Full Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations of the flow in the near wake of a three-bladed horizontal-axis wind turbine are presented. The simulations, which are based on the model experiments in controlled conditions (MEXICO) experiment and include the complete rotor, nacelle, and tower show good agreement with experimental data, with 4% difference relative to measured flow properties. The flow properties in the near wake are detailed for both uniform and nonuniform flow conditions. The effects of increasing tip-speed ratio and a yawed inflow of 30 deg are studied. The full RANS simulations are used to support the development of an immersed wind turbine model at ETH Zurich. This model allows for modeling of the wake evolution and interactions in wind farms, for multiple turbines, with substantially reduced computational effort.

Issue Section:
Gas Turbines: Aircraft Engine
Topics:
Flow (Dynamics), Inflow, Rotors, Wakes, Simulation, Wind turbines, Blades

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