Influences of some parameters on the performance of a small vertical axis wind turbine

Alexandru Dumitrache,Horia Dumitrescu,Bogdan Suatean,Florin Frunzulica

doi:10.1051/rees/2016024

Abstract

The effects of various parameters on the performance of a straight bladed vertical axis wind turbine, using the vortex model, have been numerically investigated. A vortex model has been used to evaluate the performance of a vertical axis wind turbine, by means of aerodynamic characteristics of different airfoils for Reynolds numbers between 105 and 106 . Parameters such as the thickness and the camber of the blade airfoil, the solidity, the type of blade profile, the number of blades and the pitch angle, which influence the power coefficient, C P , and the start-up regime. This study can be used in the designing an optimal vertical axis wind turbine in a specific location, when the prevailed wind regime is known.

Highlights

It is known that the wind is being used as a source of energy from ancient times
A vortex model has been used to evaluate the performance of a vertical axis wind turbine, by means of aerodynamic characteristics of different airfoils for Reynolds numbers between 105 and 106
If the initial research has been focused on horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs), recently, special efforts have been made to develop vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), to bring them to a level of performance close to that of HAWTs, taking into account a series of constructive advantages and their independence from the wind direction [1]

Summary

Introduction

It is known that the wind is being used as a source of energy from ancient times. In the recent decades, major research and development have been performed, especially after the oil crisis has occurred. If the initial research has been focused on horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs), recently, special efforts have been made to develop vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), to bring them to a level of performance close to that of HAWTs, taking into account a series of constructive advantages and their independence from the wind direction [1]. These advantages, combined with the easiest control methods, allow their use in both urban and isolated areas. A vortex model [3] is introduced to evaluate the performance of a vertical axis wind turbine using the aerodynamic characteristics of different airfoils at various Reynolds numbers [4]

Numerical approach

Results and discussion

Conclusions