Simulation and improvement of wind turbine power by applying the boundary layer suction method on the blades

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 PhD in Energy Conversion Mechanical Engineering, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

2 PhD in mechanical engineering-energy conversion, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Blades and wings are based on aerodynamic surfaces called airfoils. Although airfoils are optimized for working conditions, they still have limitations in performance because they have a fixed shape and cannot meet all working conditions. In scientific references, techniques called flow control are used to expand the working area of airfoils and improve their behavior. One of the methods of controlling the flow on airfoils is the boundary layer suction method, in which the dead and energyless layer near the surface is pulled out of the fluid and the surrounding energy fluid takes its place. In this article, first, the 660 kW turbine of Vestas company was selected as a sample model, then its geometry was created, and its three-dimensional model and computational network were developed, and its results were fully simulated and validated with the experimental data of that turbine. Finally, by using the boundary layer suction method and by applying the correct amount of suction intensity, the aerodynamic performance of the rotor can be improved by 8%. Since the system is not always efficient, the system must be pumped, controlled or shut down to return to the initial configuration.

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