CFD study of trailing edge flaps for load control on wind turbines

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of different trailing edge flap parameters with regard to the application on wind turbine rotor blades. For this purpose 2D airfoil and 3D rotor simulations have been performed using the CFD code FLOWer. Trailing edge flaps are realized based on grid deformation. At first the flap shape meaning rigid or elastic types and the flap length is analyzed in 2D for a representative wind turbine airfoil. The 3D study investigates the effect of the radial position and extension along the blade span. For this purpose the DTU 10 MW reference wind turbine has been chosen. The present work provides an overview of the different aspects of the aerodynamic flap design.