Abstract
Trailing edge flaps (TEFs) are high-lift devices that generate changes in the lift and drag coefficients of an airfoil. A large number of 2D simulations are performed in this study, in order to measure these changes in aerodynamic coefficients and to analyze them for a given Reynolds number. Three different airfoils, namely NACA 0012, NACA 64(3)-618, and S810, are studied in relation to three combinations of the following parameters: angle of attack, flap angle (deflection), and flaplength. Results are in concordance with the aerodynamic results expected when studying a TEF on an airfoil, showing the effect exerted by the three parameters on both aerodynamic coefficients lift and drag. Depending on whether the airfoil flap is deployed on either the pressure zone or the suction zone, the lift-to-drag ratio, CL/CD, will increase or decrease, respectively. Besides, the use of a larger flap length will increase the higher values and decrease the lower values of the CL/CD ratio. In addition, an artificial neural network (ANN) based prediction model for aerodynamic forces was built through the results obtained from the research.
Highlights
Wind turbine sizes have steadily been increasing over the past few years
Barlas et al [18] provided a detailed summary of research into smart rotor control for wind turbines and concluded that the deformable trailing edge flap (DTEF) was the most efficient aerodynamic control method in contrast to other potential candidates, such as microtabs, morphing, active twist, and suction/blowing strategies, synthetic jets, active vortex generators, etc
Basualdo [26] showed that the use of variable geometry airfoils in wind turbine blades can lead to load alleviation
Summary
Wind turbine sizes have steadily been increasing over the past few years. Commercial offshore wind turbines with a maximum capacity of up to 6 MW are operational in the U.S, Europe, and China. Barlas et al [18] provided a detailed summary of research into smart rotor control for wind turbines and concluded that the deformable trailing edge flap (DTEF) was the most efficient aerodynamic control method in contrast to other potential candidates, such as microtabs, morphing, active twist, and suction/blowing strategies, synthetic jets, active vortex generators, etc. Lackner M. et al [25] presented the benefits of using flow control devices such as TEFs. Basualdo [26] showed that the use of variable geometry airfoils in wind turbine blades can lead to load alleviation. An artificial neural network-based prediction model for aerodynamic forces built through the results obtained from the research is presented in this study The relevance of this type of mathematical solutions for control tools has been increased for the last decade. In order to consolidate the results of this study, these are complemented with data on the near wake region and pressure
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