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EPSRC Reference: GR/K78478/01
Title: ADVANCED WIND TURBINE AERODYNAMIC PREDICTION CODES: ANALYSIS PIV MEASUREMENTS IN WAKE OF MODEL ROTORS
Principal Investigator: Bruce, Professor T
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Pre Nexus Migration
Department: Sch of Mechanical Engineering
Organisation: University of Edinburgh
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 February 1996 Ends: 31 July 1997 Value (£): 47,359
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Wind Power
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Energy No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
As wind turbines increase in size, the need for accurate prediction of aerodynamic loading and performance becomes paramount. Despite the advanced commercial development of large machines, rotor aerodynamic prediction methods remain flawed, as witnessed by failures of existing machines. A detailed knowledge of the wake structure is a prerequisite for accurate modelling, but the lack of detailed knowledge of the detailed experimental data in the wake of a turbine and the difficulty of obtaining it is widely appreciated. However, for the first time high quality, whole-field velocity and vorticity measurements have been obtained in the wake of a rotor using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique on small-scale rotors.The proposed study aims to use this new, detailed data on the wake structure to improved the modelling process involved in developing aerodynamic prediction codes. Collaborative work with wind energy researchers throughout Europe will allow theoretical modellers to assess and update their numerical codes, while comparisons with field measurements will place the PIV results in the context of the wake behaviour from full-scale machines. A workshop is planned that will provide a forum for research institutes and blade manufacturers to discuss the implications of the study in terms of future performance prediction codes.
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