Aerodynamic characterization of a H-Darrieus wind turbine with a Drag-Disturbed Flow device installation

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the Drag-Disturbed Flow device on the startup and operation of HDWT (H-Darrieus wind turbine). The device plays a crucial role in enhancing the startup performance of the HDWT and improving the overall wind energy utilization. This work presents a study where two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) evaluations are performed on various D-DF (Drag-Disturbed) devices. The HDWT utilizes the NACA0018 airfoil type, while the D-DF device employs triangular, oval, and NACA0018 airfoil structures. The text explains the installation process and operational principles of the D-DF device. It also verifies the device's meshing and accuracy. Furthermore, this study conducts 2-D simulations to analyze the impact of various D-DF devices on the moment and wind energy consumption coefficients of the HDWT. Additionally, the process by which D-DF devices enhance the performance of the HDWT is explained by an analysis of the vortex cloud diagram. The results indicate that the HDWTs equipped with D-DF devices experience significant performance improvements during the wind turbine startup phase. Specifically, the Drag blade effectively enhances the moment coefficient of the HDWTs at low tip speed ratios by an average of approximately 41.74 %. Additionally, once the HDWTs are started and operating at high tip speed ratios, all D-DF devices, except for the DF-Tri, can be utilized within the λ = 1.2–2 range to enhance the torque coefficient of the HDWT by an average of about 7.53 %. This study aims to improve the operating performance of the current HDWT, lower the wind turbine cut-in wind speed, and enhance the wind energy consumption of the turbine.