Wake Interaction Effects Using a Parallelized Free Vortex Wake Method

By: Kelsey Shaler

Noon – 12:30pm E525

Abstract: Turbine-wake interactions pose significant challenges in the development of optimal wind farm configurations. These interactions can lead to a marked reduction in wind farm power efficiency as well as an increase in structural loading which reduces their functional lifetime. This work aims to develop a moderate fidelity Free Vortex Wake (FVW) model to capture turbine-wake interactions between multiple turbines. Discussed in this talk is the potential usage of the FVW model in turbine-wake interaction studies with a focus on comparisons to the Dynamic Wake Meandering (DWM) wake model.

Biography: Kelsey Shaler received her BSE in mechanical engineering from the University of Maine. She is currently working towards her Ph. D. in mechanical engineering under Dr. Jack McNamara in the Multi-Physics Interaction Research Group; her work focuses on computational models for turbine-wake interactions.