Wake modelling via actuator-line method for exergy analysis in openFOAM

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, first and second laws of thermodynamics are performed on MEXICO wind turbine based on a generalized Actuator Line method (ALM). In order to simulate the flow field around wind turbine’s rotor and to predict the wake’s field behind it, large eddy simulation (LES) coupled with a novel Gaussian spreading width is employed in ALM. Simulation has been done for two different conditions including design conditions and stalled conditions. Due to the wake deficit results, exergy analysis conducted. Some metrological variables such as velocity, pressure, and temperature which are measured in the wind tunnel are used to evaluate wind turbine’s performance based on energy and exergy efficiencies. Obtained results are compared to experimental data. It was observed that the ALM results agreed well with measurements. Stall condition’s results were in better agreement with experimental data. It is shown that the axial and radial wake velocities showed a difference of 5.2 and 11% respectively. Also, it is shown that output results from ALM have a good ability to analysis wind turbine based on the second law of thermodynamics. The maximum difference from exergy efficiency analysis compared to measurements were only 6.2%.