Horizontal axis wind turbine research: A review of commercial CFD, FE codes and experimental practices

A review of wind turbine aerodynamics research is presented. The review is limited to Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) investigations. The focus is on recent near wake experiments, wake predictions by commercial CFD codes and current FSI and structural modelling attempts. For the near wake, the review considers experiments carried out in controlled conditions whereby the incoming freestream is perpendicular to the rotor plane. Additional anomalies such as wind shear, gusts and yaw transition are not considered. The survey of 3D commercial codes is also focused on HAWT models in parallel flow conditions. Finally, the structural models reviewed are divided into two separate categories: 1) blade deflection and performance under aerodynamic loads, and 2) the vibrational response of blades under aerodynamic loading. The aim is to highlight common trends within near wake experiments and investigate both CFD and FE modelling strategies – to identify current limitations and future opportunities within the sector.