Abstract
Energy crisis and global warming have encouraged the use of renewable energy resources such as wind power. Among different types of wind turbines, vertical axis wind turbines can be easily installed in residential areas. In this study, a computational fluid dynamics analysis was performed to predict the performance characteristics of three configurations of small vertical axis wind turbines. For this purpose, an shear stress transport k-omega turbulent model and a rotating frame of reference were employed. Initially, a Savonius and a Darrieus wind turbine were simulated; the low power coefficient of the Savonius wind turbine and the poor performance of the Darrieus wind turbine in low tip speed ratios were the main disadvantages of these systems. Finally, a combined Savonius-Darrieus wind turbine was proposed to deal with these drawbacks. The power coefficient of this combined wind turbines was nearly as high as the Darrieus wind turbine (0.3), while the Savonius blades recover the low torque obtained at low tip speed ratios and help produce more consistent torque, making it suitable for residential applications.
Highlights
Due to the increasing demand for renewable energy to replace fossil fuels, wind energy has become more appealing because of its high reliability and low environmental impact
This study aims to propose a Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) configuration to be low-cost and easy to construct while maintaining a high value of power coefficient
The power coefficient of the two-stage Savonius turbine used in this study is plotted in Figure 5 (a) as a function of tip speed ratio
Summary
Due to the increasing demand for renewable energy to replace fossil fuels, wind energy has become more appealing because of its high reliability and low environmental impact. Other researchers measured the key design parameters of Darrieus turbines such as aspect ratio, swept area, chord-radius ratio, and twisted blades [16-18] Both Savonius and Darrieus wind turbines have some advantages and disadvantages. Wakui et al [20] studied two combined configurations with a two-stage two-bucket Savonius rotor and a two-bladed Darrieus rotor in a wind tunnel. They have found the maximum power coefficient of 0.18. This study aims to propose a VAWT configuration to be low-cost and easy to construct while maintaining a high value of power coefficient In this regard, two initial configurations of Savonius and Darrieus VAWTs are presented and numerically tested. The final configuration is relatively efficient, self-starting, easy to build, and low-in-cost and can be used in household applications
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
