HAWT Performance Analysis by a Free Wake Vortice Lattice Method: Code forPersonal Computers

摘要

This is a method of calculating theoretically the performance of a HorizontalAxis Wind Turbine by Vortice Lattice panel Methods (VLM). The VLM is an iterative numerical process for calculating the three dimensional flow velocities induced by rotor blades in steady flow. The study investigated the effects of a complete helical vortex far wake model connected to a free near wake model with lifting surface effects from the rotor blades. the model was compared with Classical Momentum Strip Theory (CMST) and a revised Momentum Theory developed by van Kuik (1991). This was achieved by using the VLM model to calculate the local inviscid flow angles at each blade span position, and then using two dimensional airfoil data to find lift and drag. The model showed good agreement with results from experimental wind tunnel tests, and proved to be more accurate than CMST. The revised Momentum Theory developed by van Kuik indicates performance above that predicted by CMST for maximum possible power.