Large-eddy simulation of scaled floating wind turbines in a boundary layer wind tunnel

Abstract

Floating offshore wind turbines are attracting an ever increasing interest for deep-water applications. Among the many different research aspects of floating offshore technology, understanding wake interactions of multiple floating wind turbines under complex motions is a particularly challenging task, which requires both suitable high-fidelity numerical models and relevant experimental observations. In this work, we first present a framework for the large-eddy simulation of FOWTs. Then, the simulation model is verified with the help of wind tunnel experimental data. Measurements were obtained in a neutrally stratified atmospheric boundary layer for very closely spaced wind turbine models, whose pitching motion is prescribed to simulate various wave-wind conditions. The pitching motion of the wind turbines induces vertical meandering of the wakes that interact with downstream turbines. Simulations are compared to experimental measurements in terms of inflow conditions and turbine response parameters, showing a reasonable matching, although longer runs are necessary for a more complete characterization of the results.