Numerical and experimental investigation of geometric parameters influence on power generation of INVELOX wind turbine

Abstract

Wind energy is a key contributor to current transitional trends toward green energy resources. Wind turbines, therefore, act as the main of the wind energy power generation hierarchy, which converts the kinetic energy of wind into electric power. However, low wind velocity is a limiting factor that significantly diminishes the power generation capacity of wind turbines. Alternatively, ducted wind turbines provide a sustainable solution for application in areas with low wind velocity. In the present work, a numerical investigation has been performed to investigate the variation in the power generation capacity of INVELOX with varying geometric parameters. Initially, a numerical investigation of the original INVELOX model was performed to validate the numerical framework and establish the obtained results as a reference. Afterwards, the shape of the funnel, fins/supporting structure, and venturi parameters were varied to analyze their influence on the maximum velocity achieved at the throat. Subsequently, a novel semi-dome concept is added to the model based on numerical results. The results showed that the maximum velocity ratio has been improved from 2.125 to 3.13. Furthermore, power generation capacity was also increased by 3.2 times compared with the original INVELOX design by applying optimized geometric parameters and the semi-dome concept.