The aerodynamic performance of a wind turbine rotor equipped with circulation control technology is investigated using a three-dimensional unsteady viscous flow analysis. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Phase VI horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) is chosen as the baseline configuration. Experimental data for the baseline case is used to validate the flow solver, prior to its use in exploring these concepts. Steady and pulsed Coanda jet calculations have been performed for axial and yawed flows at several wind conditions. Results presented include radial distribution of the normal and tangential forces at selected radial locations, shaft torque, and root flap bending moments. At low wind speeds where the flow is fully attached, it is found that steady and pulsed Coanda jets at the trailing edge are both effective at increasing circulation resulting in an increase of lift and the chordwise thrust force. This leads to an increased amount of net power compared to the baseline configuration for moderate blowing coefficients. Preliminary calculations are also shown to demonstrate how Coanda jets may be used as jet spoilers to alleviate structural loads under extreme wind conditions.
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