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Actuator curve embedding – an advanced actuator line model

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 November 2017

Pankaj K. Jha  and
Sven Schmitz Open the ORCID record for Sven Schmitz [Opens in a new window]
Pankaj K. Jha
Affiliation:
Department of Aerospace Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
Sven Schmitz*
Affiliation:
Department of Aerospace Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
*
†Email address for correspondence: sus52@engr.psu.edu
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Abstract

This article describes an actuator curve embedding (ACE) concept to model arbitrary lifting lines using body forces within large-eddy simulation (LES). The new method removes some inconsistencies in body-force projection of the actuator line model (ALM) commonly used to represent wind turbine blades in atmospheric boundary-layer simulations. The concept and algorithm of ACE are presented followed by selected results for various blade planform and tip shapes that signify both the predictive capability and the advantages of the ACE concept. Examples include an elliptic wing, the NREL Phase VI rotor in parked and rotating conditions, and the NREL 5-MW turbine.

JFM classification

Aerodynamics: Aerodynamics Mathematical Foundations: Computational methods Vortex Flows: Vortex Flows
Type
JFM Rapids
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 834 , 10 January 2018 , R2
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Copyright
© 2017 Cambridge University Press 

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