Large-scale horizontal axis wind turbine aerodynamic efficiency optimization using active flow control and synthetic jets

Efficiency increase is seen as one of the main goals of any energy-converting device. In this direction, the present study aims to demonstrate that large-scale wind turbines can still be improved in order to generate larger amounts of energy. The research presented in this manuscript consists of two main blocks. Initially, it analyzes via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) the boundary layer dynamics on a set of pre-determined airfoils cut along the DTU-10MW reference blade by using the 2D URANS k−ω SST turbulence model. The aim of this initial stage is to identify the boundary layer separation point, its associated frequency, and peak-to-peak amplitude for each airfoil cut along the blade, evaluating as well their respective aerodynamic characteristics. The second main goal of the present research consists of implementing the Active Flow Control (AFC) technology and, when employing synthetic jets, to reattach the boundary layer in all airfoils where it is separated. To accomplish this second goal efficiently, the five parameters associated with the AFC implementation performed on each airfoil will be obtained through respective genetic algorithm optimizations. An energy assessment is finally undertaken at each airfoil to validate the respective energy gain obtained. When comparing the net power gain, before and after AFC implementation, generated by each of the airfoils evaluated, net power gains between 23 and 36 kW are obtained in all airfoils analyzed, clarifying that the proposed technology is capable of improving the performance of the wind turbines, very likely at any operating condition.