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09:17
Experimental Investigation of the Flow Structure over a Delta Wing Via Flow Visualization Methods
Published on: April 23, 2018
Visualization and analysis of vortex-turbine intersections in wind farms
Sohail Shafii1, Herald Obermaier, Rodman Linn
1Institute for Data Analysis and Visualization, Department of Computer Science, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA. sohail.shafii@gmail.com
IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics
|July 13, 2013
Summary
Understanding vortex-blade interactions in wind turbines can improve designs. This study analyzes how vortices impact turbine blades, revealing insights for better performance and longevity.
Area of Science:
- Fluid dynamics
- Aerodynamics
- Mechanical engineering
Background:
- Wind turbine performance is limited by complex aerodynamic interactions.
- Vortices generated by rotating blades significantly affect downstream turbine components.
- Quantifying these interactions is crucial for enhancing turbine efficiency and lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an integrated pipeline for analyzing and visualizing wind and force fields around wind turbine blades.
- To characterize the relationship between vortex-blade interactions and forces on blade surfaces.
- To enable domain scientists to link these interactions with power output loss and turbine life expectancy.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of vortices induced by turbine rotation.
- Characterization of vortices interacting with downstream turbine blades.
- Numerical simulation of wind and force fields.
- Analysis of vortex-blade impact locations and associated forces.
Main Results:
- Identification of specific locations on blades where vortices strike.
- Correlation between vortex-blade interactions and simulated forces on blade surfaces.
- Detection and analysis of turbulent flow causing local impacts on blade structures.
Conclusions:
- The integrated approach provides a method for understanding vortex-blade dynamics.
- Results facilitate relating vortex interactions to power loss and reduced turbine lifespan.
- The findings offer potential for improving wind turbine design, reducing operational and maintenance costs.
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