Surface pressure modification driven by a dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuator: Performance dependence on airfoil shape

Rena Goyagi,Kento Suzuki,Rio Kawate,Akira Ando,Wakana Sato,Atsushi Komuro

doi:10.1063/1.5141364

Abstract

Optimization of the airfoil shape and flow-control device is critical for optimal performance of fluid devices, such as wind turbines and aircraft. In this study, the combined effects of an airfoil and a dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuator (DBD-PA), utilized as the flow-control device, were evaluated through surface pressure measurements in a wind-tunnel experiment using three types of airfoils: Göttingen 387, SG6043, and the NASA Common Research Model (NASA-CRM). Our experimental results demonstrated that combining the DBD-PA with either the SG6043 or NASA-CRM foil improved the maximum lift of the airfoil; the DBD-PA with the Göttingen 387 foil maintained lift even after the stall angle. These results indicate that the flow-control performance of a DBD-PA varies not only with the Reynolds number but also with the shape of the airfoil.

Highlights

This study aimed at investigating the combined effects of the airfoil geometry and flow control of dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuators (DBD-PAs).1–4 A DBD-PA has a simple configuration, where a dielectric tape is sandwiched between copper tape electrodes
A DBD-PA is useful owing to its fast response and easy installation, which can suppress the negative impacts of flow fluctuation around turbine blades
We measured the basic characteristics of the airfoil without actuation of the DBD-PA

Summary

Introduction

This study aimed at investigating the combined effects of the airfoil geometry and flow control of dielectric-barrier-discharge plasma actuators (DBD-PAs). A DBD-PA has a simple configuration, where a dielectric tape is sandwiched between copper tape electrodes. A DBD-PA has a simple configuration, where a dielectric tape is sandwiched between copper tape electrodes. These actuators can induce synthetic air jets along their surface on applying a high voltage between the electrodes.. Fluctuations in the wind intensity and direction can have a negative impact on their construction and maintenance costs. The prohibitive costs associated with wind turbine installations in inconsistent conditions hinder the widespread use of wind power. In such a situation, a DBD-PA is useful owing to its fast response and easy installation, which can suppress the negative impacts of flow fluctuation around turbine blades

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