Abstract
Aerodynamic characteristic of a small scale wind turbine under the influence of an incoming uniform wind field is studied
using k-ω Shear Stress Transport turbulence model. Firstly, the lift and drag characteristics of the blade section consisting of S826 airfoil is
studied using 2D simulations at a Reynolds number of 1×105
. After that, the full turbine including the rotational effects of the blade is
simulated using Multiple Reference Frames (MRF) and Sliding Mesh Interface (SMI) numerical techniques. The differences between the
two techniques are quantified. It is then followed by a detailed comparison of the turbine's power/thrust output and the associated wake
development at three tip speeds ratios (λ = 3, 6, 10). The phenomenon of blockage effect and spatial features of the flow are explained and
linked to the turbines power output. Validation of wake profiles patterns at multiple locations downstream is also performed at each λ. The
present work aims to evaluate the potential of the numerical methods in reproducing wind tunnel experimental results such that the method
can be applied to full-scale turbines operating under realistic conditions in which observation data is scarce or lacking.
using k-ω Shear Stress Transport turbulence model. Firstly, the lift and drag characteristics of the blade section consisting of S826 airfoil is
studied using 2D simulations at a Reynolds number of 1×105
. After that, the full turbine including the rotational effects of the blade is
simulated using Multiple Reference Frames (MRF) and Sliding Mesh Interface (SMI) numerical techniques. The differences between the
two techniques are quantified. It is then followed by a detailed comparison of the turbine's power/thrust output and the associated wake
development at three tip speeds ratios (λ = 3, 6, 10). The phenomenon of blockage effect and spatial features of the flow are explained and
linked to the turbines power output. Validation of wake profiles patterns at multiple locations downstream is also performed at each λ. The
present work aims to evaluate the potential of the numerical methods in reproducing wind tunnel experimental results such that the method
can be applied to full-scale turbines operating under realistic conditions in which observation data is scarce or lacking.