Turbine Trailing Edge Noise Reduction Using Adjoint-Based Shape Optimization

There are a number of noise sources on a typical wind turbine, including tower-blade interaction, gust-induced noise, trailing edge noise, and power train noise. Significant improvements in noise reduction and/or noise isolation have been made to many of the mechanical and tonal noise sources, but the turbulence-associated noise sources (gust-induced and trailing edge) remain difficult to control. A physics-based optimization procedure will be implemented to reduce the dominant noise mechanism found on wind turbines. We will add a shape optimization capability to an existing high fidelity simulation platform to understand and minimize the trailing edge noise radiated by the turbine blade airfoil section. Our novel simulation technique will reduce the trial and error character of current design methodologies, and should shorten future design cycles and reduce cost. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: Reduction of the environmental impact of large turbines on its surrounding area is a key challenge that impedes the wide adoption of wind turbines capable of providing a larger fraction of the country