Numerical Analysis of the Effect of Free-stream Turbulence on Aerodynamic Performance of NACA 4415 Wind Turbine Airfoil

Abstract

The wind turbine airfoil's aerodynamic performance aerodynamics become essential for the wind turbine. This study aimed to obtain the effect of free-stream turbulence intensity of wind turbine airfoil NACA 4415 using a 2D numerical method. Here, the turbulence intensity varied from 0.1% to 10% at Reynolds number 216,000 and by changing the angle of attack from -4 to 24 degrees, having a chord length of 0.153 m. The finite volume method was used in this study. It was found that the free-stream turbulence intensity can reduce the values ​​of CD, CL, CP, and CL/CD but has insignificant effects on the wake area behind the airfoil. The decrease in airfoil efficiency observed was caused by the boundary layer flow disruption, which reduced the total pressure coefficient on the airfoil surface. Likewise, the intensity of turbulence can reduce boundary layer thickness. Finally, the free-stream turbulence controls airfoil performance.

Country : Indonesia

1 Nazaruddin Sinaga2 Sukiman

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Jalan Prof. Soedarto, Tembalang, Semarang 50275, Central Jawa, Indonesia
  2. STIMA IMMI, Jalan Raya Tanjung Barat, Jakarta Selatan, Indonesia

IRJIET, Volume 6, Issue 9, September 2022 pp. 18-26

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2022.609003

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