FINAL REPORT

WINDTURBINE
ANALYSIS

Materials department

Lahdid Hafssa Bentoumi Raid

SEC 1
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"This work is accompanied by the digital version
containing the details of the simulations."

Thank You!

Appreciation:

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 I extend my heartfelt thanks to both Mr. Aboussalah and Mrs. Ait Lhaj for their exceptional guidance and
supervision throughout the project. Their insights, support, and commitment have been instrumental in the
successful completion of this endeavor. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work under their supervision.

Table of contents :
Introduction………………………………………………………………………….
Ansys simulation……………………………………………………………………..
Wind turbine………………………………………………………………………....
Components of a Wind Turbine……………………………………………………………
Principle of Wind Turbines………………………………………………………………...
Function of Wind Turbines………………………………………………………………...
Benefits and Challenges……………………………………………………………………
Task 1: Hand’s on Ansys………………………………………………………….........
Results we got……………………………………………………………………...
The Drag & Lift Coeff……………………………………………………………………..
The experimental results……………………………………………………………………
Comparing to Reynolds number…………………………………………………………...
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….
Task 2: Air Flow Over a NACA 63-412 Airfoil………………………………………
Results we got……………………………………………………………………...
The Drag & Lift Coeff……………………………………………………………………..
The percentage of error
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….
Changing Simulation’s conditions for different angles of attack…………………………..

𝑎 = 𝟒°…………………………………………………………………………….
Angle of attack (A) and its influence on lift/Drag Coef……………………………………

𝑎 = 𝟔°…………………………………………………………………………….
The percentage of error……………………………………………………………………..
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………….
3D Blades Analysis……………………………………………………………………………
Task 3, Tower static/structural Analysis……………………………………………………..
Thickness Calculation using strength material properties………………………………….
Forces applied on our tower shape…………………………………………………………
Max deformation on the top of the tower………………………………………………......
Buckling test…………………………………………………………………………….....
Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………...
Introduction:

The relentless pursuit of sustainable energy solutions has led to a growing reliance on renewable resources, and
wind energy stands at the forefront of this transition. Harnessing the power of the wind through advanced
technologies like wind turbines has become pivotal in our quest for cleaner and more efficient energy production.
This report delves into the intricacies of simulating a wind turbine using Ansys, a cutting-edge engineering
simulation software. By employing computational tools, we aim to analyze and optimize the performance of a wind
turbine, shedding light on the crucial role simulations play in the design and advancement of sustainable energy
systems.

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As we embark on this exploration, we will navigate through the fundamentals of wind turbine simulation, delve into
the specific capabilities of Ansys, and unravel the insights gained from the simulation process. The ultimate
objective is to not only understand the complex interactions within a wind turbine but also to pave the way for
enhanced efficiency, reliability, and innovation in the realm of renewable energy.

Join us on this journey as we harness the power of virtual engineering to propel wind energy to new heights,
bridging the gap between theory and real-world applications in the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable
future.

ANSYS simulation:
ANSYS, a powerful engineering simulation software, is widely used for a variety of applications across different
engineering disciplines. Here are some key functions and capabilities of ANSYS:

1. Structural Analysis:
- Evaluate the structural integrity and behavior of components and systems under various loads and conditions.
- Perform static, dynamic, and modal analyses to predict and optimize structural performance.

2. Fluid Dynamics (CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics):

- Simulate fluid flow, heat transfer, and other related phenomena in various applications, including
aerodynamics, HVAC systems, and chemical processes.
- Analyze turbulence, pressure, and temperature distributions within fluid domains.

3. Electromagnetics:
- Model and analyze electromagnetic fields and devices.
- Assess the behavior of antennas, motors, transformers, and other electrical components.

4. Thermal Analysis:
- Predict and optimize thermal performance by simulating heat transfer, conduction, convection, and radiation.
- Evaluate temperature distributions in electronic components, machinery, and other systems.

5. Optimization and Design Exploration:

- Conduct parametric studies to explore various design options and optimize performance.
- Utilize optimization algorithms to find the best design parameters based on defined objectives and constraints.

6. Explicit Dynamics:
- Simulate transient and dynamic events, such as impact, crash, or drop tests.
- Analyze the response of structures to sudden loading conditions.
7. Materials Simulation:
- Model and analyze material properties and behavior under different conditions.
- Evaluate material fatigue, deformation, and failure.

8. Preprocessing and Meshing:

- Prepare and import CAD geometry for analysis.
- Generate high-quality mesh structures to ensure accurate simulation results.

ANSYS provides a versatile platform for engineers and researchers to simulate and analyze complex engineering
problems, aiding in the design, optimization, and validation of various systems and components.
Wind Turbines:
Wind turbines are innovative devices designed to harness the kinetic energy from the wind and convert it into
electricity. Functioning as a pivotal component in the field of renewable energy, these structures are characterized
by their ability to generate power without relying on finite resources. The primary principle driving wind turbines

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is aerodynamic: as the wind flows over the turbine blades, it imparts a force that causes them to rotate. This
rotational motion is then transformed into electrical energy through a generator.

Components of a Wind Turbine:

1. Rotor: The rotor is a crucial element composed of blades and a hub. Its primary function is to capture the kinetic
energy from the wind.

2. Nacelle: Housed atop the tower, the nacelle contains essential components such as the gearbox and generator. It
plays a critical role in transforming the rotational motion of the blades into usable electrical power.

3. Tower: Providing structural support, the tower elevates the turbine to capture stronger and more consistent
wind speeds at higher altitudes.

4. Control Systems: Wind turbines are equipped with sophisticated control systems that manage the orientation of
the rotor and adjust the blade pitch to optimize energy production under varying wind conditions.

Principle of Wind Turbines:

Wind turbines operate on the fundamental principle of harnessing the kinetic energy of the wind and converting it
into usable electrical power. As the wind flows over the rotor blades, it imparts a force that causes them to rotate.
This rotational motion is then transferred to a generator, where it is converted from mechanical energy into
electrical energy. The efficiency of this process is influenced by factors such as wind speed, blade design, and
turbine orientation, making it crucial to understand the underlying principles to optimize energy conversion and
enhance overall performance.

Function of Wind Turbines:

The primary function of a wind turbine is to capture and convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity. The
rotor blades, connected to a central hub, act as the turbine's "capture mechanism." As they rotate, they spin the
generator, initiating the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical power. This electricity is then transmitted
to the grid for distribution. The turbine's function is inherently tied to its capacity to respond dynamically to
varying wind speeds, ensuring a consistent and efficient energy output under different environmental conditions.

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Benefits and Challenges:

Wind turbines offer numerous benefits, including sustainable energy generation, reduced dependence on fossil
fuels, and mitigated environmental impact compared to traditional energy sources. However, challenges such as
intermittency, visual and noise concerns, and initial installation costs need to be addressed for widespread adoption.

As a symbol of sustainable progress, wind turbines continue to evolve, incorporating advanced technologies to
enhance efficiency, reliability, and integration into our global energy infrastructure.

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Task 1: Hand’s on Ansys

"The flow of air around a circular profile with a diameter D = 1 meter."

Our decision to adopt a quadrilateral/triangular mesh is based on a balanced approach aimed at

optimizing both model accuracy and computational efficiency. The incorporation of quadrilateral
elements provides a more faithful representation of complex shapes, while triangular elements simplify
mesh generation in less critical areas. This combination aims to maximize accuracy where it is crucial
while minimizing computational costs. In essence, our choice reflects a thoughtful strategy to achieve an
optimal compromise between precision and efficiency.
After Generating the mesh, we started calculation using the next parameters

Air Velocity: 𝒗𝒂𝒊𝒓 = 𝟏𝟓 𝒎⁄𝒔

Air density: 𝝆 = 𝟏, 𝟐𝟐𝟓 𝒌𝒈⁄𝒎𝟑

Air dynamic viscosity: 𝝁 = 𝟏, 𝟕𝟖𝟗𝟒 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟓 𝒌𝒈⁄𝒔. 𝒎

Length (diameter): 𝝓 =

𝟏𝒎 Reynold’s number then is: 𝑹𝒆 = 𝟏, 𝟎𝟓 × 𝟏𝟎𝟔

> 𝟓 × 𝟏𝟎𝟓 So, our flow is Turbulent.

Results we got:

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  Velocity:

As in the picture, the X-velocity achieves its max values in the top and the bottom of the circle,
while in the front it’s almost negligible.

The Drag & Lift

𝑪𝒅 = 𝟎, 𝟑𝟏𝟒𝟕 ; 𝑪𝒍 = 𝟏, 𝟗𝟔𝟔𝟒
Coeff:

The experimental results:

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Comparing to Reynolds number:

Conclusion:
The lift and drag coefficients of a circle in a turbulent flow depend on various factors such as
the Reynolds number, which characterizes the flow regime, the surface roughness of the circle,
and the angle of attack if the flow is not perpendicular to the circle's surface, that’s why we can
get some small differences (errors).

Task 2: Air Flow Over a NACA 63-412 Airfoil:

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We started by inserting the airfoil coordinates as an excel file, so that we can easily get our
shape.

We made our mesh using 20mm as size elements, triangles mesh shape.
And here is the results of the quality :

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 Meshing of faces: The "face meshing" feature in ANSYS enables the creation of a specific mesh on a
selected surface of the 3D geometry, providing increased flexibility to concentrate the mesh where it is
most needed in an analysis.
After setting up, calculating and generating the final results

 X-velocity Over NACA 63-412

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  Pressure Over NACA 63-412

Drag and Lift Coeff:

The evolution of Drag Coeff over the iterations:

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 The evolution of Lift Coeff over the iterations:

Consulting our references at the airfoil’s website, the Reynold’s number is set to 𝟏𝟎𝟔, So
our velocity will be 14,607346 m/s, and here is what we got in Lift and drag Coeff values:

According to the original airfoil’s website, these are the exact values:

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 Where alpha refers to the angle of attack

The percentage of error:

|𝟎.𝟑𝟒𝟎𝟏−𝟎.𝟑𝟏𝟕𝟖𝟐𝟖|
× 𝟏𝟎𝟎 = 𝟔. 𝟓%
𝟎.𝟑𝟒𝟎𝟏
 Lift Coefficient:
 Unfortunately, Drag Coeff is too far from reference one. (102%)
Comment:
There might be physical phenomena or interactions that are present in the real experiment but
not accounted for in the simulation.

Changing Simulation’s conditions for different angles of attack:

 Angle of attack (A) and its influence on lift/Drag Coeff

Note: All we have to do is changing X-Y velocities of the inlet in boundary conditions;

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 𝒗 = 𝑽 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝑎
}
{𝒗𝒚
𝒙 = 𝑽 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝑎

Where 𝑎 = angle of attack.

 𝑎 = 𝟒°:

 The evolution of Drag Coeff over the iterations:

 The evolution of Lift Coeff over the iterations

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By computing them in exact values we got:

 Exact values of coefficients

While references values or experimental ones are:

The percentage of error:

𝗌𝑳 = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟒%
𝗌𝑫 = 𝟐. 𝟔𝟒%


Comment: →Acceptable error
values.

 𝑎 = 𝟔°:

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  The evolution of Drag Coeff over the iterations:

 The evolution of Lift Coeff over the iterations:

The exact values are:

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While reference values are:

The percentage of errors:

𝗌𝑳 = 𝟑𝟕. 𝟖𝟔%
 𝗌𝑫 = 𝟔𝟏%


Conclusion:
The differences between our results and those of the experiment stem from various factors. The
choice of materials and the precision of the resolution method have undoubtedly contributed
significantly to these disparities. These parameters, among others, highlight the crucial impact of
experimental choices and methodologies on the obtained results, underscoring the importance of
rigorously considering them in any comparative analysis or data interpretation.

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3D Blades Analysis:

Starting by creating our design in CATIA V5, and this how the result was:

 Turbine Blades design

The simulation under air flow in ANSYS:

 Velocity Magnitude Result

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Then we compute our coefficients (Cl, Cd, Cm):

 Lift (Cl) & Drag (Cd) Coeff

 Pitching moment Coeff (Cm)

After considering the blade configuration, a more in-depth analysis is required to assess the specific
impact on the tower. Here are some potential considerations:

1. Additional Load on the Tower:

- Recalculating the total load applied to the tower is essential, taking into account the pulling force
generated by the rotating blades. This extra load depends on the specific blade design, including size,
shape, and aerodynamic profile.

2. Bending and Torsional Effects:

- The blade configuration may induce bending and torsional effects on the tower during operation.
These effects must be considered in the structural design of the tower to ensure stability and durability.

3. Material Requirements Implications:

- The additional load from the blades may necessitate a reevaluation of material requirements for the
tower. It is possible that stronger materials or a reinforced design may be needed to meet these new
constraints.

4. Dynamic Analysis:
- Conducting a dynamic analysis of the entire system, including the tower and blades, may be necessary
to assess potential vibrations, resonances, and fatigue effects resulting from the interaction between the
tower and blades.

In summary, interpreting the impact of the blade configuration requires a comprehensive analysis of the
entire system to fully understand its behavior and ensure its safety and reliability under varied operating
conditions.
Task 3, Tower static/structural Analysis:

As Materials we choose Aluminum Alloy 6061 which made from: 97.90% Al, 0.60% Si,
1.0% Mg, 0.2% Cr, 0.28% Cu

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 The conical form of the tower

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 Thickness Calculation using strength material properties:

We will consider our structure as a cylinder with a diameter of 1.75m so that when we adopt
the conical shape, it will be more rigid and strong.

The idea is that we will aim to create a balance between the interior and the exterior by
applying an internal pressure equal to the external one.

So, the stress-Tensor will be:

𝟎𝟎𝟎
𝑷𝑹 𝟎
l
𝝈 = I𝟎 𝒆 l 𝑴𝑷𝒂
𝑷𝑹
𝟎
𝗁 𝟐𝒆)
𝟎

𝑷𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒅 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝒌𝑵
𝑷𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒅
𝑷= = 𝟔. 𝟔𝟏 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟒𝑴𝑷𝒂
𝑺

𝑹 = 𝟏𝟕𝟓𝟎𝒎𝒎

𝑹𝒆 𝟏𝟐𝟎
𝝈𝒂 = = = 𝟖𝟎𝑴𝑷𝒂
𝒔 𝟏. 𝟓
𝑷𝑹
Finally, we get: 𝒆= = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟓𝒎
𝝈𝒂

We will see next, by this thickness we don’t get any buckling deformation.

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 And as requested in the specifications, we input our forces into the software:

 Forces applied on our tower shape

For the maximum deformation we get 339.07mm which is a logic value:

 Max deformation on the top of the tower

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And for the buckling test, we obtain 1mm as the maximum:

 Buckling test

Note;

Please check the numeric version of the work for more details…

Conclusion:

Working with the student version, which somewhat limited, and the capabilities of the
computer are an important factor affecting the accuracy of the results obtained.

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