On Wind Turbine structural stiffness influence on wake flow

Journal Article (2023)
Author(s)

C. Muscari (Politecnico di Milano, TU Delft - Team Jan-Willem van Wingerden)

R. Giordani (Politecnico di Milano)

P. Schito (Politecnico di Milano)

Research Group
Team Jan-Willem van Wingerden
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfluidstructs.2023.103862
More Info
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Publication Year
2023
Language
English
Research Group
Team Jan-Willem van Wingerden
Volume number
118
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Abstract

In this work we test a Fluid–Structure Interaction (FSI) method based on the SOWFA+ OpenFAST framework. The linear structural module of FAST is coupled to SOWFA's Actuator Line simulations to perform the aeroelastic analysis of a wind tunnel scaled model (1:75) of the DTU 10 MW turbine. The objective is to give a quantitative description of the turbine stiffness influence on the wake flow by varying the model structural properties. The simulations are performed in two different operating conditions: below rated (TSR=7.5) and above rated (TSR=5.5). Turbulence is generated by positioning disturbing elements at the inlet, analogously to what was done in the reference wind tunnel tests. Results show that flexibility starts to have a considerable impact on the wake velocity deficit when the tip deflection is somewhere between 4% and 12% of the blade length. Based on these results, an indication is given of when the accuracy obtainable with the CFD-CSD coupling justifies the increased computational cost.