Design and teaching application of a visualization platform for wind turbine surrounding flow fields
[Objective]The continuous development and utilization of wind energy have led to the widespread adoption of wind turbines in various environments,including offshore,on land,and near buildings.These turbines are characterized by their lightweight and high flexibility.However,the complex fluid-structure coupling characteristics of wind turbines pose significant challenges to their safety,efficiency,and stability.Visualizing the flow field around wind turbines for educational and research purposes presents considerable difficulties.[Methods]This study leverages an existing wind tunnel laboratory platform to design an experimental forest-up for visualizing the aerodynamic flow field around wind turbines.The primary objective is to provide students with a clear and intuitive understanding of wake characteristics and aerodynamic principles under various wind conditions.It also seeks to clarify the coupling flow mechanism and flow field variation laws specific to roof-mounted vertical-axis wind turbines.Moreover,this research delves into the spatio-temporal characteristics of the flow field in complex terrains and quantifies the impact of different parameters on the flow field of wind turbines.Utilizing this platform,the study introduces a hybrid teaching method for wind turbine structures aligned with the dual-carbon target.It establishes a feedback mechanism to identify and address teaching challenges,thereby promoting practical educational outcomes.The visualization experiments conducted include the wake flow fields of vertical axis and horizontal axis flow fields,as well as those situated on complex terrain and low-rise building roofs.[Results]The experiments have significantly improved teaching quality.The use of this platform facilitates the integration of teaching resources across undergraduate and graduate levels,as well as in subject competitions,thereby improving resource utilization efficiency.One notable finding is that the blade tip vortex,formed by airflow passing through the wind turbine,hinders velocity recovery in the wake region,resulting in an axial velocity loss zone within the wind turbine structure.Moreover,the study highlights how different parameters influence the dynamic flow field characteristics of wind turbine structures.When a wind turbine is mounted on a building roof,the airflow separation from the windward eaves forms significant wind shear and turbulence intensity.This,in turn,affects the entire flow field of the roof,with the vortex wake of the wind turbine showing significant temporal and spatial variations.Similarly,when a wind turbine is located on complex terrain,the combined effects of the wake and terrain create a turbulent vortex velocity shear layer,adding complexity and variability to the surrounding flow field.[Conclusions]By employing visual methods,these complex mechanisms and scenarios become more accessible for educational purposes,thereby improving teaching effectiveness and quality.Cultivating new energy professionals is crucial for achieving dual-carbon goals and renewing talent in the future energy industry.Adopting new teaching methods represents a direct and effective approach to improving the quality of talent development.The platform discussed in this paper is an attempt to innovate the talent cultivation process within wind farms.However,it acknowledges that there are areas for further improvement and enhancement.