Design optimization of Double-Darrieus hybrid vertical axis wind turbine

Abstract

This research emphasizes designing a straight-bladed Double-Darrieus hybrid vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with a high power coefficient as well as self-starting capability. Computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed using the sliding and dynamic meshing techniques. Various datasets were employed in the design of experiments to determine optimal configurations. A quadratic equation based on a regression model was established, and response surface methodology was applied to determine the accuracy of the model by analysis of variance, goodness of fit, investigation of residuals, and R-squared values. The optimized chord length, number of blades, pitch angle, distance of blades from the central rotating shaft, and rotor height were obtained as 0.547 m, 03, -3.41 deg, 0.789 m, and 1.605 m, respectively. A standard H-rotor Darrieus configuration, comprising symmetric airfoils and existing Darrieus-Savonius hybrid VAWTs were also analyzed for comparison. The positive static torque coefficient at all azimuth angles indicates that the proposed hybrid wind turbine is completely self-starting. The output power of the standard Darrieus configuration is substantially zero below a wind speed of 3.65 m/s, indicating that it is not capable of converting the kinetic energy of the airflow into electrical power below this specified value. On the contrary, the self-starting speed of the proposed hybrid wind turbine is as low as 2.81 m/s with a rated power of 1.522 kW at a wind speed of 7.5 m/s. The capability of the proposed hybrid wind turbine with a better power coefficient and transforming wind energy, even at low wind speeds, extends its utilization for various small to large-scale power projects. The proposed approach enables the determination of the optimum design configuration of a hybrid vertical axis wind turbine, along with a high-fidelity analysis in the early design phase.