Navier-Stokes and Comprehensive Analysis Performance Predictions of the NREL Phase VI Experiment

Abstract

A lifting-line code, CAMRAD II, and a Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes code, OVERFLOW-D, were used to predict the aerodynamic performance of a two-bladed horizontal axis wind turbine. All computations were compared with experimental data that was collected at the NASA Ames Research Center 80-by-120-foot Wind Tunnel. Lifting-line computations were performed for both axial and yawed operating conditions while the Navier-Stokes computations were performed for only the axial conditions. Various stall delay models and dynamic stall models were used by the CAMRAD II code. For axial operating conditions, the predicted rotor performance varied significantly, particularly for stalled wind speeds. The lifting-line required the use of stall delay models to obtain the proper stall behavior, yet it still has difficulty in predicting the proper power magnitude in stall. The Navier-Stokes method captures the stall behavior and gives a detailed insight into the fluid mechanics of the stall behavior.