An Examination of Rotational Effects on Large Wind Turbine Blades

Abstract

CFD studies have been performed to demonstrate the effects of rotation on large wind turbine blades. The 10 MW blade of the Advanced Aerodynamic Tools for Large Rotors (AVATAR) project was selected in the present investigation. In order to demonstrate the rotational augmentation, lift coefficients of the blade sections were compared with the two-dimensional simulations at consistent inflow conditions. The increase of the lift coefficient was observed at the inboard section of the blade, showing the effect of rotation. A significant delay of separation point as well as a massive reduction of the wake size occur at the inboard blade section. The results of the present manuscript provide more information of the rotational augmentation occurring in the near hub region of wind turbine blades.