Aerodynamic Response of a Pitching Airfoil with Pulsed Circulation Control for Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Applications

Abstract

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) have experienced a renewed interest in development for urban, remote, and offshore applications. Past research has shown that VAWTs cannot compete with Horizontals Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs) in terms of energy capture efficiency. VAWT performance is plagued by dynamic stall (DS) effects at low tip-speed ratios (), where each blade pitches beyond static stall multiple times per revolution. Furthermore, for <2, blades operate outside of stall during over 70% (plus) year sabbatical, and the unhesitant welcome on my return. You know who you are. I love and appreciate you all more than you will ever know. I would like to thank my family for their support for the duration of this process, especially Uma, Pap, and Noni for their dependability and endless (and affordable) daycare services for Bode. I would particularly like to thank my Mom and Dad for unbounded support and encouragement to get me here. I would also like to especially thank Jess for her own selfless and enduring support, patience, and love while I completed this final degree. I could not have finished this without her behind me. There should be an honorary degree for such people. A small army of people made sacrifices to complete this project, but unfortunately only one person gets the credit. Finally, I would like to thank Bode Odie, the dinosaur boy, for unknowingly motivating me with constant laughter, innocence, curiosity, and love. Thank You. v