An adaptive lattice boltzmann method for predicting wake fields behind wind turbines

Abstract

The crucial components of a dynamically adaptive, parallel lattice Boltzmann method are described. By utilizing a level set approach for geometry embedding the method can handle rotating and moving structures effectively. The approach is validated for the canonical six degrees of freedom test case of a hinged wing. Subsequently, the wake field in an array of three Vestas V27 wind turbines at prescribed rotation rate and under constant inflow condition is simulated for two different scenarios. The results show that the low dissipation properties of the lattice Boltzmann scheme in combination with dynamic mesh adaptation are able to predict well-resolved vortex structures far downstream at moderate computational costs.