HAWT
Aerodynamics
and Models
from Wind Tunnel
Measurements
OPERATING AGENT:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
OA Representative:
Scott Schreck
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, Colorado
United States
Tel: +1 303 384 7102
Fax: +1 303 384 6901
Email: Scott Schreck
The work of this annex
will increase understanding of the aerodynamics of horizontal axis wind turbines
(HAWT) by using new data from a full-scale wind tunnel experiment conducted
in 2000 to develop and validate model subcomponents that can then be used
to improve comprehensive aerodynamic models.
In 2000, a full-scale HAWT, called the NREL Unsteady Aerodynamics Experiment
(UAE), was tested in the NASA Ames large wind tunnel [80 foot by 120 foot
(24.4 m by 36.6 m)]. This test was designed to provide experimental measurements,
having high spatial and temporal resolution, for a realistic rotating blade
geometry, under closely matched conditions of dynamic similarity, and in the
presence of strictly controlled inflow conditions.
Data Acquisition, Processing, and Quality Assurance
The raw data acquired during the UAE test in the NASA Ames 80 foot x 120 foot
wind tunnel will be processed in different ways to serve the needs of the
participants. Each participating organization has different, on-going aerodynamic
research that will benefit from this work.
Data Analysis and Exploitation
For each of the eight participants, once the data relevant to its work have
been obtained, converted to the desired format, and uncertainties established,
analysis within the existing research program of the country will begin.
Model Subcomponent Construction or Modification
Once they have gained an understanding of the HAWT flow field through analysis
and exploitation of the UAE wind tunnel data set, participants will work to
develop physics-based subcomponents for their relevant computational models.
Participants may construct new subcomponents based on data analysis and exploitation,
or may modify existing subcomponent models. Finally, UAE wind tunnel data,
or data derived via analysis and exploitation in conjunction with this Annex,
will be used to validate the accuracy and reliability of new or modified subcomponents.
Subcomponent Integration and Model Validation
Once constructed and validated in isolation from other model subcomponents
and code segments, the new or modified subcomponent(s) will likely be integrated
into comprehensive software packages. Then, the comprehensive software packages
will be validated, again using the UAE wind tunnel database. Global validation
studies may seek to establish bounds on accuracy or reliability, or to quantify
pertinent sensitivities to input quantities or model parameters. Depending
upon the code, validated codes may be used to study turbine flow physics,
or for design and analysis.
RESULTS
The principal products of this Annex will be reports prepared by Participants
that include, but are not limited to, the topics listed below:
| • | Data acquisition or reduction in addition to that already completed for the UAE wind tunnel data base |
| • | Data quality assurance studies or uncertainty analyses |
| • | Data analysis or exploitation activities, including any exploration or visualization algorithms used in these activities |
| • | Findings regarding wind turbine fluid mechanics |
| • | Conceptual descriptions of new or modified model subcomponents and results of validation tests |
| • | Conceptual descriptions of new or modified integrated models and results of validation tests |
These reports will be
available to all Participants, but will not be distributed outside the Annex
without permission of the author(s).
Participants: Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Japan, Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden,
and the United States.
