OpenFOAM Simulation of Dual In-line Wind Turbines Based on Actuator Line Model

This study presents preliminary results of a Master’s Thesis on modeling of wind turbines andwake structures using Actuator Line Model (ALM). The model adopts a computationally lessexpensive approach on simulating wake interactions in a wind farm with many turbines, bysolving full Navier-Stokes equations and avoiding the need of boundary layer resolution over bladesurfaces. Results of a single wind turbine simulation are compared to Blade Element Momentum(BEM) solutions, which is still a widely used and accepted rotor simulating method. In a secondcase, two turbines in tandem position are simulated and power loss in the downstream turbineis calculated. Some of the parameters which are found to be important in usage of the methodare discussed. Results are presented and found to be in close agreement with BEM solution