A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study of an Integrating Savonius-Darrieus Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Abstract

To combine the advantages of performance of both Savonius and Darrieus wind turbines, this paper aims to study computationally a novel design configuration of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). The new design would help cover a broad range of performance parameters between both types of wind turbines as well as overcome drawbacks of the Savonius type at higher rotational speed. The proposed design is to integrate both of Savonius and straight blade Darrieus wind turbines in a single VAWT design configuration. In this design, the turbine rotor consists of a number of similar NACA0015 airfoil blades set in a particular arrangement. By regulating individual angles of rotor blades, the turbine would work as either Savonius or H-Darrieus VAWT. The turbine could also be set to work at different configurations between those for the Savonius and H-Darrieus ones. The computational results revealed that the performance of the proposed integrating wind turbine would be controlled and optimized to cover the operating range of both of Savonius and Darrieus wind turbines. Besides, the performance of Savonius VAWT would be modified when applying this design. When the proposed design is practically implemented, characteristics of both of Savonius and H-Darrieus based wind turbines would be found in a single design.