Geometrical Parameters Influencing the Aerodynamic Efficiency of a Small-Scale Self-Pitch High Solidity VAWT
Journal article, 2016

In the paper, four key design parameters with a strong influence on the performance of a small-scale high solidity variable pitch VAWT (Vertical Axis Wind Turbine), operating at low tip-speed-ratio (TSR) are addressed. To this aim a numerical approach, based on a finite-volume discretization of two-dimensional Unsteady RANS equations on a multiple sliding mesh, is proposed and validated against experimental data. The self-pitch VAWT design is based on a straight blade Darrieus wind turbine with blades that are allowed to pitch around a feathering axis, which is also parallel to the axis of rotation. The pitch angle amplitude and periodic variation are dynamically controlled by a four-bar-linkage system. We only consider the efficiency at low and intermediate TSR, therefore the pitch amplitude is chosen to be a sinusoidal function with a considerable amplitude. The results of this parametric analysis will contribute to define the guidelines for building a full size prototype of a small scale turbine of increased efficiency.

Author

Carlos Xisto

Chalmers, Applied Mechanics, Fluid Dynamics

José Páscoa

University of Beira Interior

Michele Trancossi

Sheffield Hallam University

Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, Transactions of the ASME

0199-6231 (ISSN) 15288986 (eISSN)

Vol. 138 3 031006-031006-8- 031006

Areas of Advance

Energy

Subject Categories

Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics

DOI

10.1115/1.4032794

More information

Created

10/8/2017