Analysis of the thermal and fluid-dynamic behavior of the nacelle and the tower of a wind turbine. Numerical simulation, experimental validation and application to the design of a new wind turbine
Summary: The project was focused on the prediction of the thermal behavior of the air inside a wind generator nacelle using CFD&HT simulation techniques. The nacelle of a wind mill power generator contains several elements inside. Among these elements there are electronic components that need a certain range of temperatures to operate properly. There are also mechanic and electric devices that dissipate energy in form of heat inside the nacelle when operating. To avoid a possible overheating, outside air enters the domain from the tower, and is pumped out by a series of fans. In the project the distribution of the fans inside of the nacelle was optimized by the means of CFD&HT simulations. An experimental setup was also developed in order to verify the optimal fan distribution.