Computational Methods for Modelling and Optimization of Flow Control Devices

Over the last few years, the advances in size and weight for wind turbines have led to the development of flow control devices. The current work presents an innovative method to model flow control devices based on a cell-set model, such as Gurney flaps (GFs). This model reuses the cells which are around the required geometry and a wall boundary condition is assigned to the generated region. Numerical simulations based on RANS equations and with $\mathrm{Re}=2\times {10}^6$ have been performed. Firstly, a performance study of the cell-set model on GFs was carried out by comparing it with a fully mesh model of a DU91W250 airfoil. A global relative error of 1.13% was calculated. Secondly, optimum GF lengths were determined (from 0% to 2% of c) for a DU97W300 airfoil and an application of them. The results showed that for lower angles of attack (AoAs) larger GFs were needed, and as the AoA increased, the optimum GF length value decreased. For the purpose of studying the effects generated by two flow control devices (vortex generators (VGs) and optimum GF) working together, a triangular VG based on the jBAY model was implemented. Resulting data indicated, as expected, that when both flow control devices were implemented, higher C_L and lower C_D values appeared.