On the feasibility of reducing trailing edge noise by active flow control

Wind energy is an ancient yet most promising source of renewable energy. As such, the number and location of wind farms in the proximity of inhabitant regions is constantly growing. However, wind farms can not be located too close to inhabitant regions due to prohibitive levels of emitted noise. One of the most significant noise sources results from the interaction between turbulent boundary layer and the trailing edge of the wind turbine blade. In this project, wall-normal steady suction was successfully applied to alter turbulent boundary layer features with the purpose of noise attenuation. It is evident that the achieved effects will have a quieting effect on the trailing edge noise caused by the scattering of pressure fluctuations, which develop inside the turbulent boundary layer, at the trailing edge of the airfoil.