Differential evolution algorithm for performance optimization of the micro plasma actuator as a microelectromechanical system

Javad Omidi,Karim Mazaheri

doi:10.1038/s41598-020-75419-5

Javad Omidi, Karim Mazaheri

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75419-5

Copy DOI

Journal: Scientific Reports	Publication Date: Nov 2, 2020
Citations: 7	License type: open-access

Affiliation: Sharif University of Technology

Abstract

Dielectric Discharge Barrier (DBD) plasma actuators are considered as one of the best active electro-hydrodynamic control devices, and are considered by many contemporary researchers. Here a simple electrostatic model, which is improved by authors, and uses the Maxwell’s and the Navier–Stokes equations, is proposed for massive optimization computations. This model is used to find the optimum solution for application of a dielectric discharge barrier on a curved surface of a DU25 wind turbine blade airfoil, in a range of 5–18 kV applied voltages, and 0.5 to 13 kHz frequency range. Design variables are selected as the dielectric thickness and material, and thickness and length of the electrodes, and the applied voltage and frequency. The aerodynamic performance, i.e. the lift to drag ratio of the wind turbine blade section is considered as the cost function. A differential evolution optimization algorithm is applied and we have simultaneously found the optimized value of both geometrical and operational parameters. Finally the optimized value at each voltage and frequency are sought, and the optimum aerodynamic performance is derived. The physical effect of each design variable on the aerodynamic performance is discussed. A design relation is proposed to recommend an optimum design for wind turbine applications.

Highlights

Dielectric Discharge Barrier (DBD) plasma actuators are considered as one of the best active electrohydrodynamic control devices, and are considered by many contemporary researchers
We use the optimization algorithm to find the optimum design for application of a single plasma actuator on a DU25 airfoil, with a chord of 1 m, a Reynolds number of 106, and a free stream velocity of 14.61 m/s61
To make our results the most appropriate for an engineering design in wind turbine blades for better lift to drag ratio, here we introduce some simple design criteria to be used to achieve near optimum aerodynamic performance from plasma actuators

Summary

Introduction

Dielectric Discharge Barrier (DBD) plasma actuators are considered as one of the best active electrohydrodynamic control devices, and are considered by many contemporary researchers. A simple electrostatic model, which is improved by authors, and uses the Maxwell’s and the Navier– Stokes equations, is proposed for massive optimization computations This model is used to find the optimum solution for application of a dielectric discharge barrier on a curved surface of a DU25 wind turbine blade airfoil, in a range of 5–18 kV applied voltages, and 0.5 to 13 kHz frequency range. Potential of its usage in the wind turbine application for a better efficiency in energy harvesting is very high and is promoted in this article Due to their extensive usage in different applications, especially new a pplications[1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9], we need a better understanding of the effect of different geometrical and operational parameters (e.g. the applied voltage, frequency, and the waveform). A parametric study for flow control application in higher wind speed is done by Hu et al[35] and waveform applied to the plasma actuator, mounted on a curved surface, was investigated and parametrically studied by Pescini et al.[36]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion