Validation of the actuator disc and actuator line techniques for yawed rotor flows using the New MEXICO experimental data

S.-P Breton,S Ivanell,W.Z Shen

doi:10.1088/1742-6596/854/1/012005

Abstract

Experimental data acquired in the New MEXICO experiment on a yawed 4.5m diameter rotor model turbine are used here to validate the actuator line (AL) and actuator disc (AD) models implemented in the Large Eddy Simulation code EllipSys3D in terms of loading and velocity field. Even without modelling the geometry of the hub and nacelle, the AL and AD models produce similar results that are generally in good agreement with the experimental data under the various configurations considered. As expected, the AL model does better at capturing the induction effects from the individual blade tip vortices, while the AD model can reproduce the averaged features of the flow. The importance of using high quality airfoil data (including 3D corrections) as well as a fine grid resolution is highlighted by the results obtained. Overall, it is found that both models can satisfactorily predict the 3D velocity field and blade loading of the New MEXICO rotor under yawed inflow.

Highlights

Wind turbines are often operated in conditions where the wind does not flow perpendicularly into the rotor plane, but with a so-called yaw angle
Experimental data acquired in the New MEXICO experiment on a yawed 4.5m diameter rotor model turbine are used here to validate the actuator line (AL) and actuator disc (AD) models implemented in the Large Eddy Simulation code EllipSys3D in terms of loading and velocity field
Velocities in the wake Velocities shown are averaged over the last fourth of the simulations performed with the AD, while the velocities at the last simulation iteration are shown for the AL

Summary

Introduction

Wind turbines are often operated in conditions where the wind does not flow perpendicularly into the rotor plane, but with a so-called yaw angle. Experimental data acquired in the New MEXICO experiment on a yawed 4.5m diameter rotor model turbine are used here to validate the actuator line (AL) and actuator disc (AD) models implemented in the Large Eddy Simulation code EllipSys3D in terms of loading and velocity field.

Results

Conclusion