Numerical and experimental investigation of a wind rotor equipped with wind catcher system

Abstract

Abstract Wind energy is a key driver for the transformation towards a sustainable energy system. From a certain point of view, the main parameter is to increase the turbines' height and the rotor's size to improve the economic aspect and performance. On the other hand, ‘ducted wind turbines’, which can significantly improve the performance of smaller wind turbines, are attracting much attention. The objective is to create system compatible with urban environments and at the same time improve the efficiency of ducted wind turbines. This article studies a configuration, namely a wind turbine equipped with a wind catcher system, by studying it both experimentally and numerically. First, the tests are carried out on the system without inserting the wind rotor. Then the results of the developed model are compared via experimental tests, showing that it is possible to accept wind from all directions and from different heights by using the wind collector system and the cones. The results also show that the maximum wind speed increases by 2.5 times in the middle of the cylindrical part where the turbine is planned to be placed. Finally, the effects of inserting a vertical axis wind turbine inside the cylindrical part of the system on its power coefficient are studied. The results show that the system significantly improves the maximum power coefficient of the turbine.