CFD in Wind Energy: The Virtual, Multiscale Wind Tunnel

Sumner, Jonathon; Watters, Christophe Sibuet; Masson, Christian

doi:10.3390/en3050989

Cited by 85 publications

(47 citation statements)

References 117 publications

(126 reference statements)

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“…In both cases we compare 3 different turbulence models: the standard k-, the RNG k- [13] and the k-SST model [14]. The following values of the model parameters are selected: = 0.40, C = 0.03, k = 1.0, = 1.3, C 1 = 1.21, and C 2 = 1.92 (std k- [15]), = 0.40, C = 0.0845, k = 0.7194, = 0.7194, C 1 = 1.42, and C 2 = 1.68 (RNG k- [16]) and = 0.4, [17]). For the k-SST model, we use a standard wall function for the variable, as well as a constant inlet (as described in [18]).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Validation of the simpleFoam (RANS) solver for the atmospheric boundary layer in complex terrain

Peralta

Nugusse

Kokilavani

et al. 2014

ITM Web of Conferences

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Abstract. We validate the simpleFoam (RANS) solver in OpenFOAM (version 2.1.1) for simulating neutral atmospheric boundary layer flows in complex terrain. Initial and boundary conditions are given using Richards and Hoxey proposal [1]. In order to obtain stable simulation of the ABL, modified wall functions are used to set the near-wall boundary conditions, following Blocken et al remedial measures [2]. A structured grid is generated with the new library terrainBlockMesher [3, 4], based on OpenFOAM's blockMesh native mesher. The new tool is capable of adding orographic features and the forest canopy. Additionally, the mesh can be refined in regions with complex orography. We study both the classical benchmark case of Askervein hill [5] and the more recent Bolund island data set [6]. Our purpose is two-folded: to validate the performance of OpenFOAM steady state solvers, and the suitability of the new meshing tool to generate high quality structured meshes, which will be used in the future for performing more computationally intensive LES simulations in complex terrain.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Validation of the simpleFoam (RANS) solver for the atmospheric boundary layer in complex terrain

Peralta

Nugusse

Kokilavani

et al. 2014

ITM Web of Conferences

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“…As with all methods of analysis, the CFD approach has limitations which are essentially related to turbulence modeling. Sumner et al [3] review the development of CFD as a virtual, multiscale wind tunnel applied by the wind energy community from small to large scale. Although the cost of a CFD analysis may be comparable to that of a wind tunnel experiment, we considered the wind tunnel experimental option for the current study emphasizing on the importance of transition to turbulence effects.…”

Section: Contrarotating Blade Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance of a Contrarotating Small Wind Energy Converter

Habash

Groza

Yang

et al. 2011

ISRN Mechanical Engineering

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Responding to more demand in coming years, the task of the small wind energy industry requires progress on several fronts-the public policy initiatives, technology development, and market growth. One important issue of the wind energy utilization is the conversion efficiency of the usable energy into productive power. Enhanced technologies such as contrarotating blades, gearbox and lubrication, airfoils, generators, and power electronics will lower cost and increase energy production. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to reinforce the effectiveness of employing contrarotating system to enhance the performance of a small wind energy converter (SWEC). With this concept, the SWEC works more efficiently and therefore produces more energy in a unit turbine area. To verify the SWEC performance, a research model has been built and tested over a range of operating conditions. Wind tunnel tests were carried out to ascertain the overall performance of the contrarotating SWEC. Results are presented for cases of different wind speeds and Reynolds number. The results demonstrated a significant increase in wind energy conversion efficiency and capability of operation at lower wind speeds while keeping up performance compared to a single-rotor system of the same type.

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“…Since the purpose of computational wind engineering (CWE) analysis is to extend the conclusions to real-scale cases, and the computational cost of LES with full-scale geometries is too expensive nowadays (Franke et al, 2007;Sumner et al, 2010), there is a necessity of a better parametrisation of turbulence models used in RANS modelling to effectively deal with real-scale cases. In agreement with this, the main objective of the present work is to determine the best 2-equation turbulence models from the point of view of the urban wind energy exploitation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Roof region dependent wind potential assessment with different RANS turbulence models

Toja-Silva

Peralta

López-García

et al. 2015

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

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The analysis of the wind flow around buildings has a great interest from the point of view of the wind energy assessment, pollutant dispersion control, natural ventilation and pedestrians wind comfort and safety. Since LES turbulence models are computationally time consuming when applied to real geometries, RANS models are still widely used. However, RANS models are very sensitive to the chosen turbulence parametrisation and the results can vary according to the application. In this investigation, the simulation of the wind flow around an isolated building is performed using various types of RANS turbulence models in the open source code OpenFOAM, and the results are compared with benchmark experimental data. In order to confirm the numerical accuracy of the simulations, a grid dependency analysis is performed and the convergence index and rate are calculated. Hit rates are calculated for all the cases and the models that successfully pass a validation criterion are analysed at different regions of the building roof, and the most accurate RANS models for the modelling of the flow at each region are identified. The characteristics of the wind flow at each region are also analysed from the point of view of the wind energy generation, and the most adequate wind turbine model for the wind energy exploitation at each region of the building roof is chosen.

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CFD in Wind Energy: The Virtual, Multiscale Wind Tunnel

Cited by 85 publications

References 117 publications

Validation of the simpleFoam (RANS) solver for the atmospheric boundary layer in complex terrain

Validation of the simpleFoam (RANS) solver for the atmospheric boundary layer in complex terrain

Performance of a Contrarotating Small Wind Energy Converter

Roof region dependent wind potential assessment with different RANS turbulence models

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