Master's thesis; High-Fidelity Wind Farm Flow Simulation Using Open-Source CFD Tools

Introduction
The demand for renewable energy sources has significantly increased in recent years, with wind energy emerging as a crucial component in the global energy portfolio. Wind farms, both onshore and offshore, are now being installed on a large scale to capture wind energy efficiently. However, understanding the complex fluid dynamics within these wind farms is essential for optimizing wind turbines arrangement, predicting power output, and minimizing structural loads on turbines. CFD is a vital tool for the analysis and simulation of fluid flows in various engineering applications, including environmental and energy systems. The application of CFD in wind farm simulation allows for detailed analysis of complex flow interactions between wind turbines and their environment, which is crucial for optimizing turbine placement and improving energy efficiency. This project represents a significant step towards advancing our understanding of wind farm aerodynamics and optimizing wind energy production through high-fidelity simulations using a cutting-edge CFD tool.

Motivation
The complexity of flow fields within wind farms, characterized by turbine wakes, atmospheric stratification, and air-sea interactions in offshore environments, presents significant challenges for accurate simulation and analysis. Traditional CFD tools often fall short in capturing the intricate details of these phenomena due to limitations in resolution and computational feasibility, leading to suboptimal designs and operational strategies. This gap highlights the need for advanced simulation tools capable of handling large-scale, high-fidelity analyses.

Goal
The primary goal of this project is to utilize the state-of-the-art open-source CFD software to conduct high- fidelity simulations of flow fields within wind farms. A key objective is to provide detailed and accurate predictions of complex turbulent flows as well as wake interactions among turbines, enhancing our understanding of wind farm aerodynamics.

Expected Outcomes
Upon completion of this study, the expected outcomes are:
• Performing Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) flow simulations under various atmospheric conditions.
• Evaluating various wind turbine models and their impacts on turbine-wake interactions.
• Assessing air-sea interactions for offshore wind farms and their effects on ABL characteristics.

Special entry requirements
Good proficiency in C++ and Python programming, Good proficiency in Linux, Experiences with open-source CFD simulation tools such as OpenFOAM

Supervisor
Hamidreza Abedi, Associate Professor, Div. of Safety and Transport, Dept. of Electrification and Reliability, Unit Renewable Energy Systems, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden (hamidreza.abedi@ri.se)

Educational area
Computer engineering, Mechanical and Industrial design engineering, Physics, Mathematics and Environment.

Location
Gothenburg

Credits
30-60 hp (1-2 students). The compensation will be 30 000 SEK upon completion of a high-quality thesis.

Welcome with your application
Candidates are encouraged to send in their application as soon as possible. Suitable applicants will be interviewed as applications are received. Last day of application is November 12, 2024.