A triangular vortex generator modeling on a DU97-W-300 airfoil by a source term model

Abstract

Vortex generators are passive devices employed to improve the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and wind turbine blades. More concretely, these devices have high potential in improving the power output of wind turbines that are producing less power than expected. Besides, it can improve the aerodynamic performance of the nearest parts to the rotor of turbine blades that usually enter in stall. The main goal of this article is to model the triangular vortex generator effect on a DU97-W-300 airfoil by a source term model. This is aimed by comparing the lift and drag coefficients from experimental studies with the data obtained in the computational fluid dynamics study. Furthermore, the vertical path and the size and strength of the vortex are studied for different angles of attack in order to see how the vortex genertaor behaves in different conditions.