Validation of four LES and a vortex model against stereo-PIV measurements in the near wake of an actuator disc and a wind turbine

Lignarolo, L.E.M.; Mehta, D.; Stevens, R.J.A.M.; Yilmaz, A.E.; Kuik, G. van; Andersen, S.J.; Meneveau, C.; Ferreira, C.J. Simão; Ragni, D.; Meyers, J.; Bussel, G.J.W. van; Holierhoek, J.

doi:10.1016/j.renene.2016.03.070

Validation of four LES and a vortex model against stereo-PIV measurements in the near wake of an actuator disc and a wind turbine

L.E.M. Lignarolo, D. Mehta, R.J.A.M. Stevens, A.E. Yilmaz, G. van Kuik, S.J. Andersen, C. Meneveau, C.J. Simão Ferreira, D. Ragni, J. Meyers, G.J.W. van Bussel, J. Holierhoek, Renewable Energy 94, 510-523 (2016).

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Main finding

Rotor models match mean wake deficit, wake width and turbulence intensity to different degrees in the measured near-wake comparisons. These observables cannot be reduced to one model-fidelity score.

Turbulence intensity profiles at five downstream stations for four simulations and a vortex model — **How to read the figure.** Turbulence intensity from stereo PIV measurements and from four large-eddy simulations and a vortex model, at five stations between 0.1 and 2.2 rotor diameters behind an actuator disc and behind a turbine. The models diverge sharply here, while their axial velocity profiles at the same stations (Figure 7) agree closely. Validation is observable-specific: mean deficit, wake width and turbulence intensity do not collapse into a single fidelity score. Open the full-resolution figure. Figure 9. L.E.M. Lignarolo et al. (2016). No separate licence is stated here; consult the original publication and credited source before reuse.

Why this matters

Rotor models can match mean deficit, wake width, or turbulence differently, so validation must remain observable specific.

Research context

The multi-code comparison tests actuator-disc, actuator-line, and vortex models against the same stereo-PIV near wake. Subsequent studies isolate grid and force-projection effects, compare rotor representations in farms, and extend the diagnostics farther downstream.

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