Front Deflector Effects on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines: A Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes Simulation Study

Abstract

Flow control devices have garnered significant attention from domestic and international wind energy scholars. In an effort to capture more wind energy and boost the output power of wind turbines, this study incorporates flow control devices into the upstream area of the wind turbine. The study then assesses the impact of the spacing, tilt angle, and height of the flow control devices on the turbine's performance. The study demonstrates that the addition of flow control devices does lead to a notable enhancement in wind turbine power, with a maximum power output growth rate of 9.74%. The maximum growth rates for the average output power of the wind turbine due to the three factors (α, H, and L_w) are 4.20%, 3.76%, and 3.54%, respectively. The degree of influence of the three factors is as follows: α > H > L_w.