Inclusion of a simple dynamic inflow model in the blade element momentum theory for wind turbine application

Xiaomin Chen, Ramesh Agarwal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

It is well established that the power generated by a Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) is a function of the number of blades B, the tip speed ratio λr (blade tip speed/wind free-stream velocity) and the lift to drag ratio (CL/CD) of the airfoil sections of the blade. The previous studies have shown that Blade Element Momentum (BEM) theory is capable of evaluating the steady-state performance of wind turbines, in particular it can provide a reasonably good estimate of generated power at a given wind speed. However in more realistic applications, wind turbine operating conditions change from time to time due to variations in wind velocity and the aerodynamic forces change to new steady-state values after the wake settles to a new equilibrium whenever changes in operating conditions occur. The goal of this paper is to modify the quasi-steady BEM theory by including a simple dynamic inflow model to capture the unsteady behavior of wind turbines on a larger time scale. The output power of the wind turbines is calculated using the improved BEM method incorporating the inflow model. The computations are performed for the original NREL Phase II and Phase III turbines and the Risoe turbine all employing the S809 airfoil section for the turbine blades. It is shown by a simple example that the improved BEM theory is capable of evaluating the wind turbine performance in practical situations where operating conditions often vary in time.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSimple and Combined Cycles; Advanced Energy Systems and Renewables (Wind, Solar and Geothermal); Energy Water Nexus; Thermal Hydraulics and CFD; Nuclear Plant Design, Licensing and Construction; Performance Testing and Performance Test Codes; Student Paper Competition
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791846094
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014
EventASME 2014 Power Conference, POWER 2014 - Baltimore, United States
Duration: Jul 28 2014Jul 31 2014

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers, Power Division (Publication) POWER
Volume2

Conference

ConferenceASME 2014 Power Conference, POWER 2014
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore
Period07/28/1407/31/14

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