Characterization of Vortex Generators Induced Flow around Wind Turbine Airfoil

Abstract:

Vortex generators (VGs) are an effective way to control flow separation in wind turbine. To understand the mechanism of VGs controlling flow separation, the flow field around airfoil Du97W300 with VGs was simulated and analyzed with CFD tools, and this numerical method is validated through the comparison between the numerical results and the experimental results. Furthermore, the flow fields around airfoil equipped with four different types of VGs are calculated and analyzed. The results show that the helical vortex induced by counter-rotating VGs develop approximately along streamwise direction; these types of VGs can cause a delay in stall and enhance the maximum airfoil lift coefficient. However the helical induced vortex actuated by the co-rotating VGs develop nearly along vortex generator direction and cannot cause a delay in stall effectively. In the counter-rotating VGs, the Q integration (the character parameter of induced vortex) of rectangular is twice of the triangle, and the Q integration of the forward triangle is almost equal to the backward triangle VGs.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 448-453)
• Pages: 1779-1784
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.448-453.1779
• Online since: October 2013
• Authors: Li Ping Dai*, Hui Zhang, Jian Dong Jiao, Xin Kai Li, Shun Kang
• Keywords: Induced Vortex, Vortex Generators, Wind Turbine Airfoil

References

[1] Taylor, H.D., The Elimination of Diffuser Separation by Vortex Generators, United Aircraft Corporation Report No. R-4012-3, June (1947).

[2] Lin JC, Howard FG, Selby GV. Small submerged vortex generators for turbulent flow separation control. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets 1990; 27(5): 503–507.

DOI: 10.2514/3.26172

[3] Ashill PR, Fulker JL, Hackett, KC. Studies of flows induced by sub boundary layer vortex generators (SBVGs). AIAA Paper 2002-0968, 40th AIAA Aerospace SciencesMeeting and Exhibit, Reno, NV, January 14–17, (2002).

DOI: 10.2514/6.2002-968

[4] Yao C-S, Lin JC, Allan BG. Flow field measurement of device-induced embedded streamwise vortex on a flat plate. AIAA Paper 2002-3162, 1st AIAA Flow Control Conference, St. Louis, MO, June 24–27, (2002).

DOI: 10.2514/6.2002-3162

[5] W. A. Timmer，R. P. J. O. M. van Rooij. Summary of the Delft University Wind Turbine Dedicated Airfoils. Journal of Solar Energy Engineering， 2003. 125, 488-496.

DOI: 10.1115/1.1626129

[6] G.W. Gyatt. Development and Testing of Vortex Generators for Small Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines1986，NASA-CR-179514.

DOI: 10.2172/6801076

[7] Li Ren-nian, Li Yin-ran, Wang Xiu-yong etc. aerodynamic model of airfoil for wind turbine and its numeric computation(In Chinese)[J]. Journal of Lanzhou University of Technology. Vol. 36(3): 65-68.

[8] Zhang Jie, ，Deng Xueying. Vortex Identification criterias and their application in PIV technology(In Chinese). the 2nd experimental aerodynamics congress，2009. 8.