Abstract: In order to study the effect of vortex generators (VGs) and blade combinations on the aerodynamic performance of wind turbine blades, the NREL Phase VI wind turbine blades were taken as models. The CFD method was used to simulate eight flow control configurations, including single and double VGs, single and double blades, and their combinations. The impact of these configurations on the aerodynamic performance of wind turbine blades under different wind speeds was analyzed. The calculation results show that the combinations of single VGs with single blade, as well as double VGs with single blade not only obtain higher output torque but also more effectively inhibit the flow separation in the chord and span directions of the blade. These combinations combine the advantages of both devices, demonstrating better flow control effect. Furthermore, compared with single VGs, double VGs can further delay flow separation.

Key words: NREL Phase VI wind turbine, vortex generator, wing knife, aerodynamic performance