Multi-fidelity actuator-line modelling of FOWT wakes

Abstract

Abstract Large Eddy Simulations (LES) are considered the proper tool for predicting the physics of a wind turbine wake, thereby establishing a solid foundation for investigating the interaction among floating turbines within wind farms. In this work the Actuator Line Model, implemented in the OpenFoam environment, is combined with both U-RANS and LES simulations to underline the differences in accuracy when reproducing the near and far wake of a single turbine. Both a fixed-bottom and a surge motion case are tested to highlight the wake phenomena strictly generated by the platform motion. The use of LES simulation becomes fundamental by virtue of its ability to accurately simulate turbulence and mixing with free-stream flow, hence, this research aims at advancing the knowledge of wake dynamics from multiple perspectives while ensuring reliability thanks to the use of the experimental wake data from the UNAFLOW test campaign on the scaled laboratory model of the DTU 10 MW. In the near wake, limited flow unsteadiness and similar mean velocity are predicted by the two models. In the far wake, instead, the LES approach estimates a strong rise of flow unsteadiness which, in case of surge motion, affects the mean velocity value making evident the difference between LES and RANS estimation.