Turbulence-Model Comparison for Aerodynamic-Performance Prediction of a Typical Vertical-Axis Wind-Turbine Airfoil

Andrés Meana-Fernández, Jesús Manuel Fernández Oro, Katia María Argüelles Díaz and Sandra Velarde-Suárez
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Andrés Meana-Fernández: Fluid Mechanics Area, Department of Energy, University of Oviedo, C/Wifredo Ricart s/n, 33204 Gijón, Spain
Jesús Manuel Fernández Oro: Fluid Mechanics Area, Department of Energy, University of Oviedo, C/Wifredo Ricart s/n, 33204 Gijón, Spain
Katia María Argüelles Díaz: Fluid Mechanics Area, Department of Energy, University of Oviedo, C/Wifredo Ricart s/n, 33204 Gijón, Spain
Sandra Velarde-Suárez: Fluid Mechanics Area, Department of Energy, University of Oviedo, C/Wifredo Ricart s/n, 33204 Gijón, Spain

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 3, 1-16

Abstract: In this work, different turbulence models were applied to predict the performance of a DU-06-W-200 airfoil, a typical choice for vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT). A compromise between simulation time and results was sought, focusing on the prediction of aerodynamic forces and the developed flow field. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation (U-RANS) models and Scale-Resolving Simulations (SRS), such as Scale-Adaptive Simulation (SAS) and Detached Eddy Simulation (DES), were tested, with k − ω -based turbulence models providing the most accurate predictions of aerodynamic forces. A deeper study of three representative angles of attack (5 ° , 15 ° , and 25 ° ) showed that U-RANS models accurately predict aerodynamic forces with low computational costs. SRS modeling generates more realistic flow patterns: roll-up vortices, vortex packets, and stall cells have been identified, providing a richer unsteady flow-field description. The power spectrum density of velocity at 15 ° has confirmed a broadband spectrum in DES simulations, with a small peak at a Strouhal number of 0.486. Finally, indications regarding the selection of the turbulence model depending on the desired outcome (aerodynamic forces, airfoil flow field, or VAWT simulation) are provided, tending toward U-RANS models for the prediction of aerodynamic forces, and SRS models for flow-field study.

Keywords: wind-turbine airfoil; computational fluid dynamics; turbulence-model comparison; airfoil-performance prediction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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