Large-Scale Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Aerodynamic Efficiency Optimization using Active Flow Control and Synthetic Jets

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that applying active flow control with synthetic jets to large-scale wind turbine blades can significantly enhance aerodynamic efficiency, leading to substantial power gains across various operating conditions.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel application of active flow control with synthetic jets and genetic algorithm optimization to improve wind turbine blade aerodynamics.

Findings

Net power gains of 23 to 36 kW per airfoil after AFC implementation.

Synthetic jets effectively reattach separated boundary layers on wind turbine blades.

AFC technology can improve turbine performance under diverse operating conditions.

Abstract

Efficiency increase is seen as one of the main goals in any energy converting device. In this direction, the present study aims to demonstrate that large-scale wind turbines can still be improved in order to generate larger amounts of energy. The research presented in this manuscript consists of two main blocks. Initially, it analyzes via Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) the boundary layer dynamics on a set of pre-determined airfoils cut along the DTU-10MW reference blade by using the 2D URANS k omega SST turbulence model. The aim of this initial stage is to identify the boundary layer separation point, its associated frequency, and peak to peak amplitude for each airfoil cut along the blade, evaluating as well their respective aerodynamic characteristics. The second main goal of the present research consists of implementing the Active Flow Control (AFC) technology and, when employing synthetic jets, to reattach the boundary layer in all airfoils where it is separated. To accomplish this second goal efficiently, the five parameters associated to the AFC implementation performed to each airfoil will be obtained through respective genetic algorithm optimizations. An energy assessment is finally undertaken at each airfoil to validate the respective energy gain obtained. When comparing the net power gain, before and after AFC implementation, generated by each of the airfoils evaluated, net power gains between 23 and 36KW are obtained in all airfoils analyzed, clarifying that the proposed technology is capable of improving the performance of the wind turbines, very likely at any operating condition.