Fluid–structure interaction simulations of a wind turbine rotor in complex flows, validated through field experiments

Aeroelastic simulations of a 2.3 MW wind turbine rotor operating in different complex atmospheric flows are conducted using high fidelity fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations. Simpler blade element momentum (BEM) theory based likewise for comparison, and measurements from field experiments used validation the Good agreement is seen between simulated measured forces. It found that flows, BEM-based predict similar forces as computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based FSI, however with some distinct discrepancies. Firstly, stall predicted large part aerodynamics, which not either FSI or case shear. This leads to more dynamic structural response than FSI. For highly yawed sheared flow case, overpredict outboard significant rotation. emphasizes need through higher methods, when considering flows. Including flexibility shows only little impact on considered both FSI- In general, loading blades increases slightly, wake almost identical stiff flexible