Computational Fluid Dynamics

Analysis of a Wind Turbine

Jon Leary
Academic Supervisor – Rob Howell
Industrial Supervisor – Stuart Walker (AECOM)
 What is Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD)?
• Computational tool for modelling fluids
• Uses computers to perform mind numbing
calculations
• Lewis Fry Richardson (1881-1953) performed 1st
CFD calculation for weather prediction
• Took 6 weeks and ended in failure!
• Proposed ‘forecast factory’
• Stadium of 64,000 people, each with a mechanical calculator
• Leader in centre with coloured lights and telegraph
communication
 What Can You Use CFD For?
• Predicting real world behaviour of fluids
• Design optimisation
• Flow visualisation tool
 How Does CFD Work?
• Real world continuous fluids split into
manageable ‘chunks’
• Properties of each chunk dependant on those
of the surrounding ‘chunks’
• Governing equations solved for each ‘chunk’
simultaneously until an overall solution can be
found
How Does CFD Work?
 What Are The Limitations of
CFD?
• Accuracy dependant on:
• ‘Chunk’ size
• ‘Chunk’ distribution
• How well the chosen equations match the type of
flow
• Interpretation of the results
• Accuracy of boundary conditions
• Solution convergence
• Skill of the user!
 Why Use CFD to Model a Wind
Turbine?
• Design optimisation
• Prediction of power output without having to
make any real parts
• Flow visualisation
• Further understanding of flow physics
 Why Use CFD to Model a Wind
Turbine
• Design optimisation
• Prediction of power output without having to
make any real parts
• Flow visualisation
 The Modelling Process

Input Geometry

Create Mesh

Define Boundary Conditions Refine the Mesh

Run the Simulation

Interpret the Results

 My Strategy
• Begin with a 2D model
• Airfoil - cross section of a blade
• Model flow around airfoil
• Predict forces on
blade from airflow
• Predict power
output
 The Modelling Domain
Airflow
Edge of
modelled
domain

Airfoil
Step 1 – Input Geometry
 Step 2 – Create a Mesh

Airflow

Airfoil
 Step 3 – Define Boundary
Conditions

Airflow

Airfoil
Step 4 – Run the Simulation
Step 5 – Interpret the Results
Step 6 – Refine Mesh
 Step 2 – Create a Mesh
• Gambit
 Step 2 – Create a Mesh
• Gambit
 Step 2 – Create a Mesh
• Gambit
Step 6 – Refine Mesh
My Results
My Results
 What Will the Model be Used
For?
• Comparison of a hand made
blade with a conventional factory
manufactured blade
• Hugh Piggott design
• Increase performance without
increasing manufacturing time or
effort
 Future Work
• Next 2 months:
• Fix 2D model
• Factory vs. hand made
• Create and run a 3D model
• Factory vs. hand made
• Wind tunnel testing
• Factory vs. hand made
Questions?