On 2D and 3D potential flow models of upwind wind turbine tower interference

Potential flow modeling of wind turbine aerodynamics has grown in popularity and offers a compromise between blade element momentum approaches and computational fluid dynamics in terms of both level of fidelity and computational cost. One important effect that can be modeled in potential flow is the blade–tower interaction. This paper focuses on how tower interference may be modeled for upwind-oriented turbines. A review of 2D and 3D models is given, and an incorrect formulation in a previously implemented 3D model is identified. A generalized and correct 3D model is proposed, and compared to two commonly used 2D models. The models are compared in terms of stagnation point location, and induced velocity. The vertical velocity component near the top of the tower is analyzed for the 3D model. The 3D model is contrasted with the 2D model in terms of the computational requirements, implementation and induced velocity field. Conclusions are drawn regarding the relevance of 3D modeling in the tower top region.

► This paper compares various 2D and 3D models of tower interference for wind turbines.
► It addresses a previously implemented 3D model with an incorrect formulation.
► It presents a new general 3D model.
► It analyzes the induced flowfield for the various models.
► It comments on the relative benefits and drawbacks of a 3D implementation.