Numerical investigation of rotational speed effects on flow separation and boundary layer dynamics in ducted wind turbines

Abstract

In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive numerical investigation of a ducted wind turbine under various rotational speeds, focusing on aspects such as boundary layer thickness and momentum thickness. Our study utilizes advanced computational fluid dynamics techniques to assess the intricate flow characteristics and aerodynamics of the ducted wind turbine, providing a detailed understanding of its operation under different speed conditions. The primary objectives are to comprehend the effect of the wind turbine’s rotational speed on the boundary layer thickness and the momentum thickness, two crucial parameters influencing the turbine’s performance and efficiency. Our findings reveal a significant correlation between the increase in rotational speed and the growth of flow separation, a phenomenon typically indicated by an expansion in the area of negative wall shear stress. This research contributes valuable insights into the behavior of ducted wind turbines at varying rotational speeds, and the acquired knowledge could potentially be utilized in designing and improving wind turbine systems to achieve better performance and enhanced operational efficiency.