Validation of P-DNS for Aerodynamic Simulation of Wind Turbine Blades

Abstract

Predicting the aerodynamics of wind turbine blades accurately is crucial for improving their design and performance. Phenomena such as the separation of the turbulent boundary layer significantly affect efficiency and generate aeroelastic effects due to fluid-structure interaction. Low-fidelity numerical methods do not capture these behaviors accurately, and high-fidelity simulations are costly due to mesh requirements. This work validates the P-DNS (Pseudo-Direct Numerical Simulation) method, which balances accuracy and computational cost. P-DNS simulation results are compared with classical turbulence models against experimental wind tunnel data for various aerodynamic profiles (NACA0015, FFA-W3-301, FFA-W3-201) and modelling conditions (2D, 3D). The aerodynamic coefficients show better alignment with P-DNS due to its superior prediction of flow adherence, even at critical angles of attack and with relatively coarse meshes. Finally, a complete model of the Siemens 2.3MWwind turbine is resolved, confirming the feasibility and effectiveness of P-DNS in wind turbine simulations.