Abstract
In the present study, the influence of the wavy edge blade on aerodynamic characteristics for the flow of blades at Reynolds number (Re) of 8×105 is numerically investigated based on the unsteady wind flow. Aerodynamic characteristics of a (sinusoidal leading edge) wavy NACA0015 aerofoil blade are carried out using ICEM 19.1 and ANSYS fluent. The numerical simulation is conducted then validated by experimental data with steady wind flow. This is conducted by employing the same Reynold's number in the experimental work. While, the unsteady flow was numerically performed at 1 Hz frequency of wind flow conditions. The main findings from this work show that the wavy blade can behave better in turbulent wind conditions with the maximum lift coefficient of 0.73 compared to 0.621 for the normal blade. However, the findings declare that the wavy blade stalled earlier than the normal one in the unsteady flow case. Similarly, it stalled at 12° angle of attack earlier than the normal one which was stalled at 14° in the steady flow case.
Highlights
The need to enhance the aerodynamics of any windy shapes has been increased
Three unsteady wind simulations were accomplished. the results showed that the fluctuating of free stream wind speed and blade thicker were more essential in operating VAWT
Once the CFD model was validated for the steady wind flow conditions, the present unsteady CFD model was considered trusted to investigate the behaviour of the NACA0015 blade with normal and sinusoidal leading edge
Summary
The need to enhance the aerodynamics of any windy shapes has been increased. This is a deman– ding aim and it requires re-thinking of the way to modify these shapes. Z. Čarija et al [8] studied a sinusoidal shape leading edge of the NACA0012 compared it with a normal one utilised a Reynolds number of 1.8×105. Zhang et al [10] investigated an active control strategy for blade in wind turbine at off-design conditions. They introduced a series of small flat wings with delta shape in order to generate an enhanced vortex at the leading edge of the blade. Their results showed that about 20% enhancement of the wind turbine shaft torque at the stall was achieved when using the active controlled leading edge. There is a comparison with the normal blade model to gain further insight into the aerodynamics of this type of the blade under unsteadiness flow conditions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
