Near-wake analysis of actuator line method immersed in turbulent flow using large-eddy simulations
<p>The interaction between wind turbines through their wakes is an important aspect of the conception and operation of a wind farm. Wakes are characterized by an elevated turbulence level and a noticeable velocity deficit, which causes a decrease in energy output and fatigue on downstream...
Main Authors: | , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2018-11-01
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Series: | Wind Energy Science |
Online Access: | https://www.wind-energ-sci.net/3/905/2018/wes-3-905-2018.pdf |
Summary: | <p>The interaction between wind turbines through their wakes is an
important aspect of the conception and operation of a wind farm. Wakes are
characterized by an elevated turbulence level and a noticeable velocity
deficit, which causes a decrease in energy output and fatigue on downstream
turbines. In order to gain a better understanding of this phenomenon this
work uses large-eddy simulations together with an actuator line model and
different ambient turbulence imposed as boundary conditions. This is achieved
by using the Simulator fOr Wind Farm Applications (SOWFA) framework from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) (USA), which is first validated against
another popular Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) framework for wind energy, EllipSys3D, and then verified
against the experimental results from the Model Experiment in Controlled Conditions (MEXICO)
and New Model Experiment in Controlled Conditions (NEW MEXICO) wind tunnel
experiments. By using the predicted torque as a global indicator, the optimal
width of the distribution kernel for the actuator line is determined for
different grid resolutions. Then, the rotor is immersed in homogeneous
isotropic turbulence and a shear layer turbulence with different turbulence
intensities, allowing us to determine how far downstream the effect of the
distinct blades is discernible. This can be used as an indicator of the
extents of the near wake for different flow conditions.</p> |
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ISSN: | 2366-7443 2366-7451 |