Performance improvement of a Vestas V52 850kW wind turbine by retrofitting passive flow control devices

Abstract

This study presents the results of a collaborative effort between academia and industry aimed at further enhancing the benefits provided by Vortex Generators and Gurney Flaps. To achieve this objective, an integrated approach was employed, involving wind tunnel experiments, on-site measurements, and computational simulations to design devices tailored for an onshore (Vestas V52, 850 kW) turbine and assess their influence on turbine performance. Device selection was based on wind tunnel measurements, while their positioning on the blade was based on infrared thermography images from the field. A Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes solver was used to predict the performance of the devices on both airfoil and blade level. The final assessment of the upgrade pack was based on SCADA data and Lidar measurements. The results show that an Annual Energy Production uplift of 5.77% is measured for this turbine.