In-depth CFD Analysis and Verification of Vortex Generator Installed 2.3MW Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine

The effect of VG calculated through computational Huid dynamics (CFD) on the blade of a 2.3MW wind turbine was compared with the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data. VGs are essentially small fins that are installed toward the root of the wind turbine blade to reduce airflow separation. Separation flow on the wind turbine blade suction surface were captured by the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) steady flow simulation using general-purpose code, ANSYS CFX. Based on CFD, AEP calculation was performed through PROPID. VG attachment location tracking and actual attachment were performed through laser tracking, and attachment was performed within an error range of 4×10-4. Data during 2 months with and without VG attachment were analyzed. It has been validated that VG has a play of role to enhance significant aerodynamic performance. AEP calculated by PROPID predicted an increase of 0.81% total, while the measured AEP increases by 1.02% total. At the wind speed of rated power, increase rate of power was 2.80% in CFD analysis results, and was 4.83% in measured data, respectively.