2009,

Abstract

Two computational methods, one based on the solution of the vorticity transport equa- tion, and a second based on the solution of the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equa- tions, have been used to simulate the aerodynamic performance of a horizontal axis wind turbine. Comparisons have been made against data obtained during Phase VI of the NREL Unsteady Aerodynamics Experimental and against existing numerical data for a range of wind conditions. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes method demonstrates the potential to predict accurately the flow around the blades and the distribution of aero- dynamic loads developed on them. The Vorticity Transport Model possesses a consid- erable advantage in those situtations where the accurate, but computationally efficient, modelling of the structure of the wake and the associated induced velocity is critical, but where the prediction of blade loads can be achieved with sufficient accuracy using a lifting-line model augmented by incorporating a semi-empirical stall delay model. The largest benefits can be extracted when the two methods are used to complement each other in order to understand better the physical mechanisms governing the aerodynamic performance of wind turbines.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Fletcher, Dr Timothy and Brown, Dr Richard
• Authors: Fletcher, T.M., Brown, R.E., Kim, R.E., and Kwon, O.J.
• Subjects: T Technology > T Technology (General); T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Autonomous Systems and Connectivity
• Research Group: Rotorcraft Group
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2009 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Proceedings of European Wind Energy Conference 2009
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with permission of the authors