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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2012

Turbine Inflow Characterization at the National Wind Technology Center

Utility-scale wind turbines operate in dynamic flows that can vary significantly over timescales from less than a second to several years. To better understand the inflow to utility-scale turbines, two inflow towers were installed and commissioned at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) National Wind Technology Center near Boulder, Colorado, in 2011. These towers are 135 m tall and instrumented with a combination of sonic anemometers, cup anemometers, wind vanes, and temperature measurements to characterize the inflow wind speed and direction, turbulence, stability and thermal stratification to two utility-scale turbines. Herein, we present variations in mean and turbulent wind parameters with height, atmospheric stability, and as a function of wind direction that could be important for turbine operation as well as persistence of turbine wakes. Wind speed, turbulence intensity, and dissipation are all factors that affect turbine performance. Our results show that these all vary with height across the rotor disk, demonstrating the importance of measuring atmospheric conditions that influence wind turbine performance at multiple heights in the rotor disk, rather than relying on extrapolation from lower levels.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Inflow Characterization and Aerodynamics Measurements on a SWT-2.3-101 Wind Turbine

Post processing techniques for aerodynamic data acquired from a Siemens SWT-2.3101 turbine have been developed and applied in this paper. The turbine is installed at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) as part of Cooperative Research and Development Agreement between Siemens Wind Power and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) under U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsorship. The results indicate that the use of these corrections is essential for accurate analysis of the data. An example of local inflow angles, velocities, and inflow velocity over the rotor plane derived from measurements from a 5-hole probe is also presented. Finally, the pressure measurements are used to characterize unsteady phenomenon, namely, rotational augmentation and dynamic stall on an inboard station. The results show that the rotational augmentation can considerably increase the attached flow regime compared to the 2D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) results. The dynamic stall event was seen to significantly delay the stall. Furthermore, the non-dimensionalized vortex convection derived from the dynamic stall event was found to agree well with results from others studies.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2011

Reference Inflow Characterization for River Resource Reference Model: Reference Model 2 (RM2)

Sandia National Laboratory (SNL) is leading an effort to develop reference models for marine and hydrokinetic technologies and wave and current energy resources. This effort will allow the refinement of technology design tools, accurate estimates of a baseline levelized cost of energy (LCoE), and the identification of the main cost drivers that need to be addressed to achieve a competitive LCoE. As part of this effort, Oak Ridge National Laboratory was charged with examining and reporting reference river inflow characteristics for reference model 2 (RM2). Published turbulent flow data from large rivers, a water supply canal and laboratory flumes, are reviewed to determine the range of velocities, turbulence intensities and turbulent stresses acting on hydrokinetic technologies, and also to evaluate the validity of classical models that describe the depth variation of the time-mean velocity and turbulent normal Reynolds stresses. The classical models are found to generally perform well in describing river inflow characteristics. A potential challenge in river inflow characterization, however, is the high variability of depth and flow over the design life of a hydrokinetic device. This variation can have significant effects on the inflow mean velocity and turbulence intensity experienced by stationary and bottom mounted hydrokinetic energy conversion devices, which requires further investigation, but are expected to have minimal effects on surface mounted devices like the vertical axis turbine device designed for RM2. A simple methodology for obtaining an approximate inflow characterization for surface deployed devices is developed using the relation u max =(7/6)V where V is the bulk velocity and u max is assumed to be the near-surface velocity. The application of this expression is recommended for deriving the local inflow velocity acting on the energy extraction planes of the RM2 vertical axis rotors, where V=Q/A can be calculated given a USGS gage flow time-series and stage vs. cross-section area rating relationship.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2012

Characterizing Inflow Conditions Across the Rotor Disk of a Utility-Scale Wind Turbine (Poster)

Multi-megawatt utility-scale wind turbines operate in a turbulent, thermally-driven atmosphere where wind speed and air temperature vary with height. Turbines convert the wind's momentum into electrical power, and so changes in the atmosphere across the rotor disk influence the power produced by the turbine. To characterize the inflow into utility scale turbines at the National Wind TechnologyCenter (NWTC) near Boulder, Colorado, NREL recently built two 135-meter inflow monitoring towers. This poster introduces the towers and the measurements that are made, showing some of the data obtained in the first few months of operation in 2011.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Holistic scan optimization of nacelle-mounted lidars for inflow and wake characterization at the RAAW and AWAKEN field campaigns

In this article, we provide a methodological framework for designing the scanning strategies of nacelle-mounted scanning lidars for wind energy field experiments, and apply it at two major experimental field campaigns. For the Rotor Aerodynamics, Aeroelastics, and Wake project (RAAW), we leverage two scanning lidars on one turbine to characterize the incoming turbulence and the turbine wake. For the American WAKE experimeNt (AWAKEN), we use four scanning lidars on top of four turbines in a large wind power plant to investigate both individual wakes and wind-plant-scale flow features.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2023

Effect of the integral length scales of turbulent inflows on wind turbine loads

As wind turbines become larger, the fluctuations in the inflow become increasingly influential in the turbine structural loading. These fluctuations are characterized by the integral length scale, which represents the average size of the largest energy-containing turbulent eddies. Current design standards neglect the varying integral length scales that characterize inflows of wind turbines in operation. Using large-eddy simulations, we generate turbulent inflows of varying integral length scales and quantify the loads of the IEA 15-MW reference wind turbine. Results illustrate that the impact of turbulence on rotor and tower loads is up to 10 times greater than the impact of the mean shear profile. Increasing integral length scales from 0.3x to 0.5x the rotor diameter reduces blade root flapwise moments and rotor and tower loads. Increasing integral length scales from 0.5x to 1.7x the rotor diameter increases the rotor aerodynamic thrust force and the blade root flapwise shear loads and decreases the tower base torsional moment and the tilting and yawing rotor aerodynamic moments. Additionally, turbulence intensity has a greater impact on wind turbine loads than integral length scales. In conclusion, findings indicate that design standards should consider varying integral length scales for accurate wind turbine loading characterization in turbulent inflow conditions.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Noise correction of turbulent spectra obtained from Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters

Accurately estimated auto-spectral density functions are essential for characterization of turbulent flows, and they also have applications in computational fluid dynamics modeling, site and inflow characterization for hydrokinetic turbines, and inflow turbulence generation. The Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV) provides single-point temporally resolved data, that are used to characterize turbulent flows in rivers, seas, and oceans. However, ADV data are susceptible to contamination from various sources, including instrument noise, which is the intrinsic limit to the accuracy of acoustic velocity measurements. Due to the presence of instrument noise, the spectra obtained are altered at high frequencies. The focus of this study is to develop a robust and effective method for accurately estimating auto-spectral density functions from ADV data by reducing or removing the spectral contribution derived from instrument noise. For this purpose, the “Noise Auto-Correlation” (NAC) approach was developed, which exploits the correlation properties of instrument noise to identify and remove its contribution from spectra. The spectra estimated using the NAC approach exhibit increased fidelity and a slope of -5/3 in the inertial range, which is typically observed for turbulent flows. Finally, this study also compares the effectiveness of low-pass Gaussian filters in removing instrument noise with that of the NAC approach. For the data used in this study, both the NAC and Gaussian filter approaches are observed to be capable of removing instrument noise at higher frequencies from the spectra. However, the NAC results are closer to the expected frequency power of -5/3 in the inertial sub-range.

Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter↗
DOE OSTI2014

Implementation of a generalized actuator disk wind turbine model into the weather research and forecasting model for large-eddy simulation applications

A generalized actuator disk (GAD) wind turbine parameterization designed for large-eddy simulation (LES) applications was implemented into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. WRF-LES with the GAD model enables numerical investigation of the effects of an operating wind turbine on and interactions with a broad range of atmospheric boundary layer phenomena. Numerical simulations using WRF-LES with the GAD model were compared with measurements obtained from the Turbine Wake and Inflow Characterization Study (TWICS-2011), the goal of which was to measure both the inflow to and wake from a 2.3-MW wind turbine. Data from a meteorological tower and two light-detection and ranging (lidar) systems, one vertically profiling and another operated over a variety of scanning modes, were utilized to obtain forcing for the simulations, and to evaluate characteristics of the simulated wakes. Simulations produced wakes with physically consistent rotation and velocity deficits. Two surface heat flux values of 20 W m –2 and 100 W m –2 were used to examine the sensitivity of the simulated wakes to convective instability. Simulations using the smaller heat flux values showed good agreement with wake deficits observed during TWICS-2011, whereas those using the larger value showed enhanced spreading and more-rapid attenuation. This study demonstrates the utility of actuator models implemented within atmospheric LES to address a range of atmospheric science and engineering applications. In conclusion, validated implementation of the GAD in a numerical weather prediction code such as WRF will enable a wide range of studies related to the interaction of wind turbines with the atmosphere and surface.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

The AWAKEN wind farm benchmark, Part 2: Modeling results

Accurately modeling wind farm performance in complex atmospheric flows remains a challenge. This paper presents the modeling results of the American WAKE experimeNt (AWAKEN) wind farm benchmark, a collaborative effort involving 16 research groups from academia and industry within the International Energy Agency Wind Technology Collaboration Programme Task 57. The study evaluates a diverse suite of simulation tools, ranging from fast-running engineering wake models to high-fidelity large-eddy simulations, against a diurnal case study observed during the AWAKEN campaign. The benchmark utilized a three-phase structure to progressively assess model performance as observational data availability increased. Initial blind predictions showed that higher-fidelity models did not uniformly outperform simpler simulation tools. A distinct spatial bias was observed where models struggled to resolve the interplay between a low-level jet, wakes, and terrain-induced flow acceleration. In subsequent phases, leveraging additional measurements for model improvement led to a reduction in mean absolute error across the model ensemble; however, this effect was most pronounced in engineering wake models, where targeted calibration reduced error by up to 40~\%. Overall, the study demonstrates that inflow characterization remains a primary prerequisite for accuracy, particularly for models relying on coarse forcing datasets. While the limited ability to resolve local terrain-flow interactions under single-day conditions represent a recognized constraint, the overall findings on wake modeling and real-world validation still provide valuable guidance for model application and for mitigating this limitation.

Bodini, Nicola↗
DOE OSTI2024

Virtual tower measurements during the American WAKE ExperimeNt (AWAKEN)

Dual-Doppler lidar measurements were made during the American WAKE ExperimeNt to provide height-resolved measurements of wind speed and direction at multiple locations immediately south of the leading row turbines in the King Plains wind farm in Oklahoma. These so-called virtual tower measurements were performed to characterize the inflow into the wind farm and to assess possible upwind blockage effects due to the collective action of the wind farm. The campaign was conducted from 12 November 2022 to 17 October 2023, during which time 14 unique virtual tower locations were sampled with heights ranging from 240 to 490 m AGL. The wind retrieval algorithm provided estimates of the horizontal winds and their uncertainties with a vertical resolution of about 10 m, while also accounting for the tilt of the lidar platform. The virtual tower results are compared to collocated lidar wind profiling data at the A1 site, which was located roughly 2.4 rotor diameters south of the nearest turbine. The wind speed difference between the wind profiler and the virtual tower was found to be quite sensitive to atmospheric stability and wind direction below 250 m AGL. The largest differences were observed for inflow under stable conditions, where the profiler wind speeds were observed to be about 22% lower than the virtual tower near hub height. These results suggest that there are persistent horizontal gradients in the flow upwind of the wind farm which result in biased estimates using standard ground-based lidar wind profiling methods.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

AWAKEN Dual-Doppler Lidar (ADDLidar) Field Campaign Report

The AWAKEN Dual-Doppler Lidar (ADDLidar) experiment was conducted as part of the larger AWAKEN field campaign (https://www.nrel.gov/wind/awaken.html). The American Wake Experiment (AWAKEN) is an international, multi-institutional wind energy field campaign that was conducted from May 2022 to 2024, in the vicinity of the King Plains wind farm in north central Oklahoma. The goal of AWAKEN was to provide observations to better understand interactions between wind turbines in a wind farm and the interactions between the wind farm as a whole and the atmosphere. The focus of the ADDLidar campaign was to provide height-resolved measurements of wind speed and direction at key locations upwind of the wind farm to characterize the inflow and possible blockage effects upwind of the farm. Specifically, dual-Doppler scanning methods were employed to create a number of so-called virtual towers (Calhoun et al 2006, Debnath et al. 2017, Fernando et al. 2019, Hill et al. 2010, Newman et al. 2016, Newsom et al. 2008, 2015) upwind of the farm. The ADDLidar campaign involved the deployment of two U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility scanning Doppler lidars (S/N 236 and 237) to AWAKEN sites A4 (36.361894°, -97.356352°) and A7 (36.347259°, -97.389968°). Both sites are located approximately 29 km south of the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) observatory C1 site, as shown in Figure 1. These sites were chosen for their close proximity to the most southerly row of turbines in the King Plains wind farm.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

AWAKEN Dual-Doppler Lidar (ADDLidar) Field Campaign Report

The AWAKEN Dual-Doppler Lidar (ADDLidar) experiment was conducted as part of the larger AWAKEN field campaign (https://www.nrel.gov/wind/awaken.html). The American Wake Experiment (AWAKEN) is an international, multi-institutional wind energy field campaign that was conducted from May 2022 to 2024, in the vicinity of the King Plains wind farm in north central Oklahoma. The goal of AWAKEN was to provide observations to better understand interactions between wind turbines in a wind farm and the interactions between the wind farm as a whole and the atmosphere. The focus of the ADDLidar campaign was to provide height-resolved measurements of wind speed and direction at key locations upwind of the wind farm to characterize the inflow and possible blockage effects upwind of the farm. Specifically, dual-Doppler scanning methods were employed to create a number of so-called virtual towers (Calhoun et al 2006, Debnath et al. 2017, Fernando et al. 2019, Hill et al. 2010, Newman et al. 2016, Newsom et al. 2008, 2015) upwind of the farm. The ADDLidar campaign involved the deployment of two U.S. Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility scanning Doppler lidars (S/N 236 and 237) to AWAKEN sites A4 (36.361894°, -97.356352°) and A7 (36.347259°, -97.389968°). Both sites are located approximately 29 km south of the ARM Southern Great Plains (SGP) observatory C1 site, as shown in Figure 1. These sites were chosen for their close proximity to the most southerly row of turbines in the King Plains wind farm.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2000

Acoustic Absorption Characteristics of an Orifice With a Mean Bias Flow

The objective of the study reported here was to acquire acoustic and flow data for numerical validation of impedance models that simulate bias flow through perforates. The impedance model is being developed by researchers at High Technology Corporation. This report documents normal incidence impedance measurements a singular circular orifice with mean flow passing through it. All measurements are made within a 1.12 inch (28.5 mm) diameter impedance tube. The mean flow is introduced upstream of the orifice (with the flow and incident sound wave travelling in the same direction) with an anechoic termination downstream of the orifice. Velocity profiles are obtained upstream of the orifice to characterize the inflow boundary conditions. Velocity in the center of the orifice is also obtained. All velocity measurements are made with a hot wire anemometer and subsequent checked with mass flow measurements made concurrently. All impedance measurements are made using the Two-Microphone Method. Although we have left the analysis of the data to the developers of the impedance models that simulate bias flow through perforate, our initial examination indicates that our results follow the trends consistent with published theory on impedance of perforates with a steady bias flow.

Ahuja, K. K.↗
DOE OSTI2022

UAE6 - Wind Tunnel Tests Data - UAE6 - Sequence Q - Raw Data

Sequence Q: Dynamic Inflow (P) This sequence was designed to characterize the dynamic inflow variation using the five-hole probes that extend upwind of the leading edge of the blade. This test sequence used an upwind, rigid turbine with a 0° cone angle. The wind speeds ranged from 5 m/s to 15 m/s, and data were collected at a 0° yaw angle. The rotor rotated at 72 RPM. Blade and probe pressure measurements were collected. The teeter dampers were replaced with rigid links, and these two channels were flagged as not applicable by setting the measured values in the data file to -99999.99 Nm. The teeter link load cell was pretensioned to 40,000 N. The blade pitch angle was changed from the initial tip pitch angle to the final tip pitch angle at the maximum rate of 67°/s. This angle was maintained for the specified delay time duration. Then the blade was pitched back to the initial pitch angle and held for the specified hold time. This was repeated 20 times. The campaign at 15 m/s was aborted early due to excessive low-speed shaft torque loads. The file length varied depending on the time required to obtain 20 pitch cycles for the specified range of angles. The name convention was the standard format, except for the short campaigns collected to ascertain the functionality of the instrumentation. These points were collected at a 3° pitch angle and use the characters REF in the four digits that normally represent yaw angle.

17 WIND ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Instrumentation development and testing of a wind turbine blade for sub-scale wake studies

Wind turbine blade aerodynamics and the resulting wake flow are complex, and wind tunnel testing of these flows can provide critical insight. The data from such tests are also valuable for validation of numerical models. For experiments using sub-scale turbines to be useful, the blade aerodynamics and wakes must exhibit the important features observed in utility-scale turbine flows. In this work, ~1 m blades designed to produce physics relevant to larger scale turbines were manufactured and affixed to an existing turbine. One of the blades was instrumented for blade surface pressure measurements. Time-dependent surface pressure measurements coupled with instantaneous measurements of the inflow with Cobra probes and the wake with particle image velocimetry allowed for characterization of the inflow, blade flow, and near wake. The results demonstrate that the instrumentation was effective in characterizing the blade loading and the flow field. For the one test case discussed in this paper, the measurements of inflow, blade loading, and wake properties facilitate understanding of the wake's behavior.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗