CFD analysis on the influence of angle of attack on vertical axis wind turbine aerodynamics

Abstract

The Angle of Attack (AOA) in a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) plays an important role in determining the forces and the power generated by the wind turbine. It is difficult to find the suitable AOA due to the complex and constantly changing wind flow patterns. In this paper, we have performed CFD simulations using Ansys Fluent software, based on the constantly changing AOA. The CFD simulations were conducted by selecting a suitable range of AOA and the velocity of the wind. The selected range of AOA varied from 5 degrees to 25 degrees with increments of 5 degrees and the range of the air velocities varied from 7m/s to 21m/s with increments of 7m/s. The tests were also performed using the X-Foil software. The results obtained from the CFD simulations, done by using the Ansys Fluent Software and from the X-Foil software, were then compared to give a more accurate and optimized AOA and velocity value. This optimization of the AOA could enhance the overall performance of the Vertical Axis Wind turbine.