CFD-Based Performance Analysis and Experimental Investigation of Design Factors of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines under Low Wind Speed Conditions in Thailand

Abstract

This paper presents effects of design factors on mechanical performance of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs), and an experimental investigation of optimal VAWT performance under low wind speed conditions in Thailand. Design factors include types of wind turbines, number of blades, types of materials, height-to-radius ratios, and design modifications. Potential VAWT models with different design factors are numerically analyzed within a virtual wind tunnel at various wind speeds by utilizing Xflow TM Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. The performance curves of each VAWT are obtained as plots of power coefficients against tip speed ratios. It is found that the type of wind turbine, number of blades, and height-to-radius ratio have significant effects on mechanical performance whereas types of materials result in shifts of operating speeds of VAWTs. Accordingly, an optimal VAWT prototype is developed to operate under actual low speed wind conditions. The performance curve from experimental results agrees with the CFD results. The proposed methodology can be used in the computer design of VAWTs to improve mechanical performance before physical fabrication.

Advanced Power Generation Using a Nitrogen Turbine Engine Instead of a Conventional Injection Steam Turbine Engine

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Optimal Design of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines for Mechanical and Aesthetic Performances under Green Lifestyles in Thailand

“…In Eq. (1), the power coefficient can be written as: (1) where is the power coefficient, is the mechanical power of VAWT, and is the wind power. In Eq.…”

“…Up to now, Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) are mostly studied for improvement of efficiency under low wind speed conditions. For example, the aspect ratio of blade height to rotor radius was determined for refining mechanical performance [1,2]. Addition to the sizes of VAWTs, the shapes were entirely selected from aerodynamic performance during rotation [3].…”

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“…Moreover, the field measurements and the numerical simulations of urban climate in Thailand had few studies (Unsakul et al, 2017;Takkanon, 2017;Heshani and Winijkul, 2022). In addition, the lack of climate data in inner-urban areas necessitates further research into the urban climate analysis of the CBDs of Bangkok to comprehend and guide its application in urban planning.…”