Wind Turbine Aerodynamics and Flow Control

Abstract

Aerodynamics is one of the prime topics in wind turbine research. In aerodynamics, the design of a flow control mechanism lays the foundation for an efficient power output. Lift generation in the airfoil section leading to rotary motion of blade and transfer of mechanical to electrical power generation through gearbox assembly. The primary objective of a flow control mechanism in wind turbine blades is to delay the stall and increase the lift, thereby an efficient power generation. Flow control is classified into active and passive flow control mechanisms. Active flow control works on an actuation mechanism that comes into action when required during varied operating conditions. Passive flow control devices are designed, developed, and fixed on the surface to extract the required output through effective flow control. Vortex generators are the simplest, most cost-effective and efficient passive flow control devices. These devices influence the power of wind turbine blades in various ways, such as placement of generator along the chord, distance between pairs of a generator, angle of inclination of a generator with the blade surface, the height of generator. Flow control device needs to be optimized with the aforementioned parameters for efficient stall delay and power generation.