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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrés Meana-Fernández & Jesús Manuel Fernández Oro & Katia María Argüelles Díaz & Sandra Velarde-Suárez, 2019. "Turbulence-Model Comparison for Aerodynamic-Performance Prediction of a Typical Vertical-Axis Wind-Turbine Airfoil," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:3:p:488-:d:203244
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matthias Schramm & Hamid Rahimi & Bernhard Stoevesandt & Kim Tangager, 2017. "The Influence of Eroded Blades on Wind Turbine Performance Using Numerical Simulations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-15, September.
    2. Xinkai Li & Ke Yang & Hao Hu & Xiaodong Wang & Shun Kang, 2019. "Effect of Tailing-Edge Thickness on Aerodynamic Noise for Wind Turbine Airfoil," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-25, January.
    3. Hamid Sarlak & Ariane Frère & Robert Mikkelsen & Jens N. Sørensen, 2018. "Experimental Investigation of Static Stall Hysteresis and 3-Dimensional Flow Structures for an NREL S826 Wing Section of Finite Span," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-21, June.
    4. Unai Fernandez-Gamiz & Macarena Gomez-Mármol & Tomas Chacón-Rebollo, 2018. "Computational Modeling of Gurney Flaps and Microtabs by POD Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-19, August.
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