Enhanced Aerodynamic Performance of Wind Turbine Blades by Finite Element Meshing in Energy Applications

Abstract

This paper presents the aerodynamic performance of wind turbine blades with higher order triangular meshing. Subparametric transformation of triangular elements has been implemented on the higher order triangular meshing over two wind turbine blades. Wind turbine blades of NACA 4-digit series have been considered in the present work, NACA0015, and NACA0021 blades. The aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine blades has been computed at Reynolds number 68,000 and 1,20,00 at various angles of attack (AOA) respectively. The results of the lower order meshes and higher order meshes over these blades are compared. Computation with the higher order meshes has outperformed better in comparison with the lower order meshes and experimental results. The computation of lift coefficient and the drag coefficient of NACA0015 and NACA0021 blades at increasing AOA has been compared and plotted in the present work. Hence it is useful for the shape optimization of the blades for enhanced performance during morphing and an icing event. The aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine blades obtained from the higher order results can be applied for more energy production in energy applications.