Reduction of wind turbine noise with virtual optimization | EuroCentral RUM

Abstract

Turbulent boundary layer trailing-edge noise is one of the dominant sources of airfoil self-noise in wind turbines. This source of noise limits both the installation of the new wind turbines and the operational regimes of existing ones, thus reducing the power production and increasing the overall cost of energy. With the goal of reducing noise of already existing wind turbines, Wind Tuning Systems GmbH (WTS) proposes passive noise-mitigation solutions based on the modification of the trailing-edge geometry with attachable add-ons, so called serrations. The prediction of the scattered noise in presence of sawtooth serrations is not straightforward because of the complex three-dimensional flow generated by the spanwise varying geometry and therefore optimization studies using high-fidelity CFD solutions are required to make an adequate prediction of the aeroacoustic generated noise.

Dassault Systemes 3DEXPERIENCE® platform allows perfectly for MODSIM, and integrates the parametric serration models from SolidWorks® with the high-fidelity flow simulation capabilities of SIMULIA PowerFLOW®. The current WTS serration design now features an unique aerodynamically optimized 3D design and currently enables noise reduction of up to 3.3 dB(A). Night shutdowns at noise-sensitive locations can be prevented and economical operation can be ensured. At noise-sensitive wind farm sites, the number of turbines can be significantly increased within the scope of repowering measures, thanks to the higher noise reduction of WTS Serrations.

Presenter: Klaus RÖHM, WTS - Wind-Tuning-Systems GmbH

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