Performance enhancement of savonius hydrokinetic turbine using split airfoil blade: A numerical investigation

Abstract

There is a concerted global effort to advance technology in the field of renewable energy sources due to the escalating energy crisis and escalating environmental pollution. One promising avenue for small-scale power generation is hydrokinetic technology. Among the various hydrokinetic turbines, the Savonius Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHT) stands out due to its specific advantages, but it has faced challenges in terms of performance. To address this, a novel blade design for the SHT has been developed, aiming to enhance its performance. This new turbine is referred to as the Split Airfoil Savonius Hydrokinetic Turbine (SASHT). To evaluate and compare the performance of both the conventional SHT and the newly developed SASHT, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis has been conducted. This analysis encompasses a range of Tip Speed Ratios (TSR) from 0.7 to 1.2, with an inlet velocity of 0.8 m/s. The results reveal that the SASHT demonstrates a notable improvement, with a maximum Coefficient of Power that is 17% higher than that of the conventional semi-circular bladed SHT. This research offers valuable insights into the flow physics and performance parameters of these hydrokinetic turbines, showcasing the potential for more efficient and sustainable energy generation.