<p>The optimization of wind turbine designs often relies on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to assess their performance and aerodynamic interactions. However, such simulations can be resource-intensive in terms of both time and computational expenses. Thus, there is a critical need to explore methodologies that can mitigate these challenges. This study aims to assess the computational efficiency of employing multiple reference frame (MRF) modeling for simulating the rotation of a wind turbine rotor’s mesh region, with the goal of achieving a solution with reduced computational cost. From these models, a mesh independence study was conducted using the MRF technique, followed by transient simulations employing dynamic mesh capabilities. All simulations are performed within the OpenFOAM<InlineEquation ID="IEq1"> <InlineMediaObject> <ImageObject Color="BlackWhite" FileRef="40430_2025_5765_Article_IEq1.gif" Format="GIF" Height="17" Rendition="HTML" Resolution="72" Type="Linedraw" Width="18" /> </InlineMediaObject> <EquationSource Format="TEX">$\circledR$</EquationSource> <EquationSource Format="MATHML"><math> <mo>®</mo> </math></EquationSource> </InlineEquation> framework, utilizing the <InlineEquation ID="IEq2"> <InlineMediaObject> <ImageObject Color="BlackWhite" FileRef="40430_2025_5765_Article_IEq2.gif" Format="GIF" Height="15" Rendition="HTML" Resolution="72" Type="Linedraw" Width="44" /> </InlineMediaObject> <EquationSource Format="TEX">$k-\omega$</EquationSource> <EquationSource Format="MATHML"><math> <mrow> <mi>k</mi> <mo>-</mo> <mi>ω</mi> </mrow> </math></EquationSource> </InlineEquation> SST turbulence model. Thrust and torque characteristics are evaluated for both rotation models, revealing that the MRF approach yields less accurate and lower values compared to the dynamic mesh method. Analysis of velocity fields indicates a diminished fidelity in representing turbine wake. The Q-criterion, employed for vortex identification, facilitates flow analysis, and enables a comparative assessment of computational costs. The research findings demonstrate a significant reduction in computational time associated with the MRF approach, underscoring its potential for achieving computational efficiency in wind turbine simulations.</p>

Assessment of CFD simulation methods for the NREL-5MW turbine: a comparative study

期刊论文
发表日期：

2025年7月10日

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Thiago Nunes Guimarães,
Víctor Lênnin Porto Amorim,
Antonio de Oliveira Samel Moraes,
Raquel Jahara Lobosco,
Roney Leon Thompson

摘要

The optimization of wind turbine designs often relies on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis to assess their performance and aerodynamic interactions. However, such simulations can be resource-intensive in terms of both time and computational expenses. Thus, there is a critical need to explore methodologies that can mitigate these challenges. This study aims to assess the computational efficiency of employing multiple reference frame (MRF) modeling for simulating the rotation of a wind turbine rotor’s mesh region, with the goal of achieving a solution with reduced computational cost. From these models, a mesh independence study was conducted using the MRF technique, followed by transient simulations employing dynamic mesh capabilities. All simulations are performed within the OpenFOAM $\circledR$ $®$ framework, utilizing the $k-\omega$ $k - ω$ SST turbulence model. Thrust and torque characteristics are evaluated for both rotation models, revealing that the MRF approach yields less accurate and lower values compared to the dynamic mesh method. Analysis of velocity fields indicates a diminished fidelity in representing turbine wake. The Q-criterion, employed for vortex identification, facilitates flow analysis, and enables a comparative assessment of computational costs. The research findings demonstrate a significant reduction in computational time associated with the MRF approach, underscoring its potential for achieving computational efficiency in wind turbine simulations.