Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

As wind farm sites get more and more complex, it is important to obtain as complete an understanding as possible of the flow at the site. Using our two state-of-the-art CFD codes, Meteodyn WT and WindSim, we provide the following two CFD-based services:

CFD flow calculation

A full 36-sector flow modeling of the area in question. The output is speed-up factors at all sites of interest. As with all other GH services, the results are always compared to other models (e.g. WAsP) and GH engineering experience.

CFD Hot-spot finder

Based on the CFD flow calculation, this additional service identifies areas where the flow can cause excessive loads on the turbines. The parameters studied include:

Areas of flow separation
Areas of high turbulence intensities
Areas of adverse flow angles

This service can be used as a guide during the set-up of masts as well as the siting of the wind turbines.

Futher details of Garrad Hassan’s approach to CFD can be found here.