Wakes and wake interaction between rotors and discs in an experimental model array

The aim of the present paper is to obtain a better understanding of wakes generated by 2, 3 and 4 elements (disks and/or rotors) modeling an array of wind turbines in a wind farm. We here extend the results from our previous experimental model studies on the correlation between the behavior of the wake behind dual configurations of passive disks and active rotors to establish new knowledge regarding the wake development behind the 3rd and 4th rotor operating in a wake.

To accomplish this, 2D PIV velocity measurements were carried out to investigate the flow properties upstream and downstream the tested rotors and discs in the array. The study also provides measured values of power and thrust coefficients of the model turbines using strain gauges installed directly on the rotors.

The aim of the laboratory experiment is to provide data to calibrate and validate wake models for design and analysis arrays of wind turbines located in wind farms.