This paper describes assessment of CFD simulations for the film-cooling on the blade leading edge with circular cooling holes in order to contribute durability assessment of the turbine blades. Unsteady RANS (URANS) applying a k–ε–v2–f turbulence model and the Spallart and Allmaras turbulence model, and Detached-Eddy Simulation (DES) based on the Spallart and Allmaras turbulence model are addressed to solve thermal convection. The CFD calculations were conducted by simulating a semi-circular model in the wind tunnel experiments. The DES and also the k–ε–v2–f model evaluate explicitly unsteady fluctuation of local temperature by the vortex structures, so that the predicted film cooling effectiveness comparatively in agreement with measurements. On the other hand, the predicted temperature fields by the Spallart and Allmaras model are less diffusive than the DES and the k–ε–v2–f model. In the present turbulence modeling, the DES only predicts penetration of main flow into the film cooling hole, but the Spallart and Allmaras model is not able to evaluate the unsteadiness and the vortex structures clearly, and over-predict film cooling effectiveness on the partial surface.

Leading-edge erosion of wind turbine blades caused by repeated raindrop impingement can significantly reduce power output and increase maintenance costs. This study develops a rain erosion atlas for Japan over 11 years from 2006 to 2016 based on the CRIEPI-RCM-Era2 dataset. The NREL 5 MW, DTU 10 MW, and IEA 15 MW wind turbines were employed to evaluate the incubation time (erosion onset time) of commercial polyurethane-based coating at the blade tip. Erosion progression was simulated using an empirical damage model that relates raindrop impingement and impact velocity to the incubation time. The rain erosion atlas reveals a clear correlation between wind turbine size and erosion risk: the NREL 5MW turbine shows an incubation time of 3–12 years, the DTU 10MW turbine 1–4 years, and the IEA 15MW turbine 0.5–2 years. Shorter incubation times are observed on the Pacific Ocean side, where annual precipitation is higher than on the Sea of Japan side. Additionally, the influence of coating degradation due to ultraviolet radiation was assessed using solar radiation data, revealing a further reduction in incubation time on the Pacific Ocean side. Finally, the potential of erosion-safe mode operation was examined, demonstrating its effectiveness in alleviating erosion progression.

Leading-edge erosion of wind turbine blades caused by repeated raindrop impingement can significantly reduce power output and increase maintenance costs. This study develops a rain erosion atlas for Japan over 11 years from 2006 to 2016 based on CRIEPI-RCM-Era2 dataset. The NREL 5 MW, DTU 10 MW, and IEA 15 MW wind turbines were employed to evaluate the incubation time (erosion onset time) of commercial polyurethane-based coating at blade tip. Erosion progression was simulated using an empirical damage model that relates raindrop impingement and impact velocity to the incubation time. The rain erosion atlas reveals a clear correlation between wind turbine size and erosion risk: the NREL 5MW turbine shows the incubation time of 3–12 years, the DTU 10MW turbine 1–4 years, and the IEA 15MW turbine 0.5–2 years. Shorter incubation times are observed on the Pacific Ocean side, where annual precipitation is higher than on the Sea of Japan side. Additionally, the influence of coating degradation due to ultraviolet radiation was assessed using solar radiation data, revealing a further reduction in incubation time on the Pacific Ocean side. Finally, the potential of erosion-safe mode operation was examined, demonstrating its effectiveness in alleviating erosion progression.