CFD Code Increases Accuracy of Turbine Wake Simulation

Computer modeling of interactions between wind turbine, wind turbulence, and wake behind the turbine hold potential for future wind plant simulations

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) are using cutting-edge national supercomputing resources to develop an open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code that simulates wind plants with greater accuracy than previously possible. This Nalu-Wind code is emerging as the foundation for next-generation wind plant flow modeling, enabling operators and developers to predict blade health, power production, and plant costs more accurately, to ultimately reduce the overall expense of wind energy.

The complete story is featured in the latest issue of the Department of Energy Wind Energy Technologies Office R&D  Newsletter.

Visit the DOE Wind Energy Technologies Office to see more updates on wind energy research and development activities, breakthroughs, and resources funded by the department.