Wind flow through shrouded wind turbines
Abstract
Wall pressure distributions and cross section flow distribution on wind turbine shroud designs, determined through static pressure measurements, were quantified in order to determine the most ideal design that could increase power output and reduce the radar cross section. Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (EXWC) Port Hueneme provided four shroud designs in a 1:160 scale for analysis, including a model with a free-spinning wind turbine incorporated. These models were studied in the Naval Postgraduate School MAE wind tunnel. Tunnel velocity and model angle were varied. Additionally, static wall pressures and cross section flow were studied with the addition of a screen. The pressure measurements were collected by a Scanivalve pressure scanner from up to 90 taps drilled into the models at various locations as well as through an Aeroflow 5-hole probe, which took various measurements at multiple planes of each model. Flow visualization tests, including oil and tufts, were also conducted to help determine the aerodynamic efficiency of each model and identify any sign of flow separation. These studies provided a good evaluation of the efficiency of these models from a fluid flow perspective. While none of the models proved ideal, certain attributes, most importantly the geometry of a wind lens or flange on the shroud and a gradually diverging shape, proved to accelerate the flow through the duct.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1046108
Entities
People
- Jonathan P. Scheuermann
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School