Investigation of wake interaction using full-scale lidar measurements and large eddy simulation: Investigation of wake interaction using full-scale lidar measurements and LES

In this paper, wake interaction resulting from two stall regulated turbines aligned with the incoming wind is studied experimentally and numerically. The experimental work is based on a full-scale remote sensing campaign involving three nacelle mounted scanning lidars. A thorough analysis and interpretation of the measurements is performed to overcome either the lack of or the poor calibration of relevant turbine operational sensors, as well as other uncertainties inherent in resolving wakes from full-scale experiments. The numerical work is based on the in-house EllipSys3D computational fluid dynamics flow solver, using large eddy simulation and fully turbulent inflow. The rotors are modelled using the actuator disc technique. A mutual validation of the computational fluid dynamics model with the measurements is conducted for a selected dataset, where wake interaction occurs. This validation is based on a comparison between wake deficit, wake generated turbulence, turbine power production and thrust force. An excellent agreement between measurement and simulation is seen in both the fixed and the meandering frame of reference. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.