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Integrating BIM Forward Design with CFD Numerical Simulation for Wind Turbine Blade Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Shaonan Sun

    (School of Water Conservancy, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450046, China)

  • Mengna Li

    (School of Water Conservancy, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450046, China)

  • Yifan Shi

    (School of Water Conservancy, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Zhengzhou 450046, China)

  • Chunlu Liu

    (School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia)

  • Ailing Wang

    (School of Management, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China)

Abstract

Wind turbine blades face significant challenges from stochastic wind loads, impacting structural integrity. Traditional analysis often isolates Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) from Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the design process. This study bridges this gap by integrating BIM forward design with CFD simulation. A universal BIM modeling framework is developed for rapid blade modeling, which is compatible with ANSYS Workbench 2022 R1 through intermediate format conversion. The influence of wind load on the blades under various wind speed conditions is analyzed, and the results indicate a significant correlation between wind load intensity and blade structural response. The maximum windward pressure reaches 4.96 kPa, while the leeward suction peaks at −6.28 kPa. The displacement at the tip and middle part of the blades significantly increases with the increase in wind speed. The growth rate of displacement between adjacent speeds rises from 1.20 to 1.94, and the overall increase rate within the entire range rises from 1.02 to 4.16. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using BIM forward design in accurate performance analysis, and also extends the value of BIM in wind energy. Furthermore, a bidirectional information flow is established, where BIM provides geometry for CFD, and simulation results will inform BIM design refinement.

Suggested Citation

  • Shaonan Sun & Mengna Li & Yifan Shi & Chunlu Liu & Ailing Wang, 2025. "Integrating BIM Forward Design with CFD Numerical Simulation for Wind Turbine Blade Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-25, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:15:p:3989-:d:1710415
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Peter J. Schubel & Richard J. Crossley, 2012. "Wind Turbine Blade Design," Energies, MDPI, vol. 5(9), pages 1-25, September.
    2. Shaonan Sun & Xiaojie Liu & Ruijie Zhang & Chunlu Liu & Ailing Wang, 2023. "Numerical Simulation and Analysis of Hydraulic Turbines Based on BIM for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-16, November.
    3. Tadamasa, A. & Zangeneh, M., 2011. "Numerical prediction of wind turbine noise," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 36(7), pages 1902-1912.
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    6. Liu, Xiong & Lu, Cheng & Liang, Shi & Godbole, Ajit & Chen, Yan, 2017. "Vibration-induced aerodynamic loads on large horizontal axis wind turbine blades," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 185(P2), pages 1109-1119.
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