Experimental validation of rans models for complex separated flows

Abstract

In a solar panel array, the first row of panels produces the separation of the flow, leading to a shielding effect. The shielding effect is a turbulent phenomenon. Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis represents a powerful tool for modelling fluid flow in turbulent conditions, but it is still severely challenged in scenarios with separated flows at relatively large Reynolds number. The objective of this project is to demonstrate that the results obtained in a CFD analysis are reproduced in a wind tunnel test with the same conditions. The main measurement technique used in the experiments is Particle Image Velocimetry, which allows to obtain the mean velocity of the flow and its statistic turbulences. A steady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes model has been chose to carry out the CFD analysis. The conclusions of the project are that RANS model works perfectly for the first separated flow, but it is necessary more experiments in order to know if it produces results at the separated flows of the last panels. The experience obtained from this project can help to improve the further analyses. Anyway, due to the unsteady character of the separated flow, URANS model should produce more accurate results.