Aerodynamic performance enhancement of horizontal axis wind turbines by dimples on blades: Numerical investigation

Abstract

In this study, the effect of dimpled surface blade on the performance of V47-660 kW horizontal axis wind turbine is numerically investigated. For this purpose, the suction sides of the wind turbine blades are passively modified using some spherical dimples. The governing continuity and momentum equations are solved using an incompressible Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes solver and k−ω Shear-Stress Transport turbulent model. The effect of radius, location, and quantity of dimples on the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine including torque and power generation, flow separation, and thrust load are studied to find an appropriate case. Then the effect of blade pitch angle and wind speed is also examined on the best-dimpled blades. The results show that dimples could be effective in increasing the torque and power generation if they are designed appropriately. Obtained results reveal that for the best situation, dimples could improve the generating torque by around 16.08%.