Numerical investigation of the wake interaction between two model wind turbines with span-wise offset

Abstract

Wake interaction between two model scale wind turbines with span-wise offset is investigated numerically using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and the results are validated against the experimental data. An actuator line technique is used for modeling the rotor. The investigated setup refers to a series of experimental measurements of two model scale turbines conducted by NTNU in low speed wind tunnel in which the two wind turbines are aligned with a span-wise offset resulting in half wake interaction. Two levels of free-stream turbulence are tested, the minimum undisturbed level of about Ti 0.23% and a high level of about Ti = 10% using a passive upstream grid. The results show that the rotor characteristics for both rotors are well captured numerically even if the downstream rotor operates into stall regimes. There are however some difficulties in correct prediction of the thrust level. The interacting wake development is captured in great details in terms of wake deficit and streamwise turbulence kinetic energy. The present work is done in connection with Blind test 3 workshops organized jointly by NOWITECH and NORCOWE. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.