Development of equivalent electric circuit model for darrieus-type vertical axis wind turbine rotor using mechanic - Electric analogy approach

Abstract

Models are crucial in the engineering design process because they can be used for both the optimisation of design parameters and the prediction of performance. Thus, models can significantly reduce design, development and optimisation costs. This paper presents the construction process of a novel equivalent electrical model for Darrieus-type vertical axis wind turbines (DTVAWTs). Physical concepts and theoretical formulations underpinning the development of the model are addressed. The proposed model was built from the mechanical description given by the Paraschivoiu double-multiple streamtube model and is based on the analogy between mechanical and electrical circuits. After highlighting the working principle of the DTVAWT, the step-by-step development of the model is presented. For assessment purposes, simulations of aerodynamic characteristics and those of corresponding electrical components are performed and compared.