Electric Circuit Model for the Aerodynamic Performance Analysis of a Three-Blade Darrieus-Type Vertical Axis Wind Turbine: The Tchakoua Model

Pierre Tchakoua,Ernesto Benini,Gabriel Ekemb,René Wamkeue,Mohand Ouhrouche

doi:10.3390/en9100820

Abstract

The complex and unsteady aerodynamics of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) pose significant challenges for simulation tools. Recently, significant research efforts have focused on the development of new methods for analysing and optimising the aerodynamic performance of VAWTs. This paper presents an electric circuit model for Darrieus-type vertical axis wind turbine (DT-VAWT) rotors. The novel Tchakoua model is based on the mechanical description given by the Paraschivoiu double-multiple streamtube model using a mechanical‑electrical analogy. Model simulations were conducted using MATLAB for a three-bladed rotor architecture, characterized by a NACA0012 profile, an average Reynolds number of 40,000 for the blade and a tip speed ratio of 5. The results obtained show strong agreement with findings from both aerodynamic and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models in the literature.

Highlights

Darrieus-type vertical axis wind turbines (DT-VAWTs) are nonlinear systems that operate in turbulent environments
None of the models with high reliability and accuracy can be efficiently coupled with models of the other mechanical and electrical parts of the wind turbine to form a global model for the wind energy conversion system (WECS)
The new Tchakoua model is based on a new approach for modelling DT‐VAWT rotors using the mechanical‐electrical analogy

Summary

Introduction

Darrieus-type vertical axis wind turbines (DT-VAWTs) are nonlinear systems that operate in turbulent environments. It is difficult to accurately characterize their aerodynamic rotor behaviour across a wide range of operating conditions using physically meaningful models. Used models are either derived from wind turbine data and are presented in a “black box”. Most of these models lack both conciseness and intelligibility and are prohibitive for the routine engineering analyses of the local interaction mechanisms of wind turbines. Models are of central importance in many scientific contexts and are one of the principal instruments of modern science. The use of electrical circuit elements to model physical devices and systems has a long and successful history.

Methods

Results

Conclusion