Validation of engineering dynamic inflow models by experimental and numerical approaches

The state of the art engineering dynamic inflow models of Pitt-Peters, Oye and ECN have been used to correct Blade Element Momentum theory for unsteady load prediction of a wind turbine for two decades. However, their accuracy is unknown. This paper is to benchmark the performance of these engineering models by experimental and numerical methods. The experimental load and flow measurements of an unsteady actuator disc were performed in the Open Jet Facility at Delft University of Technology. The unsteady load was generated by a ramp-type variation of porosity of the disc. A Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) model, a Free Wake Vortex Ring (FWVR) model and a Vortex Tube Model (VTM) simulate the same transient load changes. The velocity field obtained from the experimental and numerical methods are compared with the engineering dynamic inflow models. Velocity comparison aft the disc between the experimental and numerical methods shows the numerical models of RANS and FWVR model are capable to predict the velocity transient behaviour during transient disc loading. Velocity comparison at the disc between the engineering models and the numerical methods further shows that the engineering models predict much faster velocity decay, which implies the need for more advanced or better tuned dynamic inflow models.