Aerodynamic Performance and Wake Flow of Crosswind Kite Power Systems

This paper presents some results from a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of multi-megawatt crosswind kite spinning on circular path in straight downwind configuration. The unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations closed by the k−ω SST turbulence are solved three-dimensional space using ANSYS Fluent. flow behaviour is examined at rotation plane, and overall (or global) induction factor obtained getting weighted average factors multiple annuli over swept area. wake also discussed details velocity pressure contour plots. In addition to CFD model, an analytical for calculating radii annular downstream developed. formulated based widely-used Jensen’s which was developed conventional wind turbines, thus has simple form. Expressions dimensionless assuming self-similarity linear expansion. Comparisons made between numerical those simulation. level agreement found be reasonably good. Such models indispensable farm layout design optimization, where aerodynamic interactions kites should considered.