Review of computational and experimental approaches to analysis of aerodynamic performance in horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs)

Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) are the primary devices used in the wind energy sector. Systems used to evaluate the design of turbine blades and generators are key to improve the performance of HAWTs. Analysis of aerodynamic performance in turbine blades focuses on wind speed, rotational speed, and tip speed ratios (TSRs). This paper reviews computational as well as experimental methods used to measure the aerodynamic performance of HAWT blades. Among the numerical methods, we examine classical blade element momentum (BEM) theory and the modified BEM as well as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the BEM-CFD mixed approach. We also discuss the current computational methods for investigating turbine wake flows. Among the experimental methods, we examine field testing and wind tunnel experiment including aerodynamic torque measurement and blockage effects. A comparison of numerical and experimental approaches can help to improve accuracy in the prediction of wind turbine performance and facilitate the design of HAWT blades. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.