Atmospheric boundary layer control for increased wind farm power density

Details

Supervisors

Chatelain, Philippe ; Duponcheel, Matthieu

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil mécanicien, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

This thesis is framed within the global context of ecological transition. The concept of ecological transition applied to energy necessitates the diversification and sustainability of electricity production solutions. Wind energy is one of these viable options. Over the next decades, wind turbines are set to play a pivotal role in the European energy mix as the continent strives to meet ambitious renewable energy targets and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Vertical axis wind turbines present an effective solution, especially for deployment in wind farms. In order to increase the overall power output density of a wind farm, this thesis investigates the use of turbines with pitched blades to control the atmospheric boundary layer and bring the high energy flow towards the wind farm level. This study uses numerical simulations where the turbines are modeled using actuator cylinders coupled with a Large Eddy Simulation code. In this investigation, the ability of a vertical axis wind turbine to deflect its wake is studied. The latter is used in several wind farm setups to achieve an atmospheric boundary layer control.