Appropriate Numerical Modelling for Simulation of Root Airfoils of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine

Abstract

In this paper, the air flow around a root airfoil model of horizontal axis wind turbine, namely SG6040 is numerically simulated using finite volume method by three turbulence modelling k-ω, k-ω SST, and Spalart-Allmaras in two Reynolds Number of 137,122 and 149,969 and at 0 to 10 degrees angles of attack. The main objective of this paper is to provide a proper numerical model for simulating the root airfoils of wind turbines with small rotor sizes. Also, the effect of angles of attack and Reynolds number on aerodynamic coefficients were investigated and the results were compared with each other. The results show that the k-ω SST turbulence model presents better results than other models and is more consistent with experimental results. Also, by increasing Reynolds number, turbulence models seem to have the same trend and the greatest differences occur in the low Reynolds numbers. The results obtained in this case study can play a significant role in designing wind turbine blades.

Keywords

• numerical modelling
• root airfoil of wind turbine
• turbulence modelling
• sg6040 airfoil