Actuator-Line Model in a Lattice Boltzmann Framework for Wind Turbine Simulations

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a solver based on a Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) to perform reliable wind turbine simulations: LaBoheMe. LBM offers an interesting framework with low dissipation and high performance computing compared to usual Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solvers based on Navier-Stokes equations. In order to take wind turbines into account in the LBM solver, LaBoheMe is enhanced by the addition of local force terms representing the influence of the wind turbines on the flow. These forces are computed using an Actuator-Line Model (ALM). The present solver is a 2D LBM/ALM solver allowing the simulation of "slices" of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). The Lattice Boltzmann and the Actuator Line methods are described and the coupling adopted in this work is detailed. Validation cases for pure LBM (Backward Facing Step, BFS) and coupled LBM/ALM are performed. The LBM/ALM coupling is validated against experimental data and compared with a vortex method and a large eddy simulation of the wake. Both blade forces and wake velocities are considered.