Wake Characterization of a Cross-Flow Turbine

Abstract

A cross-flow turbine wake is analyzed to better understand how these turbines affect the flow field in their immediate vicinity. Mean velocity, turbulence intensity, coherent turbulent kinetic energy, and Reynolds shear stresses are used to identify regions of turbulence and mixing. The shear layer between the turbine wake and bypass flow resembles a rectangular ring near the turbine which grows into a larger oval downstream. Mixing allows the wake to recover to roughly 70% of the free stream velocity at five diameters downstream. The results of this study gives future researchers a map to locate areas of interest for more in depth research.