Computational fluid dynamics study of Savonius rotors using OpenFOAM

Abstract

In this work, two-dimensional models of Savonius rotors are simulated using OpenFOAM® in order to predict the aerodynamic performance of small-scale vertical-axis wind turbines. The results are reported analyzing the aerodynamic performance and forces acting on the rotors. Power coefficient, [Formula: see text], is compared with experimental data for each operation point, and for three different geometries. Simulations with first- and second-order discretization schemes are carried out and compared, both quantitative and qualitative. Since usual grid dimensions result not to be suitable for simulations of Savonius rotors, an analysis of different domains is performed and compared. Finally, a set up for computational fluid dynamics simulation of two-dimensional Savonius rotors is proposed. The fluid–rotor interaction is analyzed and the vortex shedding is correlated with [Formula: see text] values and wake description.