Dynamic overset CFD simulations of wind turbine aerodynamics

Yuwei Li, Kwang-Jun Paik, Tao Xing and Pablo M. Carrica

Renewable Energy, 2012, vol. 37, issue 1, 285-298

Abstract: Simulations of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) phase VI wind turbine using dynamic overset grid technology are presented. The simulations are performed in an inertial frame of reference with the rotor consisting of the blades and hub. The geometries of the tower and nacelle are approximate but included in the computation. Computations of the effect of wind speed (5, 10, 15 and 25 m/s) at a fixed blade pitch angle of 3° with constant rotational speed using unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) turbulence models, both showing little difference in the averaged forces and moments. However, significant improvements in the transient response are seen when using DES. The effect of angle of attack is evaluated by dynamically changing the pitch from −15° to 40° at constant wind speed of 15 m/s. Extensive comparison against experimental results, including total power and thrust, sectional performance of normal force coefficient and local pressure coefficient, shows consistently good predictions. The methodology shows a promise for more complex computations including active turbine control by varying the pitch angle and fluid-structure interaction.

Keywords: Wind turbine aerodynamics; Overset grids; Rotor flow; Computational fluid dynamics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (45)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:37:y:2012:i:1:p:285-298

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2011.06.029

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