Abstract
In this paper a preliminary design and a 2D computational fluidstructure interaction (FSI) simulation of a flexible blade for a Wells turbine is presented, by means of stabilized finite elements and a strongly coupled approaches for the multi-physics analysis. The main objective is to observe the behaviour of the flexible blades, and to evaluate the eventual occurrence of aeroelastic effects and unstable feedbacks in the coupled dynamics. A series of configurations for the same blade geometry, each one characterized by a different material and mechanical properties distribution will be compared. Results will be given in terms of total pressure difference, supported by a flow survey. The analysis is performed using an in-house build software, featured of parallel scalability and structured to easy implement coupled multiphysical systems. The adopted models for the FSI simulation are the Residual Based Variational MultiScale method for the Navier-Stokes equations, the Total Lagrangian formulation for the nonlinear elasticity problem, and the Solid Extension Mesh Moving technique for the moving mesh algorithm.
Highlights
Renewable energy is consistently gaining more and more relevance in terms of shares of global electricity generation, growing worldwide from 14% in 2005 to 22% in 2013[1], and its expected almost to double in 2040 [2]
This preliminary study presents a numerical analysis of a Wells turbine with flexible blades by performing a coupled 2D computational Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) dynamic simulation using stabilized Finite Element Method (FEM), for the solution of the fluid field and the structural dynamics
Each blade deformed in a different way, some of them barely moved around their original position, others presented an unstable dynamic behaviour because of a positive feedback between solid mechanics and fluid dynamics of the field
Summary
Renewable energy is consistently gaining more and more relevance in terms of shares of global electricity generation, growing worldwide from 14% in 2005 to 22% in 2013[1], and its expected almost to double in 2040 [2]. A Wells turbine with flexible, polymeric blades could solve at once multiple issues: a flexible blade can be designed in order to improve efficiency in off-design conditions (i.e. low mass flow rates) and to improve peak efficiency due to a passive-adaptive blade morphing, in both flow directions, without any need of guiding vanes Such blade could improve the reliability of the machine in a highly corrosive environment such as saline aerosol, and it can drastically reduce the capital investment and operative costs due to the adoption of a cheaper material with respect to steel. Trial and error approach to define the material for each configuration is adopted, starting from a standard plastic material used for marine applications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
