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Numerical Investigation of Wake Characteristics for Scaled 20 kW Wind Turbine Models with Various Size Factors

Author

Listed:
  • Salim Abdullah Bazher

    (Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Kunsan National University, Gunsan 54151, Republic of Korea)

  • Juyeol Park

    (Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Kunsan National University, Gunsan 54151, Republic of Korea)

  • Jungkeun Oh

    (Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Kunsan National University, Gunsan 54151, Republic of Korea)

  • Daewon Seo

    (Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Kunsan National University, Gunsan 54151, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

Wind energy is essential for sustainable energy development, providing a clean and reliable energy source through the wind turbine. However, the vortices and turbulence generated as wind passes through turbines reduce wind speed and increase turbulence, leading to significant power losses for downstream turbines in wind farms. This study investigates wake characteristics in wind turbines by examining the effects of different scale ratios on wake dynamics, using both experimental and numerical approaches, utilizing scaled-down models of the Aeolos H-20 kW turbine at scales of 1:33, 1:50, and 1:67. The experimental component involved wind tunnel tests in an open-circuit tunnel with adjustable wind speeds and controlled turbulence intensity. Additionally, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted using STAR-CCM+ (Version 15.06.02) to numerically analyze the wake characteristics. Prior to the simulation, a convergence test was performed by varying grid density and y+ values to establish optimized simulation settings essential for accurately capturing wake dynamics. The results were validated against experimental data, reinforcing the reliability of the simulations. Despite minor inconsistencies in areas affected by tower and nacelle interference, the overall results strongly support the methodology’s effectiveness. The discrepancies between the experimental results and CFD simulations underscore the limitations of the rigid body assumption, which does not fully account for the deformation observed in the experiment.

Suggested Citation

  • Salim Abdullah Bazher & Juyeol Park & Jungkeun Oh & Daewon Seo, 2024. "Numerical Investigation of Wake Characteristics for Scaled 20 kW Wind Turbine Models with Various Size Factors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-27, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:17:p:4528-:d:1474542
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dou, Bingzheng & Guala, Michele & Lei, Liping & Zeng, Pan, 2019. "Experimental investigation of the performance and wake effect of a small-scale wind turbine in a wind tunnel," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 819-833.
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