Application of rFlow3D code to performance prediction and the wake structure investigation of wind turbines

Numerical simulations based on NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Phase VI and MEXICO (Model Experiment in Controlled Conditions) experiments using rFlow3D CFD code are conducted. The rFlow3D code is a multi-disciplinary analysis tool of flow-structure coupling, trim analysis, and noise prediction for rotorcraft developed at Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. In this study, the numerical computation based on NREL Phase VI experiment with SA turbulence model is conducted to validate the accuracy of performance prediction of the horizontal axis wind turbines. Additionally, numerical computation for MEXICO experiment with a Navier-Stokes (NS) flow solver is conducted to confirm the ability of rFlow3D to predict the wake structure. The NREL Phase VI computational results indicate that the utilization of turbulence model improves the performance prediction in fully separated flow conditions. Meanwhile, MEXICO computation results show the solver can accurately predict the vortex structure and the axial velocity deficit in the wake.