A calculation method for modeling the flow characteristics of the wind turbine airfoil with leading-edge protuberances

Abstract

An effective flow separation control method is urgently needed to improve the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine blades. The leading-edge protuberances (LEPs) are the method that can inhibit flow separation and improve the aerodynamic performance of wind turbine airfoil. In order to achieve the optimal design of the LEPs on the wind turbine airfoil, it is necessary to develop a theoretical model of the effect of the LEPs on the flow characteristics. This paper proposes a novel modeling calculation method as achieved by substituting the momentum source into the N–S equation, and establishes the relationship between the geometrical parameters of the LEPs and the flow characteristics. The results show that the aerodynamic and flow characteristics of the modeled and solid airfoil with LEPs maintain good consistency under different stall conditions. Moreover, the high-strength streamwise vortices induced by LEPs increase the area of low pressure in the airfoil suction side, which effectively suppresses the flow separation and improves the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil. The modeling method provides the basis for the optimal design of the wind turbine airfoil with LEPs. The process of model construction explains the flow control mechanism of the LEPs from a new perspective.