Effect of acceleration on dynamic stall of airfoil in unsteady operating conditions

In this paper the effect of accelerated flow over a moving airfoil is considered and based on the flow field around the airfoil the dynamic stall is evaluated. In contrast to ordinary pitching motion, the dynamic stall evaluation in this study is performed with a different motion pattern, in which the airfoil has a heaving motion in one direction. This motion pattern is also similar to rotation of an element of blade in horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). In present investigation, the Reynolds number is changed during simulation time and variations of this parameter from initial to final values are shown by acceleration parameter. The operating Reynolds number is more than 10⁶, and a S809 airfoil is selected to move with accelerations of 1, 4 and 6 m/s² in normal direction to free stream. To resolve accelerated flow filed in the two‐dimensional computational domain and to achieve results within a reasonable computation time, the unsteady Reynolds‐Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations are employed. The governing equations are discretized based on the finite volume approach and semi‐implicit method for pressure linked equations algorithm is used for pressure–velocity coupling. Furthermore, turbulence effect on flow field is accounted using shear stress transport (SST) k‐ω model. It is shown that the accelerated flow can significantly influence on the aerodynamic loads and dynamic stall trend. This study may introduce a new concept regarding dynamic stall and aerodynamic loads when the rotational acceleration is involved in HAWTs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A vortex panel model for the simulation of the wake flow past a vertical axis wind turbine in dynamic stall

A 2D vortex panel model with a viscous boundary layer formulation has been developed for the numerical simulation of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT), including the operation in dynamic stall. The model uses the ‘double wake’ concept to reproduce the main features of the unsteady separated flow, including the formation and shedding of strong vortical structures and the wake–blade interaction. The potential flow equations are solved together with the integral boundary layer equations by using a semi‐inverse iterative algorithm. A new criterion for the reattachment of the boundary layer during the downstroke of a dynamically stalled aerofoil is implemented. The model has been validated against experimental data of steady aerofoils and pitching aerofoils in dynamic stall at high and low Reynolds numbers (Re = 1.5 × 10⁶ and Re = 5 × 10⁴). For the low Reynolds number case, time‐resolved 2D particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements have been performed on a pitching NACA 0012 aerofoil in dynamic stall. The PIV vorticity fields past the oscillating aerofoil are used to test the model capability of capturing the formation, growth and release of the strong leading edge vortex that characterizes the dynamic stall. Furthermore, the forces extracted from the PIV velocity fields are compared with the predicted ones for a quantitative validation of the model. Finally, the model is applied to the computation of the wake flow past a VAWT in dynamic stall; the predicted vorticity fields and forces are in good agreement with phase‐locked PIV data and CFD‐DES available in the literature. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wake modelling of a VAWT in dynamic stall: impact on the prediction of flow and induction fields

Dynamic stall is a relevant phenomenon in the design and operation of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) as it impacts loading, control and wake dynamics. Although streamtube models and single‐wake vortex models are commonly used for VAWT simulation, they either do not explicitly simulate the distribution of vorticity in the wake (streamtube models) or simplify it into a single‐wake release point (single‐wake vortex models). This can lead to inaccurate predictions of the vorticity distribution and wake dynamics, and therefore of the induction field, rotor loading and wake development, including wake mixing and re‐energizing. In this work, we use a double‐wake panel model developed for the simulation of dynamic stall in a VAWT to analyse (i) what is the flow field in dynamic stall, including the induction field, (ii) what is the error due to assuming a simplified wake, in both vorticity distribution and induction and (iii) how an incorrect simulation of the vorticity distribution can affect the prediction of the dynamics of the near and far wake. The results demonstrate that for mild separation (tip speed ratio λ≥3), single‐wake models can produce acceptable results. However, for lower tip speed ratios (λ < 3), the inaccuracy in the prediction of loads, induction field and vorticity distribution becomes significant because of an inadequate representation of the wake dynamics. These results imply that using lower order models can lead to inaccurate estimations of loads, performance and power control requirements at low tip speed ratios. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New vortex‐lift and tangential‐force models for HAWT aerodynamic load prediction

Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) experience three‐dimensional rotational and unsteady aerodynamic phenomena at the rotor blades sections. These highly unsteady three‐dimensional effects have a dramatic impact on the aerodynamic load distributions on the blades, in particular, when they occur at high angles of attack due to stall delay and dynamic stall. Unfortunately, there is no complete understanding of the flow physics yet at these unsteady 3D flow conditions, and hence, the existing published theoretical models are often incapable of modelling the impact on the turbine response realistically. The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight on the combined influence of the stall delay and dynamic stall on the blade load history of wind turbines in controlled and uncontrolled conditions. New dynamic stall vortex and nonlinear tangential force coefficient modules, which integrally take into account the three dimensional rotational effect, are also proposed in this paper. This module along with the unsteady influence of turbulent wind speed and tower shadow is implemented in a blade element momentum (BEM) model to estimate the aerodynamic loads on a rotating blade more accurately. This work presents an important step to help modelling the combined influence of the stall delay and dynamic stall on the load history of the rotating wind turbine blades which is vital to have lighter turbine blades and improved wind turbine design systems.     

Simulating dynamic stall in a two‐dimensional vertical‐axis wind turbine: verification and validation with particle image velocimetry data

The implementation of wind energy conversion systems in the built environment has renewed the interest and the research on Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs). The VAWT has an inherent unsteady aerodynamic behavior due to the variation of angle of attack and perceived velocity with azimuth angle. The phenomenon of dynamic stall is then an intrinsic effect of the operation at low tip speed ratios, impacting both loads and power. The complexity of the problem and the need for new design approaches for VAWTs for the built environment have driven the authors to focus this research on the CFD modeling of VAWTs on:

• Comparing the results between commonly used turbulence models: Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier‐Stokes – URANS (Spalart‐Allmaras and k‐?) and large eddy models (Large Eddy Simulation and Detached Eddy Simulation).
• Verifying the sensitivity of the model to its grid refinement (space and time).
• Evaluating the suitability of using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) experimental data for model validation.

The current work investigates the impact of accurately modeling the separated shed wake resulting from dynamic stall, and the importance of validation of the flow field rather than validation with only load data. The structure and magnitude of the wake are validated with PIV results, and it demonstrated that the accuracy of the different models in simulating a correct wake structure has a large impact in loads.     

Dynamic stall control via adaptive blowing

An aerodynamic load control concept termed “adaptive blowing” was successfully tested on a NACA 0018 airfoil model at Reynolds numbers ranging from 1.5·10⁵ to 5·10⁵. The global objective was to eliminate lift oscillations typically encountered on wind turbine blade sections. Depending on the jet momentum flux, steady blowing from a control slot in the leading-edge region can be utilized to either enhance or reduce lift by suppressing or inducing boundary layer separation respectively. Furthermore, high momentum blowing effectively eliminated the dynamic stall vortex during deep dynamic stall conditions. Based on these previous findings, the present work explores the feasibility of controlling unsteady aerodynamic loads by dynamically varying the jet momentum flux to compensate for transient changes of the inflow. Various scenarios including high amplitude pitching, rapid freestream oscillations and combinations of both were investigated in a custom-built unsteady wind tunnel facility. An iterative control algorithm was implemented which successfully identified the momentum coefficient time profiles required to minimize the lift excursions. The combination of fully suppressing dynamic stall and dynamically adjusting the lift coefficient provided an unprecedented control authority, producing virtually constant phase averaged lift in all cases.     

Computational fluid dynamics simulation of the aerodynamics of a high solidity,small‐scale vertical axis wind turbine

A computational fluid dynamics simulation was performed for a small‐scale, high solidity (σ = 0.48) H‐type Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine. Two‐dimensional unsteady Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes equations were solved for the turbine numerical model, which has a large stationary domain and smaller rotating subdomain connected by a sliding mesh interface. The simulation results were first validated against steady‐state airfoil data. The model was then used to solve for three rotating blades with constant ambient flow velocity (Re = 360,000) over numerous blade speed ratios. The high solidity and the associated low blade speed ratio and rotational speed of the turbine result in complex flow–blade interaction mechanisms. These include dynamic stall resulting in vortex shedding, vortex impingement on the source blade and significant flow momentum extraction causing reduced power production from the downstream blade pass. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A simple model for deep dynamic stall conditions

The present study is focused on modeling of dynamic stall behavior of a pitching airfoil. The deep stall regime is in particular considered. A model is proposed, which has a low implementation and computational complexity but yet is able to deal with different types of dynamic stall conditions, including those characterized by multiple vortex shedding at the airfoil leading edge. The proposed model is appraised against an extensive data set of experimental (α,C_L) curves for NACA0012. The results of an existing widely used model, having comparable complexity, are also shown for comparison. The proposed model is able to well reproduce not only the classic curves of deep dynamic stall but also the curves characterized by lift oscillations at high angles of attack due to the shedding of multiple vortices. Furthermore, the model appears to be robust to variations of its parameters from the optimal values and of the airfoil geometry. Finally, the model is successfully implemented in a commercial CFD software and applied to the simulation of a vertical axis wind turbine within the actuator cylinder approach. The accuracy of the prediction of the turbine power coefficient in the whole rotation cycle is very good for the optimal working condition of the turbine, for which the model parameters were calibrated. Fairly good accuracy is also obtained in significantly different working conditions without any further calibration.     

间隙变化对轴流压气机转子近失速工况叶顶流场的影响研究

为研究间隙变化对轴流压气机转子近失速工况下叶顶流场结构的影响,以轴流压气机转子Rotor37为研究对象,对其叶顶流场进行定常和非定常的数值模拟。计算结果表明：随着叶顶间隙的减小,压气机的总压比和等熵效率均有所提高,稳定运行范围扩大;2倍设计间隙下,叶尖泄漏涡经激波作用后发生膨胀破碎,堵塞来流通道,诱发压气机堵塞失速;0.5倍设计间隙下,吸力面流动分离加剧,发生回流,部分回流与来流在压力面前缘上游发生干涉,进口堵塞加剧,致使部分来流从前缘溢出,导致压气机叶尖失速;不同间隙下压气机失速过程的主导因素不同,大间隙下失速由叶尖泄漏涡破碎的非定常波动引起,小间隙下失速主要由流动分离引发的周期性前缘溢流所主导。     

Numerical simulation of rotating stall in a centrifugal compressor with vaned diffuser

This paper reports a numerical study on the process from normal operating conditions to rotating stall in a cen-trifugal compressor with vaned diffuser.The purpose is to better understand the flow characteristics near stallpoint under the interactions between centrifugal impeller and vaned diffuser.Numerical results show that undercertain conditions just preceding stall point the tip leakage vortex begins to fluctuate at roughly half of the bladepassing frequency.This phenomenon is similar to rotating instability in axial compressors.With the flow rate re-duced further the impeller stalls and five stall cells propagating at a frequency of 85 percent of impeller rotationspeed are found.     

Analysis of vortex‐induced and stall‐induced vibrations at standstill conditions using a free wake aerodynamic code

Vortex‐induced and stall‐induced vibrations of a 2D elastically mounted airfoil at high angles of attack in the vicinity of 90° are investigated using a vortex type model. Such conditions are encountered in parked or idling operation at extreme yaw angles provoked by control system failures. At very high angles of attack, massive flow separation takes place over the entire blade span, and vortex shedding evolves downstream of the blade giving rise to periodically varying loads at frequencies corresponding to the Strouhal number of the vortices shed in the wake. As a result, vortex‐induced vibrations may occur when the shedding frequency matches the natural frequency of the blade. A vortex type model formulated on the basis of the ‘double wake’ concept is employed for the modelling of the stalled flow past a 2D airfoil. By tuning the core size of the vortex particles in the wake, the model predictions are successfully validated against averaged 2D measurements on a DU‐96‐W‐180 airfoil at high angles of attack. In order to assess the energy fed to the airfoil by the aerodynamic loads, the behaviour under imposed sinusoidal edgewise motions is analysed for various oscillation frequencies and amplitudes. Moreover, stall‐induced and vortex‐induced vibrations of an elastically mounted airfoil section are assessed. The vortex model predicts higher aeroelastic damping as compared with that obtained using steady‐state aerodynamics. Excessive combined vortex‐induced and stall‐induced edgewise vibrations are obtained beyond the wind speed of 30 m s^?1. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the S809 airfoil's unsteady aerodynamic characteristics

The S809 airfoil dynamic characteristics, which are based on the airfoil dynamic tests at the University of Glasgow, are presented in this paper. The airfoil tests include static, ramp‐type (ramp‐up and ramp‐down) and oscillatory motions at Reynolds numbers of 1.0 × 10⁶ and 1.5 × 10⁶ with and without the sand‐tripped leading edge. This study aimed to explore the unsteady aerodynamic features of the S809 airfoil, such as the progression of separation from leading edge to trailing edge, the large trailing edge separation before stalling, the stall onset inception and the re‐attachment convection, and to provide some useful data for tuning/refining the semi‐empirical dynamic stall (DS) models, such as the Leishman–Beddoes DS model or its variations. Experimental results show that the S809 airfoil has a complicated DS process that renders this airfoil a challenge for any modeller of the unsteady airloads. The leading‐edge roughness has small effect on the static features, but significantly invokes earlier stall onset inception under dynamic conditions, while has small influence on the convective phase of the re‐establishment of fully attached flow. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modeling dynamic stall on wind turbine blades under rotationally augmented flow fields

This paper presents an investigation of two well‐known aerodynamic phenomena, rotational augmentation and dynamic stall, together in the inboard parts of wind turbine blades. This analysis is carried out using the following: (1) the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Unsteady Aerodynamics Experiment Phase VI experimental data, including constant as well as continuously pitching blade conditions during axial operation; (2) data from unsteady delayed detached eddy simulations (DDES) carried out using the Technical University of Denmark's in‐house flow solver Ellipsys3D; and (3) data from a reduced order dynamic stall model that uses rotationally augmented steady‐state polars obtained from steady Phase VI experimental sequences, instead of the traditional two‐dimensional, non‐rotating data. The aim of this work is twofold. First, the blade loads estimated by the DDES simulations are compared with three select cases of the N‐sequence experimental data, which serves as a validation of the DDES method. Results show reasonable agreement between the two data in two out of three cases studied. Second, the dynamic time series of the lift and the moment polars obtained from the experiments are compared with those from the dynamic stall model. This allowed the differences between the stall phenomenon on the inboard parts of harmonically pitching blades on a rotating wind turbine and the classic dynamic stall representation in two‐dimensional flow to be investigated. Results indicated a good qualitative agreement between the model and the experimental data in many cases, which suggests that the current two‐dimensional dynamic stall model as used in blade element momentum‐based aeroelastic codes may provide a reasonably accurate representation of three‐dimensional rotor aerodynamics when used in combination with a robust rotational augmentation model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

HAWT dynamic stall response asymmetries under yawed flow conditions

Horizontal axis wind turbines can experience significant time‐varying aerodynamic loads, potentially causing adverse effects on structures, mechanical components and power production. As designers attempt lighter and more flexible wind energy machines, greater accuracy and robustness will become even more critical in future aerodynamics models. Aerodynamics modelling advances, in turn, will rely on more thorough comprehension of the three‐dimensional, unsteady, vortical flows that dominate wind turbine blade aerodynamics under high‐load conditions. To experimentally characterize these flows, turbine blade surface pressures were acquired at multiple span locations via the NREL Phase IV Unsteady Aerodynamics Experiment. Surface pressures and associated normal force histories were used to characterize dynamic stall vortex kinematics and normal force amplification. Dynamic stall vortices and normal force amplification were confirmed to occur in response to angle‐of‐attack excursions above the static stall threshold. Stall vortices occupied approximately one‐half of the blade span and persisted for nearly one‐fourth of the blade rotation cycle. Stall vortex convection varied along the blade, resulting in dramatic deformation of the vortex. Presence and deformation of the dynamic stall vortex produced corresponding amplification of normal forces. Analyses revealed consistent alterations to vortex kinematics in response to changes in reduced frequency, span location and yaw error. Finally, vortex structures and kinematics not previously documented for wind turbine blades were isolated. Published in 2000 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

On the free yaw behaviour of horizontal axis wind turbines

Torque associated with rotor stall is shown to be an important factor in the yaw behaviour of fixed pitch horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT). For a given operating machine, the best performance occurs when the plane of rotation is perpendicular to the wind velocity for all wind speeds, V, less than a fixed value, V₀. For V > V₀ a velocity dependent torque yaws a free rotor to more efficient energy gathering positions provided the yaw torque exceeds the corresponding machine frictional torque. The optimum angular positions (yaw trajectories) computed from dynamic equilibrium considerations are compared with, and shown to be in satisfactory agreement with, solutions furnished by a model based on a postulated energy gathering function. The postulational approach developed is particularly useful because of its generality and simplicity in describing the performance of a HAWT. It is noted that although it is advantageous from a performance point of view to yaw the rotor to the optimum position corresponding to a given wind velocity established by either dynamic equilibrium or the energy gathering model, one must be aware of the accompanying increase in cyclic loading. On the other hand, maintaining the plane of rotation perpendicular to the wind velocity at all times could result in significant performance losses as well as fatigue problems in fixed pitch rotors, especially during stall conditions.     

Integrating a new flow separation model and the effects of the vortex shedding for improved dynamic stall predictions using the Beddoes–Leishman method

This paper aims at improving dynamic stall predictions on the S809 aerofoil under 2D flow conditions. The method is based on the well‐known Beddoes–Leishman model; however, a new flow separation model and a noise generator are integrated to improve the predictions in the load fluctuations, including those induced by vortex shedding on the aerofoil upper surface. The flow separation model was derived from a unique approach based on the combined use of unsteady aerodynamic loads measurements, the Beddoes–Leishman model and a trial‐and‐error technique. The new flow separation model and random noise generator were integrated in the Beddoes–Leishman model through a new solution algorithm. The numerical predictions of the unsteady lift and drag coefficients were then compared with the Ohio State University measurements for the oscillating S809 aerofoil at several reduced frequencies and angles of attack. The results using the proposed models showed improved correlation with the experimental data. Hysteresis loops for the aerodynamic coefficients are in good agreement with measurements. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wind tunnel quantification of dynamic stall on an S817 airfoil and its control using synthetic jet actuators

Wind tunnel experiments were performed to quantify the aerodynamic characteristics of the S817 airfoil in dynamic stall conditions, and the subsequent application of active flow control to modify the manner by which dynamic stall incepts. Both quasi‐2D and cantilevered finite span configurations were tested. Surface pressure, six‐component force‐torque sensor, and stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV) were used to quantify the baseline flow and the benefits of actuating synthetic jets (installed at x/c = 0.35, angled 45° into the flow, and at a momentum coefficient C_μ = 0.012). The airfoil was pitched at reduced frequencies of k_f = 0.025 and 0.05 and at shallow and deep stall. Vortex induced lift from dynamic stall was observed and was eliminated by the use of synthetic jets for nearly all conditions; pitching moment deviation was also observed to be significant, and was eliminated at shallow stall and significantly reduced during deep dynamic stall when the synthetic jets were actuated. Moreover, the activation of synthetic jets resulted in significant reduction in the hysteresis (area within the pitching up and pitching down load history) of the lift and pitching moment through all experimental conditions, as much as 41% and 85%, respectively. SPIV flow fields in shallow dynamic stall demonstrated that actuation of synthetic jets confined the separated region to the trailing edge, in both the instantaneous and time averaged sense. To further reduce the lift and pitching moment hysteresis at high angles of attack, a pulse modulation technique was used and showed a marked increase in synthetic jet performance compared with the continuously actuated case and achieved this result with approximately 65% less power consumption.     

Stall Behaviour in a Mixed-flow Compressor with Axial Slot Casing Treatment

Casing treatment is an effective technique in extending stall margin of axial and centrifugal compressor.However,its impacts on the stall behaviour of mixed-flow compressor are still not completely understood until now.To conquer this issue,unsteady full-annulus simulations were conducted to investigate the stall mechanism of a mixed-flow compressor with and without axial slot casing treatment(ASCT).The circumferential propagating speed of spike inception resolved by the numerical approach is 87.1%of the shaft speed,which is identical to the test data.The numerical results confirmed that the mixed-flow compressor fell into rotating stall via spike-type with and without ASCT.The flow structure of the spike inception was investigated at 50%design rotational speed.Instantaneous static pressure traces extracted upstream of the leading edge had shown a classic spiky wave.Furthermore,it was found that with and without ASCT,the mixed-flow compressor stalled through spike with the characteristic of tip leakage spillage at leading edge and tip leakage backflow from trailing edge,which is different from a fraction of the centrifugal compressor.The resultant phenomenon provides conoborating evidence for that unlike in axial-flow compressor,the addition of ASCT does not change the stall characteristics of the mixed-flow compressor.The flow structure that induced spike inception with ASCT is similar to the case with smooth casing.In the throttling process,tip leakage flow vortex had been involved in the formation of tornado vortices,with one end at the suction side,and the other end at the casing-side.The low-pressure region relevant to the downward spike is caused by leading-edge separation vortex or tornado vortex.The high-pressure region relevant to the upward spike is induced by blockage from the passage vortex.These results not only can provide guidance for the design of casing treatment in mixed-flow compressor,but also can pave the way for the stall waring in the highly-loaded compressors of next-generation aeroengines.     

Comparing different dynamic stall models

The dynamic stall phenomenon and its importance for load calculations and aeroelastic simulations is well known. Different models exist to model the effect of dynamic stall; however, a systematic comparison is still lacking. To investigate if one is performing better than another, three models are used to simulate the Ohio State University measurements and a set of data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Ames experimental study of dynamic stall and compare results. These measurements were at conditions and for aerofoils that are typical for wind turbines, and the results are publicly available. The three selected dynamic stall models are the ONERA model, the Beddoes–Leishman model and the Snel model. The simulations show that there are still significant differences between measurements and models and that none of the models is significantly better in all cases than the other models. Especially in the deep stall regime, the accuracy of each of the dynamic stall models is limited. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Unsteady behavior of leading-edge vortex and diffuser stall in a centrifugal compressor with vaned diffuser

The characteristics of a rotating stall of an impeller and diffuser and the evolution of a vortex generated at the diffuser leading-edge (i.e., the leading-edge vortex (LEV)) in a centrifugal compressor were investigated by experiments and numerical analysis. The results of the experiments revealed that both the impeller and diffuser rotating stalls occurred at 55 and 25 Hz during off-design flow operation. For both, stall cells existed only on the shroud side of the flow passages, which is very close to the source location of the LEV. According to the CFD results, the LEV is made up of multiple vortices. The LEV is a combination of a separated vortex near the leading- edge and a longitudinal vortex generated by the extended tip-leakage flow from the impeller. Therefore, the LEV is generated by the accumulation of vorticity caused by the velocity gradient of the impeller discharge flow. In partial-flow operation, the spanwise extent and the position of the LEV origin are temporarily transmuted. The LEV develops with a drop in the velocity in the diffuser passage and forms a significant blockage within the diffuser passage. Therefore, the LEV may be regarded as being one of the causes of a diffuser stall in a centrifugal compressor.