scholarly journals Assessment of Two-Equation Turbulence Models and Validation of the Performance Characteristics of an Experimental Wind Turbine by CFD

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ece Sagol ◽  
Marcelo Reggio ◽  
Adrian Ilinca
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Flow Simulation ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Bending Moment ◽  
Mesh Size ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Wind Speeds

The very first step in the simulation of ice accretion on a wind turbine blade is the accurate prediction of the flow field around it and the performance of the turbine rotor. The paper addresses this prediction using RANS equations with a proper turbulence model. The numerical computation is performed using a commercial CFD code, and the results are validated using experimental data for the 3D flow field around the NREL Phase VI HAWT rotor. For the flow simulation, a rotating reference frame method, which calculates the flow properties as time-averaged quantities, has been used to reduce the time spent on the analysis. A basic grid convergence study is carried out to select the adequate mesh size. The two-equation turbulence models available in ANSYS FLUENT are compared for a 7 m/s wind speed, and the one that best represents the flow features is then used to determine moments on the turbine rotor at five wind speeds (7 m/s, 10 m/s, 15 m/s, 20 m/s, and 25 m/s). The results are validated against experimental data, in terms of shaft torque, bending moment, and pressure coefficients at certain spanwise locations. Streamlines over the cross-sectional airfoils have also been provided for the stall speed to illustrate the separation locations. In general, results have shown good agreement with the experimental data for prestall speeds.

scholarly journals Optimal relationship between power and design driving loads for wind turbine rotors using 1D models

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Loenbaek ◽  
Christian Bak ◽  
Jens I. Madsen ◽  
Bjarke Dam
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Bending Moment ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Aerodynamic Load ◽  
Thrust Coefficient ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Rotor Design ◽  
Power Capture ◽  
Thrust Characteristics

Abstract. We investigate the optimal relationship between the aerodynamic power, thrust loading, and size of a wind turbine rotor when its design is constrained by a static aerodynamic load. Based on 1D-axial momentum theory, the captured power P~ for a uniformly loaded rotor can be expressed in terms of the rotor radius R and the rotor thrust coefficient CT. Common types of static Design Driving Load Constraints (DDLC), e.g. limits on permissible root-bending moment or tip deflection, may be generalized into a form that also depends on CT and R. Using these relationships to maximize P~ subject to a DDLC, shows that operating the rotor at the Betz limit (maximum CP) does not lead to the highest power capture. Rather, it is possible to improve performance with a larger rotor radius and lower CT without violating the DDLC. As an example, a rotor design driven by a tip-deflection constraints, may achieve 1.9 % extra power capture P~ compared to the baseline (Betz limit) rotor. The method is extended for optimization of rotors with respect to Annual Energy Production (AEP), where the thrust characteristics CT(V) needs to be determined together with R. This results in much higher relative potential for improvements, since the constraint limit can be met over a larger range of wind speeds. For example, a relative gain in AEP of +5.7 % is possible for a rotor design constrained by tip deflections compared with a rotor designed for optimal CP. The optimal solution for AEP leads to a thrust curve with three distinct operational regimes and so called thrust-clipping.

scholarly journals Optimal relationship between power and design-driving loads for wind turbine rotors using 1-D models

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-170
Author(s):  
Kenneth Loenbaek ◽  
Christian Bak ◽  
Jens I. Madsen ◽  
Bjarke Dam
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Bending Moment ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Aerodynamic Load ◽  
Thrust Coefficient ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Rotor Design ◽  
Power Capture

Abstract. We investigate the optimal relationship between the aerodynamic power, thrust loading and size of a wind turbine rotor when its design is constrained by a static aerodynamic load. Based on 1-D axial momentum theory, the captured power P̃ for a uniformly loaded rotor can be expressed in terms of the rotor radius R and the rotor thrust coefficient CT. Common types of static design-driving load constraints (DDLCs), e.g., limits on the permissible root-bending moment or tip deflection, may be generalized into a form that also depends on CT and R. The developed model is based on simple relations and makes explorations of overall parameters possible in the early stage of the rotor design process. Using these relationships to maximize P̃ subject to a DDLC shows that operating the rotor at the Betz limit (maximum CP) does not lead to the highest power capture. Rather, it is possible to improve performance with a larger rotor radius and lower CT without violating the DDLC. As an example, a rotor design driven by a tip-deflection constraint may achieve 1.9 % extra power capture P̃ compared to the baseline (Betz limit) rotor. This method is extended to the optimization of rotors with respect to annual energy production (AEP), in which the thrust characteristics CT(V) need to be determined together with R. This results in a much higher relative potential for improvement since the constraint limit can be met over a larger range of wind speeds. For example, a relative gain in AEP of +5.7 % is possible for a rotor design constrained by tip deflections, compared to a rotor designed for optimal CP. The optimal solution for AEP leads to a thrust curve with three distinct operational regimes and so-called thrust clipping.

Simulation of Flow Field on a Large Scale Wind Turbine

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Janajreh ◽  
C. Ghenai
Keyword(s):  
Flow Field ◽  
Wind Energy ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Cross Sections ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Wind Farms ◽  
Operating Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Capital Costs

Large scale wind turbines and wind farms continue to evolve mounting 94.1GW of the electrical grid capacity in 2007 and expected to reach 160.0GW in 2010 according to World Wind Energy Association. They commence to play a vital role in the quest for renewable and sustainable energy. They are impressive structures of human responsiveness to, and awareness of, the depleting fossil fuel resources. Early generation wind turbines (windmills) were used as kinetic energy transformers and today generate 1/5 of the Denmark’s electricity and planned to double the current German grid capacity by reaching 12.5% by year 2010. Wind energy is plentiful (72 TW is estimated to be commercially viable) and clean while their intensive capital costs and maintenance fees still bar their widespread deployment in the developing world. Additionally, there are technological challenges in the rotor operating characteristics, fatigue load, and noise in meeting reliability and safety standards. Newer inventions, e.g., downstream wind turbines and flapping rotor blades, are sought to absorb a larger portion of the cost attributable to unrestrained lower cost yaw mechanisms, reduction in the moving parts, and noise reduction thereby reducing maintenance. In this work, numerical analysis of the downstream wind turbine blade is conducted. In particular, the interaction between the tower and the rotor passage is investigated. Circular cross sectional tower and aerofoil shapes are considered in a staggered configuration and under cross-stream motion. The resulting blade static pressure and aerodynamic forces are investigated at different incident wind angles and wind speeds. Comparison of the flow field results against the conventional upstream wind turbine is also conducted. The wind flow is considered to be transient, incompressible, viscous Navier-Stokes and turbulent. The k-ε model is utilized as the turbulence closure. The passage of the rotor blade is governed by ALE and is represented numerically as a sliding mesh against the upstream fixed tower domain. Both the blade and tower cross sections are padded with a boundary layer mesh to accurately capture the viscous forces while several levels of refinement were implemented throughout the domain to assess and avoid the mesh dependence.

Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine: Analytical Blade Design and Comparison With RANS-Prediction and First Experimental Data

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom Gerhard ◽  
Michael Sturm ◽  
Thomas H. Carolus
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Horizontal Axis ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Power Coefficient ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Computational Domain ◽  
Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine ◽  
Data Set

State-of-the-art wind turbine performance prediction is mainly based on semi-analytical models, incorporating blade element momentum (BEM) analysis and empirical models. Full numerical simulation methods can yield the performance of a wind turbine without empirical assumptions. Inherent difficulties are the large computational domain required to capture all effects of the unbounded ambient flow field and the fact that the boundary layer on the blade may be transitional. A modified turbine design method in terms of the velocity triangles, Euler’s turbine equation and BEM is developed. Lift and drag coefficients are obtained from XFOIL, an open source 2D design and analysis tool for subcritical airfoils. A 3 m diameter horizontal axis wind turbine rotor was designed and manufactured. The flow field is predicted by means of a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulation. Two turbulence models were utilized: (i) a standard k-ω-SST model, (ii) a laminar/turbulent transition model. The manufactured turbine is placed on the rooftop of the University of Siegen. Three wind anemometers and wind direction sensors are arranged around the turbine. The torque is derived from electric power and the rotational speed via a calibrated grid-connected generator. The agreement between the analytically and CFD-predicted kinematic quantities up- and downstream of the rotor disc is quite satisfactory. However, the blade section drag to lift ratio and hence the power coefficient vary with the turbulence model chosen. Moreover, the experimentally determined power coefficient is considerably lower as predicted by all methods. However, this conclusion is somewhat preliminary since the existing experimental data set needs to be extended.

scholarly journals Improving Lidar-Derived Turbulence Estimates for Wind Energy

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer F. Newman ◽  
Andrew Clifton
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Wind Energy ◽  
Sonic Anemometer ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Volume Averaging ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Error Reduction ◽  
Power Prediction ◽  
Wind Speeds

Abstract. Remote sensing devices such as lidars are currently being investigated as alternatives to cup anemometers on meteorological towers. Although lidars can measure mean wind speeds at heights spanning an entire turbine rotor disk and can be easily moved from one location to another, they measure different values of turbulence than an instrument on a tower. Current methods for improving lidar turbulence estimates include the use of analytical turbulence models and expensive scanning lidars. While these methods provide accurate results in a research setting, they cannot be easily applied to smaller, commercially available lidars in locations where high-resolution sonic anemometer data are not available. Thus, there is clearly a need for a turbulence error reduction model that is simpler and more easily applicable to lidars that are used in the wind energy industry. In this work, a new turbulence error reduction algorithm for lidars is described. The algorithm, L-TERRA, can be applied using only data from a stand-alone commercially available lidar and requires minimal training with meteorological tower data. The basis of L-TERRA is a series of corrections that are applied to the lidar data to mitigate errors from instrument noise, volume averaging, and variance contamination. These corrections are applied in conjunction with a trained machine-learning model to improve turbulence estimates from a vertically profiling WINDCUBE v2 lidar. L-TERRA was tested on data from three sites – two in flat terrain and one in semicomplex terrain. L-TERRA significantly reduced errors in lidar turbulence at all three sites, even when the machine-learning portion of the model was trained on one site and applied to a different site. Errors in turbulence were then related to errors in power through the use of a power prediction model for a simulated 1.5 MW turbine. L-TERRA also reduced errors in power significantly at all three sites, although moderate power errors remained for periods when the mean wind speed was close to the rated wind speed of the turbine and periods when variance contamination had a large effect on the lidar turbulence error. Future work will include the use of a lidar simulator to better understand how different factors affect lidar turbulence error and to determine how these errors can be reduced using information from a stand-alone lidar.

scholarly journals Estimation of wind turbine blade aerodynamic performances computed using different numerical approaches

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Svorcan ◽  
Ognjen Pekovic ◽  
Toni Ivanov
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Thrust Force ◽  
Turbulence Models ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Momentum Balance ◽  
Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine ◽  
Ansys Fluent ◽  
Force Coefficients ◽  
Aerodynamic Performances ◽  
Numerical Approaches

Although much employed, wind energy systems still present an open, contemporary topic of many research studies. Special attention is given to precise aerodynamic modeling performed in the beginning since overall wind turbine performances directly depend on blade aerodynamic performances. Several models different in complexity and computational requirements are still widely used. Most common numerical approaches include: i) momentum balance models, ii) potential flow methods and iii) full computational fluid dynamics solutions. Short explanations, reviews and comparison of the existing computational concepts are presented in the paper. Simpler models are described and implemented while numerous numerical investigations of isolated horizontal-axis wind turbine rotor consisting of three blades have also been performed in ANSYS FLUENT 16.2. Flow field is modeled by Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations closed by two different turbulence models. Results including global parameters such as thrust and power coefficients as well as local distributions along the blade obtained by different models are compared to available experimental data. Presented results include fluid flow visualizations in the form of velocity contours, sectional pressure distributions and values of power and thrust force coefficients for a range of operational regimes. Although obtained numerical results vary in accuracy, all presented numerical settings seem to slightly under- or over-estimate the global wind turbine parameters (power and thrust force coefficients). Turbulence can greatly affect the wind turbine aerodynamics and should be modeled with care.

Navier-Stokes and Comprehensive Analysis Performance Predictions of the NREL Phase VI Experiment

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Earl P. N. Duque ◽  
Michael D. Burklund ◽  
Wayne Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine ◽  
Performance Predictions ◽  
Nasa Ames Research ◽  
Nrel Phase Vi ◽  
Wind Turbine Rotor

A vortex lattice code, CAMRAD II, and a Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stoke code, OVERFLOW-D2, were used to predict the aerodynamic performance of a two-bladed horizontal axis wind turbine. All computations were compared with experimental data that was collected at the NASA Ames Research Center 80-by 120-Foot Wind Tunnel. Computations were performed for both axial as well as yawed operating conditions. Various stall delay models and dynamics stall models were used by the CAMRAD II code. Comparisons between the experimental data and computed aerodynamic loads show that the OVERFLOW-D2 code can accurately predict the power and spanwise loading of a wind turbine rotor.

Experimental Investigation on the Tip Vortex of a Wind Turbine With and Without a Slotted Tip

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pengyin Liu ◽  
Jinge Chen ◽  
Shen Xin ◽  
Xiaocheng Zhu ◽  
Zhaohui Du
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Data ◽  
Flow Field ◽  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Vortex Core ◽  
Control Method ◽  
Tip Vortex ◽  
Wake Flow ◽  
Core Model ◽  
Near Wake ◽  
Measured Velocity

In this paper, a slotted tip structure is experimentally analyzed. A wind turbine with three blades, of which the radius is 301.74mm, is investigated by the PIV method. Each wind turbine blade is formed with a slots system comprising four internal tube members embedded in the blade. The inlets of the internal tube member are located at the leading edge of the blade and form an inlet array. The outlets are located at the blade tip face and form an outlet array. The near wake flow field of the wind turbine with slotted tip and without slotted tip are both measured. Velocity field of near wake region and clear images of the tip vortex are captured under different wake ages. The experimental results show that the radius of the tip vortex core is enlarged by the slotted tip at any wake age compared with that of original wind turbine. Moreover, the diffusion process of the tip vortex is accelerated by the slotted tip which lead to the disappearance of the tip vortex occurs at smaller wake age. The strength of the tip vortex is also reduced indicating that the flow field in the near wake of wind turbine is improved. The experimental data are further analyzed with the vortex core model to reveal the flow mechanism of this kind of flow control method. The turbulence coefficient of the vortex core model for wind turbine is obtained from the experimental data of the wind turbine with and without slotted tip. It shows that the slotted tip increases the turbulence strength in the tip vortex core by importing airflow into the tip vortex core during its initial generation stage, which leads to the reduction of the tip vortex strength. Therefore, it is promising that the slotted tip can be used to weaken the vorticity and accelerate the diffusion of the tip vortex which would improve the problem caused by the tip vortex.

Crown reconfiguration and trunk stress in deciduous trees

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 1275-1289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Kane ◽  
Michael Pavlis ◽  
J. Roger Harris ◽  
John R. Seiler
Keyword(s):  
Factor Of Safety ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Bending Moment ◽  
Modulus Of Rupture ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Deciduous Trees ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tree Crowns ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Crown Dimensions

In light of the risk of litigation following damage related to tree failure in urban and suburban settings, more empirical data related to tree risk assessment are needed. We measured drag and drag-induced bending moment (M) and calculated drag coefficient (CD) and trunk stress (σ) for three deciduous trees at wind speeds up to 22.4 m/s. We measured the modulus of rupture (MOR) of wood samples from trunks and calculated the factor of safety (SF = MOR / σ) for each tree. We also investigated which tree morphometric variables best predicted drag and M and whether simple two- and three-dimensional shapes accurately represented actual tree crowns. Drag, CD, M, σ, and SF differed among species in accordance with physical parameters. More massive trees experienced greater drag and M, but σ was greater for trees with smaller trunk diameters. Tree mass reliably predicted drag and M; crown dimensions, including crown area, were less reliable predictors. Crown reconfiguration varied only slightly among species, and CD values were similar to previously reported values for trees of similar size. Our study has important applications for practitioners who manage tree risk, particularly the critical wind speeds and percentage of trunk cross-sectional area that could be decayed before trunk failure.

Design and Evaluation of a Rooftop Wind Turbine Rotor With Untwisted Blades

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayem Zafar ◽  
Mohamed Gadalla
Keyword(s):  
Wind Turbine ◽  
Wind Turbines ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Turbine Blades ◽  
Angle Of Attack ◽  
Turbine Rotor ◽  
Wind Turbine Blades ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Small Wind Turbines ◽  
Wind Turbine Rotor

A small horizontal axis wind turbine rotor was designed and tested with aerodynamically efficient, economical and easy to manufacture blades. Basic blade aerodynamic analysis was conducted using commercially available software. The blade span was constrained such that the complete wind turbine can be rooftop mountable with the envisioned wind turbine height of around 8 m. The blade was designed without any taper or twist to comply with the low cost and ease of manufacturing requirements. The aerodynamic analysis suggested laminar flow airfoils to be the most efficient airfoils for such use. Using NACA 63-418 airfoil, a rectangular blade geometry was selected with chord length of 0.27[m] and span of 1.52[m]. Glass reinforced plastic was used as the blade material for low cost and favorable strength to weight ratio with a skin thickness of 1[mm]. Because of the resultant velocity changes with respect to the blade span, while the blade is rotating, an optimal installed angle of attack was to be determined. The installed angle of attack was required to produce the highest possible rotation under usual wind speeds while start at relatively low speed. Tests were conducted at multiple wind speeds with blades mounted on free rotating shaft. The turbine was tested for three different installed angles and rotational speeds were recorded. The result showed increase in rotational speed with the increase in blade angle away from the free-stream velocity direction while the start-up speeds were found to be within close range of each other. At the optimal angle was found to be 22° from the plane of rotation. The results seem very promising for a low cost small wind turbine with no twist and taper in the blade. The tests established that non-twisted wind turbine blades, when used for rooftop small wind turbines, can generate useable electrical power for domestic consumption. It also established that, for small wind turbines, non-twisted, non-tapered blades provide an economical yet productive alternative to the existing complex wind turbine blades.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document