The need for dynamic inflow models for vertical axis wind turbines

Abstract

This paper investigates the need for dynamic inflow models for vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). The approach is two-fold. First, dynamic inflow is realised by dynamic thrust on an actuator disk in OpenFOAM. The induction phase shift and amplitude showed a significant dependency on the streamwise location. Second, a reference turbine in surging motion is studied using an actuator line OpenFOAM model as reference and an actuator cylinder model (with and without dynamic inflow model). The Larsen and Madsen dynamic inflow model is able to capture the overall behaviour in dynamic inflow conditions, however, it may be improved in the most upwind and downwind location. This study indicates that the modelling of VAWTs in dynamic inflow conditions may be enhanced by improving the dynamic inflow models.