A simple 3D river/tidal turbine model for farm calculations-Comparison with experiments

Abstract : In the simplified model, the Darrieus turbine is modelled with a stationary force field added in the cylindrical volume swept by the blades. The three components of forces are added in the momentum equations. The force values are depending on the position. The force field values are obtained via a preliminary detailed URANS simulation of the flow through the real geometry of the Darrieus turbine. It also gives performances and wake results but calculation costs are high. Forces applied on the turbine are then time-averaged over one revolution to get a stationary force repartition. Using the simplified model provides a great calculation costs reduction.