Streamwise vortex generator for separation reduction on wind turbine profile

Abstract

High angles of attack of the wind turbine blades induce severe flow conditions which lead to flow separation and, as the consequence, aerodynamic performance reduction. Implementation of a new type of passive streamwise vortex generator (Rod Vortex Generator - RVG), on a wind turbine profile in order to reduce the flow separation is presented. Numerical model validation is carried out for the S809 aerofoil and a wide range of angles of attack (AoA) employed as reference for flow control cases. Investigation of proposed passive control method involves attached as well as incipient and massive flow separation. A study of chordwise location of RVGs for different inflow conditions is performed. The numerical and experimental results are in good agreement. Obtained numerical results based on the RANS approach reveal a large potential of selected passive devices in reduction of flow separation and increase of aerodynamic performance.