Airflow Analysis Through a Wind Turbine Array and Wake Interference Using ANSYS CFD<br />Eng. Nourhan Thamer Assi<br /><br />Airflow Analysis Through a Wind Turbine Array and Wake Interference Using ANSYS CFD<br /><br />Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<br />Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy<br />Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure<br />Goal 13: Climate Action<br /><br />The rapid growth of wind energy as a primary source of clean power has brought increasing attention to optimizing wind farm layouts for maximum efficiency. One of the key challenges in wind farm design is understanding and mitigating wake interference — the turbulent airflow that trails behind a wind turbine and affects downstream turbines. This article explores a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study conducted using ANSYS Fluent to analyze airflow behavior through a wind turbine array and quantify the effects of wake interaction on performance.<br /><br />Background and Significance<br />When wind passes through a turbine, the rotor extracts kinetic energy, creating a wake characterized by reduced wind speed and increased turbulence. This disturbed airflow can impair the efficiency and structural health of other turbines positioned downstream. As wind farms expand in size, understanding wake dynamics becomes critical to improve energy output and reduce mechanical wear.<br />Simulation Setup<br />The CFD simulation was conducted on a linear array of three horizontal-axis wind turbines. Each turbine was modeled with simplified rotor geometry and simulated in a 3D computational domain with appropriate inlet wind profiles and boundary conditions. Turbulence was modeled using the k-ε realizable turbulence model, and the rotating region of each rotor was treated using a multiple reference frame (MRF) approach.<br />Key Parameters:<br />Wind speed at inlet: 8–12 m/s<br />Turbine spacing: 4D to 8D (rotor diameters)<br />Hub height: 100 meters<br />Ambient turbulence intensity: 7–10%<br />Results and Observations<br />Wake Profiles<br />The leading turbine generated a prominent wake zone with a velocity deficit of up to 40% immediately downstream.<br />Downstream turbines received significantly less wind input, reducing their power output by 15–25% depending on spacing.<br />Turbulence and Pressure Fields<br />Elevated turbulence intensity in wake regions caused flow instability and increased mechanical loads on downstream turbines.<br />Pressure contours indicated substantial pressure drop behind the first turbine, affecting flow recovery before reaching the next unit.<br />Turbine Spacing Effects<br />Increasing spacing from 4D to 7D allowed partial wake recovery and improved the performance of downstream turbines.<br />However, land use and infrastructure constraints often limit the feasibility of wide spacing.<br />Implications for Wind Farm Design<br />The study highlights the importance of considering wake interactions during the planning phase of wind farms. Optimizing turbine placement not only improves energy yield but also minimizes maintenance needs and prolongs equipment lifespan. CFD simulations such as this provide valuable insight into flow behavior that cannot be fully captured through empirical models alone.<br /><br />Conclusion<br /><br />Using ANSYS CFD, the airflow and wake effects in a wind turbine array were analyzed in detail, revealing significant performance impacts from wake interference. The findings underscore the need for strategic turbine placement and aerodynamic optimization to enhance overall farm productivity. As the wind energy sector continues to grow, such simulation-based approaches will be vital for designing more efficient, reliable, and sustainable wind power systems.<br />Al-Mustaqbal University – The No. 1 Private University in Iraq