Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a promising tool for the analysis and optimization of wind turbine positioning inside wind parks (also known as wind farms) in order to maximize power production. In this paper, 3-D, time-averaged, steady-state, incompressible Navier-Stokes equations, in which wind turbines are represented by surficial forces, are solved using a Control-Volume Finite Element Method (CVFEM). The fundamentals of developing a practical 3-D method are discussed in this paper, with an emphasis on some of the challenges that arose during their implementation. For isolated turbines, results have indicated that the proposed 3-D method attains the same level of accuracy, in terms of performance predictions, as the previously developed 2-D axisymmetric method and the well-known momentum-strip theory. Furthermore, the capability of the proposed method to predict wind turbine wake characteristics is also illustrated. Satisfactory agreement with experimental measurements has been achieved. The analysis of a two-row periodic wind farm in neutral atmospheric boundary layers demonstrate the existence of positive interference effects (venturi effects) as well as the dominant influence of mutual interference on the performance of dense wind turbine clusters.

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This paper illustrates the relative merits of using Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) airfoils in the design of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT). This is achieved by the application of the double-multiple-streamtube model of Paraschivoiu to the performance predictions of VAWTs equipped with conventional and NLF blades. Furthermore, in order to clearly illustrate the potential benefit of reducing the drag, the individual contributions of lift and drag to power are presented. The dynamic-stall phenomena are modelled using the method of Gormont as modified by several researchers. Among the various implementations of this dynamic-stall model available in the literature, the most appropriate and general for NLF applications has been identified through detailed comparisons between predicted performances and experimental data. This selection process is presented in the paper. It has been demonstrated that the use ofNLF airfoils in VAWT applications can lead to significant improvements with respect to conventional design only in a very low wind speed range, the extent of which is negligible with respect to the VAWT operational wind speeds.

This article presents a numerical method for predicting unsteady aerodynamics of horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). In this method the flow field is described by the unsteady incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The rotor and tower are idealized respectively as actuator disc and flat plate permeable surfaces on which external normal surficial forces are balanced by fluid pressure discontinuities. The external forces exerted by the rotor and tower on the flow are prescribed according to blade element theory. Dynamic behaviour of the rotor aerodynamic characteristics is simulated using either the Gormont or the Beddoes–Leishman model. The resulting mathematical formulation is solved using a control volume finite element method. The fully implicit scheme is used for time discretization. In general, the proposed method has demonstrated its capability to adequately represent the field data. It has been demonstrated that the accuracy of the predicted results depends primarily on the dynamic stall model as well as on the turbulence model employed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.