Numerical Simulation of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine for Urban Use

Abstract:

This paper presents a detailed CFD analysis of an H-type Darrieus VAWT of 1.5 kW. Menter's SST turbulence model was used in a pressure-based, transient solver in order to obtain both the global and the detailed flow parameters of the turbine at its design point TSR. Due to the sensitivity of the case itself, a low Reynolds number as well as a curvature and rotation correction were added to the baseline turbulence model. The airfoil of the turbine was chosen following a classical drag polar screening and evaluation, with particular care to the angles of attack beyond the stalling angle. Results indicate that the NACA 0021 was an optimal choice for this case and that the global parameters are close to the classical theory at design point. Further work may include 3D LES or DES of the flow in order to obtain even more details regarding the vorticity structures developing along within the turbine.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 811)
• Pages: 333-338
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.811.333
• Online since: November 2015
• Authors: Ion Mălăel*, Lucas Moutet, Valeriu Dragan
• Keywords: CFD, NACA, TSR, VAWT

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