Numerical study of the effects of pulsed plasma actuator on physical behavior of the fluid flow around a ducted wind turbine

Abstract

As with other types of wind turbines, the ducted wind turbine has a bright future. On the other hand, flow separation has a consistent effect on this type of turbine, resulting in aerodynamic losses and load fluctuations. As a result, flow control systems for ducted wind turbines are critical for improving aerodynamic performance. Additionally, in this technological age, noise pollution has developed into a serious problem that must be minimized and controlled to the greatest extent feasible. This research investigates the impact of a plasma actuator as an active control approach on the flow dynamics on the blades using a finite volume code. To decrease computing costs, the URANS model and mesh adaptive methods are applied. The numerical results are confirmed by comparing them to a previously collected experimental dataset. The flow dynamics and noise emission of a micro dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuator were examined under the impact of discontinuous pulsing. This actuator was fitted in three distinct places at the beginning point of separation in the blade without using the ducted wind turbine’s control approach. The results indicated that positioning the actuator near the blades’ tip improves aerodynamic performance. Additionally, when the plasma actuator’s power is raised, the vortex cancellation is maximized. The results indicated that the DBD actuator generated a considerable portion of reverse flow, in this case in the opposite direction to the tip flow. The reverse flow was used to alter the pressure gradient in the tip gap area, thereby eliminating the vortex. Also, using the plasma actuator reduces the ducted wind turbine’s noise output by cutting down on the wake zone and vortices, which are the main sources of noise.