Desempeño de turbinas eólicas de eje horizontal con dispositivos de control de flujo en condiciones de turbulencia

As a continuation of the VIE project "Optimization of an aerodynamic profile of a horizontal axis
wind turbine for small-scale applications in forested areas" developed between 2018 and 2021, it is
proposed to develop and evaluate a wind turbine rotor using flow control devices.
The objective is to continue in the line of research that aims to build a horizontal axis wind turbine
prototype for areas of low wind potential and high turbulence, considering that this type of machine
does not exist in the market and there is few literature about it. This prototype aims to benefit rural
regions, urban centers located in mountainous areas; It will be an alternative for electricity
generation in homes in regions where high cloudiness or distance from rivers prevents the use of
other green technologies such as solar panels or hydroelectric generators. This turbine is also
intended to be an on-site generation alternative for housing units that are connected to the national
electricity grid, which will reduce their energy bill.
The first stage consists of experimentally testing, in a wind tunnel, the response in lift and drag
forces of the SG6043 airfoil, by monitoring a combination of flow control devices, in turbulent flow
conditions. The aerodynamic profiles will be manufactured using additive manufacturing
techniques, mainly FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) (profile core), fiberglass and wood by
Computer numerical control (CNC) machining. As a result of the previous project, there is already
a wind tunnel in the Wind Energy Research Laboratory of the TEC (LIENE), in addition, the tunnel
of the University of Costa Rica is backing it up.
The second stage deals with the manufacture and testing of a rotor, whose blades will be designed
applying the results of the first stage. The rotor will be placed as a replacement for the existing one
of a commercial wind turbine, which already exists, as a result of the previous project. In this way,
the aerodynamic performance of the rotor will be evaluated and compared with the performance of
the commercial rotor. The tests of the second stage will be carried out in the wind tunnel of the
University of Costa Rica, since the dimensions of the TEC wind tunnel do not allow these tests to
be carried out there.
The main products that are expected to be obtained with this research are the aerodynamic
performance curves of the SG6043 airfoil, according to the mixed-level factorial experimental design
that will be carried out. Understanding performance as lift and drag force curves as a function of
angle of attack. Also the performance curve of the rotor manufactured with the SG6043 profile andthe corresponding flow devices. The performance curve is understood as the power as a function
of the incident wind speed.
This project is part of the sustainable development goals of the United Nations, particularly number
7: Affordable and clean energy. It is also in the axis of strategic knowledge of the TEC called Energy.

Determinar el efecto de los dispositivos de control de flujo en el desempeño de
una turbina eólica de eje horizontal, en condiciones de flujo turbulento.

En Ingeniería Electromecánica: Energías renovables y no convencionales. En la
Escuela de física: Física experimental y Física aplicada. En la Escuela de
Mecatrónica: Energía