Implementation of tubercles on Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs): An Aerodynamic Perspective

Abstract

In recent days, enhancement of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) by mitigating flow deteriorating effects like dynamic stalling, unsteady wake is given great importance. The following article focuses on implementing four different tubercles on the blades’ leading edge and studying its performance and flow characteristics using CFD techniques. Results indicate that the addition of tubercles generated counter-rotating vortices and delayed flow separation and helped control dynamic stalling. Between azimuth angles 70°–160°, the flow was seen to separate only along the trough regions of the blade and remained attached along the peak regions, thus providing more torque and power. In addition to the enhancements in the flow characteristics, a 28% increase in power coefficient was observed for the optimal configuration at the optimal tip speed ratio. Additionally, a 14% increase in maximum lift generated by the blade was observed. Preliminary aeroacoustics analysis revealed a 12% and 20% decrease in the noise emissions along the blade tip and mid-plane of the turbine, respectively. Hence, it can be shown that tubercles effectively control dynamic stall, reduce noise emissions, and increase the power output of VAWTs.