Navier-Stokes and comprehensive analysis performance predictions of the NREL phase VI experiment

A lifting-line code, CAMRAD II, and a Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes code, OVERFLOW-D, were used to predict the aerodynamic performance of a two-bladed horizontal axis wind turbine. All computations were compared with experimental data that was collected at the NASA Ames Research Center 80-by-120-foot Wind Tunnel. Lifting-line computations were performed for both axial and yawed operating conditions while the Navier-Stokes computations were performed for only the axial conditions. Various stall delay models and dynamic stall models were used by the CAMRAD H code. For axial operating conditions, the predicted rotor performance varied significantly, particularly for stalled wind speeds. The lifting-line required the use of stall delay models to obtain the proper stall behavior yet it still has difficulty in predicting the proper power magnitude in stall. The Navier-Stokes method captures the stall behavior and gives a detailed insight into the fluid mechanics of the stall behavior.