Features to aid or enable self starting of fixed pitch low solidity vertical axis wind turbines

Abstract

This paper reviews the cause of the inability of low solidity fixed pitch vertical axis wind turbines to self start, and investigates a number of ways of overcoming this problem. One approach is only applicable to variants of the Musgrove VGVAWT and involves changes of blade geometry. Another approach is to utilize blades having aerofoil sections that strongly exhibit the laminar separation bubble phenomenon below the stall and that have low immediate post-stall drag. Evidence is given that VAWT's can be made to consistently self start.