Experimental and numerical investigation of roughness effect on NACA turbine models

Wind blade structure is, one of the most important structural elements, has importance for wind turbines. In this study, the effects of the surface roughness on the suction side for aerodynamic performance was investigated for NACA 0015 airfoil profile. Surface roughness was created at different distances and counts from leading edge of the airfoil. Modified surfaces and smooth surface had compared each other in terms of aerodynamic performance. Rhinoceros which is one of the most used design program was used for designing the wing profile. The numerical solution was obtained from Ansys Fluent program and k-ε solution method was used which is one of the viscous flow solution method. In this study, analyses were carried out between the angle of attack 0° and 35° while our wing profile has a low Reynolds number (4.28x104). When results were analyzed, K2 has a higher lift coefficient (CL) while they are reached stall angle. In terms of aerodynamic performance, K1 is %1 higher than K0 and %2,5 higher than K2 wind blade. Unlike K0 wind blade profile has reached maximum CL at 7,5°, K1 has reached at 15° and K2 has reached 12,5°. Except for low angle of attack, it was observed that K1 and K2 wing profiles have higher aerodynamic performance than K0 wind blade profile due to the having corrugate surfaces. Furthermore, blade models have been printed out by using 3D printer purpose of wind tunnel test which is located at Gazi University Wind Tunnel Laboratory. Experimental and numerical studies are compared with each other and results are validated.