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Wind Turbine and Wind Farm Flows

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "A3: Wind, Wave and Tidal Energy".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 7030

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Earth Sciences, Uppsala University, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
Interests: atmospheric dynamics; turbulence; wind energy; fluid dynamics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The growth of the worldwide energy demand and the impact that human activities have on the current and future global climate are challenges and constraints that need to be taken into account nowadays. Renewable energy sources are viable options that provide electricity with a limited carbon footprint and, therefore, have a key role in the energy transition process worldwide. The exploitation of the wind resource, in particular, has played a leading role in many countries where the wind blows sufficiently, leading to both onshore and offshore installations. Recent trends, such as

  • Wind resource assessment in a changing climate
  • Wind farm aerodynamics optimization
  • Wake losses
  • Global upstream blockage
  • Interaction of wind farms and terrain
  • Interaction of wind farms with a stratified atmosphere
  • Wind farm control
  • Floating turbine aerodynamics

represent key research aspects to define new guidelines for the planning, installation, and operation of wind farms during their lifetime. The aim of this research effort is to improve the understanding of farm aerodynamics to maximize the power production at every time and throughout the park. This goal can be tackled by means of experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical models. This Special Issue aims to collect cutting-edge research works to update the current understanding of wind farms, how they extract power from the atmosphere and interact with it, and how they can operate in different configurations, such as offshore floating turbines.

Dr. Antonio Segalini
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • wind resource
  • wind farm aerodynamics
  • wake losses
  • blockage losses
  • farm control
  • floating turbines
  • farm planning and operation

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

27 pages, 4621 KiB  
Article
Techno-Economic Modeling of Floating Wind Farms
by Ariadna Montes, David Fournely, Jens N. Sørensen and Gunner C. Larsen
Energies 2025, 18(4), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18040967 - 17 Feb 2025
Viewed by 279
Abstract
A simple techno-economic model for determining wind power production and costs related to the development of floating offshore wind power is proposed. The model is a further extension of the minimalistic prediction model for fixed-bottom wind farms previously developed by two of the [...] Read more.
A simple techno-economic model for determining wind power production and costs related to the development of floating offshore wind power is proposed. The model is a further extension of the minimalistic prediction model for fixed-bottom wind farms previously developed by two of the authors. In the extended version, costs associated with the deployment of floating structures, such as floaters, mooring lines, and anchors, including additional installation and operational expenses, are taken into account. This paper gives an overview of the costs of the various components of different types of floating wind power installations, and using actual wind climate and bathymetry data for the North Sea, the model is employed to map the annual energy production and levelized cost of energy (LCoE) for floating wind farms located in the North Sea. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Turbine and Wind Farm Flows)
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38 pages, 6229 KiB  
Article
Wind–Wave Misalignment in Irish Waters and Its Impact on Floating Offshore Wind Turbines
by Thomas Shanahan and Breiffni Fitzgerald
Energies 2025, 18(2), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18020372 - 16 Jan 2025
Viewed by 768
Abstract
This study examined the impact of wind–wave misalignment on floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) in Irish waters, analysing average weather and extreme events, including hurricane conditions. Using the ERA5 reanalysis dataset validated against Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network measurements, the results showed [...] Read more.
This study examined the impact of wind–wave misalignment on floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) in Irish waters, analysing average weather and extreme events, including hurricane conditions. Using the ERA5 reanalysis dataset validated against Irish Marine Data Buoy Observation Network measurements, the results showed a satisfactory accuracy with an average wind speed error of 0.54 m/s and a strong correlation coefficient of 0.92. Wind–wave misalignment was found to be inversely correlated with wind speed (correlation coefficient: 0.41), with minimum misalignment occurring approximately seven hours after a change in wind direction. The study revealed that misalignment could exceed 30 during hurricanes, contradicting standard assumptions of alignment under extreme conditions. The investigation highlighted that in western coastal areas, average misalignment could reach 57.95, while sheltered Irish Sea regions experienced lower values, such as 23.06. Numerical simulations confirmed that these misalignment events amplified side-to-side turbine deflections significantly. This research underscores the need to incorporate misalignment effects into industry testing standards and suggests that current methodologies may underestimate fatigue loads by up to 50%. This work emphasizes improved design and testing protocols for FOWTs in complex marine environments and highlights the suitability of ERA5 for climate analysis in Ireland. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Turbine and Wind Farm Flows)
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42 pages, 19761 KiB  
Article
Aerodynamic Effect of Winglet on NREL Phase VI Wind Turbine Blade
by Ziaul Huque, Mahmood Sabria Chowdhury, Haidong Lu and Raghava Rao Kommalapati
Energies 2024, 17(24), 6480; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17246480 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 831
Abstract
The primary goal in designing wind turbine blades is to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. One promising approach to achieve this is by modifying the blade geometry, with winglets to the tip. Winglets are intended to reduce the strength of the tip vortices, thereby reducing [...] Read more.
The primary goal in designing wind turbine blades is to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. One promising approach to achieve this is by modifying the blade geometry, with winglets to the tip. Winglets are intended to reduce the strength of the tip vortices, thereby reducing induced drag, increasing torque, and, ultimately, improving the power output of the wind turbines. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were utilized to assess the aerodynamic performance of wind turbine blades with and without winglets at various wind speeds (5, 7, 10, 13, 15, 20, and 25 m/s). The results indicate that winglets have a limited effect at low (5 and 7 m/s) and high (20 and 25 m/s) wind speeds due to fully attached and separated flows over the blade surface. However, within the 10–15 m/s range, winglets significantly enhance torque and power output. While this increased power generation is beneficial, it is essential to consider the potential impact of the associated increase in thrust force on turbine stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Turbine and Wind Farm Flows)
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25 pages, 8761 KiB  
Article
A Refined Approach for Angle of Attack Estimation and Dynamic Force Hysteresis in H-Type Darrieus Wind Turbines
by Jan Michna and Krzysztof Rogowski
Energies 2024, 17(24), 6264; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17246264 - 12 Dec 2024
Viewed by 812
Abstract
This study investigates the aerodynamic performance and flow dynamics of an H-type Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) using combined numerical and experimental methods. The analysis examines the effects of operational parameters, such as rotor solidity and pitch angle, on aerodynamic loads and [...] Read more.
This study investigates the aerodynamic performance and flow dynamics of an H-type Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) using combined numerical and experimental methods. The analysis examines the effects of operational parameters, such as rotor solidity and pitch angle, on aerodynamic loads and flow characteristics, using a 2-D URANS simulation with the Transition SST model to capture transient effects. Validation was conducted in a low-turbulence wind tunnel to observe the impact of variable flow conditions. The LineAverage method for determining the angle of attack demonstrated strong correlations between rotor configuration and load variations, particularly highlighting the influence of blade number and pitch angle on aerodynamic efficiency. This research supports optimization strategies for Darrieus VAWTs in urban environments, where turbulent, low-speed conditions challenge conventional wind turbine designs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Turbine and Wind Farm Flows)
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14 pages, 4888 KiB  
Article
A LiDAR-Based Active Yaw Control Strategy for Optimal Wake Steering in Paired Wind Turbines
by Esmail Mahmoodi, Mohammad Khezri, Arash Ebrahimi, Uwe Ritschel and Majid Kamandi
Energies 2024, 17(22), 5635; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17225635 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1045
Abstract
In this study, we investigate a yaw control strategy in a two-turbine wind farm with 3.5 MW turbines, aiming to optimize power management. The wind farm is equipped with a nacelle-mounted multi-plane LiDAR system for wind speed measurements. Using an analytical model and [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigate a yaw control strategy in a two-turbine wind farm with 3.5 MW turbines, aiming to optimize power management. The wind farm is equipped with a nacelle-mounted multi-plane LiDAR system for wind speed measurements. Using an analytical model and integrating LiDAR and SCADA data, we estimate wake effects and power output. Our results show a 2% power gain achieved through optimal yaw control over a year-long assessment. The wind predominantly blows from the southwest, perpendicular to the turbine alignment. The optimal yaw and power gain depend on wind conditions, with higher turbulence intensity and wind speed leading to reduced gains. The power gain follows a bell curve across the range of wind inflow angles, peaking at 1.7% with a corresponding optimal yaw of 17 degrees at an inflow angle of 12 degrees. Further experiments are recommended to refine the estimates and enhance the performance of wind farms through optimized yaw control strategies, ultimately contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy generation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Turbine and Wind Farm Flows)
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35 pages, 13803 KiB  
Article
Condition Monitoring Using Digital Fault-Detection Approach for Pitch System in Wind Turbines
by Abdelmoumen Saci, Mohamed Nadour, Lakhmissi Cherroun, Ahmed Hafaifa, Abdellah Kouzou, Jose Rodriguez and Mohamed Abdelrahem
Energies 2024, 17(16), 4016; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17164016 - 13 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1307
Abstract
The monitoring of wind turbine (WT) systems allows operators to maximize their performance, consequently minimizing untimely shutdowns and related hazard situations while maximizing their efficiency. Indeed, the rational monitoring of WT ensures the identification of the main sources of risks at a proper [...] Read more.
The monitoring of wind turbine (WT) systems allows operators to maximize their performance, consequently minimizing untimely shutdowns and related hazard situations while maximizing their efficiency. Indeed, the rational monitoring of WT ensures the identification of the main sources of risks at a proper time, such as internal or external failures, hence leading to an increase in their prevention by limiting the faults’ occurrence regarding the different components of wind turbines, achieving production objectives. In this context, the present paper develops a practical monitoring approach using a numerical fault-detection process for the pitch system based on a benchmark wind turbine (WT) model with the main aim of improving safety and security performance. Therefore, the proposed fault-diagnosis procedure deals with eventual faults occurring in the actuators and sensors of the pitch system. In this proposed approach, a simple, logical process is used to generate the correct residuals as fault information based on the redundancy in the actuators and sensors of the pitch sub-systems. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of this proposed process for ensuring the tasks of the fault diagnosis and condition monitoring of the WT systems, and it can be a promising approach for avoiding major damage in such systems, leading to their operational stability and improved reliability and availability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Turbine and Wind Farm Flows)
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17 pages, 5443 KiB  
Article
The Effects of a Seagull Airfoil on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Small Wind Turbine
by Dean Sesalim and Jamal Naser
Energies 2024, 17(11), 2768; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17112768 - 5 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1189
Abstract
Birds’ flight characteristics such as gliding and dynamic soaring have inspired various optimizations and designs of wind turbines. The implementation of biological wing geometries such as the airfoil profile of seabirds has improved wind turbine performance. However, the field can still benefit from [...] Read more.
Birds’ flight characteristics such as gliding and dynamic soaring have inspired various optimizations and designs of wind turbines. The implementation of biological wing geometries such as the airfoil profile of seabirds has improved wind turbine performance. However, the field can still benefit from further investigation into the aerodynamic characteristics of an inspired design. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of a seagull airfoil design on the aerodynamic performance of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Phase VI wind turbine. By replacing its S809 airfoil with the laser-scanned profile of the seagull airfoil, the aerodynamic behavior at key locations of the NREL Phase VI wind turbine blade was numerically simulated in a three-dimensional environment using the Ansys Fluent 2022 R1 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. The results were validated against the experimental data, and analysis of the torque outputs, pressure distributions, and velocity profiles that were generated by both the baseline and modified models demonstrated the ability of the seagull airfoil profile to modify regions of minimum and maximum local velocities to achieve highly favorable pressure differentials, significantly increasing the torque output of the NREL Phase VI wind turbine by 350, 539, 823, and 577 Nm at 10, 15, 20, and 25 m/s inlet velocities, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wind Turbine and Wind Farm Flows)
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