An experimental case study of complex topographic and atmospheric influences on wind turbine performance

Kevin B. Howard, Leonardo P. Chamorro, Michele Guala

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A wind tunnel study was conducted in which a scale model wind turbine was placed in a closed circuit atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel with various in flow and thermal configurations. Each test was designed to gain a better understanding of the production via direct measurement of turbine voltage and loading of the turbine due to upstream perturbations. The experimental setup provided a comparison between the variation in turbine voltage with the variation in rotor rotational velocity, measured with a tachometer. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) and hot-wire anemometer measurements, supported by temperature profiles to determine in flow conditions, were used to describe the flow upwind and downwind of the model wind turbine. This case study involving three stability conditions and complex topography was developed to provide insight on how perturbations and the resulting turbulence affects the turbine. The results displayed herein provide information on the impact of stratification and complex topography on turbine voltage output.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication51st AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition 2013
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
ISBN (Print)9781624101816
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event51st AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition 2013 - Grapevine, TX, United States
Duration: Jan 7 2013Jan 10 2013

Publication series

Name51st AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition 2013

Conference

Conference51st AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityGrapevine, TX
Period1/7/131/10/13

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Space and Planetary Science
  • Aerospace Engineering

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