Abstract
In this work, a 3D computational model based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is built to simulate the aerodynamic behavior of a Savonius-type vertical axis wind turbine with a semi-elliptical profile. This computational model is used to evaluate the performance of the wind turbine in terms of its power coefficient (Cp). Subsequently, a full factorial design of experiments (DOE) is defined to obtain a representative sample of the search space on the geometry of the wind turbine. A dataset is built on the performance of each geometry proposed in the DOE. This process is carried out in an automated way through a scheme of integrated computational platforms. Later, a surrogate model of the wind turbine is fitted to estimate its performance using machine learning algorithms. Finally, a process of optimization of the geometry of the wind turbine is carried out employing metaheuristic optimization algorithms to maximize its Cp; the final optimized designs are evaluated using the computational model for validating their performance.
Highlights
We propose optimizing the design of a vertical wind turbine type Savonius to maximize its efficiency in terms of its energy conversion capacity through metaheuristic algorithms and using a surrogate model of the Savonius wind turbine obtained through techniques of machine learning
The computer-aided engineering (CAE) computational model is validated based on two criteria: with a mesh independence study, where the model’s behavior is analyzed based on the number of mesh elements, and through a direct comparison of the data on the performance of the Savonius
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) calculated with the model against experimental performance data reported in state of the art to analyze the level of correspondence between the simulated and experimental data
Summary
The issue of renewable energy is a topic that has gained relevance in recent years, mainly due to the depletion of traditional energy sources and the environmental impact.more and more countries are interested in developing a sustainable energy industry based on renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydro, or wind energy.The conventional way of harnessing the energy of the wind is through wind turbines.According to the orientation of its axis of rotation to the direction of the wind flow, two types are distinguished: the so-called Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) and those of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT).VAWT represents a good option for implementation in small-scale applications for self-consumption purposes, in areas with limited space and changing wind conditions, such as urban and rural environments [1]. More and more countries are interested in developing a sustainable energy industry based on renewable energy sources, such as solar, hydro, or wind energy. The Savonius VAWT has a simple design that allows it to operate regardless of wind direction and at relatively low wind speeds. It has the advantage of having high capacity for self-starting [2] and low cost of construction and maintenance. The main disadvantage of this wind turbine resides in its low efficiency in the use of the energy available in the wind, being the design with the lowest theoretical efficiency of all [3,4,5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
